#shout out to my friend Izzy too for saying the name fits me

[r0semultiverse]

Happy 413 to the girl who inspired my name! 💜🌹

Thank you for being gender! 🔮🐈

[lost-in-the-80s]

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Pairing: Axl Rose x (fem) reader

Words: 2,546k

Requested by: @sugwinter

Summary: You, one of the most prestigious actresses in Hollywood, meet Axl Rose at a party and the two of you just can’t stay away from each other. 

A/N: I’m sorry Tarantino, but the title fitted too well for me not to use it. Thanks for the request, darling! I LOVED this concept!! I hope you like it 💗

Note: This is the second version of it, since I didn’t like the first one. Tell me what you guys thought of it :)

Tag list: @roger-taylors-car @ladieswttda @teasid @metalheartofgold @slashscowboyboots @ginny-rose-sixx @rumoured-whispers @normatural​ add yourself to my tag list :)

Once upon a time in Hollywood, there was a smart young woman named Y/N. She had always been ambitious and very determined so she knew she wanted to be an actress at a very young age.

When she was 16 she started running after her dreams. Coming from a poor neighborhood in Los Angeles, she’d take the bus every day after school and go to Hollywood, distributing resumes at every set she could find, hoping to get any type of work that could bring her closer to her dream.

The chance came a few months later when she was hired to be the director’s assistant. Her work consisted of getting coffee, organizing his table, staying with him while filming and distributing the scripts to all the cast members.

He was directing a sitcom and one day the main actress didn’t show up for the filming, realizing that the two of them looked alike, he asked Y/N to take her place during that day.

She did such a good job, that the following year he called her asking if she would be interested in taking part in a movie.

That was the first of many jobs, 10 years had passed after that. It was 1991 and Y/N was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, any movie with her name on, joined countless people in cinema lines just to see it. 

She didn’t just make movies and series, but she extended her career,  taking part in some modeling jobs for major brands and appearing in video clips.

That’s how she met Steven Tyler, the infamous vocalist of Aerosmith. She had said in an interview that Aerosmith was one of her favorite bands and got surprised when the band’s manager got in touch with her a few days later asking if she would want to take part in a video clip of theirs. 

Doing small talk before the footage they found out they had the same zodiac sign, Aries. After that the two of them got really along, Steven invited her to have dinner with him and his wife and soon all of them became good friends. 

That’s how she ended up here, on March 26th in front of his mansion, a bottle of expensive wine wrapped as a gift in one hand while the other rang the doorbell. 

“Y/N! Come in!” It was Steven’s wife.

“Hello, Teresa, how are you?” She hugged her.

“I’m fine!” She smiled tenderly at Y/N.

There was rock music blasting from the speakers sprawled around the living room, where lots of people were dancing and having fun together. Steven was known for having many friends.

“Ste!!” She shouted, lifting her arms to get a hug from the man.

“Y/N! I’m happy that you came!”  He hugged her while smiling.

“Happy birthday!!” She let go of him. “Here, I brought you a gift.”

“Ohh, this is one of my favorites!” He smirked checking out the bottle. “I’ll take it to the wine house before someone decides to drink it.” He gave her a small smile, turning around. 

That’s when she saw him. He was talking to some people, his hair half-covered by a blue bandana. He was already looking at her, smiling in her direction when their gazes met. 

A shiver ran through her body at that moment. He was beautiful, an adjective she hardly used with men. But damn, she had never seen a man like that before. Everything on him looked perfect, his beard, his hair, his eyes and the shape of his face. 

He lifted his beer in her direction and she gave him a small smile, contemplating if she should go and try to talk to him. However, a friend of hers showed up, blocking her plans.

After a few minutes of talking her friend walked away, but the ginger man had disappeared. Walking towards the kitchen she got herself a beer and went to the backyard where some people were smoking, including Steven.

“Can I have one?” She asked, stopping beside him.

He handed her the cigarette, without saying anything. The two of them just stayed there, looking at the night sky in silence. 

“What’s up?” She frowned, turning to look at him.

“What do you mean?” He looked down at her.

“You’re quiet tonight.” She drank from her beer, still looking at him.

“That makes two of us.” He smiled at her.

“Fair enough.” She grinned. “You go first.” Y/N pointed at him with the bottle while taking the cigarette to her lips.

“I was just thinking… I’m already in my forties.” 

“Annd?” She prolonged the question, raising an eyebrow.

“I thought I’d be dead by now.” He said giggling, making her laugh as well.

She shook her head. “Quit using it and I’m sure you’ll live a very long life, Tyler.” 

“I’ll try, I’ll try.” He puffed some smoke. “What about you? What’s going on that little head of yours?” He touched her forehead with his index finger, giggling at his own gesture.

“There’s a guy inside…” 

He raised an eyebrow, instigating her to keep talking.

“He seems familiar.”

“How does he look like?”

“He’s ginger, with a bandana and leather jacket.” She dragged some smoke.

“Oh, that’s Axl. He’s from Guns n Roses.” He threw his cigarette on the pavement, stepping on it.

Realization took hold of her face. “Oh yeah. Paradise City! I remember now.”

“Did he catch your eye?” He asked smirking.

“You know how I am. I’m weak on the knees for a ginger.” She smirked back.

“Let’s go inside then, I’ll introduce the two of you.” 

She followed him inside the house, putting out the cigarette in an ashtray she found on the way.

They found him in the kitchen, putting some punch on a red plastic glass nearby the counter. 

“Axl!” He shouted over the music, stopping nearby the man. “There’s someone here I’d like you to meet..”

Fuck, Steven. You really know how to be discreet. She thought to herself.

“Axl, this is Y/N.” With a hand on her back, he led her closer to him. “Y/N this is Axl.” He grinned at them.

“Nice to meet you.” Axl said, extending his hand for her to shake.  

She shook his hand giving him a small smile.

“I was just telling Y/N that you guys released a new album this year…” Steven looked at her. 

“There’s two of them actually.” He answered while taking a sip from the punch.

“So I’ve heard! But I didn’t get the chance to listen to them yet.”

“Yeah, they’re pretty recent… Did you listen to the previous ones?”

“I did! They’re quite impressive, I must say.”

He smiled at her. “I’ve seen some movies of yours too.”

“Oh, did you? What did you think of them?”

“They’re… quite impressive.” He mocked her while grinning. 

She giggled. 

“Ste, can you help me with something?” Teresa showed up, hugging Steven from the side.

“Of course my darling.” He hugged her back. “Sorry guys.” Giving them a small smile he left with Teresa. 

“Punch?” He asked seeing that her bottle was empty. 

“Yes, please.” She placed the bottle on the counter. 

Axl handed her a glass, their fingers brushing against each other when she took it from his hand, making a strange electricity run through their bodies.

“Do you live here? In L.A I mean.” She asked before taking a small sip of the beverage. 

“I do, even though I’m never at home. I’m out on tour now, came back just for a few weeks.”

“It must be really tiring to be always traveling.”

“Well, it is, but it’s worth it. After all I get to do what I love.” His eyes shined while he spoke and she smiled at his passion. 

A tall guy came to the counter trying to get some punch for himself, making the two of them move.

Starting to lead him towards an adjacent living room, she asked. “Have you always wanted to be a singer?”

“No really, my family is very religious so I started singing in the church’s choir. Then someone told my mother that I could sing and she made me take classes almost every day. It was very exhausting, but it made me realize that I actually liked to sing.”

Arriving at the room, nobody was there and the music made itself lower, allowing them to talk in a normal volume. They sat on the purple velvet couch. 

“I would’ve never guessed. And are you still religious?”

“I mean, I don’t go to church anymore, but yeah, I’m still very religious.”

She nodded drinking from her glass. 

“What about you? Have you always wanted to be an actress?”

“Yes! I remember being 3 or 4 and sitting in the living room, I’d point to the TV and tell my mom that I wanted to do that.” She smiled with the memory, her eyes getting a different glist. 

“That’s a sweet memory.” He smiled at her.

And so they carried on with the conversation, talking about their favorite things and their ambitions, never letting an uncomfortable silence fill in. Even if they were sure that if the silence set in it would not be uncomfortable. The two were too comfortable with each other for this to happen.

Axl was leaning against the couch casually, his legs spread open while S/N had removed her high heels and was sitting with her two legs sprawled on top of the couch.

“And how did you end up in Los Angeles?” She asked.

“Well, when I was 16 or something, this boy from my school, he’s my rhythm guitarist now, he started a garage band with some other dudes and asked me to be their vocalist.” 

He paused getting closer to her.

“In the beginning, I was very shy, there would be days where I’d literally leave before I could sing anything. But after some time I got used to it and eventually realized that it was nice to rehearse with them.”

“However the band didn’t work out and when Izzy graduated high-school he moved to L.A, he said he’d start a band here. He asked me to come with him, but I was kinda scared of coming to a big city like this, so I stayed in Lafayette.” 

He looked around, realizing that the music had stopped. Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t listened to anything for a good while. “I think we’re the only ones who are still here.” He giggled.

“No shit! What time is it?” She touched his arm, turning it towards her so she could see the time on his wristwatch. “Fuck, it’s almost 5 am.”

“Wow. We should go then.”

“Yeah!” Getting up she got her heels and purse and followed him through the house.

There were some people passed out in the living room and Steven and Teresa were in the kitchen, nearby the sink, talking quietly.

After saying their goodbyes Axl and Y/N exited the house. The cool breeze involved their bodies, even though they could see the sun starting to shine on the horizon. 

“Did you come driving?” He asked.

“No, I got a taxi actually.”

“Come, I’ll give you a ride then.”

They got into the car and Axl started driving slowly down the street. “Where should I take you to?”

“I live in Venice.”

“Alright then.” He turned right in a bifurcation.

Checking the interior of the car, Y/N realized it was a convertible one. She gasped. “It’s a convertible! Open it up, please!” 

He giggled pressing a button that opened the bonnet. “Why are you so impressed? I’m sure you have at least three of these in your car collection…”

“I don’t have a car collection. I don’t even have a car” She turned around on her seat. The bonnet was fully open and she enjoyed feeling the breeze on her hair.

“Why not?” He frowned, looking at her for a brief moment.

“You’re gonna laugh at me.” She sat still on her seat, placing her feet on the dashboard. 

“I promise I won’t.”

“Fine… I don’t know how to drive.” 

“Wait. What? But what about all those movies where you were driving?” He looked at her, trying to see if she was joking.

“I wasn’t really driving, silly.” She giggled.

He laughed along.

“Anyway, you were telling me about how you ended here.”

“Oh yeah! So, Izzy came to L.A and I stayed for two more years. I got a job and stuff, but I was always getting in trouble. I’d spend the night in jail and they’d let me go in the morning ‘cause it wasn’t a big deal. But then I got in trouble one more time and they told me they’d arrest me for real if they got me again. So I realized I should leave the city.”

“Hmm, so you’re a bad boy…” Y/N smirked.

“I guess so…. But you’re no saint yourself! You’re not best friends with the press…”

“Well...yeah! The problem is that I don’t know how to be politically correct, I just know how to be me, and people don’t usually like when you give them your honest opinion.”

He looked at her and saw that she was looking through the window.

“On top of that, I have a high tendency of not giving a fuck… I like to live, you know? I like to go out and enjoy every moment, I like to live in the present. But apparently, you’re a bad influence if they see you leaving a club at 3 am every weekend.”

With every word she said, the more he wanted to know about her. She was so much more than what he had thought. 

It was a long drive to Venice and accompanied by the soft music playing on the car radio they talked all the way, never getting tired of each other’s voice.

“That’s my building.” She pointed to a big white building in front of the beach.

“Fully delivered.” Axl said smiling, stopping the car in front of it and turning around to look at her.

“I really liked spending time with you.” She smiled.

“Do you think we could do it again on a date?” He asked expectantly.

“I’d love that! What about Friday?”

“Friday’s good for me. I’ll pick you up at 7 pm.” 

“Okay.”

The two of them just stayed still, looking at each other without saying anything. 

“Is it too early for me to kiss you?” He asked smiling.

“I don’t know. Why don’t you try it?” She smiled back.

And so the two of them leaned in, involving each other in a quick kiss that turned into a passionate one.

After a few seconds, she pulled away, catching her breath and opening the car door.

“Goodnight, Axl.” 

“Goodnight, Y/N.”

Little did they know that this was the beginning of a beautiful love story. Full of struggles and problems but that eventually worked out. They found a way of accepting their differences and getting along in a way that few couples could do. And after many years people still talked about them, after all, they became the most iconic 90s couple. 

[thejolexgroupchat]

the one where they met in med school - part eighteen

kisses and crying

Hi everyone! Hope you enjoy this next installment of the med school fic. Let us know what you think in the comments!

@iamtrebleclefstories​ @doc-pickles​ and Nat!

(July 2008 cont.)

“I don’t like it,” Alex crossed his arms as he sat across from Jo in the booth at the bar.

“Don’t like what?” Jo took a swig of beer.

“The way Avery keeps looking at you and flirting with you,” Alex made a face.

“He is not flirting with me,” Jo threw her head back in a laugh. “He’s being nice and he’s a little tipsy because we’ve been drinking.”

“He’s flirting with you. I think I know what flirting looks like. You forget that I used to be a master at it,” Alex gave her a pointed look. “And you’re flirting back.”

“I am not flirting back!”

“Okay,” Alex scoffed.

Jo eyed him carefully for a moment and gasped, “You’re jealous.”

“I am not,” Alex frowned. “I’m just saying that I don’t like it.”

“You are so jealous,” Jo attempted and failed to hold back her laughter. “Wow, I never thought I’d live to see the day that Alex Karev felt threatened by another man’s presence.”

“I’m not threatened,” Alex crossed his arms. Jo looked at him unimpressed and Alex sighed. “Okay I feel a little threatened.”

“Oh, Alex,” Jo pressed her lips together in an effort not to laugh. “Sure, he’s got the looks and his name. Now you don’t have any of those but—”

“Gee thanks,” Alex scowled.

“ But ,” Jo reached across the table to put her hand on his cheek. “I think you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread. That’s got to count for something.”

“Yeah, yeah,”Alex rolled his eyes and moved to stand up. “I already sent Cristina and Izzie home in a cab. Are you ready to go home?”

“Yeah, wait for me. I’m gonna use the bathroom first,” Jo pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before getting up from her seat.

Alex sighed and sat back down at the table, watching Jo walk away as he let his thoughts consume him. He knew he didn’t have anything to worry about but the way that Jo acted around Jackson rubbed him the wrong way no matter how many times she tried to tell him that it was nothing. She loved him, there was no doubt in his mind about that, but he couldn’t help but worry.

Seeing Jo exit the bathroom, Alex grabbed his coat and began to shrug it on when Jackson walked up to her. He watched in silence for a moment as the other man leaned in close to Jo then pressed his lips to hers. Having seen enough, Alex stormed out of the bar in a huff of anger. He couldn’t just leave Jo there without a ride, so he stewed in his anger while he waited for her to show up.

***

Jo brushed her fingers through her hair and readjusted her top before stepping out of the bathroom. If she was lucky Alex wouldn’t be too tired and she’d be able to jump him as soon as they got home, something she’d been craving since he had playfully hit on her in the locker room that morning like he’d done earlier that week. They’d both been so busy that they didn’t have a chance to sneak away to an on call room.

“Hey Jo,” Jo jumped in surprise at Jackson’s voice, the man standing right outside of the bathroom as she exited. “Listen I don’t know about you but it’s been a long day and I could really use some… stress relief.” Picking up on the now obvious flirting, Jo rolled her eyes as Jackson leaned closer to her, “So could I, that’s why I’m going home right now to crawl in bed and-”

“Why don’t you let me help with that,” before she could protest, Jackson’s lips were on her own, his arm snaking around her waist as he attempted to deepen the kiss. Jo pushed him away, turning her head to the side to avoid his lips as they now lingered on her neck. “C’mon Jo, you’ve been flirting with me all week. I could show you a fun time.” “Yeah so could my boyfriend, who I’m sure wouldn’t be too happy to see you all over me,” with one final push, Jo freed herself from Jackson’s grasp. “You know, I really was just trying to be nice to you and help you out but now I can tell that Alex was right and you’re just a sleaze ball.”

Storming off, Jo headed back to the booth she and Alex had been sharing, only to find him gone. She grabbed her coat and headed outside, checking to see that he was waiting in the car for her before climbing into the passenger seat.

“Ugh I need a long shower after that disaster,” Jo shuddered, turning towards Alex who was staring straight ahead with his knuckles gripping the steering wheel tightly. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, I’m just tired,” Alex finally moved, backing the car up and leaving the parking lot. Jo furrowed her eyebrows as she trailed one hand to touch his thigh, his muscles instantly tensing. “Knock it off Jo, I’m trying to drive.”

“You love when I do that. Besides I was thinking we could fool around when we get home,” Jo smirked, attempting to slide her fingers further up his leg but instead getting them swatted away. “What’s up with you?” “I’m just not in the mood,” Alex huffed, keeping his eyes on the road as his jaw set in anger. “Maybe you can ask Avery to help you out. You two seemed cozy enough back there.” “Really Alex? This is because Jackson kissed me,” Jo’s voice was almost a shout as she looked to her boyfriend, his eyes still locked straight ahead. “I pushed him off of me! And called him a sleaze bag because that’s exactly what he is. You really think I would cheat on you?”

The silence that fell over the car then broke Jo’s heart as the realization that Alex truly did believe that dawned on her. Her shoulders fell, defensive attitude gone as tears welled up in her eyes, "Oh my God. You do believe that I would cheat on you."

"Well, you haven't exactly given me any reason to believe you wouldn't," Alex scowled. "I choose you everyday, over everyone."

"And you don't think I do?" Jo wiped away a few tears that had escaped her eyes. "Alex, you know I love you. You know that I only want you."

"Then why hell did you kiss Avery?"

"I told you, he kissed me. I didn't ask for it. He thought that I was dropping hints for him to make a move when he—"

"He thought you were dropping hints because you were!" Alex clenched his jaw. "You have been flirting with him all week. Maybe you're just so far into whatever the hell he's offering that you don't even notice."

"I'm not into anything with him Alex! And maybe if you'd pay a little more attention to anything I've said in the past, I don't know, four and a half years, you would know that I would never betray your trust. Are you really that jealous that you can't recognize that I'm all in with you and I've never given you a reason to doubt that?" Jo stared at Alex incredulously.

"Are you really that insecure and screwed up from your childhood that you take every opportunity to be desired and seek validation from other guys?”

Alex knew he’d screwed up big time immediately after the words left his mouth. He took his eyes off the road for a couple seconds to see the look of utter shock and pain on Jo’s face. It was almost too much for him to handle. The redness in her eyes and the quivering of her lip and she willed herself not to burst into tears. Alex couldn’t watch her knowing that he was the reason for that pain. He focused his attention back on the road and continued the drive in a heavy silence.

As soon as he pulled into the driveway of the frat house Jo was out of the car, storming inside and rushing past Derek who was sitting on the couch. Alex slammed the door behind him as he came into the house, voice booming as he too ignored his friends, “Jo get back here! We need to talk about this! Where the hell are you going?” “Why does it matter, you’re not going to listen to what I have to say anyways,” Jo walked out of the room she shared with Alex, pajamas in pillow in hand as she entered Izzie’s room. “Don’t try and bother me, I’m in no mood to talk to you Alex.”

Izzie’s door slammed loudly, the blonde looking up from the magazine in her hands to Jo’s tear stained face. As soon as their eyes met Jo collapsed into a fit of tears, Izzie quickly standing to gather her in her arms, “Men are stupid and they don’t deserve us. Now come and tell me what happened.”

**hides**

[half-bakedboy]

Quiet Night In (read on ao3)

Pairing: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood Rated: General Summary: “If I don’t get to kiss my husband at the stroke of midnight, I’m leaving him,” Magnus decided. Alec’s bright laughter chimed through the phone and it was beautiful music to Magnus’ ears.

“Well, then you better let your husband get back to work,” Alec said teasingly. “I love you, Magnus. I’ll be home soon,” he muttered as the phone clicked off.

A gift for JCCortes! Thank you so much for your support!! 

“Alexander, I know you said you wanted a quiet night, but I thought you would at least be here,” Magnus groaned into the phone, trying not to let his displeasure be too obvious in his voice.

He had spent enough New Year’s Eves alone to concede to however Alec had wanted to celebrate, even if that meant staying at their loft in Idris, a place where time really had no meaning, and just being together. He had already received multiple messages from his friends who had spent the evening at lavish parties or creating elaborate firework displays for the mundanes who found the bursts of color and noise exciting. Magnus didn’t mind that he was going to ring in another new year with Alec at home, but it would have been nice for his husband to actually show up.

Alec sighed heavily and said, “I know and I promise I’ll be there before midnight.” Magnus glanced down at his phone and saw that there were only 30 minutes until the end of the year and his heart clenched in fear that Alec wouldn’t make it on time. Alec was not one to wrap up his work until it was finished and a half-hour didn’t seem like nearly enough time.

“If I don’t get to kiss my husband at the stroke of midnight, I’m leaving him,” Magnus decided. Alec’s bright laughter chimed through the phone and it was beautiful music to Magnus’ ears.

“Well, then you better let your husband get back to work,” Alec said teasingly. “I love you, Magnus. I’ll be home soon,” he muttered as the phone clicked off.

Magnus glanced down at his home screen, a smile curling on his lips when he saw himself and Alec at the Lightwood Christmas party Maryse had thrown a few weeks earlier. Alec had worn the most ridiculous sweater Magnus had ever seen but Magnus was smiling at him like Alec was the light of his life. Magnus could never deny that was exactly right.

So he waited. He passed the time by pouring an incredibly strong cosmopolitan - he wasn’t going anywhere so he could drink as irresponsibly as he wanted - and turning on the television to watch the mildly entertaining New Year’s Eve special the mundanes were so fond of. He told himself to trust that Alec would be on time, but 20 minutes had gone by without so much as a text message. He wasn’t trying to let his disappointment get the best of him, but as he heard the clock on the wall ticking, his heart beat a little faster.

When he heard the key in the front door, he jolted up and a large grin spread across his face. He should have known better than to doubt his husband.

“Magnus? You here?” Alec called before Magnus entered the entryway.

“Where else would I be, my darling?” Magnus called back as he sauntered toward Alec and rested his hands on his shoulders. He leaned in for a welcome kiss, but Alec put a hand to his chest and backed away, raising his eyebrows as if Magnus had offended him with his affection.

“We’ve still got 5 minutes!” Alec complained and Magnus just rolled his eyes.

“I can’t kiss my husband before this dreaded year is over?” Magnus asked with a dramatic wave of his hand. They deserved for the year to be over and if Magnus had any say in the matter, he would have erased he and Alec’s memory of it altogether. They hadn’t spent nearly enough time together with their new roles in the Shadow World taking over every aspect of their life, and if Magnus wanted to kiss his husband after a long year of limited affection, he would kiss his husband, dammit!

Magnus leaned forward again, hoping to catch Alec off guard, but was met with another push to his chest and rich laughter filling the air. Magnus crossed his arms over his chest and said, “Seriously, Alexander?”

“I promise you it’ll be worth it!” Alec responded with a wink. He glanced over Magnus as if inspecting him and tilted his head in clear judgment. “You can’t wear that to ring in a new year, babe,” Alec noted and Magnus gaped at him.

“Oh, I can’t? What’s wrong with your favorite silken robe with nothing underneath?” Magnus teased with a coy wiggle of his eyebrows. “Maybe we can both welcome the birth of the new year just as we came into this world, hmm?”

Alec grinned at him and moved to kiss him, but at the last second, he veered and yelled, “Stop distracting me! We’ve only got three minutes!” Alec grabbed his hand and brought them into the living room, swirling his hands wildly at the wall. “Come on!”

“Alexander, what is the angel’s name are you doing? Is that supposed to be me?” Alec glanced at the clock and did the motion again.

“Yes, it’s you! Just--” he sighed and grabbed onto Magnus’ hand, “--create a portal and trust me?” Magnus didn’t need to be asked twice. He conjured a portal with the hand that wasn’t laced with Alec’s and glared at his husband as best he could. Before he could ask what all of it was about, Alec pulled them through the portal, and his ears were met with a screaming countdown.

“10… 9… 8…” Cheerful voices filled the air and Magnus’ glare turned into one of shock when he saw the entire Lightwood family and all of their friends crowded together in the middle of his loft in New York.

“Alexander, what is this?” Magnus asked as Isabelle thrust a champagne glass into his hand.

“It’s about time! You almost missed it!” Jace shouted from where he had his arms thrown around Clary and Simon. Isabelle fit snugly between her brother and Simon, handing them their own glasses of champagne before slipping her arms around their waists.

“7… 6… 5…” Alec wrapped his arm around Magnus’ shoulder and moved them closer to where Raphael and Maia spread out on their respective chairs.

“I can’t believe--”

“It’s like you don’t trust me at all,” Alec scoffed, turning toward Magnus as the countdown continued. “You make so many sacrifices for me, I figured it was my turn to surprise you in return.” Magnus’ gazed up at Alec with so much love in his heart and a feeling of luck that he still hadn’t quite gotten used to. Alec cupped his cheek in his hand and rested their foreheads together.

“4… 3… 2…”

“Cheers to a year of sacrifices, surprises, and our wonderful marriage, Magnus,” Alec whispered before finally connecting his lips to Magnus’ just a second before the year ended. Magnus wanted to tease him for it, but the kiss was so full of love and devotion, he couldn’t find it in himself to care. His arms wrapped around Alec’s waist, gripping the fabric of his jacket tightly to pull him closer, and he kissed back with as much passion as their first kiss contained. Every kiss - every moment - with Alec was just as sweet as the last and Magnus was lost in the feeling of his husband, his forever.

“Happy New Year!” His friends cheered as loud music and noisemakers blasted through the loft and confetti floated down around them. When he pulled away, Alec was smiling brightly, his lips covered in Magnus’ lipstick and his eyes full of laughter and happiness.

“Happy New Year, Magnus,” Alec shouted as he pressed a firm kiss to Magnus’ forehead. Izzy and Clary moved underneath each of Alec’s arms as Jace threw his over Magnus’ shoulders. They were singing loudly and incredibly off-key to their own horrible rendition of Frank Sinatra but Magnus couldn’t care less. He was surrounded by his found family and the love of his life and it was more than he could have ever asked for that year and every year to come.

“Quiet night in, huh?” Magnus teased as he wiped his smudged lipstick from Alec’s mouth, grinning at the joy that filled Alec’s face. His eyes were crinkled, his teeth were bright, and his cheeks were just a little flushed and Magnus thought he was the most beautiful man on the planet when he was happy.

Alec winked at Magnus and said, “With the Lightwood-Banes? Never.”

[heloisedaphnebrightmore]

L&L - Chapter 32. Torture [Alec Lightwood x Reader]

Title: Love and Leather - Chapter 32. Torture ➔ Chapter 33. Here! Pairing: Alec Lightwood x Female!Reader Published: 23 June, 2020 Author: Heloise Daphne Brightmore Love and Leather Masterlist | Masterlists

When you came to, you felt your shoulders being ripped out of their place. You looked up with a blurry vision to see you were hanging off some chains, digging into your wrist, being attached to the ceiling. The blood was dried around your arms, but fresh trails appeared as you tried to move your hands.

Your legs were fixed to the floor with another batch of the same chains. You tried to move, but every attempt made you scream inside. Every part of your body was in excruciating pain and you weren't sure how long you were able to stay alert.

"I see you are awake." Your heard the familiar voice coming closer. "I thought you were weaker than that. I am proud of you." He chuckled. "I wonder how long you will be able to handle my special attention." You growled in anger.

"What do you want with me?" You asked, but your voice disappointed you and it barely came out as a whisper.

"You see, I planned to have fun with you, but then you ruined it. You could have enjoyed the pleasure I was to give you, but you refused rudely. I don't take rejection well." He sighed innocently and you wanted to throw up at his act.

"Interesting. I'm surprised if anyone ever wanted you. Looking at you makes me sick." You replied in disgust. His eyes darkened and a furious expression spread across his face. He walked up to you and placed his hands on both sides of your body. You were unsure what he wanted to do, until you felt his hands squeeze you. You screamed in pain as your had dropped backwards. He was very well aware of your broken ribs and he wanted to make sure that you didn't forget it either. You gasped for air as he let go of you, but it seemed to make it even worse.

"Let's try that again." He cupped your face in his hands, placing his forehead on yours.

"You are a disgusting piece of shit." You hissed in pain and leaned backwards for a second to then collide your forehead with his. The pain from your concussion came back even worse, but seeing the blood dripping down his face made you smirk.

"That was a very bad move." He said calmly. He looked up at you, determination clearly showing in his eyes as he slapped you as hard as he could with the back of his hand. Your head snapped to the side and you could feel your jaw moving out of its place, before popping back in. You had no more energy left to scream. Silent tears rolled down your dirt and blood covered face. "Why are you making this situation any worse than it already is?" He questioned while walking around and stopping behind you. "This is all your fault, you know?! You are such a pretty creature, but because of your behaviour, look at you now. So filthy and shameful." He put his arms around your waist and placed his face into the nape of your neck. You tried to move, but the chains were stopping you. You felt his fangs scratching your skin as he moved to a more comfortable position. You had no time to think, he already dug into your skin, penetrating your vein. You wanted to scream, kick, hit, but your body didn't react. You just hang there with silent tears falling down on the ground under you. "You are so delicious, I could keep doing this all day." He whispered while detaching himself from your vein.

You weren't sure how long you were able to keep up with his tortures. You were losing blood fast and you didn't even have energy to attempt to escape. Your body basically accepted your faith, before your mind did.

"Why are you doing this?" You sounded horse.

"Because it's fun and because I can." He chuckled walking back around you and looking straight into your exhausted eyes.

"You killed so many." You thought about all the Shadowhunters and Mundanes they hurt.

"You see..." He started walking up and down. "It's good money to sell Mundane blood. But selling Nephilim blood, that makes you a whole lot of cash."

"It's all about the money." You scoffed.

"Yes and no, darling." He walked closer and hinted a kiss on your neck. "It's all about the fun while becoming disgustingly rich." He grinned caressing your cheeks.

"You are sickening." You spat in anger.

"Maybe, but you still couldn't keep away from me." He laughed with an evil tone.

"If I knew I had any chance to meet you, I would have killed myself instead." You replied grimacing.

"Interesting you say that." He walked behind you to bite on your earlobe. You hissed at the sudden sharp pain. "I was very surprised to find you out alone when I clearly warned your little Shadowhunter friend how much I was craving you. He knew all along and he let you walk out into the night. Careless little boy, he is." He chuckled while licking through the vein on your neck, feeling its pulsation. You shivered from disgust.

"What are you talking about?" You frowned.

"What was the name of that boy? Something with an A..." He sank deep into his thoughts. "Alec. Yes, that's it." You didn't understand how Alec had anything to do with it, until you remembered your conversation with him in the Hospital wing. He tried to keep you back from going out. He tried to even order you to stay in, but you didn't listen.

"He doesn't know I left." You replied, your head falling down. You felt like a complete fool. Once again you went with your dumb thoughts instead of actually listening.

"Oh, you didn't tell anyone?" He chuckled which gave you an idea. You knew Izzy was aware of your situation and you knew they would be after you already. However it gave you the upper-hand if he didn't expect them.

"No. I didn't." You replied, before he walked in front of you and grabbed you face forcefully, while slapping you with his other hand. You wanted to cry out in pain, but it didn't come.

"Don't lie to me. I heard the phone conversation." He smirked at you. "But nice try, I have to give you that. Even in this state you are quite quick." He kissed the side of your lips. You quickly turned your head and bit on his lip as hard as you could. He ripped himself away with a shout full of pain. "You bitch. Do you really want to die?" He asked as he grabbed you by the waist and pulled you close enough to dig his fangs into you. You screamed in pain, but soon it died out. It was a weird feeling. In a way you felt your body float. You didn't feel the chains around you anymore, you didn't feel his fang dig deeper in your vein, you didn't really feel much. It was like going numb.

You were present enough to see the door being kicked in. Oh Angels, were you happy to see Alec, Izzy and all your friends coming to rescue you. But you felt weak. As powerless as never before. The vampire detached himself from you to look at the intruders.

You saw another door open on the side, where a bunch of hungry vampires came to help out their leader. It all started getting messy, you didn't see who was who anymore. Your vision blurred, your power weakened. You saw redness all over the floor and walls, but you couldn't make out who it belonged to.

Soon you felt your body being lifted and you could actually feel your hands coming down next to your side, while someone held you by your waist. But by that time your eyes fluttered shut.

"Y/N." You heard a delicate voice. "Y/N, please stay awake." You felt her hands around your face. It was Izzy's soft and worried tone, without a doubt.

"Come back, you hear me?" You heard another, causing your tummy to throw fits. Oh Angels, were you happy to just hear him. You wished to see him, wished to touch him. But you couldn't. You were way too powerless to even move a finger. By the time your body got lifted, you gave up trying to fight the darkness. You needed each other.

Notes: If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to like the chapter. Thank you :)

[girlmadeofivory]

Fever Dreams (Jace x Reader)

A/N: So I wrote a short little thing based on a weird dream I had and here it is! Also I really appreciate constructive feedback but keep in mind a binge-wrote this in like 30 minutes ;) Also the reader’s name is Audrea bc if I try to use Y/N I get super confused and it doesn’t work out well at all

Warning: near-death experience

Something around 1400 works but idk

I followed closely behind Jace as we neared the lobby of the abandoned theater. 

“All clear,” he whispered. 

I stepped around him and quickly drew the unlock rune onto the door and opened it slowly. Thankfully, the hinges didn’t creak. Jace moved in front of me and, to no one’s surprise, a demon leaped at him from a shadowy corner. As he slaughtered it and its companions, I picked my way across the room to the bookcase against the wall. There were cobwebs stretched over every surface and I shuddered at the thought of touching a spider in here. There was barely enough light to see, and I didn’t want to take any chances, so I used another rune to clear the wall of the sticky webs. 

“Hey, can you hurry up? I’m literally fighting monsters of hell here!” Jace shouted. 

“Hold on, I’m looking for it! Just smash in a window or something, the light should scare off a decent number of them,” I said.

I heard glass break behind me and sighed in relief that Jace had taken my advice. He could be stubborn, especially when it came to admitting I was right, but now was not the time to fight over it. I scoured the bookshelf a little faster, skimming titles: The Magical Upkeep of your New Pet Tiger, How to Paint and Wallpaper: the Warlock’s Handbook, Best Practices for Magical Ironing. Wait- A Complete History of the Mortal Instruments. 

“Jace! I found it!”

“Well, let’s fucking go!” he shouted back at me.

I grabbed the book and zipped it into my bag, sealing it with a rune for good measure. I stepped carefully over a few piles of demon dust while Jace opened the door, looking incredibly stressed out. I knew why; this book was the only advantage we had over his father, Valentine, and no one knew how much time we’d have before it was too late to keep fighting. 

As I passed a particularly dark section of the wall, a stabbing pain shot through my thigh. On instinct, I activated my seraph blade and slashed at it. A demon’s scream rang through the hall as it turned to dust. The next second, Jace was at my side. My blade slipped from my hand and darkness blurred the edges of my vision. 

“Jace-” 

**************

I woke up in the Institute’s infirmary wearing only my underwear and my shirt. There was a thick bandage over my leg, and my head was spinning. I sat up in bed and tried to stand, but Jace stopped me.

“Hey, no. Sit down, get some rest. You need to heal up.” Jace felt my forehead, a concerned look on his face

“What are you, a doctor? I just need to iratze it, I’ll be fine.”

“Absolutely not. You’re really, really warm,” he said, pacing the room anxiously.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked.

Jace turned to me, as if to say something, then shook his head. “Just try to sleep, okay?”

I nodded, and he left the room.

The hall was silent, so I assumed Jace had noise-canceled the door. I laid back, closed my eyes, and let the fever consume my mind.

**************

The air was wet and hazy. Jace walked into the infirmary, wearing just his black jeans and the silver necklace I had given him for his 17th birthday. 

“You look beautiful, Drea.” Jace’s voice was softer than usual.

I looked up at him, but before I could say anything, we were standing in the Sanctuary. I wore the white dress I had picked out for my funeral, a “just in case” that all of us prepared for. Jace too was wearing his funeral suit. The white jacket fit more loosely than most of his clothes and hung open, exposing his bare chest. He held me close to him and I leaned into him as heat crawled up my legs. I pulled away to look around the room. Flames licked the walls around us, crackling as the wood panels sparked and collapsed. I buried my face into his neck and felt sweat run down my back.

“It’s okay, you’re gonna be okay,” Jace murmured into my ear. “We’re okay. Just breathe. I love you.”

I glanced up at him in confusion, but Jace was gone. The flames raged higher, and I closed my eyes as my vision turned white.

**************

I woke up to voices in the infirmary. I shifted, just barely, to hear them better, then relaxed into the cot to listen in.

“You know why I can’t tell her!” someone whispered intensely. “She’ll beat me up or stop talking to me or some shit!”

“Jace, you have to. Keeping secrets like this is just going to ruin your friendship,” the other voice responded.

So, it was Jace keeping secrets… from Maryse? No, probably Izzy.

“Alec. We’ve been through this. If I tell Drea I’m in love with her she’s never going to talk to me again!”

Wait. That can’t be right. There’s no way Jace is in love with me! 

“I know it’s terrifying, but she won’t disown you or anything. You’re her best friend. If that means anything to her, then the most she’ll do is pretend it never happened.”

Ok, so Alec and Jace are discussing Jace’s massive crush on me while I’m in the room. I guess they do think I’m sleeping, but still… would they really be that dumb? Apparently so, because Jace didn’t sound like he was kidding. 

I heard the door click open and closed, and whoever had stayed sat heavily in the chair. It must be Jace, because Alec doesn’t sigh like that. Jace doesn’t usually either, but I’ve heard it happen occasionally. Only when he’s really stressed. 

I rolled over in bed and sat up, pretending that I had been asleep. 

“Audrea, thank Raziel. How are you feeling?” Jace asked. His hair was messy, the way it is when he runs his hands through it a lot. His hands shook a little.

“Uh, fine. Did you have too much coffee or something?”

“No. Well, kinda, maybe. Just, like four cups? Or eight?”

I frowned. “Wait, how long have you been here?”

“Just since we got back from the mission. You’ve been out for like two days-ish? So about that long, except Alec made me take a shower and change.”

“Of course he did. What would you do without him?” I shook my head at Jace, then winced a little at the headache behind my eyes.

Jace was beside me in a heartbeat. “Are you okay? Does your head hurt? Do you want-”

I laughed a little. “Jace, I’m fine. I just need a glass of water. Honestly, I’m way more concerned about you. When’s the last time you ate?”

“Actually, I’m not exactly sure. I’ve been waiting for you to wake up. You had a really bad fever. I think you had a nightmare too.”

“Kinda, I guess. We were both wearing our funeral clothes, and the Sanctuary was on fire, and-” I cut myself off.

“And what?”

And you told me that you loved me. “That was it. The Institute just burned down completely.” 

Jace faced towards me. “There was kinda something I wanted to tell you, but if now’s a bad time…”

“No, of course, now is fine.” I turned to give him my full attention. He bit his lip, fidgeting with the Herondale family ring on his finger. 

“Um… I was planning not to really tell you, not that I don’t think you deserve to know, but like it’s a pretty big deal and I didn’t want to mess anything up and stuff, but Alec said I should, but I didn’t tell him because I don’t trust you as much, it’s just he’s my parabatai and I figured he’d get it, and I had to talk to someone, and I wasn’t sure-”

“Ok, point made. Moving on…”

He laughed nervously. “Right. Anyways, I wanted to tell you… I really really like you. Like, like like you. And I was wondering if you maybe want to go out with me sometime?”

I smiled at him. “I’d love to go out with you sometime.”

His face lit up, and he leaned over to hug me. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Can I kiss you? Sorry, is it weird to ask?”

“To your second question, no, it’s very sweet. And to answer the first...” I smiled and leaned forward to kiss him. 

[cals-sunflower]

mutual friend (e.h)

-Your pov-

I had been good friends with Kehlani since I first met her at some party. Today I wanted to spend time with her and my niece Adeya. So I got myself ready in some black sweatpants, a white polo short sleeve shirt, and black/red jordan 1’s. Nothing too crazy because I’m literally gonna chill out and we’re not really doing anything. I grabbed my stuff and texted her I was on my way to the house.

To Lani🦋: i’m on my way to you guys! can’t wait to see my baby :)

From Lani🦋: okay sounds good to me and i have a friend over. you’ll definitely like him and he’s single if you’re interested😉

To Lani🦋: stop messing with my love life lmao, don’t start with me

From Lani🦋: fine whatever just hurry up!!

The drive didn’t take long for me to get to her house, so I decided to vibe out to Harry Styles because who doesn’t listen to his music. There was no traffic and I am so thankful for that because I got to the house in no time.

Getting out the car, I knocked on the door and a boy answered it. He looked familiar but I couldn’t put a name to his face. He is definitely very attractive though.

“Hi, you must be Y/n! Nice to meet you, I’m Edwin,” the boy smiled and stuck his hand out for me to shake. So naturally I shake his hand and return the smile. “Yes, the one and only Y/n,” I chuckled light and he joined in as well. I walked into the house and closed the door behind me.

“They’re just outside right now and if I can say, you have a good style,” Edwin said as he lead me to the backyard. “Me? Look at your fit! Seems like you got more swag than me,” I cringed the moment I said that. Really swag? Of all words I could have used. He didn’t mind though because he started laughing. Wow, way to get nervous in front of him Y/n.

He opened the door leading to the backyard for me to walk first. So not only is he attractive as hell but also such a gentleman. Maybe Kehlani was right about this guy.

“Look Deya, it’s auntie Y/n!” Kehlani points at your direction. “Oh look at my baby. Getting so big now,” I picked Adeya up and kissed her cheeks making the little girl laugh and smile. I put her down and hugged Kehlani. “How are you doing sis?” She asked me pulling away from the hug. “Doing good just a little stressed with school and everything. What’s up with you?” I asked back and noticed how Edwin went to Adeya and started playing with her.

“I am doing great actually. Music is good and Adeya is doing good as well. I see you met Edwin, sooo what do you think?” She winks at me and it made me blush. I barely know this guy and he’s already making me blush. “Don’t start, he is very attractive to be honest,” I whispered to her and she laughed. “You guys are gonna get along so well,” you both walked to where Edwin was with Adeya and sat down.

-end of pov-

It’s been about 3 weeks since you first met Edwin and you guys had been hanging out ever since then. You found out he was in a boy band which made so much sense on how he looked familiar. But you enjoyed the time you spent with him because it was so natural to just be with him. Tonight was actually the first time you were gonna meet his group of friends because they were having a party and he wanted to invite you.

-Edwin’s pov-

I was incredibly nervous now that Y/n was coming over to party with us all. Starting to think I was catching feelings for this girl already. I mean the first time we met, she had a bright smile and she’s the sweetest person ever. Decided to help the guys make the food and put out snacks.

“Look at Edwin trying his best to make everything look good. I think it’s because of the girl that we’re meeting,” Brandon laughed at the way I was kind of freaking out. “Please shut up. It’s not that, I’m naturally nervous,” I tried to point out but even they knew that was a damn lie.

“That’s a lie Ed, you must really take a liking to her if you’re that nervous,” Twiggy turned to me. “Well yeah, she is gorgeous first of all and she’s kind of just like me. It’s crazy but I really like being around her,” I wasn’t able to stop the smile from showing in my face. “I really love that for you Edwin!! I’m happy for you even if you guys aren’t together yet because it seems like you guys are really connecting,” Maggie smiled at me.

—————

The party was kind of in full swing and I waited for Y/n to come. But just as I thought about it, she was walking through the door. She is wearing basic blue jeans, a graphic tee, and crocs. Even in that she is beautiful. Maybe I am falling too hard. I walked up to her and seen her smile. I smiled back and pulled her into a hug.

“It’s good to see you again stranger,” I didn’t want to let go of the hug but I knew I had to. “It’s good to see you too Ed,” she kissed my cheek and smiled once more. I could feel my face heating up but I ignored it. “Hey everyone, I want you to meet Y/n and Y/n meet the gang,” I said and told her everyone’s name by pointing to them. She smiled and waved at everyone, letting out a hi to everyone.

“Okay, I’ll get you plate of food. So you just sit down and make yourself confortable,” I said and kissed her cheek just as she had done to mine. “Wow, not only are you being really cute right now but you’re such a gentleman. Thank you for even inviting me,” she touched my arm and walked to the couch where the girls were sitting at. Man she’s making me crazy.

-Your pov-

Was that a little too forward? and did I really just say he was cute out loud? Yikes hopefully that didn’t make him uncomfortable. I was waved over by the girls to come sit with them and I walked over to the couch and sat down.

“Hey, how are you doing?” Izzy, I assumed because I was still getting used to names asked me. “I am doing okay. Just school is taking a toll on me but I’ll be okay, thank you for asking,” I smiled at her. “Oh wow, what do you study?” Maggie asked.

“I am a fashion major right now and it’s my final year of college,” I said. “You definitely look like someone who loves fashion,” Ansley pitches into the conversation. Edwin came back with my food and headed it to me.

“There you go beautiful, hope you like it,” he runs his fingers through his hair. “I am sure I’m gonna love it, thank you again for inviting me,” it was hard to stop smiling. He was being sweet and tried his best to make me feel comfortable. “I’ll be over there if you need anything else. Just shout out to me,” he stood there for a moment and I replied with an okay before he walked off.

I turn back around to the girls and see them smiling. “Hmm I see a ship about to sail soon,” Ansley says. “Yeah totally, what’s going on with you two?” Izzy adds in. “I mean we’ve been hangout and getting to know each other more. He’s really sweet too,” I said while putting food into my mouth. Which to my surprise it was super good.

“I can’t wait until you guys get together,” Maggie said which made me blush getting embarrassed by the situation. The girls and I began talking to the boys that where also at the house. Everyone was crazy nice and it made me feel welcomed. I feel like I fit with his friends which is a plus in itself. Nick put on a playlist and I heard Candy Rain by Soul for real which is one of my favorite songs. Everyone was dancing to the music and it made me want to dance.

“Edwin, come here you have to dance with me!” I grabbed his hand and pulled him with me. “What do you know about this song? Hmm I like your taste,” He spun me around and we were both mouthing the words of the song.

-Edwin’s pov-

We were having a moment that I didn’t want end. We have a lot in common for us only just meeting weeks ago. I never realized how much I liked having her in my arms until she is in them right now.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” I smiled at her already smiling face. “I’m glad you invited me really. Your friends are amazing and I’m happy I got to meet them,” she replied. As we danced, I began looking at her lips. The way I wanted to kiss her right in this moment was baffling to me.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’re over thinking,” she asked with concern for me. That definitely made my heart flutter. “Is it- is it okay if I kiss you right now?” I was anxious over the question but she nodded her head with that bright smile of hers. I wasted no time in connecting our lips together. The kiss was tender and sweet. Not rushed at all. I could smell the vanilla perfume she had on and taste the mint chapstick flavor on her lips. We pulled away for air and just looked at each other. I pull her closer to me and just smile.

“Wow Ed, thought you’d at least take a girl out on a date before you go and kiss her,” she laughed. “But I don’t mind, I have wanted to do that since we first started hangout,” she added in. “I’ve waited to do that too. Happy that the feelings are mutual,” I replied.

“Thank goodness for Kehlani, I would have never met your cute self,” Y/n spoke once more and she wraps her arms around my neck. “Yeah, thank goodness for her. How about we go on a date Saturday? If you aren’t busy,” I was confidently happy she felt the same way I did. “I’d love that Edwin but for now just kiss me again,” she bit her lip. “No problem with doing that,” I pulled her even more closer to me and kissed her again.

[wolvesofinnistrad]

Soulmarks AU part 1

Everyone get’s their soul mark around 16, it’s just common fact.

When Alec turns 16 he scours his body for anything, a small blemish, anything to let him know where his soul mate will first touch him but he can’t find anything.

He’s always feared this day, but before he was worried that it’d be a large handprint or something else that let others know he was gay.

Now he worries he doesn’t have a soul mate at all.

His family tries to console him, that maybe he’s a late bloomer, that maybe his mate isn’t born yet and that’s why he hasn’t gotten one.

That idea is almost worse that he’d be that much older than his mate.

It’s almost 3 months before he realizes he does have a soul mark, it’s just in a place he’s been studiously avoiding.

He’s in the shower, trying to block out the thoughts that always come to him there when he happens to glance down and something looks, strange.

Trembling fingers reach down and brush away the thick hair before he gasps.

He tells himself its just water from the shower streaming down his cheeks, but even he can’t believe that.

It’s hard to see, and afterwards he has to go steal a mirror from Izzy just to be able to see it better, but once he can see more he realizes what it is.

Most people’s marks show up on their hands, handshakes, high fives, things like that being first touches.

Next most common are things like arms, face and back, then less common legs, feet, chest, etc.

Least common are what are called the sexual marks, when your soul mates first touch is somewhere like a breast, your ass, your genitals.

Alec would have never guessed his soul mark would be the shape of lips around the base of his cock.

The moment it fully hits him he finally gives in to the urges he’s fought so long, because he can’t stop thinking about what it means, who it means.

of course he also wonders how in the world the first touch of his soul mate is him being blown.

He can’t imagine any future where he’s confident enough that his first touch with someone is like that.

Some nights he wonders how it’s going to happen and it both scares and thrills him.

It’s barely two weeks before Jace can’t take noticing Alec’s shy, private smiles when he thinks no one is looking and corners him about it.

Alec doesn’t want to admit it at first, but finally he tells Jace, who as usual is incredulous.

“There’s no WAY your soul mark is a stage 3.  NO way!”

Alec, feeling the need to reassure himself it’s real, show just the very hint of it to Jace who promptly loses his mind.

“Your soul mark is LIPS around your COCK!”

Unfortunately his parents happen to hear Jace shouting this which leads to some absolutely mortifying discussions.

After that things slip back to normal, although he always feels the weight of it in others gazes if they know, wondering if he’s going to be some kind of slut that he has a mark like that.

Alec waits and waits, hoping that somehow his mate will find him without any outward mark and his own closeted status, but by the time he’s 24 he’s still a virgin and not out to anyone but his sister so he’s kind of given up hope.

And then Jace begins dating a girl named Clary and starts dragging Alec with him to meet her friends.

They aren’t soul mates, and Alec feels like it’s a waste to get that invested, but he’s trying to be supportive for his brother.

Clary’s best friend, Simon, has just recently met his soulmate Raphael and the group, consisting of them, Alec, Clary, Jace, and then Raphael’s friends Magnus and Meliorn sit around talking when the topic of soul mark comes up.

Jace’s mark is a hand print on his face, which everyone thinks is hilarious and, knowing Jace, seems fitting that his mate would slap him.

Clary’s is the more common hand mark from a greeting.

Simon and Raphael had SImon’s wrist and Raphael’s neck.

Melliorn also has his entire hand marked.

Only Magnus and Alec are left and before Magnus can say anything Jace buts in.

“If we’re really talking interesting soul marks Alec has-”

Alec roughly shoves Jace “Shut up.”

“Oh come on.  It’s the best soul makr I’ve ever seen.  Well, half seen since you won’t let me see the rest of it.”

“I’m nto showing my brother my...” Alec starts before stopping himself, groaning as he’s already given too much away.

“Show your brother what exactly?  Alexander, do you have a sexual mark?” Magnus asks, voice playfully coy.

Alec tries to deny it, but Jace is grinning and nodding like a madman and Alec tosses a pillow at his head.

“Oh I HAVE to know what it is now Alec!”  Simon is practically rabid to find out and Alec is pretty sure he’d rather die than discuss this.

“If you don’t tell them I will.”

“You’re a horrible brother.”

“My mark is me being slapped, and yours is what yours is, tell me who got the rough end?”

Sighing Alec finally gives in.  He dutifully avoids everyone’s gaze as he begins.  “My mark is...  A pair of lips...”

“Where?” Magnus asks.  

Magnus himself has his mark on his lips, but it’s covered up by lipstick at the moment, so it piques his interest.

Not that he thinks Alec is his soul mate, the man is so stuffy that he has to be straight.

Alec groans, glancing to Jace who is on the verge of tears with silent laughter.

“It’s a pair of lips around...  Around my cock.  Like my mate is giving me a blowjob...”

There’s a roar of laughter as the entire group breaks out over this revelation.

“And she must be really good too, because I’ve seen Alec in underwear, he’s a big boy to be lips at the base.”

Jace actually gets punched in the arm at that by Alec, but Magnus doesn’t miss the weird twitch Alec gives off when Jace says “she”

“Laugh it up, at least I’m getting sucked off by my mate...” Alec finally says, trying to salvage some of his reputation, even if he can’t believe he’s just said that.

Once everyone calms down Clary turns to Magnus, “So what is yours Magnus?”

All eyes turn to him before Magnus smiles and grabs a napkin.

“Funny enough, mine is also lip related,” he says with a smirk.  Slowly he wipes away his bright purple lipstick to reveal dark soul marks covering his entire lips.

Alec can’t help but gulp and cough, because while he could clearly just be kissing his mate, there’s no mistaking that Alec has always known his own soul mate would have to have their soul mark covering their lips.

And, well, Magnus is the most gorgeous man he’s ever met, evne if he’s done his best to barely look at him.

Except now that he’s heard that he can’t do anyhting but look at him, having to pry his eyes away.

Magnus eventually catches him and he looks away, feeling heat creep into his cheeks, but when he glances back Magnus is still staring at him.

Alec is thankful that Raphael says he needs to go soon after, and since he drove most of them here, that means they have to leave.

Everyone exchanges pleasantries as they prepare to leave.

IN an attempt to be a little shit, Meliorn gently pats Jace on his cheek as he leaves  with a playful “see you around blondie.”

It’s only a moment later when Jace and Meliorn both freeze as Meliorn walks away that everyone stops to stare at them.

Jace is touching his face with just his fingertips, right over his soul mark.

As they watch the mark begins to fade.

Meliorn turns around looking confused, his hand raised as his mark is fading at the same rate.

“I’m not even gay, what the fuck?!” Jace shouts as he turns to Meliorn.

Meliorn just smirks, “Wouldn’t be the first straight boy I’ve turned.”

Alec is, not surprisingly, the most shocked of anyone that isn’t Jace, since he’s never even heard Jace mention another man was attractive as a joke.

“This...  Cannot be happening,” Jace says, looking from Meliorn to Clary

“Like, it has to be a mistake right, right Alec?”

Alec just stares at Jace, then to Meliorn and back to Jace.  “Uh, I’ve never heard of a soul mark disappearing without meeting your mate and having it touched.”

“If its any consolation, plenty of people don’t realize their latent bisexual tendencies until later in life,” Magnus says, “I mean I’ve always known I was a raging bisexual, but it’s not as easy for others.”

Hearing that definitely make Alec’s stomach flip, but he tries to ignore it.

“But, if I was gay I could do so much better...” Jace says, let down..

“Like I’d have picked a puny blond white fucboi as my mate?” Meliorn says, but he’s grinning.

“Shut it you asshole!”

“Make me.”

“Oh I’ll make you I’ll shut your entire mouth up I’ll...” Jace stops, realizing he’s gotten right in Meliorn’s face.

“Uh... I, what I meant was, um,” Jace panics, but before he can do anything to back away Meliorn grabs him and kisses him hard.

For about 3 seconds Jace seems like he’s going to bolt, then he very clearly moans and grips Meliorn’s arm and kisses back.

Alec’s jaw drops, Clary looks like she’s about to cry, Magnus and SImon are both cheering and Raphael looks bored.

When they finally break apart Jace looks dazed, it takes him a minute to process before he turns to the group and simply says “Well, I’m definitely Bi.”

Clary actually starts crying then, running off and Magnus gives one last lingering look at Alec that makes Alec’s heart beat faster before running after her.

Alec goes home alone, laying in bed wondering how both he and Jace didn’t realize this.  He tells Izzy only enough that she knows Jace broke up with Clary at the party and that Clary, who she still hasn’t met, was inconsolable.

The next day he sees Jace trying to sneak in the house before breakfast and he opens the door for him and hands him some coffee.

“Really?  The first night Jace?  Yesterday you didn’t even think you were attracted to guys.”

Jace has hickies all over his neck, along with what look like bite marks.

“What can I say, I’m a fast learner.”  He winks at Alec and takes a long swig of coffee..

“Besides, like you can talk Mr. my girl is gonna suck me off the first time we meet.”

“Not my girl.”

“I mean she’ll be your girl after it happens.”

“No, I mean.  It’d be my guy.  My soulmate has to be a guy, I’m gay Jace.”

“WHAT?!”

“Why do you sound more shocked to find out I’m gay than you did to find out you yourself were bi?”

“Because you’re...  You!  You're like, the straightest person I know!”

Alec grimaces at that.

“I’m not sure how to respond to that”

“YOu know what I mean, most gay guys are all sparkly and fun and sexually liberated and shit.”

“Way to stereotype Jace.”

“I’m just saying you don’t seem gay.”

“Well I’m sorry Im not constantly sucking a cock Jace but I mean... I am gay.”

“What in the world did I just walk in on?” Izzy asks, rounding the corner into the kitchen.

“uh, Alec was just, um” Jace stammers, trying to cover for his older brother.

“She knows I’m gay JAce, its fine.”

“Oh thank God,” Jace sighs. Then, “Wait, you told her and not me!”

“I figured it out, it’s not that hard.”

“Funny since Jace just called me the straightest person he’s ever met.”

“Well, I mean, if you just took everything you did at face value, sure, he’s right.”

Alec turns to Izzy with a stern look.

“I’m just saying, it’s a very convincing façade you’ve created Alec.”

“Well anyway, I guess that means we’re down to only one straight sibling,” Jace says, laughing.

“Yes, it’s a pity only women have to deal with you Jace.”

Alec and Jace both share a look then turn back to Izzy.

“Wait...”

“Iz?”

“Oh come on, please tell me you both didn’t think I was straight!”

“Gaydar machine really, really broken,” Alec says, patting himself down like he’s lost it.

“Hey at least you knew you were gay Alec, you should have caught this, I’m new to this shit.”

That makes Izzy turn to Jace, “What does THAT mean?”

Jace smirks, and it’s only then Izzy realizes his soulmate mark is gone.

“Oh my god, your mark is gone!  When, who?”

“Last night.  His name’s Meliorn.  I call him Mel.”

“HIS name!  You’re Bi?”

“Apparently.”

“You didn’t know?”

Jace laughs, “I mean I always said I was everyone’s type, I just didn’t know everyone was my type.”

Alec groans along with Izzy at that joke before he realizes.  “Wait, so none of us are straight?”

“No.”

“Clearly not.”

“Wow, our parents are REALLY going to be angry when they find out.” Alec says.

“Totally unfair I’m going to take the brunt of it since I met my guy first.”

“Please, you literally got to find out you were Bi the moment it happened, I’ve had internalized homophobia since I was 11,” Alec deadpans.  “Get on my level.”

“I mean we can just all, tell them together?  They still have one shot at a straight kid with Max I guess.”  Izzy looks both nervous and excited about the prospect.

“The odds aren’t looking good for Max,” Jace says, and they all crack up before hugging.

[ubernoxa]

The Dare: A Guns N’ Roses FanFic

Chapter 22: A Pill

Taglist: @queen-crue @gingerspicetalks

(Masterlist)

Delilah felt out of place as she stood next to Duff as he spoke to someone at the party. Delilah felt as if she was constantly in the way as people kept shoving behind her to get around the party.

The girls at the party were gorgeous. Their hair was wild, their makeup was stunning, their clothing was tight, and their heels were high. Part of Delilah felt like most of them stepped right out of a rock magazine.

“Yeah nice talkin to ya dude,” Duff guided Delilah away from whoever they were talking to and towards the drink tables, or what was left of the table.

“You okay?” Duff was barely auditable over the loud music.

“Yeah, just out of drink,” Delilah lied as she flipped her drink upside down.

Duff saw right through her lie. She didn’t want to be here. She had been quiet for the past half hour and just smiled and laughed when the others did. He decided to shrug it off. If Delilah really had a problem, she would bring it up. He wondered if it was because they were interrupted earlier. Maybe she was disappointed they didn’t have sex? Duff sighed and replied, “well I can easily fix that” A false smile filled his face.

She took the drink from him and practically chugged it hoping to get rid of the memories of her brothers and sisters out of her head.

“Heeeeey guys,” Tommy joined the pair as he wrapped his arms around them.

“Y’all fuckers look so good together! Like fuck man. Y’all are cute. Did y’all enjoy your fuck?” Delilah’s face went white. She almost looked as a ghost as Tommy spoke.

“Thanks man, and nah, fucking Axl got in the way with those damn interviews!” Duff shouted back not noticing how uncomfortable Delilah was. How was he talking this causally? She wondered if this was normal behavior? Do they all just talk about the girls they fucked? It’s so that’s utterly repulsive, she thought to herself. Some things were meant to stay private. It was in that moment Delilah turned her head when she heard a load moan come from across the apartment.

Jesus Fucking Christ, what type of fresh hell did she get herself into?

She quickly looked away when she saw what the commotion was about. A woman was squatted on the ground sucking Nikki’s dick. Delilah quickly chugged her drink and refilled it. Were these the people Duff associated himself with? Was this what Duff wanted? Was he mad at her for having sex with her?

“Nah Axl’s just jealous cause he is fucking a bitch right now,” Tommy noticed Delilah’s uncomfortably with EVERYTHING that was going on in the room. Part of him wondered how the hell he got into this mess.

“I lik ur dress,” Tommy commented bringing Delilah back into the conversation.

“Thanks, I’m quickly realizing that I’m overdressed, but hey fuck it,” Delilah shrugged. Did she say fuck to try to fit in? Yes, and it felt unnatural as she said it.

Tommy and Duff laughed and Tommy quickly grabbed his drink and left.

“You sure you’re feeling okay?” Duff turned to Delilah. She was off.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why do you ask,” she quickly responded in a cheerful tone.

He shrugged and added, “You seem off.”

“Yeah, I guess I’m still getting used to all of this,” Delilah motioned towards that packed room of people.

Duff understood exactly what she meant. Everything can be a little much sometimes, but there was always a way to make it disappear.

He motioned towards her to follow him to the bathroom. Not to fuck, but to give her something that would calm her edge.

“Thanks I feel like I can actually think again,” Delilah smiled to Duff as she spoke. Despite the bathroom spelling like horse shit and trash covering the floor, Delilah already felt a little at ease.

Duff sent Delilah a reassuring smile and dug into his pockets only stopping to pull out a small baggie with a couple pills. Izzy had given them to him a while back to help him, maybe they could help Delilah too.

Fuck. Delilah was frozen and watched every single movement. Did Duff do drugs? Did the rest of the band?

“I get the same way. It’s just too much. Kinda like you’re drowning and just want to escape,” Duff’s soft tone echoed through Delilah’s entire body. She felt a relief flowing through her as he spoke. Thank God he wasn’t mad at her.

“These help. They are almost like a life preserver for me. If everything ever gets too much, these help,” Duff watched Delilah’s face as he spoke. He knew coming from a religious house that she was most likely taught that drugs were a huge no. Izzy had actually warned him about that, and the fact that he should go slow with her. God it was fucking hard to go slow with her.

“What are they?”

“It’s not coke if that’s what you’re asking. Delilah it will help, or if you want we can go home,” Delilah’s heart sunk when he said those words. She knew he was having a great time, but he would leave just for her.

She looked at the white pill in his hand and picked it up.

She heard her mother’s words screaming at her from the back of her brain. Lecturing her on how she is winning and being a disgrace. She quickly silenced those voices.

At least it wasn’t coke? And Duff had been doing him and he was fine. What’s the worst that could happen?

She popped the pill in her mouth and swallowed earning a reassuring look Duff.

“If you don’t feel right, tell me. We will head home right away,” Delilah nodded feeling comfortable by his presence.

The two left the bathroom and time quickly flew by. Delilah was ever grateful that Duff was always by her side and refilling her drink.

“Have you seen Del?” Mags began to ask around to see if anyone had seen the brunette.

It didn’t take long until she accidentally bumped into Vince who was currently talking up some girl, who Mags was grateful wasn’t Delilah.

“Heard you’re looking for the brunette with the curly hair.” Mags felt immediately felt uncomfortable by his tone. Was he mocking her?

“Drew right? You’re one of the guys who interviewed me earlier,” Vince knew he recognized the guy who was with Mags.

“Yeah,” Drew’s response was blunt as he spoke.

“I was wondering why you wanted to interview Guns N’ Roses, but now it makes sense,” Vince smirked as he spoke. So Mags was fucking for interviews for her brother’s band, points for creativity.

“Fuck off Barbie,” Mags said before trying to leave.

“Watch your whore mouth,” Vince blocked her path making her stop in her tracks.

“I can say the same to you. How’s your girlfriend doing Vinny?” Mags mocked the blonde.

“Where’s Heather? She was a really good fuck a few months back or is she currently in the bathroom fucking thats red headed singer again?” The second Vince mentioned Mag’s old friend’s name, Mags lunged at Vince. She wanted to beat his Barbie face until he wasn’t recognizable. HOW DARE HE BRING HER UP. Steven quickly broke up his younger sister’s fight, if you could call it that. All she did was lunge at him before he could pull her back.

Steven knew this fight wouldn’t end well for his little sister.

“What the fuck is going on?” Nikki’s voice cut through the room as he pushed through the crowd of people.

“We should leave,” Duff whispered into Delilah’s ear. Duff guided Delilah out of the apartment which turned into him wrapping his arm around Delilah’s waist, dragging her out.

He didn’t mind as she giggled and played with his hair. She was completely oblivious that Mags had just almost gotten into a fight.

“Rosie,” Delilah mumbled as she stumbled over towards Axl as Duff and her made it down the fire escape that had become the main entrance.

Delilah gave him a hug and asked, “R...u...okayyyyyy?”

“Yeah I’m doing good, Del,” he laughed back at her.

“Let’s go stand by Duff okay?” Axl guided her back to Duff and immediately asked him, “is she high?”

“Yup,” Duff chuckled back watching as Delilah danced around to the music that was leaking out of the Crue’s apartment.

“That’s adorable,” he pulled out a smoke and offered on to Duff who immediately took one.

“So what happened? All I saw was Stevie pulling Mags away from someone,” Duff asked Axl watched Delilah who was still dancing.

“Her and Vince got into a fight about something, probably about Heather,” Duff nodded at Axl’s words.

“Honestly, sometimes I wonder who has a shorter fuse, me or her,” Axl asked earning a chuckle from Duff.

“Well last Motley party, you were the reason we had to leave, and this time it’s her fault. You’re tied, so next time we come here we will see which one of you is worse,” Duff teased back.

“Sometimes she is more trouble than she is worth,” Axl’s words were blunt as he spoke about Mags.

“What do you mean?”

“Yeah she is Steven’s younger sister, I get that. If she keeps doing shit like this then what’s the point of bringing her. We can’t make enemies with other bands. She is trouble,” Axl said loud enough just for Duff to hear.

“Look who is calling the kettle black. Axl let I remind you that you once again you caused the fight before this one that made us leave,” Duff was done with Axl’s bullshit.

“I only started that fight because Nikki was flirting with Dell and you were too drunk to realize it,” Axl snapped back.

“I was just watching over my band,” Axl added.

“Fuck, thanks then,” Duff added. Every part of him wanted to run upstairs and punch Sixx’s stupid smirk off his face, but he knew now wasn’t the time to do it.

“You’re my bandmasters, we may not seem eye to eye, but I got your back...and your girl’s back,” he added pointing over towards Delilah.

Duff wasn’t used to this side of Axl, but he was great duo when Axl shoes this side of him.

“Thanks. I got yours too..and Trixy’s,” Duff replies back,

Before Axl could say thanks Slash and Izzy came down the fire escape to join them.

“She high?” Slash asked watching Delilah dance around.

“Yup!” Axl added.

Izzy shot Duff a glare who immediately shrugged. Izzy gave him the pills to use, and he used them. He wanted to know what the hell Duff was thinking.

Slash walked over towards Delilah to real her back into the group and within seconds, a very pissed bother and sister joined them.

“Fuck off! I don’t need to hear this shit from you!” Mags yelled at her brother before she began to storm home.

“Where is that guy she was with?” Izzy asked looking over at Steven.

“He is making nice with Crue, let’s go,” Steven said.

“Mags?” Delilah asked as Duff guided her back to his apartment.

“She went home, it’s best to leave her alone when she is like this,” he replied.

“I neeeeed Mags,” everyone froze when they heard Delilah’s tone change. She sounded desperate.

“Del,” Duff’s tone was sympathetic. She was drunk and high and he wanted to be there for her when she sobered.

“Mags,” Delilah pushes herself away from Duff and began walking towards Mags.

Duff groaned and followed Delilah towards Mag’s place.

It was going to be a long night.

[jaxl-road]

Scar Tissue, chapter 11

Things get worse- a lot worse- before they get better.

Pairings: Slash/Duff, side Steven/Vince, side Axl/Izzy, side Nikki/Tommy

Warnings: Discussed/implied past abuse (non-explicit)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It felt like the longest show they’d ever done.

Steven shot Slash a concerned look on the ride to the venue as his leg bounced uncontrollably. Duff stared out the window, chewing on his fingers while Axl ranted in the front seat about their set list in an attempt to ease some of the tension but not really succeeding. By some miracle the show still managed to go well. Duff was obviously already tipsy when they arrived from whatever he’d been drinking before he got home, and they all shared looks of concern when he actually brought a drink with him onstage. Still, they were able to get lost in the music and performance enough to keep themselves together and wow the audience.

They all heaved a sigh of relief when their set ended with no mishaps, and underneath Slash’s tension and worry, he felt a swell of pride at how the band’s success was steadily growing. Still, he was impatient to whisk Duff away. They needed more time to work through everything Duff had told him.

In the dressing room, Axl, Izzy, and Steven chatted easily about the show and possibly tracking down the venue owner to snag some more dates while Slash hurried to put his guitar away so he and Duff could leave. Right as he was about to turn to the bassist, a knock on the door had Slash huffing in frustration. Before any of them could answer it though, the members of Motley Crue burst in, Vince in front as he sauntered over to Steven.

“Heya babe,” he grinned, sliding an arm around the drummer’s waist, “Great show!”

“Thanks!” Steven smiled brightly.

Slash felt like he was gonna crawl out of his skin, but he was once more interrupted before he could escape with Duff, this time by Tommy. The Crue drummer turned towards the blonde and spoke casually as he jerked his thumb towards the door, “Hey, Duff, some dude, said he was a friend of yours, was looking for you out in the hallway.”

Frowning, Duff furrowed his brows in confusion, “Oh, uh, thanks.”

Sighing, Slash couldn’t help but find it fitting that Duff would have some other kind of reunion this weekend. Sending him a tired shrug, Duff stepped over to the door, opening it to lean out into the hallway.

He had barely stuck his head out before he was reeling back, slamming the door loudly before backing away from it rapidly.

“Duff?” Slash was by his side in an instant, the rest of the room immediately on high alert as the bassist slapped a hand over his mouth.

“Fuck,” he whispered through his fingers, eyes clenched shut.

“What’s going on?” Nikki looked between Duff and the door suspiciously, eyes narrowed.

A humorless laugh, high pitched and hysterical escaped from the tall blonde. He took a deep breath, and then his eyes flickered to Slash, his voice heavy with resignation, “It’s my ex. My ex is out there.”

For a moment, everything feels frozen. Like time has stopped as his head echoes back everything Duff had said that evening, replaying the night in the alley when he found out about his ex the first time, going through a slideshow of every flinch and flash of fear he’s ever seen cross Duff’s face.

Then everything tinges red.

“What??” Multiple voices shout, the entire room suddenly buzzing with energy. Somewhere in the back of Slash’s mind he finds it odd that everyone seems to know that Duff’s ex is bad news, but he can barely form coherent thoughts at the moment, head snapping to look at the door to the dressing room.

Little things filter through- Izzy’s soft voice, “Axl, no-”, Steven guiding Duff to sit on the couch in the corner, Vince and Mick standing awkwardly to the side while still trying to be supportive.

“Maybe I should go talk to him,” Duff mutters, no emotion, just exhaustion, “I should-”

“Absolutely not!” Axl snaps, as Nikki storms over to the other bassist’s side, kneeling next to him and whispering furiously.

Slash isn’t sure what he says though. Because by that point he’s throwing the door open and bursting into the hallway, feeling fury in his veins and wanting nothing more than to feel that fucking bastard bleed under his hands. He can hear the music of the venue pulsing softly down the long hallway to where it opens up into the main floor. And there, leaning against the wall at the end of the hallway, is the same man Slash remembers from all those weeks ago, arms crossed and facing away from him.

Stalking away from the dressing room, Slash is ready to absolutely destroy this man- destroy him like he tried to destroy Duff. But he’s barely gotten three steps when a firm hand wraps around his bicep and jerks him back harshly.

“Slash,” Izzy’s voice is stern. Tommy stands a few steps behind him, eyes wide and jaw clenching as he watches the two guitarists carefully.

He tries to pull his arm back, but Izzy holds tight, and Slash finds himself snarling, “Get the fuck off me, Izzy!”

“No,” Izzy whole body is coiled tight like a spring, “Slash, listen to me-”

“You don’t know what he did!” Slash snaps, teeth bared as he gestures violently towards the club, “That fucking bastard- Just fucking let me go! You don’t understand-!”

“Yes I fucking do!”

Slash feels his teeth click shut. He’s never heard Izzy’s voice so cold, or seen his eyes so dark. He feels his fingers tighten around Slash’s arm, but he barely notices it, too focused on the way Izzy’s swallows thickly, pushing back the storm of emotions in his stomach. When he speaks again, his voice is softer. Gentler.

“I do. I get it, Slash.”

“We both do,” Tommy admits, stepping forward to stand next to them.

Looking back and forth between them, Slash thinks about the bits and pieces he knows about Axl’s past, about all the seemingly small things that set him off as if he’d been attacked, the way he was always ready to defend himself. He thinks about Nikki’s simmering rage, the way he would light himself on fire and greet pain like an old friend, the long, deep scar on his forearm that he never talks about.

And he thinks of Izzy and Tommy, pillars and bodyguards and safety and comfort and a fierce, hair-trigger protectiveness that Slash had always felt was over the top. Until now.

“I get wanting to fucking tear apart the person who hurt the guy you love,” Tommy said soothingly, “And you deserve it, trust me, in any other situation we’d let you at him.”

“But do not,” Izzy spoke firmly and honestly, “choose that asshole over Duff.”

Slash felt his blood run cold, “I-I’m not-”

“Are you sure?” Tommy cut in, “Because one of them needs you right now, and it’s not the one you’re running towards.”

He wants to cry. Shaking hands run through his hair as Izzy finally releases his grip, resting his hand on his shoulder comfortingly, “Fuck,” his voice cracks. He hates this. He hates this so much. “Fuck, you’re right, I-... I gotta get back to him-”

“Better move quick, then,” Nikki strides up to them, fists clenched at his side, “Your boy just took off out the back exit.”

“Shit!” His fury takes the back burner as the anxiety of Duff being on his own right now overrides it.

“Go,” Nikki jerks his head in the other direction, “We’ll take care of things here,” he turns to Tommy with a predatory grin, “Won't we, T-Bone?”

“It would be our pleasure,” the drummer cracks his knuckles eagerly, and as Slash takes off towards the back door, he figures that if he can’t tear Duff’s ex apart with his own two hands, the Terror Twins are not a bad second option.

Sprinting as fast as he can, he bursts out the back of the venue, head snapping around to try to find Duff. Luckily, the bassist hasn’t gone far. Duff’s strides are long and fast, but he’s not running, so he’s still easily visible down the block.

“Duff!” Slash calls out, running after him. He shouts his name again as he gets closer, but the only response is the blonde’s shoulders hitching up before he takes a sharp turn and ducks into the first bar he sees. Following him into the dimly lit building, Slash finally catches up just as Duff is frantically waving down the bartender.

“Hi, vodka cranberry, please,” his voice is stuttery, and he gives a shaky smile in an attempt to be polite. He practically collapses onto a stool, and Slash is quick to sit next to him.

“Hey, babe,” he speaks quietly, trying to be soothing, “are you alright?”

The bartender brings him his drink, and Duff snatches it from his hand before he can set it on the bar. Downing the drink in barely a second, he sets the glass down and smiles at the bartender again, “One more, less cranberry please.”

Raising an eyebrow, the man goes to make the second drink as Duff finally turns to Slash, pale and eyes already glassy from all the alcohol he’d been drinking all night, “Yeah, I’m fine, why wouldn’t I be?”

When the next drink arrives, Duff drinks it slightly slower, giving the bartender a chance to escape. Slash eyes him with concern, “Um… well, tonight was-... I mean, honestly the last couple days have been, uh… intense?”

“No, no, it’s fine,” he polishes off his drink, staring down at the empty glass, “It’s fine. I probably had it coming anyway,” he laughed humorlessly before bringing a hand up to bite at his nails, “I should have stayed and talked to him. I mean, I owe him that much-”

“Bullshit!” Slash snaps out. He feels a swell of guilt when Duff flinches, so when he continues he lowers his voice, “You don’t owe that asshole a fucking thing.”

Duff hummed noncommittally, “I don’t know. Maybe…” He turned his head and flagged down the bartender again and ordered another drink.

“We’ll close the tab now, please,” Slash cut in while Duff was busy chugging, quickly pulling out a wad of bills to pay for the drinks.

“I’m fine,” Duff mumbled, hand trembling slightly as he set down the empty glass.

Slash hesitantly reached out to rub his back, “I think it’s time to go home, babe.” He has no idea how much Duff had to drink before he got home that night, or when he’s last eaten, but even just the drinks he’s seen the bassist inhale were going to be enough to mess him up in no time at all.

His point was proven when Duff stood and immediately swayed dramatically, Slash rushing to wrap an arm around his waist to steady him, “Yeah, it’s definitely time to go home.” The second they got outside he managed to snag a cab- there was no way he was going to be able to support the six foot blonde the entire way home. He kept his arm around Duff, whispering soothing nonsense and trying to be comforting.

“Y’know,” Duff slurred, blinking slowly as he gazed at Slash, “It wasn’t all… I learned a lot from Scott. Like, like how t’ be a better boyfriend, y’know?” He smiled shakily, too drunk to notice the way Slash’s face hardened at his words, “I haven’t been v’ry good for you though,” he leaned his head against the guitarist’s shoulder, “’ll try harder. Promise.”

“You’re fine, man,” Slash brought his hand up to stroke his hair softly, “You’re doing just fine.”

By the time they reached the Hell House, Duff’s most recent drinks had definitely hit him. Slash struggled to get him inside without dropping him as the bassist leaned most of his weight against him, weaving and swaying as they made their way towards their room. When he dropped Duff as gently as he could onto his mattress, he thought the man had passed out, his head turning back and forth slowly with his eyes closed and his limbs sprawled out. Slash was quick to tug off both of their boots and jackets, more than ready to settle down and just sleep after the tension of the last few days.

But when got into the bed himself, Duff’s eyes suddenly snapped open, wide and glassy, and with quick, jerky movements, he rolled over and threw a leg over Slash’s waist, straddling the guitarist. He was swaying back and forth, and despite his surprise at the sudden movement Slash managed to sit up and place his hands on his shoulders to steady him.

“Woah, hey, Duff,” he stuttered, “Easy there, why don’t you-”

Before he could finish his sentence, Duff pitched forward, landing a clumsy but firm kiss on his lips. Slash let out a muffled noise of surprise, Duff tangling shaking fingers into his hair and pulling him closer. All he could taste was vodka.

“Duff-” he tries to push him back gently, but he gets more firm when he feels a hand start to fumble with the button of his jeans, “Duff!” He shoves him back, holding him at arms length.

“I t’ld you I’d try harder,” the bassist mumbled, trying to lean in again but too uncoordinated to push through Slash’s hold.

There are so many alarm bells going off in his head that Slash can hardly think, but he manages to grind out, “Hey, we are not doing this tonight.”

“Why?” Duff slurred, tilting his head, “You’ve been so patient, you don’t have to… you want me, right?”

“Of course I do,” Slash sighed in frustration, “but I’m not going to fuck you when you’re two sips away from blacking out!”

Duff’s whole body freezes under his hands, blinking slowly and something like shock filtering across his face. There is a long moment of silence, the two of them just looking at each other. Slash doesn’t know what response he’s expecting. But he knows it’s not for Duff to swallow thickly, drop his gaze, and whisper shakily.

“But I’m too scared when I’m sober.”

Slash swears he feels his heart stop. He thinks of Duff’s hesitance whenever their makeout sessions got a little too heavy. He thinks about how he had told Steven that Duff was always wasted by the time he got them alone, and he suddenly realizes that that was no accident. It was intentional. Taking a deep breath, he just wants this to stop getting worse. He wonders suddenly if this is what Axl feels like when he destroys entire rooms, because right now he wants to put his fists through the wall. Or maybe cry.

Or maybe both.

The silence stretches on for just a moment too long, and so Duff looks back up, giving a weak smile that doesn’t reach his eyes as he puts his hands on Slash’s chest, sliding them down towards his stomach. “It’s okay,” he whispers, “It’s fine. It’s better this way, r'lly. You can… I w'n’t…" his eyes flutter closed for a moment. When he opens them, he stares blankly somewhere over Saul's shoulder as he breathes out, "It’s okay.”

As gently as he can, soft and slow, Slash covers Duff’s hands with his own, pulling them away from his body. When he speaks, his voice is quiet, and sad, “Telling me that you can only handle sex when you’re wasted is not okay.” He hates the look of surprise on Duff’s face. The disbelief, the confusion, the pain. He runs his thumbs over the back of the bassist’s hands, trying to soothe him, “It’s okay if you’re not ready. This isn’t something you have to give me.”

Duff let out a watery huff, something between a laugh and a sob, “I don’t have 'nything else t' give.”

Slash clenches his teeth so hard it feels like they might crack. Why does it keep getting worse? He has to take a few deep breaths to swallow back the rage that crawls up his throat. Not at Duff, never at Duff, but at the person who made him think this way. The person he could hear Duff quoting back at him now. His chest is full of anger and heartbreak when Duff sucks in a breath as he rests his hand against his cheek. Tilting his head, the guitarist looked up at him, a searching look in his eyes as he speaks softly.

“And who told you that?”

Something like surprise crosses Duff's face, a slow realization, and he opens and closes his mouth a few times before finally managing to choke out a soft, "Oh," just as the first tear rolls down his cheek.

Pulling him forward gently, Slash gathered the bassist in his arms, stroking his back soothingly. Duff curled into the embrace, folding himself practically in half in an attempt to hide his face in the guitarist's chest.

It’s a few minutes before the silence is broken. Duff’s voice cracks when he speaks, his voice is so small that Slash nearly misses it, "I'm so tired, Saul."

Swallowing thickly, he nodded, "I know. I know you are, sweetheart." Shifting carefully, he rearranged the two of them, keeping Duff in his arms even if it made it a little more awkward. Soon enough, he managed to get them both laying down on their sides, allowing the taller man to stretch out while still hiding in Slash's body.

"You can rest now," Slash whispered, holding on a little tighter as Duff began to shake, "It's okay. I've got you. Just rest. Just rest now."

It doesn’t take long for the alcohol to finally pull the bassist under, his body going limp under Slash’s hands. He feels tired too, and his heart is heavy, and it feels like he’s aged two years in two days. He knows that Duff will need much more rest than this one night can give him.

Slash doesn’t rest at all.

[mamawolfblood]

Though he didn't know it yet Chris Mclean was in for a shocking revelation. One of the campers is not exactly just some rando kid. This camper is his kid and she is out to expose it.

Name : Iris  Escalona

Age 16

Eye color green

Caramel skin

Black hair that she keeps in a high ponytail. A Cherokee rose on the left side of the hair tie.

Iris is 5ft 8",135lb

Out fit-White tanktop with the alchemists symbol blue acid washed jean shorts black converses

Iris has a dark sense of humor. She loves horror,pranks,is resourceful. Iris is not above smashing some skulls together. She is not quick to anger but Heather pushes a lot of her buttons.

All her life she just wanted Chris to know she was alive. Her mother never gave the reason why she left. She is the oldest of seven children.

________chapter 6_________

Chris: Last time on Total Drama Island… A talent contest brought out the worst in our campers. It was awesome! The Killer Bass struggled to find any talent on their team, and Bridgette’s clumsiness pretty much knocked out their best prospect, Courtney. Iris stood up to Heather, so Heather swore to make Iris's life miserable by stealing her diary and birth certificate. Then she read it in front of the entire viewing world, revealing that  Iris is my daughter. Then, Heather managed to save her butt by convincing the rest of the team to vote off Justin McGorgeousness. Who will be the next one to walk off this crappy dock? Find out tonight in the most dramatic marshmallow ceremony ever! On Total. Drama. Island!

Iris pov

I sat with Gwen and Leshawna waiting for my dad to arrive. "So is Chris really your dad?" Gwen asked I nod "I didn't want him to find out yet. I was waiting for the right moment to tell him myself. You know because it was my right to do so." I said Glaring at Heather.

(Confessionals)

Heather

"Oh please it will be easier to get rid of her now. They will take their anger out on her because of her dad. Oh this was just a freebi."

*static *

Iris

"That cow has another thing coming if she thinks I'm going down. She will be out before I am trust me."

(Static)

(End of Confessionals)

Chris: Campers, today’s challenge will test your outdoor survival skills. I’m not gonna lie to you. Some of you may not come back alive.[Beth and Owen gasp] Just joking. [laughs] All you have to do is spend one night in the woods. Everything you need is at your team’s campsite in the forest. You just have to find it. Oh, and watch out for bears. Lost a couple of interns in pre-production. First team back for breakfast wins invincibility! [blows airhorn] Well, off you go!

Leshawna started to freak because of bears. This was followed by Owen saying he killed a bare. Izzy the proceeds to tell a storry about her encounter with a bare. This made Lindsay sick.

We all started to walk threw the woods to find our camp. Gwen looked a bit down so Trent tried to talk to her, but she just pushed him away. It was sad because the poor guy didn't know what to do.

I hope the other team will be ok.

*Meanwhile with the Killer Bass *

Katie: Sadie, lookBlueberries.

Sadie [after she gasps] : I love, love, love blueberries!

Katie: Oh my gosh! Me too!

(Confessional: Katie & Sadie)

Katie: Sadie and I are BFFFL’s.

Sadie: Best female friends for life.

Katie: We even got the chickenpox together!

Sadie: Oh my gosh, that was so fun.

Katie: It was so fun to have someone to scratch all your little scabs!

Sadie: I know, right?(confessional off)

(Honestly those two are just idiots)

Heather was complaining about I'm the next one getting voted off. Trent asked why and she said before "Iris took Harold's ant farm and poured on me!" She growls scratching I turn to face her. "Oh really it's my fault. I only did it because you did something to me unprovoked. I warm you now do anything like that again and it won't be ants in you be next time. "

I said my finger in her face. "Come on white girl lets focus on the challenge." Leshawna said pulling me along and away from Heather.

(Meanwhile with Katie and Sadie)

Katie: Okay. Those were so yummy. Can you believe how yummy those were?

Sadie: They were so yummy. Katie, where’s the rest of the team?

Katie: I don’t know. They must be nearby. Killer Bass, where are you?!

Sadie: Killer Bass! [gasps] This is just like when we were seven and we lost our moms at the mall.

Katie: And you started to cry and the security guards had to like, page our moms and they were so mad.

Sadie: Oh my gosh, like, take a pill. We’re fine.

Katie and Sadie[shouting]: Killer Bass, where are you?!

(Back to the Gophers)

I set up the tent and make a fire brake for the camp fire. "Wow you sure know what your doing. Unlike some people who are lazing around."  Leshawna said looking at Heather. "These hands were made for shopping not camping." She said crossing her arms. Owen and Trens talk about the task and Owen leaves to get food.

(Cut to Katie and Sadie.)

Sadie: You don’t know where we are, do you?

Katie: Yes! Okay, no. It’s so not my fault. Have you ever notice that all trees look the same?

Sadie: Ooh, I knew I should have known better than to listen to you.

Katie: What, you don’t think I’m smart enough to find them?

Sadie: You’re not exactly the best with like, directions.

Katie: Yuh-huh, I am!

Sadie: Nuh-uh! Apparently, you’re not! ‘Cause we’re L-O-S-T. Lost!

Katie blows raspberry

(Back at the screaming gopher's camp)

Everyone was waiting for Owen to come back with food. Some started to complain. "Hey what are you nibbling on over there." Gwen said looking at me. "Dried mint want some." I said holding up my bag. They take some when owen comes back with fish.

(Killer Bass camp)

Geoff makes a commitment about Bridgette. It didn't come out right.

Duncan: What’s for dinner, woman? I’m starving.

Courtney: I hope you don’t expect me to dignify that with a response.

DJ: Hey guys, look what I found![ pat, pats a bunny wich coughs]

Duncan: Well, I’ve never had rabbit stew before, but what the heck? I’m game.

DJ [after he sighs] : This is my new pet! I’m callin’ him Bunny!

Courtney: You couldn’t find any food? [gasps] Then it looks like we’re acting grubs and berries for dinner.

Duncan: Has anyone seen Tweedledumb and Tweedleidiot?

[creature howls]

(Screaming Gophers camp)

Owen has the Fish grilling

Trent and him start talking.

"So you and your grampa to down a bare?" I asked

Owen: Heck yes. It was the scariest day of my entire life.[Lindsay gasps.] We were out in the woods when we came upon the great beast. I tell you, he was ten feet high if he was a foot! And then he roared his terrible roar! [imitates roar] We grabbed our shotgun. We knew it was either him or us. It was nothing personal, just the law of the wild. And then, bam! One shot was all it took to fell the great beast. We took his blood and marked ourselves to honor him. It was a good death.

Heather was a skeptical about it. We all then noticed Izzy was gone and started yelling for her.

At the Killer Bass camp Ducan was telling a horror story)

Duncan: So suddenly… They-they heard this tap-tap-tapping on the side of the car. The girl started to freak out, and by this time, even the guy was getting a bit scared. So he turned the car on and he stepped on it. When they got back to the girl’s house, she opened the door and screamed! Because there, hanging from the door handle… [sinisterly] Was the bloody hook. They say that this killer is still alive, wandering these very woods. He could be just about anywhere, really. Maybe even right here!

Killer Bass screaming.

Duncan laughs evilly.

Courtney: Duncan, that was so not funny!

Duncan: Oh, yes it was! I just wish it was all on camera! Uh, oh wait, it is!

Courtney: You are so vile. Do your parents even like you?

Duncan: I don’t know, Jumpy McChicken. I haven’t asked them lately.

[wolf howls]

Courtney gasps.

(At the Gophers camp)

In the trees everyone was arguing. That was till Leshawna fell come to find out the bare was Izzy. I jump down relived that she was ok. Once the fish was done we started to eat.

At the Killer Bass camp

Bright had to pee so she ventured out of the tent only to burn the tent down when a bat hit her face.

Courtney freaks out.

The next morning was a race back to camp when we reach it the Killer Bass were there but was pointed out that Sadie and Katie were missing. Only to have them show up a few seconds later.

Chris: All right, Killer Bass. One of your fishy butts is going home. Gophers, you’re going on an all-expense paid trip to… the Tuck Shop!

I watched the marshmallow ceremony  wanting to see who is going home.

Chris: You’ve all cast your votes The camper who does not recieve a marshmallow must immediately hit The Dock of Shame, grab the Boat of Losers, and get the heck outta here. And you can’t come back. Ever. Now. I can see you’re all tired, so tonight, I’ll just throw them to you. Savvy? Courtney. Duncan. Bridgette. DJ. Harold. Geoff. Tyler. Ladies. This is the final marshmallow of the evening. Sadie.

Sadie started to cry not wanting to let go of Katie.

I felt bad but it is what it is.

After everyone left and my dad closed the show me and him sat down and just hung out. Getting to know him is not that bad. We are kinda the same but he is more sinical than me.

[moonlight-breeze-44]

Blood and Bruises

Read on AO3

When a mission goes sideways, Alec finds himself in the last place he should be: the training room. Luckily, Jace and Izzy are there to pull him back from his dark place.

Trigger warning: Self harm, mentions of blood (as portrayed in the show)

“Okay, I’m here,” Jace said as he joined Isabelle outside the training room. “What’s so important you couldn’t tell me over the phone?”

“It’s Alec,” Isabelle said, and pointed just in front of them, to the training room, which was ablaze with lights despite the late hour. Jace stepped up closer to the door and peered inside. He immediately saw what Isabelle meant. 

His parabatai was wailing on a punching bag like it’d killed his family, and he showed no signs of stopping anytime soon. 

“He’s been like that for hours,” Isabelle stated, bringing Jace’s attention back to her. “I knocked and called to him and tried to get him to come out, but he wouldn’t even look at me, Jace. I don’t know what to do here.”

Jace sighed, running a hand over his face. “You know this isn’t the first time he’s done this, right, Izzy?”

She blanched, her expression going snow-white. “Yeah, I know. The day before he almost married Lydia, he trained in here for an hour or so, even though he had that Forsaken wound.” She frowned. “He wouldn’t let me heal it.”

Jace nodded in recognition at her story. “That’s right. And then when that demon killed Jocelyn, he shot arrows off the roof all night long. He would have kept going, too, if I hadn’t found him. His hand was dripping blood that night, and he wouldn’t talk to me.” The golden-haired boy laughed bitterly. “He jumped off a fucking roof to avoid me.” Jace bit his lip, a dark cloud passing over his alabaster eyes. “You know, when he jumped like that, for a minute there, I thought…” He trailed off.

“You thought what?”

“I thought he had actually, y’know, jumped.”

Isabelle recoiled in horror. “He would never.”

Jace nodded towards the training room, a dark look in his eyes. “Don’t be so sure.”

“We’ve got to get him out of there,” Isabelle stated plainly after a few seconds had passed. “He’s hurting, Jace. We can’t just leave him.”

“Alright,” Jace sighed. “It’s your funeral.”

The dark-haired girl turned on him with anger in her eyes. “You act like you don’t even care!”

Jace recoiled as if she had slapped him across the face. “Of course I care!”

“Then start acting like it!” Isabelle retorted. “You’re his parabatai! Go talk some sense into him!”

Jace sighed and said, “I’m not trying to come off like I don’t care about what he’s doing to himself, Izzy. You know I care. He’s my best friend, my brother. I just don’t know if we should, that’s all. What if he takes it badly and ends up doing worse?”

For a minute, she looked frightened, but then Isabelle’s hard resolve was back in a flash. “I guess that’s a risk we’ll just have to take.”

“Okay. I trust you, Izzy.”

She snorted as he went to twist the doorknob. “Rookie mistake.” She was rewarded by a small, lopsided grin from Jace as they both ducked into the training room. 

Jace was disturbed to see that through all of the times he had been privy to Alec’s self-destructive tendencies, nothing quite rivaled what met his eyes then.

His parabatai was dressed in black training pants and a loose-fitting t-shirt, and his thick black hair was matted with sweat and clung to his forehead. The punching bag he was still working over, despite their presence in the room, was red leather, which was probably intentional. Despite this, Jace could still make out the darker shade of blood coating the bag. He chanced a quick look at Alec’s knuckles in between punches and wasn’t surprised to see that they were horribly shredded. Blood seeped out of the raw slivers of skin, dripping into the palm of his hand. Although the blood almost covered his hands entirely, it wasn’t enough to stop Jace from noticing the nasty bruises that snaked all the way up to his wrist. 

“Alec, stop,” he implored his best friend. “Please.”

Isabelle did a double take. If there was one thing she thought she was sure of, it was that Jace Wayland did not say ‘please’. 

“No, Jace,” Alec grit out through clenched teeth. “Leave me alone.”

Out of options, Jace reached out and caught the punching bag in its tracks. He knew Alec wouldn’t dare swing at it now, for fear of knocking his parabatai off his feet. 

“Jace, move,” Alec said. The hard edge was gone from his voice, and now it was turned over to something along the lines of desperation. 

“No, Alec,” Jace replied, his jaw set in a straight line. “I won’t let you keep hurting yourself like this.”

“I deserve it,” Alec mumbled. 

“What did you say?” Isabelle stepped forward for the first time since she and Jace had entered the training room. 

“Nothing,” Alec said. “I didn’t say anything.”

“I think we all heard what you said, brother,” Jace said gently. “And it’s not true.”

“Yes, it is!” Alec shouted. “I let those shadowhunters take on a Greater demon by themselves, Jace, and I never should have! It was a stupid decision and I’m the only one to blame for it. I’m the Head of the Institute, it’s my job to make sure they’re safe!” His voice broke and wavered as he said, much quieter than before, “They died because of me.”

Jace reached out a hand to his parabatai, but Alec was already turning away and reaching for his bow and quiver, which rested behind him in a heap. He strapped the arrows to his back, picked up his bow, and was out the door before either of his siblings had a chance to react. 

Jace shook his head at Isabelle, releasing his tight grip on the punching bag. “See what I mean?”

Isabelle ignored him. “Any idea where he’s going next?”

“The roof, probably,” Jace scoffed, “but I don’t know what more you think we’re going to be able to do for him up there than we did down here.”

“Jace,” Isabelle hissed. “The roof.”

Jace’s head snapped up to meet her dark, coal-like eyes. “Izzy, he wouldn’t.” Despite his words, the older boy couldn’t help the cold shiver that ran down his spine. 

“You said so yourself,” she reminded him. “Don’t be so sure.”

Jace sucked in a breath slowly. “Iz, he’s my parabatai. I think I’d feel it if he was going to do...that.”

“Well, for fuck’s sake, Jace, we can’t just leave him up there!” Isabelle rounded on him angrily. “He’s fucking hurting himself and you act like everything is alright!”

“Dammit, Izzy!” Jace wheeled around and threw a single punch to the red bag hanging next to him. When he pulled his hand back and noticed Alec’s blood on his fist, he had to fight the urge to be sick.

Jace sank to the floor and buried his face in his hands. “It’s not alright,” he admitted hoarsely to the girl standing over him. “I know it’s not alright. I’ve known for a while, actually.” He peered up over his hands at Isabelle. “He started this shit when we were kids, you know. Whenever Maryse would yell at him, tell him to do better and uphold the Lightwood name and all that shit, he’d come in here at like midnight and train like hell.” He chuckled humorlessly. “How do you think he got so good at archery?” 

Isabelle took a seat next to him on the floor, the momentary anger at her adoptive brother all but gone. “What do we do, Jace?”

The older boy sighed sadly. “I’ve been asking myself that question for years, Iz.”

~ ~ ~

Alec’s hand screamed out in protest at the repeated movement of notching his arrow and then releasing it into the night sky, but he ignored it. He reached for another from his quiver and tried to let the pain in his hand guide his mind away from what had happened that afternoon. 

Three young shadowhunters, vivacious and eager to please, had requested permission to go on a mission involving a Greater demon; against his better judgment, Alec had agreed. They were the top of their class, and they deserved a chance to prove themselves. 

He laughed bitterly to himself as he notched another arrow and let go of the bow string so it soared into the tower five hundred feet away, straight and true. 

Look how well that turned out.

Alec hadn’t found out until late that evening; he was about to finish up the last of his paperwork and retire for the night when his aide had come knocking frantically on his door. Apparently, a single Greater demon wasn’t the case at all - there were three, and the inexperienced, young shadowhunters had all perished. 

Alec flexed his hands, relishing in the pain of the movement. He should have known. Greater demons rarely travelled alone. He should have realised there would be more. He never should have sent the three shadowhunters out to deal with them alone. It was stupid. He was stupid. 

He reached a hand back to grab another arrow from his quiver and tried not to grimace at the pain of his injuries.

I deserve it.

~ ~ ~

Jace was the first to stand, offering a hand to help Isabelle up. She took it, rising to her feet and brushing imaginary dirt from her pants. “Where do we go from here?” she muttered, more to herself than to Jace.

“I don’t know,” the older boy admitted. “Before, when he did it, I tried to help at first. The pain through our bond would wake me up in the middle of the night sometimes, if it was really bad. I could feel him hurting, Izzy. The turmoil - god, sometimes I’m not even sure how he’s made it this far.” He shook his head ruefully. “I’d come in here, and I’d beg him to put his bow down, or stop with the punching bag already. But he always ignored me. One time, I tried to manhandle it away from him and drag him back to his room, but that went even worse.”

“What happened?” Isabelle asked curiously.

“That was the first time he ever punched me.”

Despite the situation, Isabelle felt a small smile turn up the corners of her lips. “Yeah, that sounds like him.”

“I guess let’s just go and see if we can somehow make him listen to us, then,” she said to Jace. “I know it seems kind of hopeless, and with Alec, maybe it is, since he’s so damn stubborn. But we have to at least try. We can’t just leave him up there.”

Jace nodded in agreement. “Come on.” With that, he led Isabelle out of the training room and up the stairs that led to the roof. 

When they reached Alec, neither of them were surprised to see him shooting arrows into the distance. They were surprised, however, to see that there was a small pool of blood at his feet. Isabelle blanched, throwing a sidelong glance at Jace.

Shit, this is serious.

“Alec,” Jace started, walking towards his parabatai slowly, like he was a skittish animal that could be spooked. In a way, Jace supposed, he was. “What happened to those three shadowhunters wasn’t your fault. You have to know that.”

Meanwhile, Isabelle placed herself directly in front of Alec’s target, blocking him from shooting any more arrows. 

Alec held his bow rigidly, arrow notched and ready to fire. “Move, Izzy.”

She shook her head. “No can do, brother. You’re scaring me.”

Guilt coloured Alec’s bright blue eyes, but he still didn’t put his bow down. “I’m fine,” he tried, but Jace cut him off with a harsh, sharp laugh that didn’t even sound like a laugh at all. 

“Brother, you are so far from fine,” he said, coming up close to Alec now. Alec didn’t move away, but he refused to acknowledge the other’s presence, instead focusing his gaze on his target still, staring at Isabelle as though he could see through her to the high-rise building she blocked. 

“Just let us help,” Jace begged his best friend. “Please, Alec. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

The older boy stiffened and drew his bow up higher. “Stop it, Jace. Leave me alone.”

“I’m not leaving until you put the bow down, Alec.”

The blue-eyed Lightwood dropped his weapon of choice with a clatter. “There. I put the bow down. You happy now?”

“No,” Jace murmured, stepping closer to his parabatai. “I’m not happy, because you’re not happy.” He reached up to cup the side of Alec’s face in his palm. Alec stiffened under his touch but didn’t pull away. 

Isabelle abandoned her place in front of the target and walked over to join her brother and Jace in the middle of the roof. 

“Oh, Alec,” she murmured when she was close enough to really see the damage he’d done to his hands. 

His brow twitched with guilt and his frown deepened. He quickly tucked his hands in his pockets, out of her sight. 

“Why do you always do this?” Jace muttered softly. It was a question he wouldn’t dare ask his brother any other time, but they’d made more progress tonight than they ever had before. 

“I deserve it,” Alec mumbled again. 

“No, you don’t,” Isabelle spoke up. “You don’t have to take responsibility for every shadowhunter that walks through these doors, Alec. I wish you’d stop being so hard on yourself, big brother.”

Alec shrugged, refusing to meet her eyes. “Can’t help it, Iz. That’s just the way I was made, I guess.”

She sighed. “Well, will you please stop? Just for tonight? For us?”

“Please,” Jace added, stroking his parabatai’s cheek gently. The other boy unconsciously leaned into the touch.

Alec sighed but didn’t answer. They let him sit in silence for a few minutes before, suddenly, the black-haired shadowhunter lunged forward and wrapped Jace in the tightest hug he could ever remember receiving. 

Though no tears actually fell, they burned at the back of Alec’s eyelids, and his shaky breaths told Jace he wanted to break down, but wouldn’t do so in front of his little sister. He squeezed his parabatai back hard. 

“It’s okay, Alec. I’ve got you.”

The other took a deep, shaky breath and released his golden-haired counterpart, rocking back on his heels and surreptitiously swiping at his eyes. 

Isabelle crouched next to him and gestured to his bow and quiver. “Can I?”

Alec sighed and nodded once, giving her permission to pick up his weapons and take them back down to the training room. She slung them over her shoulder, kissed him on the cheek, and turned to make her way down the stairs and out of sight.

Jace squeezed his older brother’s shoulder and stood up, offering him a hand. Alec took it gratefully, allowing himself to be helped to his feet. Jace winced when he felt Alec’s shredded hands come into contact with his own. He pulled his stele from his pocket. 

“Can I heal them, Alec? Please?”

Alec ripped his hands from Jace’s. “No.”

“Okay, okay.” Jace held up his hands in acquiescence. “No stele.”

Alec relaxed a little bit.

“Come on, let’s just go to bed,” Jace urged, and Alec allowed himself to be guided downstairs by his parabatai. When they passed Alec’s room, however, he turned back to Jace in confusion.

“You’re sleeping with me tonight,” Jace stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. 

Alec rolled his eyes but didn’t have it in him to protest. Instead, he followed his brother obediently into his bedroom and got under the covers where, a second later, Jace joined him. 

“I love you, Alec,” Jace said, reaching a hand out to rest on his brother’s parabatai rune. 

“I love you, too, Jace.” Alec copied his movement and slowly but surely, the two boys drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, when they woke up to Isabelle sleeping soundly between them, Alec found himself feeling a rush of gratitude for his younger sister and his parabatai, who he knew would always be there for him when he needed them, no matter what.

Blood and bruises aside, Alec couldn’t ask for a better family.

[mrs-dragneel-stark-solo]

Unforseen Chasm

Part 2 of Unforseen Chasm

Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together.

Word Count: 3284

Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my other fic series). first major Collab with my best friend @thorne93​ what was first a simple “what if” moment turned into a two year writing session and I’ve never been more prouder of myself than when i started my first series. goes through most of the MCU plots there are some changes to accommodate for what we wanted and there is a bit of a crossover between the MCU and other characters. I hope you guys enjoy reading this just as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Once you dropped the man known a Thor off at the hospital, you all returned to your research trying to figure out just what the hell that was last night. What was the light? What was that funnel? What kind of tornado appears like that out of nowhere?

“Jane,” you said, looking at the pictures, “does something seem off to you here?” you asked, holding a photo up.

“Yeah… Where’s Ursa Minor?” she asked.

“My thoughts exactly. We better show Selvig.”

And so you did. You showed him all the oddities from last night, when Darcy noticed that Thor was actually inside the weird event. A few photos were taken and a silhouette of a man was inside of the cloud, that man had to be Thor, and he would have all the answers you needed.

The four of you went back to the hospital, only to find that he'd broken out of his restraints. Feeling defeated, you went back to the car, where Jane hit him again with her car. He had come out of nowhere and she backed into him.

“Jane, are you just determined to kill our only evidence?” you asked in a slightly irritated tone as you got out of the car.

“I’m not doing this on purpose!” she snapped back.

You knelt beside him and examined him. “Are you okay?” you asked softly.

He looked up at you and gave a slight frown. “Yes, I’m quite alright.”

“Good,” you kindly said. “Would you mind coming with us? We… want to talk to you,” you said, glancing to Jane who nodded, affirming your request.

“As you wish.”

With that, you and Erik helped him up, got him in the camper, and got him back to the lab.

All of you introduced yourselves while Jane got him some clothes he could wear instead of the hospital gown he was in. He went to change and you stared at him, not because he was muscular and attractive. You stared at him because of that familiar feeling you got when you were around him, and for some strange reason, you felt… better when you were near him. You felt energized, stronger, like you could take on the world.

And although he seemed… not quite right, something was just too coincidental that his name was Thor and he knew of a Bifrost. Unless he was just entirely loony, and decided to take on that persona, he looked the part of Thor, and knew at least a few key things about a world in which it looked like he belonged.

“This mortal form has grown weak. I need sustenance,” he suddenly said and you jumped up.

“I could make you some food,” you offered.

“What? No. He can eat some PopTarts,” Jane countered. “We need you to tell us what happened last night,” she instructed as Thor walked towards the kitchen.

“Jane, please. Give him a few minutes. You’ve run him over twice and clearly he’s still a little dazed,” you pleaded.

“Fine, but I want answers,” she informed firmly before sitting down with the other two at the breakfast table.

You walked over to the cabinet and pulled down some pop tarts and handed them to him. “Sorry about her, she can get a little… passionate when it comes to her work,” you said quietly as your eyes drifted to her.

“What is this?” he asked, taking the box.

“Oh,” you said, laughing. “These are pop tarts. A breakfast food. Do they not have them where you’re from?” you asked, noting his accent.

“No,” he informed.

“Ah, well all you do is--” you popped open the box, pulled out a silver package, ripped it open, and handed him a piece “--open the box, open the sleeve, and eat.”

He looked at it for a moment before shoving nearly the whole thing in his mouth. “I like this. This is good. More!” With that, he yanked the box from you, making you laugh.

“Have them all if you want.”

After he downed the entire box, he informed you all he was still hungry so you went to a diner down the street. The entire time you sat there, all you could try and think of was where you’d seen him before, other than in the mythology books -- which, that couldn’t be real. Thor seemed to be intrigued by you too because he seemed to steal a couple of curious glances your way as well.

As soon as Thor seemed to finally be full, he heard about the “satellite” wreckage that landed fifty miles west of town. Once he heard of it, he seemed hellbent on getting it.

“It’s not what they say it is,” Thor insisted.

“Well what is it?” you inquired.

“It’s Mjolnir, and it belongs to me. If you take me there right now, I will tell you all the answers you seek,” he promised and your heart swelled.

“Jane!” you said, turning to her in joy. “Let’s go!”

“Can I have a word with you two?” Erik requested and you glanced back to Thor before walking a few feet away. “Please don’t do this.”

“Do what? Take him to see some wreckage? He’s promising us answers, Erik,” you stated, pleading. You couldn’t explain it, but Thor seemed sincere and kind, and all you wanted to do was help him. You didn’t get any sort of odd feelings from him.

“Do you hear yourself? Do you hear him? Thor? Bifrost? Mjolnir? It’s all stories, all tales I was told as a child. That’s all they are, are tales. He’s delusional and he’s dangerous.”

“We’re just giving him a lift to a crater site,” you insisted.

“Jane,” Selvig started, turning to her, trying to reason with her. “Please. Don’t. I don’t like the idea of this.”

Jane gave him a torn look before glancing at you with apology in her face.

“Jane, no...No! Come on!” you pleaded but she just gave you a sympathetic look before telling Thor she couldn’t take him.

“Then this is where we say goodbye,” he said before bowing, saying goodbye to you all and kissing Jane’s hand. His eyes lingered on you for a moment when he told you goodbye, but then started to walk off, but something about him retreating made you feel… sad, almost... homesick.

Just as you all began walking away, a truck with Jane’s equipment stopped right in front of you all.

“Uh, Jane--”

“What?! Hey! That’s mine!” she shouted before the two of you took off running towards the lab. “What the hell is going on here?” Jane demanded as you stood beside her.

“Ms. Foster, I’m Agent Coulson, with SHIELD,” a man in a black suit stated and you recognized him. You’d seen him once before… hanging around Stark’s tower.

“Is that supposed to mean something to me? You can’t do this!” Jane shouted as she tried desperately to grab at the things that were being taken.”

“Jane. Jane. This is a lot more serious than you realize. Let it go,” Selvig advised in a cautious voice, making your eyes scan the man and the other men in suits working diligently to clear all the work from the last several weeks.

How could they do this? How could some company or government program just waltz into a private scientific lab and seize any data they see fit? Which reminded you… there was a recorder in your pocket from last night, a recorder in which you used all the time to take notes out loud to transcribe later for Jane. You thought better when you spoke. You subtly felt it to make sure it was still there, then rested your hand inside your jeans to keep it secure in your hand.

“Let it go? Let it go? This is my life!”

“We’re here investigating a security threat. We need to appropriate your records and all your atmospheric data,” Coulson informed.

“By ‘appropriate’ do you mean ‘steal’?” Jane asked as she followed the men to a van where they were loading the last bit of your things.

“How can you do this?” you asked in an oddly calm voice, sadness tinging every word as you looked at the man in the suit.

“Here. This should more than compensate you for your trouble,” he tried, handing Jane a check.

“I can’t just buy replacements at RadioShack! I made most of this equipment myself!”

“Then I’m sure you can do it again.”

“And I’m sure I can sue you for violating my constitutional rights!” Jane yelled.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Foster, but we’re the good guys.”

“So are we! I’m on the verge of understanding something extraordinary. And everything I know about this phenomenon is either in this lab or in this book and you can’t just take this with--”

At that, another man in a suit grabbed Jane’s prized journal and tossed it in the van and closed the doors.

“Hey!” she said and you held her back.

“Jane,” you tried.

“Thank you for your cooperation,” he said before disappearing around the side of the van, making you feel hollow. Weeks of research. Weeks of work. Hours upon hours of math -- gone. How could the world be so cruel? At this point you weren’t sure what to do. The ethical thing would be to stay with Jane and help her rebuild her research, but you needed funding. Maybe some labs back in NYC would have an opening. Maybe Tony would take pity on you and --

Your phone began ringing and you stepped away to answer it.

“Hey, Shannon, could we talk later? I’m kind of in the middle of something…”

“Yeah, so am I,” she said with a knowing tone. “It’s called being in your city, well, town. You can’t call this a city.”

Your eyes lit up and some form of warmth refilled your body. Between saying goodbye to the strange Thor and losing your work, you needed something like this. You looked out of the wide windows of the lab into the streets of the town, expecting to see Shannon just standing there.

“You are? Where?”

“I’m on my way back into town, actually,” she corrected. “Wanna get some coffee?”

“Of course,” you said. “Meet me at Izzy’s Diner.”

You grabbed your purse and told the three researchers you’d be back. You left the lab like your heels were on fire and skated into the diner. You ordered a coffee and a plate of toast. About ten minutes later, Shannon emerged and a giant grin grew on your face. Within an instant you jumped up and wrapped her in a tight embrace, really needing your best friend.

“So what the hell are you doing here?’ you asked quickly, and excitedly, with a dash of strong curiosity.

“Did you hear about that satellite crash? About fifty miles west?” she asked, leaning forward on her arms.

“Yeah, kinda,” you said.

“It’s not a satellite. But anyway, Tony wanted me to investigate. Grab some readings off of it, so we can study it. I got there early this morning got my data, and then the SHIELD goons showed up, so I hightailed it. I pretended I was a tourist. Tony gave me this nifty watch that lets you read from a distance of 100 feet." She went to show you the tool but you shook your head and lowered her hand.

"That's great, but...SHIELD showed up and took all of our data."

"All of it?" she asked, shocked.

"Every bit. Just now. We saw them load it and haul it away," you noted, the sorrow in your voice not hidden as your eyes dropped to your plate.

Shannon sank back in her chair. "That's a bummer. I was going to ask you if you had anything I could bring Tony. I knew you were working in that area. I was hoping you had swiped some info."

"I've got something small but... not here," you said, glancing around.

"Right." She nodded.

"So how is Tony?" you wondered, wanting to get your mind off the bad events.

"He's... you know... Tony," she said with a laugh, that made you want to return the laugh.

"So he's still a stubborn, egotistical, asshole, genius?" you inquired.

"Bingo."

"And has that asshole-genius asked you out yet?" you asked with a quirk of your eyebrow.

"What? No," she responded, blushing, covering part of her face with her hand as if Tony were in the room now and could hear. "We aren't like that, okay? He doesn't like me like that."

You let out a loud, short laugh. "Oh my god, Shannon. You can bullshit Stark all you want, but me? No. You know damned well that I know how you feel about him."

"Yeah, well that doesn't change the fact that he doesn't like me," she quipped in a whisper.

"It does, because I know he does."

"Oh, and where is your proof?" she asked with a playful mocking face. "Hmm? Please, paint me a picture of how Tony Stark wants to be with his lab assistant."

"The way he looks at you," you said point blank, your tone making it clear it was obvious to everyone. "The fact that he made you lead lab director."

"That's qualifications, Y/N."

"He could've put you on bigger projects. Projects that don't take place inside Stark Tower? Projects that are all over the globe? but what does he do? He sticks you in the same floor, the same main room he works in."

"We are not discussing this," she said firmly, her cheeks getting redder.

"Why not?! He's into you! You should just ask him!"

"I'm not going to ask my boss if he's harboring feelings for me!" she whisper-shouted.

You rolled your eyes and crossed your arms.

"Well if you won't be reasonable, then maybe you'll listen to something crazy."

You launched into how you met Thor and everything he was saying, and you how believed he was telling the truth.

"Wait, let me get this straight. Jane runs over a guy with the research van, and you think he's some Norse God reborn?"

You shook your head. "No, I think he is the Thor. I think he is very old and very powerful."

"What makes you think that? He probably read the same books you did in college but he took them a little too far," she noted.

"No, I'm telling you, Shannon. He talks about this like it's his home. He talks so comfortably about it as if I were to say 'Hand me your phone' or 'Get in the car.'"

"Okay so he's been crazy a long time. Since when do you defy logic and reason?" she challenged, wondering why you were believing a man who was probably insane.

To be honest, you knew how it sounded. You'd been dwelling on it all day since he said his name was Thor last night. But there were too many coincidences for this not to be something weird.

"Since Newton was called crazy, since Einstein was ridiculed, since Copernicus was railroaded."

Shannon started to roll her eyes but you pressed on.

"Come on, you have to admit, it's pretty weird that the night he shows up in the middle of the desert, some weird 'thing' crashed nearby. You saw it, did it look like a hammer?"

She seemed to stall, which meant you were right.

"Well... yeah, but that doesn't mean--"

"Aha! See? I'm telling you... This is the real deal."

"I think you studied that crap too much that you forgot what's real and not real," she muttered.

"Shannon, science is always telling us to broaden our minds, our thinking, our understanding. We've all agreed that it would be wildly arrogant to assume we're alone in the cosmos, why is this any different?"

“Because it’s insane,” she stressed. “You’re talking about magic and realms and teleportation devices.”

“Yes, but thirty years ago nearly all of Tony's inventions would've been called impossible. And now look where he is! Look where science has brought us.”

“Okay, and what if what you’re saying is true? What are you going to do?” she pressed. “You gonna tell everyone? You gonna ask him to take you back with him?"

A small sparkle twinkled in your eye before Shannon began going, "No. Oh no. I know that look. No! Are you mad?"

"Possibly," you said, tilting your head to the side. "But what do I have to lose? I just lost all of my most recent work, he didn't threaten me. The least I can do is ask!"

"Y/N! Y/N!" she shouted as you got up from the table, throwing some cash down and making your way outside. "This is crazy. You don't even know where to find him!"

"Can't be hard in a population of five," you muttered, looking around for him on the street. "I need a car. Dammit. Give me your car," you instructed. "We'll take him.”

“I’m not so sure I want some homeless crazy dude in my car,” she stated as the two of you walked down mainstreet.

“Please? We’re just taking him to that hammer. He said earlier he would tell us information. This way we both get what we want. I can see if he’s telling the truth and you get more data for your boy toy.” You flashed a cheeky grin and began walking again.

“He is not my b-- Ugh! Fine. Only because I love you and I want to prove to you that Norse Mythology is just that -- myth. Something made up for children or for primitive beings with primitive gods.”

“I don’t care what your reasons are so long as you take us,” you said with a smile. Just as you said that, you found Thor inside a pet store. It seemed easy to find him, almost like… Almost like he was a beacon to you. Without even seeing him, you were drawn to him.

You texted Jane and told her where you were going and she said she wanted to take you all, to come along. So, instead of taking the fancy ass car Tony bought Shannon, you took the broken down camper. Jane and Thor sat up front, chatting a bit while you and Shannon caught up some more. You introduced the two of them and set off.

Eventually, talk turned to Thor and his life.

“You’re brave to do this, you all are,” he noted.

“I’m just trying to find answers,” you stated honestly.

“Yes, it seems we all are. But you three maidens seem to be rather clever in this realm. Much like my friends back home,” he said with a fond smile.

“Maidens? Realm?” Jane asked, her voice saturated with amusement and confusion.

“You think me strange?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Good strange or bad strange?”

“I’m not quite sure yet… I’m sorry but, who are you? Really?” Jane pressed.

“You’ll see soon enough.”

“You promised us answers,” she reminded.

“What you seek, it’s a bridge,” he started.

“Like an Einstein Rosen bridge?” she asked, excitement in her voice, meanwhile you began to tingle all over.

“More like a rainbow bridge.”

“A rainbow bridge… like… Like in Asgard?” you questioned.

Thor turned around to try to face you better from his position in the passenger seat. “Yes, exactly. I thought Midgardians didn’t know anything about us.”

“I… I studied your… culture.”

“She means,” Shannon started, “that she studied mythology that happens to sound like where you came from but I’m sure it’s just a coincidence,” she said with a pointed look.

You gave her a look back, before the four of you settled in for the rest of the drive. 

tags: 

@reigningqueenofwords​  @cas-you-assbutt-dean-needs-you​ @winchester-writes @winchesterenthusiast @georgialouisea @deansdirtylittlesecretsblog @dammit-stark​ @livelikeawinchester @sammysbuttcheek @bran2015 @misz-adrii @sandlee44 @womanxofletters @natsuccs @childishhoebinoo  @depressed-moose-78 @oldfreakything@expecteddifferent​​ @girl-next-door-writes​​ @fanaticfanfiction​​ @dakotapaigelove​​ @sassy-spn-knight-of-hell​​

[cbraxs]

Warped [Time Warp Trio Fanfiction] - Chapter 11

Joe would’ve appreciated the chance to admire the glittering deep blue surface of the water before he and his friends got dumped in like a sack of bricks.

Jolts shot through Joe’s veins; his heart went into hyperdrive. He surfaced, hacking up water and probably a lung. The roar of blood in his ears was louder than the waves. He pushed back the hair stuck to his forehead. “Fred! Izzy! Sam!”

Joe looked around for his friends, his heart sinking to the ocean floor when he didn’t see them. “No...”

He was ready to dive and find them when the surface of the river rippled, and his friends all resurfaced, gasping for breath.

Joe let out a relieved sigh. “Thank goodness you guys are alright!”

“Alright.” Fred combed his fingers through soaked curls and righted the skewed crown on his head (seriously, how did that stupid thing manage to stay on his head through the warp?). “Yup, that’s us.”

Sam coughed up a small fish; the look on his face as salty as the sea. “Where are we? Did we warp to the middle of the ocean again?”

Izzy wiped away the hair plastered to her face, green eyes scanning their surroundings in a confused haze. “We’re near Egypt.”

“Egypt?!” Sam looked around like a hyperactive squirrel searching for nuts. “Are we back in ancient Egypt?” He grabbed Joe by the collar. “Tell me this isn’t ancient Egypt!”

Joe surveyed their location, expecting to see pyramids, lush foliage, or some shirtless dudes in white skirts milling around. Instead, there was a muddy shore walled off from the sea, with sparse palm trees wedged between terracotta-roofed buildings. About a half-mile away, ships of various sizes of sailed in and out of a harbor; beside the docks was a rectangular palace atop a crescent-shaped isle.

But the most notable thing was the massive lighthouse sitting on an island, a beacon to the sea the size of the Statue of Liberty. It reminded Joe of the Chrysler building, except blockier.

“The lighthouse at Alexandria,” Sam breathed.

“Sorry, Sam,” Joe said. “Looks like Izzy’s right.”

“What’s so bad about Egypt anyway?” Fred asked.

“You can't be serious?”

Fred couldn’t look more oblivious unless he tried.

Sam’s eye twitched. “‘What’s so bad about Egypt?’ Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because the last time we warped to ancient Egypt we got framed for theft, almost executed, eaten by crocodiles, and our brains nearly sucked out our noses by the high priest Booger!”

Izzy crinkled her nose. “Ew.”

“Oh yeeeaaah,” Fred said. “Forgot about that.”

“How the heck do you forget about that?” Joe asked.

“I have a lot on my mind.”

“Clearly.” Sam slammed his fist in the water in frustration. “This is perfect!”

“Relax, Sam,” Joe said, then immediately regretted it.

Sam turned his glare on him. “Relax?! We wouldn’t even be in this mess if it weren’t for your Book. Why did you even have it with you?”

“I didn’t, I swear! I left it in the box at home. Something or someone must have brought us here.”

“You think it was Anna again?” Fred asked.

Joe shook his head. “She’s on a date with Matthew.”

Izzy rubbed the goosebumps on her arms, but Joe didn’t think it was from the chilly water. “You think it was Mad Jack?”

“No. I’ve been warped by Mad Jack before and it’s a lot… rougher. We were definitely brought here by The Book.”

“Maybe it was the girls,” Sam mused.

“What girls?” Izzy asked.

Something in the distance caught Joe’s eye and saved him from having to explain what Sam meant. A boat sailed towards them, fancier and larger than the others farther back, with a crisp white sail and red hull. Its gold accents glinted blindingly in the sun.

“Later,” Joe said. “Right now, we should get out of the water before any crocodiles and hippos get hungry.”

“Good call,” Fred said.

They shouted and waved to get the attention of whoever was on the boat. Joe was afraid even if the boat noticed them it’d be too late for it to stop, but luckily, well, luck was on their side.

A dark-haired girl spotted them and shouted something he couldn’t make out. A moment later, the bow of the ship steered closer in their direction.

The girl leaned over the boat and cupped her mouth to her hands. “Hold on! The current is too strong for us to stop, but we’re dropping down a ladder for you all!”

The boat slowed as it approached them, and the four of them bobbed in the water like buoys in the aftermath of the wave the ship created. A moment later a reed ladder tumbled down and the four of them scrambled up one by one, the girl helping each of them aboard.

“Are you four alright?” She asked as she assisted Sam over the side of the ship.

The four of them were sopping wet. Their clothes clung to them as they shivered, puddles collecting under their feet. Joe was sure they looked like strays caught in the rain.

“Yeah. Totally,” Fred said. “You got any towels on this thing?”

She knitted her brows. “Tau...oles? No. I am afraid not.”

“It’s fine,” Joe said. “Thanks for saving us back there.”

“Think nothing of it,” the girl said. “How did you all end up in the middle of the Great Green?”

“Great Green?” Fred asked.

Sam leaned to him and whispered, “What ancient Egyptians called the Mediterranean.”

Joe scratched the back of his head. “Um, it’s… a long story.”

She covered her mouth and chuckled. “I do not doubt it.”

A seriously jacked man in a white linen kilt approached the five of them. He eyed Joe and his friends suspiciously then said to the girl, “Your Highness. If I may have a moment of your time...”

The two of them walked away, speaking with each other in hushed tones where Joe couldn’t hear. He was able to take in how strange the girl was. For starters, her clothes didn’t scream “ancient Egypt”. Her robe stopped at her ankles, accessorized with a violet shawl and thin gold belt. More gold was in her curly chocolate hair, fitted in a hairband. She reminded him of a Roman statue.

“Did you hear that?” Sam asked Joe as he tried, to no avail, to dry his glasses with his damp shirt.

“I can’t hear a thing they’re saying.”

“No, I meant earlier. He called her ‘Your Highness.’ Do you think she might be–”

“Green Fish!” the girl called as she strolled her way back over to them. “If you all could do me a favor and face us. I have something I need to convince Ahmose of.”

They looked at each other in confusion. Joe shrugged and turned, the others following suit. “Uh, yeah. Sure.”

Ahmose scrutinized them one at a time as if he was trying to place something in their faces. When he seemed satisfied he moved on to the next.

But he stopped at Izzy, eyes narrowed as he looked her over. She averted her eyes and let out a nervous chuckle.

After a moment, he turned back to the girl, apparently satisfied. “I apologize, Your Highness. It seems you are correct. The Green Fish do bear an… uncanny resemblance.”

The girls! Joe thought. He had to be talking about them.

“That’s alright, Ahmose.” the girl said. “Please tell the Helmsman to head back to Antirhodos.”

Ahmose bowed and headed off.

When he was out of sight, Joe turned to the girl. “Green Fish?”

She smiled shyly and rubbed her cheek. “I apologize. I should not make fun.” A soft chuckle. “My guests warned you’d arrive in the most, uh, ‘boneheaded fashion’ were their words.”

“Yup,” Joe muttered. “That sounds like our girls.”

The girl clasped her hand as the boat made its way around the lighthouse. “It is a good thing you arrived when you did. You’re just in time for the celebration.”

Fred’s eyes lit up. “A party? You know I’m there.”

“Excellent. However, I will need to provide you all with more appropriate garments since the four of you are... thoroughly drenched.”

Joe was about to decline until he saw Izzy wring a cup of water from her pigtails. “Thank you.”

“So I know it was a ‘no’ on towels,” Fred said, shaking water off his stupid crown. “But what about napkins? I’ll even take tissues.”

Sam pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re still wearing that thing?”

“I spent six bucks in quarters to get enough tickets to win this thing. Of course I’m still wearing it.”

Sam shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Is there a mirror on board so I can show King Fred how ridiculous he looks?” Joe asked the girl, half-jokingly.

She gasped. He didn’t think his joke was that bad.

“King Fred?” she said. “I know that name. Are you, by chance, a descendant of King Fred of Flatbush?”

Sam facepalmed. “You cannot be serious...”

“Please don’t...” Joe begged, but Fred’s ego was already inflated. He placed the crown back on his head and smirked. “As a matter of fact, I am.”

The girl bowed. “Forgive me. I had no idea I was in the presence of someone so important.”

Joe didn’t know who snorted louder, him or Sam.

“Nearly a millennium and a half country of Fred dynastic rule,” she said, clearly impressed. “Truly incredible.”

Sam turned to Joe. “Do me a favor? Go ahead and toss me back in the ocean.”

“I’ve always wanted to know more about the nation of Flatbush.” The girl hugged his arm, which Fred was enjoying. “The library carried very little information on your country. Tell me, what language do you speak?”

“Uh, we speak English.”

She furrowed her brow trying to sound out the word. “Aang-glitch? I haven’t heard of Aang-glitch before and I speak multiple languages. I’ll have to study it.”

Izzy frowned. Sam leaned over and whispered. “Auto translator,” and she nodded. “Ooooooooh.”

“She might want to wait a couple hundred years,” Joe muttered, eliciting laughs from the other two.

“I am very sorry!” The girl exclaimed and faced Joe, Sam, and Izzy. “I never did ask for your names.”

Before Joe could introduce himself, Fred said, “This is Sam, our resident Geek and that,” he waved his hand at Joe, “is our After-Dinner-Entertainment, Joe. And Izzy here is our, uh, erm...”

“She’s a priestess!” Joe blurted. He wasn’t sure where he got that idea from but it sounded good. “Isadora is here to keep King Fred out of trouble.”

Joe ignored the look Fred shot him as the girl nodded. “I see. A priestess of Isis.”

Joe shifted on his feet.“Um, why Isis specifically?”

“My name means ‘gift of Isis,’" Izzy whispered.

Huh. Made more sense than what Joe first thought...

“I’m impressed,” Sam said. “Thutmose ruled over a thousand years ago, and I can’t imagine King Fred would be more than a footnote of a footnote–”

“Hey!” Fred protested.

“–of a footnote. You really must’ve done your research.”

She stood taller, pride in her smile. “Why, thank you, Geek. If I am to rule Egypt alongside my father, I should know her language, her customs, her history.”

“You’re a princess?” Joe asked.

“Of course. I am Cleopatra the Seventh, daughter of Ptolemy the Twelfth Auletes, Pharaoh of Egypt.”

~*~

Cleopatra…

Whenever Joe thought of her, he envisioned a powerful, drop-dead gorgeous woman effortlessly wrapping powerful men around her finger. A woman so unarguably beautiful and charismatic it caused war between nations. He never pictured her as a girl no older than fourteen or fifteen. A girl who looked so normal.

The ship docked at the harbor of the crescent-shaped island next to some smaller similar vessels. Most were vacant, but a few had workers loading and unloading cargo.

They followed Cleopatra off the boat and into a palace lined with columns, reminding him of the fancy banks he’s seen on Wall Street. The sparse amounts of red and blue paint contrasted well with the stark white of the rest of the palace.

The inside was even more stunning. The marble floors were so smooth and gleamy they reflected the colors of the vibrant mosaics that lined every inch of the walls and ceiling.  The air was fresh and scented like roses.

Joe expected there to be more servants in a big palace. The few he did see shot daggers their way when they noticed the four damp teens tracking water on the clean floors.

Cleopatra instructed a servant to gather some new clothes for them as she led them through a maze of halls to a guest room.

“Room” was an understatement. It was the size of four of Joe’s room put together. A bed sat in every corner of the room with a large window overlooking the sparkling bay and the rest of Alexandria.

Fred whistled. “Nice digs you got here.”

“No kidding,” Sam mumbled, eyes drinking in every detail.

Cleopatra beamed. “I’m glad the room is to your liking.”

The servant from before returned and handed them each a fresh set of clothes.

“I’ll let my company know you’ve all arrived.” She grabbed Izzy by the hand and led her out of the room. “Follow me, priestess. I’ll escort you to a more private chamber to change.”

Izzy’s cheeks turned pink. “Yeah, I’d appreciate that…”

Once they left, the boys each picked a corner to change in; the room was spacious enough for each of them to get enough privacy. Joe inspected his new clothes. He got a light red tunic with a brown shawl and sandals. He tried to remember how to wear a chiton. In eighth grade English, their class had an entire unit where they got to study ancient Greek myths and had a dress-up day where their teacher, Mrs. Brown, taught them how to put one on. After fumbling around for a moment he was able to get it right.

“Not that I’m complaining,” Joe said, “but what’s with all the Greek stuff?”

He faced his friends. Sam wore an outfit similar to him, except it was pale and orange instead of red and brown. Fred’s was more elaborate. His chiton was purple striped with gold designs along the hem.

“The Ptolemaic dynasty was Macedonian Greek,” Sam explained. “They ruled Egypt but didn’t really adopt many of their customs. In fact, Cleopatra was the only one in her family who learn to speak Egyptian.”

“Greek, eh?” Fred said, placing his dumb crown over his hat. “Explains why Cleo’s so… pale?”

“Someone should’ve told the Greeks about pants,” Joe said adjusting his clothes.

“I kind of like the extra breathing room,” Sam said.

Joe and Fred just looked at him.

Sam frowned. “What?”

Before they could retort there was a barrage of footsteps in the hall, heading towards their room. Jodie, Samantha, and Freddi barged in. Like them, the girls wore chitons, maroon, yellow, and blue respectively.

“Finally!” Freddi cried. “You guys made it.”

Samantha chuckled and covered her mouth. “We heard you almost drowned in the Great Harbor.”

“What took you so long?” Jodie put her hands on her hip and looked at them like she was impatiently waiting for an explanation.

Joe’s eyes twitched. “Took us so– finally– so it was you guys that brought us here! Wanna explain why?”

“We wouldn’t have needed to warp you guys here if you three didn’t do something stupid with The Book!”

Fred rolled eyes. “How come every time The Book messes up you assume it’s us?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because every time The Book messes up it’s your fault?”

“Also,” Freddi said, pulling The Book from the satchel at Jodie’s side. “It glitches out in your timeline.”

She flipped it open to a flickering green page. The words and letters glitched and flipping all over the page making it completely unreadable. Images bugged and morphed together, creating bizarro collages of people and places. “We haven’t been able to get it to work for a few days.”

Fred shrunk back. “Oh.”

“Whatever happened made it impossible for us to warp back home,” Samantha explained. “I was able to bring you guys here so we could ask you what you did so we can try and fix it, but that’s all we’ve been able to do.”

“Ancient Egypt…” Sam muttered, fingers running through his already unruly hair. “Why does it always break in ancient Egypt?”

“Two times isn’t exactly a trend,” Joe said. “But I think I know what went wrong. Our friend–”

Izzy walked in and Joe lost his train of thought. Her long chiton was the color of her eyes, with a white hem and a golden broach that completed her get up. He’d never seen her hair out of her trademark pigtails before. Instead it was in a messy braid draped over her shoulder.

Izzy froze when she noticed the girls in the room, then smiled shyly. “Hello.”

“Girls, this is Izzy,” Joe said, motioning between them. “Izzy, these are–”

“Can you excuse us a moment?” Jodie said, her mouth forming a tight smile. Before Izzy could respond, the girls pushed them out of the room and down the hall.

“What on earth is she doing here?!” Jodie demanded through gritted teeth.

Joe held his hands up defensively. “Relax, Jodie. Izzy is a friend of ours. This isn't even the first time she's warped with us–”

“Hold on. You two are hanging out now? And she’s warped before? Where did you guys even meet?”

“At school during history class.” Joe shook his head. “What does that matter? Look, Iz is trustworthy. She hasn’t told anyone about time travel or The Book. You can trust her.”

The girls looked at each other and a silent conversation passed between them Joe couldn’t catch.

Jodie sighed dramatically. “Maybe you’re right. We’re overreacting.”

“Pfft, yeah,” Samantha said, forcing the fakest laugh. “It's no big deal.”

“Uh, guys?” Freddi whispered. “This is kinda a huge d–”

Jodie shot her a look and Freddi swallowed the rest of her sentence. “Right. Sorry. No big deal. Not at all!”

Joe looked at his friends and they had their own silent conversation. Something was definitely up.

“Just don’t go bringing anyone else on a warp, okay?” Jodie said.

“We’re not that dumb,” Fred said.

“That’s debatable.” She put the book back in her bag and ushered them to follow. “Come on, let’s get back to the room. We don't want to be rude to your… friend.”

“What about The Book?” Sam asked. “You said it was broken? How are we supposed to get back home?!”

“Relax, Gramps.” Samantha slung an arm around Sam’s shoulder and steered him back to the room. “We’ll deal with The Book later. Cleopatra wanted us to meet up before the party tonight!”

Eventually, with enough convincing, Sam conceded. Joe was cool with staying, and he knew Fred was more than cool with it. So often on warps, something or someone was trying to kill them; being treated like honored guests, getting new clothes, and being invited to a royal party was a nice change of pace. Jodie had The Book on her and as long as she didn’t lose it they could find a way to fix it and get home no problem.

Back in the room, Izzy leaned against the wall, a dark cloud across her face. She noticed them enter the room and perked up. “Hello again. Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine,” Joe said. “Girls, this is Izzy. Izzy, girls.”

“Nice to meet you, girls.”

Jodie scoffed. “We have actual names.”

“Sorry. I know. I mean I know you have names but I don’t know your names, I didn’t mean to… can you go outside and walk through the door again?”

“Ignore her,” Samantha brush past Jodie to shake Izzy’s hand. “Jodie’s just cranky. I’m Samantha, and she’s Freddi.”

Izzy’s eyes lit up. “Oooh. So you’re Jodie! Nice to finally meet you.”

“You’ve heard of me?” Jodie looked surprised but quickly recovered her standoffish demeanor and crossed her arms. “Were they talking about me behind my back.”

“No. Well, yes. But not in a bad way!”

Joe laughed. “Anyway, the girls are our–”

“Cousins!” Jodie blurted, “We're their cousins.”

Before Joe could correct her, Cleopatra walked in the room and fixed them all with a bright smile. “You are all together. Wonderful. Are you ready to leave?”

Fred winked. “You know it, Cleo.”

“Excellent!” She laced her arm around Fred’s. “This way, King Fred.”

The girls looked confused at the exchanged, with Jodie being the most disgusted. “What just happened?”

“It’s better if you ignore it,” Joe said, following Cleopatra and the crowned Duke of Dorks. “C’mon.”

~*~

Usually on a warp, they didn’t get to travel in style. When they weren’t walking (mostly running, they did a lot of running) they got plenty of rides on warships, livestock wagons, and even a tumbrel during a rough trip in revolutionary France. A ride on a horse-drawn carriage as civilians cheers you on was a rarity, to say the least.

They all climbed in, the guys plus Ahmos on one side, and Izzy the girls with Cleopatra on the other. Ahmos had his arms crossed and his eyes on all of them like they were going to snap and kidnap her any second now. Cleopatra and the girls talked as the rest of them gawked through the window at the people and buildings they passed.

“This is so cool!” Izzy beamed like a kid at the top of a Ferris wheel. “How come we don’t do this more often?”

Because more often than not, someone wants us dead, Joe thought, though he didn’t have the heart to kill her buzz.

Cleopatra smiled. “I’m glad you are enjoying the city.”

“Way nicer than the last two times.”

Jodie shot a dubious look Izzy’s way. “What happened the last two times?”

Izzy blushed. “I ran into some unpleasantness with someone… unpleasant. It was nothing big.”

Jodie didn’t look satisfied with that answer.

Cleopatra put a hand over her heart. “I’m sorry to hear that. I promise you nothing like that will happen on this trip.”

Sam knocked on the wooden side of the carriage.

“So where’s your Needle?” Fred asked Cleopatra.

She frowned. “Pardon?”

“You know, that big pointy thing, looks like the Washington Monument.”

Sam leaned over to Fred as Izzy distracted Cleopatra from his hair-brained question. “Actually Fred–”

Fred facepalmed. “Please don’t–”

“Cleopatra’s Needle is three different obelisks; one in Paris, one in London, and–”

“There one in New York,” Joe said. “You know? Where we live.”

“I know that,” Fred snapped. “I’ve been to Central Park. But it was here originally, right?”

“The original Obelisks were in Heliopolis,” Samantha explained. “Well, the London and New York ones were, the one in Paris used to be at the entrance of Luxor’s Temple.”

“It’s funny,” Freddi said. “I almost forgot there used to be a needle in New York.”

“Freddi!” Jodie hissed, a nervous glance shot Izzy’s way.

Freddi slapped her hands over her mouth. “Sorry! I meant... York! In England. There’s no needle there, no siree. Nope”

Jodie sighed and palmed her face.

Okay, Joe needed to ask what the heck happened to the needle in New York in the future, but he didn’t want to draw Izzy’s attention to Freddi’s slip up. Jodie wanted Izzy to believe they were cousins for a reason. He trusted her judgment, even though he didn’t see the big deal in Izzy knowing the girls are their great-granddaughters. Izzy’s seen enough weird stuff to take any news in stride.

“I wish I could show you all more of Egypt today,” Cleopatra lamented. “I recently returned, and I wanted to show you all one of my favorite places: the Library of Alexandria.”

“You wanted to take us to some library?” Fred asked in disbelief.

“Not just any library, King Fred. The Library of Alexandria: the largest collection of knowledge in the entire world. Anything you could possibly want to know is there.”

“Oh, wow. Bummer.” Fred noticed Cleopatra’s sullen look and cleared his throat. “I mean, there’s always next time. It’s not like the Library is going anywhere.”

Cleopatra smiled at him. The girls and Sam exchanged looks.

“Who wants to be the one to tell him?” Samantha asked.

~*~

The Ptolemies knew how to throw a party. People in greek robes and Ancient Egyptian clothes filled the room, mingling and laughing and eating delicious smelling food. The alluring scent of meats, veggies, and fruit drifted through the air as soft music soundtracked the evening.

Like the rest of the party, Joe and the others laid on personal beds with tables in front of them. Cleopatra set the seven of them up in their own section, making sure to sit Izzy next to Fred. “It’s proper for a priestess to sit by her king.” Afterwards, Cleopatra had to join her family but promised to check in on them later in the evening.

Servants came by, making sure to serve Fred and Izzy first. Their plates were filled with bread, cheese, fish, roasted duck, dried fruits, and boiled vegetables. Joe, Sam, and Fred wasted no time chowing down. The girls (namely Jodie) shot them disgusted looks, but it wasn’t their fault the last meal they had was two thousand years ago.

“Sooo, you’re the priestess?” Freddi asked Izzy.

“The same way Fred’s a king,” Jodie muttered under her breath.

Izzy scratched her cheek, embarrassed. “That’s the story. But I honestly doubt I’m actually worthy to be a priestess.”

“Yeah, right,” Fred flashed a grin at Izzy. And nudged her shoulder. “I don’t know anyone more priestess-y than this one.”

“There’s a list of forty-two sins you have to swear you’ve never done in order to be a priest and I feel like I’ve done at least six of them…”

Joe smirked. “Is one ‘Thou shalt not swipe candy bars from vending machines’?’”

Izzy’s cheeks flushed as she mumbled for him to hush. Everyone chuckled and they spent dinner talking and laughing. It’s been too long since they’ve seen each other and it was nice to catch up. The girls got along well with Izzy; she was shy and a little awkward like Freddi and liked nerding out with Samantha over historical facts.

Well, all but one of them got along with her. Jodie didn’t engage with her and jumped to another conversation went Izzy joined in. Joe tried not to read into it, Jodie and Fred used to argue all the time and Joe thought they hated each other, but that was just their version of friendly banter. Their Ice Queen just has to warm up to her.

Freddi was finishing the story of the last time the girls had been to Ancient Egypt when Izzy asked, “So how do you guys time travel?”

“We use this beauty.” Samantha pulled out her golden pocket watch and dangled it from the chain.

Izzy ooohed and ahhed. “How does it work?”

“Occasionally. I modified this one from a normal pocket watch without the use of magic. But most time machines work via magic or a combination of magic and technology–”

“Samantha,” Jodie chastised. “Don’t bore Isadora.”

“She’s not,” Izzy said.

“Trust me. You’re bored.”

Izzy twisted an earring, suddenly very interested in her plate.

“What’s your problem?” Fred asked.

Jodie blinked innocently. “What makes you think I have a problem?”

Fred was about to retort when his attention was pulled away by Cleopatra, who smiled and winked at him from across the room. He waved back like a lovestruck dope.

Jodie rolled her eyes. “Could you not drool all over Cleopatra at the dinner table. We’re trying to eat.”

Fred waggled his eyebrows and put his cup to his lips. “Why? You jealous?”

“Uh, Fred,” Sam said. “I wouldn’t–”

But he was too late. Fred’s face contorted in disgust and he gagged, coughing so loud he drew in looks from people at other tables.

“Ug!” Fred wiped his mouth with the back of his fist. “It’s wine? I thought it was grape juice.”

Freddi laughed and handed him a cloth napkin. “You’re not entirely wrong.”

“Not that this party isn’t great,” Joe said, “but what are we supposed to be celebrating?”

“We’re commemorating Ptolemy’s return to Egypt and overthrowing of Berenice, Cleopatra’s older sister.”

Izzy’s knife splattered on the floor with a loud KLAK! Her lip curled, like she had a stomach ache. “Oh...”

“You okay, Iz?” Joe asked.

“Y-yeah. Sorry… I should’ve figured it out. After the Pharaoh returned from Rome, he had his daughter… executed.”

The warm and lively atmosphere was suddenly cold and stale. Sam pushed his plate away as if he’d suddenly lost his appetite. “She’s right. When Berenice took over, Ptolemy took Cleopatra and fled to Rome to get help retaking the throne. Remember how she said she missed Egypt earlier? I don’t know how I didn’t realize earlier.”

“Why are you guys hanging around this?” Fred asked.

Jodie huffed. “We would’ve left by now if you dorkbots didn’t wreck–” A nervous glance at Izzy. “I mean, we were supposed to be gone already.”

“That’s how the Ptolemies were,” Samantha explained. “They got rid of whoever was in the way of the throne. Berenice herself had her mother poisoned and her husband strangled.”

“That’s… messed up,” Joe said. “But at least Cleopatra was better, right?”

The look on his friends’ faces told him otherwise.

“We can’t judge too harshly,” Freddi said, breaking the solemn silence. “We’re in the first century, B.C. The people here have a whole different set of morals than us. And if you grow up in a family like that, well...”

“Enjoying the party?”

Cleopatra approached them and looked them over, gracing them with that charming smile of hers.

“Great party Cleo,” Fred said. “Even if the reason behind it was horribly gruesome.”

She giggled. “I’m glad all is to your liking, my Majesty.”

Fred’s ego grew three times its size. Samantha leaned over to Jodie and asked, “Why is she still hitting on him?”

A glance Izzy’s way. “Better than the alternative.”

Izzy spun her earring. “Not to challenge the Pharaoh's decisions, but is… you know, really the way to deal with this? Can’t Berenice get probation or house arrest?”

Cleopatra frowned at Izzy, her bright eyes now dark and unreadable. “Thank you for your concern, priestess, but we must do what is befitting of her crimes. When I rule with my father, we’ll have to undo all the damage Berenice did. And what my family has done to Egypt for years...”

She shook her head and clasped her hands. “But enough of that! I am very interested in seeing the After-Dinner-Entertainment.”

Joe jumped at being suddenly called out. Everyone was staring at him expectantly. He momentarily felt nervous under their gazes but them he steeled his nerves. Joe was never one to disappoint (despite what his friends said about his tricks). An important rule of show business: never let them see you sweat.  

He stood tall and cleared his throat. “Certainly, your Highness. Ladies! Gentlemen! False Kings. I, Joe the Magnificent, am proud to present to you this display of my incredible powers! For this trick, I will need a piece of paper.”

The others patted themselves down and came up empty, except for Sam, who pulled something from his robe and hands it to Joe. “I have a dollar.”

“That’ll do.” Joe smoothed out the dollar and ripped it in half.

“Hey!” Sam protested.

Izzy frowned. “Wait, that’s illegal.”

Joe winked at her and ripped the dollar in half again. “Just watch.”

He grabbed the nearest candle and paused for a dramatic flair– really though, he was trying to remember how to do this without singeing his fingers. Again. He would swipe his mom’s candles and practice this in his room at night, getting it right only once. So many sacrificed dollars… His stomached churned at the thought of failing in front of expectant royalty and his skeptical friends.

Joe caught Izzy eyes for a second, alight with excitement. Her smile made him forget his previous doubts, and he took a deep breath.

He burned the corners of the destroyed dollar, the edges turning a sooty black. He ignored Sam’s whines as he flicked the flames and ashes away and rubbed the burned pieces with his fingers. Once the smoke was gone, Joe pinched the corner of the dollar and shook it open, the bill intact once more. He brushed off the soot and pulled it taut as proof of his trick, a big grin spreading across his face.

“Ta-da!”

Jaws dropped and eyes bulged. Izzy was the first to clap and the others followed suit. Even people from other tables (who Joe didn’t notice) applauded him. He couldn’t help but puff his chest in pride.

“Thank you, thank you,” Joe said. “I’ll be here all night, make sure to tip your waitresses.”

There were some snorts and eye rolls mixed in with the laughter.

“Astounding,” Cleopatra breathed. She took the dollar from him and stared at it in wonder. “I wish to study this further.”

Sam stared wistfully at his dollar. “But that’s my…”

Joe put his hand on his shoulder. “We’ll get you another one when we get back.”

A grumbled, “If we get back...”

A deep voice cut through the atmosphere. “A mighty fine show, After-Dinner-Entertainment.”

A tall man wearing a golden headdress with robes to match stalked over to them. Gold rings and necklace fitted with red and blue stones adorned his hands and neck. He exuded an aura, not necessarily powerful and commanding, but something like, “I’m the one in charge here. Don’t like it? Tough.”

The Pharaoh’s smile didn’t tough his eyes. “A truly impressive act from our foreign friends.”

“Uh, thanks,” Joe said.

The Pharaoh nodded and turned his attention back to his daughter, his stone-cold look softening greatly. “Are you enjoying your time with your guests, louloúdi mou?”

“Very much, father.”

“Thank you once again, Pharaoh, for inviting us and our friends to this party,” Jodie said in that saccharine tone when she was trying to impress others.

Another nod. Joe got the impression the Pharaoh wasn’t all that thrilled to have them there. They’d (read: Fred) have to be extra careful to be on their best behavior.

Just then, one of the guards hurried over to them, sweating like he’d lost something deadly important. It was Ahmose, Cleopatra’s guard from earlier.

“My Pharaoh,” he huffed. “I have some terrible news–”

“Can’t it wait until after the celebration,” the Pharaoh said with a barely held back sigh.

“I’m afraid not. It’s about Berenice. She escaped captivity.”

[umbralogia]

I watched 3x18 and hated how Alec ruined his first Halloween with Magnus so I fixed it.

Magnus does everything he can to tease Alec-- including dressing Simon up as his favorite Shadowhunter.

(read on ao3)

The cat ears of his headband twitched a little as he reached up to touch them. They were perfect, somehow he had managed to keep the sparkling glitter when he had cast the spell and it only made his eyeliner pop all the more. Magnus smiled to himself and fixed his coat again, adjusting it to better suit the slowly moving cat tail he had jinxed to himself.

The front door opened, Magnus knew it was Alec and he watched as the ears on top of his head shifted to stay attentive to the noise. He placed his hand to his face to hide his widening smile. Of course, his magic was tied to his emotions and feelings, but this was flawless.

“Hey, you ready?” Alec said from the hall, more than likely stunned by the mass of decorations that covered every surface. He fought through some of the fake spiderwebs and shivered at the sensation of them in his hair. “Whoa,” he murmured.

Magnus turned slowly in a circle to show off his handiwork.

Alec took a few careful steps forward like he was afraid that the image in front of him would fade if he rushed. “Can I?” The rest of his words caught in his head, but Magnus could see the curiosity in his boyfriend’s eyes.

“Only if you let me dress you,” Magnus said softly, almost in a purr. He let his glamor drop and blinked up at Alec, then closed his eyes as he felt Alec’s fingers brush against the magic of the cat ear headband.

“And a tail?” Alec asked, his voice soft and close, playful. Magnus hadn’t realized that his hands had come to rest on Alec’s hips until he felt the urge to pull the Shadowhunter closer.

“Meow,” Magnus whispered with a small kiss. He pulled away before Alec could reach him for another. “Will you wear color for me tonight?” Magnus asked, backing away to the closet door. “Or should we stick to black?”

Alec’s eyes didn’t leave Magnus’s face, he was still absolutely spellbound. “I’m technically still on patrol tonight,” he admitted, his hands disappeared behind his back, but he stood too casual for Magnus to say anything about being in parade rest.

He opened the door of the closet with a small wave of his finger. “Black it is,” he said to himself as he looked through what he had considered wearing himself. “This?” Magnus asked, pulling out a dark frock coat with beautiful ruby embroidery along the sleeves. He tossed it onto the bed.

Looking through old clothes had always been a fun way to waste time. Magnus had spent far too long trying to find his own outfit-- some dark, slightly modified Victorian attire he had worn only once to a wedding rehearsal long ago. He had considered outfits from the French Revolution, his small stint in India, the Civil War, and so on.

He took out a pinstriped jacket he couldn’t even remember wearing and tossed it to Alec, who looked absolutely dashing in a frock coat just a little too small for him. He caught it and tossed it back.

“No.”

“Just wear it and say something about swimmin’ with fishes,” Magnus chuckled, still holding the jacket.

Alec took off the frock coat with a slight pout and placed it back on the hanger before handing it to Magnus.

He took it and placed it back into the closet. “I know, I’ll do your hair like it was when we met, and you can sit across the bar and frown at me, and I’ll flirt with you incessantly, it’ll drive your family insane, it’ll drive me insane, I’ll undress you in the alley behind the Hunter’s Moon and we probably won’t even make it home before--”

“If you continue, I’ll undress you right here and we’ll never get to your party.” Alec let his fingers brush through Magnus’s hair, softly touching the ears of his headband. He moved in and kissed him not so chastely.

Magnus took a deep breath. “You’re going as a vampire.” He whispered and reached into the closet to grab another dark Victorian coat like his own. “Simon will love it.”

Alec slipped the coat off the hanger and pulled it on, Magnus adjusted the fit without even snapping his fingers. It was black and sparkled in the light. “If you think getting me out of here is going to stop me from wanting to get you out of that, you’re wrong.”

“We’ll be with your sister, darling.”

Alec huffed a slight sigh and put his phone and stele into the pockets of the frock coat as Magnus gave him another kiss. He pulled back at the feeling of magic on Magnus’s tongue and lips. He pulled back at the chill of the charm.

“You have a glamor now, too.” Magnus smiled a little wider, hoping that Alec would understand that fangs were what made him a vampire, not the old coat.

Clary was dressed up as a movie character.

Alec had done his best to make good guesses over the course of two or three drinks-- Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, the girl who was murdered in the first episode of Twin Peaks, the redhaired woman from Scooby Doo.

“Magnus, I don’t know how you can associate with someone who’s never seen ‘Titantic’,” Clary said with a huff and a slight toss of her curly hair.

“The movie about the boat?” Alec asked, turning to Magnus. They had seen it together, and Alec knew that whatever the protagonist’s name was, should’ve been somewhere in his list, but he felt that it wasn’t his fault.

Magnus nodded, sipping his martini. “The one where we stopped because we were both so angry,” he turned to Clary to tell her his opinion, but she had turned away, so he met eyes with Jace, who was dressed as Jack. “They both could’ve fit on the door.”

“Oh, so you’re the one who drowns then,” Alec said, meeting his parabatai’s confused glances.

Jace looked himself over and pulled at his button-down shirt and suspenders. He smiled a little and took a sip of Alec’s drink. “Yeah, his name is Jace, too, right, Clary?”

“His name is Jack!” She nearly shouted. Clary slipped down from the bar stool and picked up her skirt so she wouldn’t trip over it. “I’m going to go find Simon.”

Jace set Alec’s drink down on the bar. “Hey, don’t get too drunk. We still have patrol.”

She waved him off, her eyes searching through the crowd of downworlders and shadowhunters for her best friend. Clary huffed and rested her hand on the bar stool she had just climbed down from.

“Over there,” Magnus gestured vaguely towards Isabelle, who was sitting across the bar with Simon and chatting with Maia as she mixed drinks. He turned away quickly, a laugh hiding somewhere in his eyes and brought his hand to rest against his lips. He looked at Alec, as though he expected him to say or do something.

Alec squinted a little and looked off towards Simon and Isabelle, hoping to find just what Magnus had looked at. “What?”

Jace burst out laughing before Alec could even realize what was funny. “Don’t kill him.” He hit Alec on the back amicably before stepping away to find Clary in the crowd as she made her way to Simon.

He already knew Simon and Izzy were a thing. Of course, he didn’t really approve, but his approval didn’t mean anything to Izzy and he never expected it to. He wondered if Simon was doing something… scandalous, if that was why everyone was snickering, or if he was sneaking in kisses, or something else equally embarrassing, at least for him.

Simon. His dark hair was brushed back kind of weird, Alec supposed, and he was wearing leather, but nothing else really stood out to him as weird. He looked to Magnus who was still chuckling to himself.

“What?” Alec asked.

“Nothing.”

“No, it’s something, what’s going on?”

Magnus finished the rest of his drink with a quick swallow and moved Alec’s drink closer to him. “In a moment, you need to enjoy this right now.” He smiled a little, obviously trying to be a distraction.

Alec took a small sip and looked beyond Magnus towards Simon.

Clary had found a place beside him, and Jace beside her. Izzy and Clary started to talk, probably about clothes. Izzy was wearing something small and mostly black with a red cloak resting over her shoulders. Clary reached for the cloak.

“Okay, what’s funny?” Alec said after another quick sip.

Magnus motioned for Maia to refill their drinks. “Love, the love of my life, the stars in my sky, it’s Halloween, and mundanes, or rather ex-mundanes, don’t have any class, and you know that I love you with every ounce of my being.”

“You did something.” Alec couldn’t help but smile, just a little. It was impossible to be angry at Magnus with him holding his hands so carefully, flooding the conversation with compliments he knew would only make Alec blush.

“I might have, yes.”

“What did you do?”

Magnus looked over towards Izzy and the others. His eyes connected with Simon and he nodded.

The daylighter crossed the room with a smile on his face and a hand pressed to the side of his neck. He looked nervous, but couldn’t stop flaunting his fangs. “Oh, hey, Alec, you look great.”

“He’s a vampire,” Magnus said casually.

Simon chuckled a little, “you make a nice vampire.”

Magnus reached for Simon’s hand and pulled it away from his neck. A dark block rune was marked on his neck, smudged a little, obviously the same kohl that Magnus put on his face.

Alec could only sigh. And try to keep a straight, deadly serious face.

“Pretty nice, right?” Simon rolled up his sleeves. “Check it, even got the angelic rune right.”

“Yeah.” Alec stared at the dark marks on Simon’s arms, all of them in the same spots as his own. “Wonderful.” He looked to Magnus, a hint of a smile still on his lips.

“Magnus did it. He did it from--”

“That’s enough, Sheldon.”

“You know my name, you’re basically my--”

“Solomon.” Magnus’s smile faded and he met Simon’s eyes.

Simon clicked his tongue and walked back to his place between Izzy and Clary. Izzy met Alec’s eyes and gave him a look of approval for letting Simon leave the conversation unscathed.

Alec took Magnus’s hand and stepped down onto the floor. “So, you did that from memory?” He asked, leading Magnus through the party.

“I had some help.”

“Yeah?”

“The photos we took in Prague,” Magnus said, quickening his pace as Alec continued to lead him through the Hunter’s Moon. They slipped through the kitchens into the alley.

Alec pulled him close, almost making him stumble. “The defense rune was on the wrong side.” He whispered, kissing Magnus so hard he had to take a step back to balance himself. “You trace my runes all of the time, like every morning,” Alec kissed him again, just as passionately and slightly out of breath.

Magnus smiled and kissed him back, making himself a little lightheaded. “Are you angry?”

Alec kissed him, hard. Magnus gripped Alec’s jacket to steady himself and giggled.

“We didn’t even--” Alec cut him off again with a kiss that made him giggle again. “We didn’t even get a photo.”

“You knew you weren’t going to get a photo the second you did that,” Alec murmured, his hands already pulling at the buttons of Magnus’s coat.

“You have patrol--”

“Simon’s problem now.”

[lovehatinganime]

Koumi/Mishiro headcanons

This is how I imagine the process that lead Koushiro and Mimi to start dating, trying to make it as close to canon as I can. Some, seeing how long and detailed this post is, will wonder why didn't I make a proper fic out of it. Well, let`s just say I'm lazy.

First of all, Mimi and Izzy are the same age thus, they have known each other for quite a long time... 

Childhood

I imagine them being in the same grade but different classes. 

I am assuming boys didn't  leave poor Mimi alone even back then.  

In some cases it was the classic `when you like a girl, being a dick and getting on her nerves will get her attention´ (which is hella toxic by the way. I never understood the logic behind this mentality. Nevertheless, it is, indeed, something that happens at a young age).

Others did it just because they didn't like her super girly personality and had a great time playing pranks on her. Maybe they tried to scare her off, hiding bugs in her suitcase or idk, that kind of stuff (is funny how I always think of kids as super awful and annoying little shits).

The thing is, Izzy was an exception because he was always in his own world and couldn`t be bothered by all those childish games. She found him very interesting (Mimi is the most individualist digidestined and it makes sense for her to enjoy people who are out of the norm).Someone not paying attention to her was something completely new for Tachikawa. At first, she used to really like it. 

She could just approach Koushiro to have some peace and quiet when she needed it, which wasn't often. Mimi is an extrovert and can totally handle people. However, if someone was just too mean, she did need some space to go and just cry her eyes out. That is when she always went to the room where Izzy used to expend recess on his own. 

Even if Koushiro didn't react (sometimes he wouldn't even notice her) little Mimi thought it was better than being completely alone.That`s why she started defending him when others said he was a weirdo for always carrying his computer everywhere. 

Eventually, it reached a point where Mimi felt she was going after him all the time, trying to get his attention and miserably failing. 

Insert the digimon adventure timeline here, where she gets mad at Izzy for ignoring her.

Of course, the experience in the digiworld makes their bond stronger, as it happens with all the others. However, I believe that, when they finally got back to the real world, Mimi and Izzy parted ways soon after the summer. I mean, in Digimon Adventure she is shown to have her own group of friends. Koushiro would not fit in there and probably kid Mimi wouldn't even try to drag him in.

They used to greet each other and talk a bit more than they did before, but that is all.

Teenage years (while Mimi is in the U.S.A.)

At some point, Mimi went through a really bad phase and felt so lonely over there. She tried to get in touch with her primary school friends but most never answered back, so she decided to try with the digidestined.

Tk and Kari weren't an option as they are younger, probably they wouldn't t even have a phone or own computer at the time.

She didn't rely on Matt neither because, honestly, they are the ones who have less direct one on one interactions and I plainly don't see him over the phone, comforting someone miles away (at least not her. They are so different. Maybe Yamato, who is so perceptive, would indeed notice Mimi is not all right. However, I definitely don't believe he would be able to make her feel better).

Her choice was to contact the three she was more close to, which are Jyou, Taichi and Sora.

Jo-senpai, as she likes to call him; answered every text but had very little time to keep up with the conversation, so Mimi stopped regularly writing him because she didn`t want to be a bother. They would make brief calls in specific ocasions such as New Year, birthdays or to inform the other when they achieved something important.

Tai and her started communicating quite a lot after her initiative. It was in a really random way, tho. Mostly because he is a mess and falls sleep in the middle of a conversation or doesn`t answer messages in ages. It is nice when they do talk, however, he is so clueless and provides 0 help when Mimi is sad or needs some kind of advice. 

Enter Sora Takenouchi. She nails it. Mimi and her are best friends in the distance. 

One day, while Mimi and any of the aforementioned are chatting, Koushiro`s name appeares in the conversation and for the first time in forever, she remembers about him. 

The inflexion point

As a consequence, Miimi decided to write him (I am not sure if this would be in an impulse or after some time of deliberation). Surprisingly, this ended up being a great idea. Izzy was less shy with a screen in between. He becomes the one she keeps more in touch with (besides Sora), their most common contact via being the e-mail. 

When she visits...

They spend a considerable amount of time together. 

They learn to be very comfortable in each other`s company. 

Their friendship is strange yet strong. 

Basically what is portrayed in the movies.

When Mimi comes back for good (late adolescence) 

Inflexion point number two

Izzy discovers her attraction and feelings for Mimi. 

He clearly doesn't believe she likes him back, so he is stuck in between trying to impress her (example: dressing better) and repressing his crush.

He is afraid of rejection and the chance of blowing everything (they share friends, is a bad place for things to get twisted)

As a result, he becomes super anxious when she gets close to him (similar to what we see in the tri ovas) and avoids meeting her alone. 

Mimi notices his strange behaviour, tries to directly address it, gets nowhere because Izzy runs away.

She starts asking around, but nobody wants to be the one to spill the super obvious truth.  

The Tachikawa girl becomes suspicious and suddenly, one random afternoon hanging at the Yagami/Kamiya`s she just says:

“... I believe Izzy likes me”

Tai (the only one oblivious enough not to know) gets super excited: that`s my boy, let`s make this happen! 

But Hikari is all: I don`t think that´s true.  

Here the princess gets slightly offended and is determined to prove the younger girl wrong. 

That is how the two trouble master minds (Taichi and herself) create a plan to prove the `Kou is head over heels for Mimi´ theory. 

The Ishida-Takaishi brothers have oppossite opinions (they were also chilling at the household when all this went down).

Yamato believes nothing good is going to come out from it. Still, does not intervene. “This will keep those two busy and prevent them from doing anything against me”.

Meanwhile Takeru remains silent cause he swore Izzy not to tell. He actually likes the idea and thinks of it as good news because Koushiro will finally get what he wants. 

Nobody tells neither Jyou or Sora because they would sure stop all the fun, I mean, nonsense.

All the digidestined have a party, alcohol included (let`s be real) and somehow Tai corners Koushiro into some kind of truth or dare in which he has to confess his feelings for Mimi or kiss her or whatever. It works but...

Mimi looks at Hikari and reacts proudly, shouting: I told you he had a crush on me!

Izzy interprets it as this being all a game for Mimi. He believes she is using him, feels ultra humiliated and leaves the party. 

She follows and they talk things through. 

Mimi confesses, something in the lines of “you have been my favourite since 4th grade” and kisses him right away.

They give the thing a try and it all flows slowly but smoothly.  

As far as I'm concerned, that is how they start dating and have a healthy monogamous relationship (because Koushiro clearly could not handle the social effort of having more than one love interest at a time).

Random notes: I'm actually a multi-shipper and is not like Koumi/Mishiro is my endgame, but I must say it has always been my favourite hetero ship for both of them. I wanted to include Takeru as the wingman because is one of the best shits Tri has given us. Sadly, it didn't quite fit the rest. Taichi takes his place cause we all know he is the second wingman in command. 

 Feel free to ask for more stuff like this if you like it!