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need-a-new-hobby · 4 years

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moo shu to go

alright, i remember parts of this episode, and i know there's a jalec conflict (and by jalec i mean purely friendship). i’ll be honest, there isn’t much to comment on except clary’s dumbassery and a jalec conflict. thus, not much to unpack either.

right off the bat, i have a theory. so right after the whole memory demon s*itstorm that happened in the last episode, clary sees the whole vision thing. now they don't really show us what happens after so here's my theory:

so obv, clary yells for jace and gives him the rundown of what she just saw. very conveniently, alec shows up. now, it’s possible that jace yelled for him too, but the more likely and more attractive notion is that he came to apologise to clary about what happened with the memory demon (see previous episode)

after writing this, a more unpleasant theory occurred to me. so in the books, alec threatens clary to not out him to jace. however, i have pushed that unbidden and incredibly unattractive theory out.

alright, so we see the first traces of the jalec conflict emerge here. so as soon as alec hears about valentine speaking to clary through the necklace, you can kinda see him panic a l’il inside. instantly he starts interrogating her a little too aggressively. i love this bit, particularly cause you kinda start to see the shadowhunter part of him.

it’s also part of why i think moo shu to go is one of the more important episodes in the season. you start to see alec on his own, independent of jace.

and clary’s getting hyper again. this matchstick needs to calm down and think. she finally has another possible lead and they desperately need to know where valentine is. on top of that, a nuclear power plant isn’t exactly obvious, but there are identifiable traits in it.

ugh, i need to go to my happy place.

okay, i’m back. clary has unnecessary attitude here. sure, alec’s being abrasive, but he’s trying to help and her emotions are clouding what little she can still remember from the vision. i mean, he asks her what she saw and her only response is ‘valentine has my mother, that’s what i saw.’ like yeah, clary, we know that. anything else?

ofc she likes jace’s idea. except that it would have all fallen apart if raphael hadn’t handed simon over. plus jace’s idea to get to valentine would’ve gotten them killed.

‘vampires. bored, decadent, self-involved vampires.’ ha! raphael would not appreciate that language (though it does explain a lot about camille)

also is she seriously comparing his hare-brained scheme to save simon from the vamps to trying to capture valentine?

‘he can’t be handled by 3 and a half shadowhunters’ i mean is he wrong though?

also jace is just casually holding a spear in the background.

this next scene just unpacks why i love izzy so much.

first off, how well she understands alec. she knows the pressures her older brother’s under but also how abrasive he can be towards others, especially to strangers. which leads into my next point

despite understanding alec’s intentions, she still decided to find clary, knowing the latter probably didn’t understand the consequences. izzy’s empathy in the show makes her so much more likeable than the way she’s characterised in the books.

even more importantly though, she’s shown in the beginning to be this free, wild spirit who doesn’t know what the word ‘consequence’ means. but here you start to see that she does understand the implications of their unsanctioned missions. right here when she talks to clary, you can see how izzy is beautiful, wild, confident and smart but overall just a beautiful soul.

final point on izzy: she knows exactly how to cheer up clary. she knows in this moment, they have no plan, and that they’re gonna need time to figure things out. instead, she gets clary to focus on what her mom is like.

ooh, maryse’s entrance. instant badass vibes. i like it. also kinda terrified.

first of all, whoever came up with costuming and hair did a brilliant job.

second, maryse really offsets jocelyn after we hear about the whole ‘more like a friend than a mom’.

third, the way she brushes past both of them kinda gives you an insight into how the lightwood siblings’ childhood was.

four, why is it that despite alec being the acting head of the institute, maryse instantly goes for jace? guess we’ll see...

‘shadowhunters aren’t big huggers.’ maryse proceeds to hug jace

again window into alec’s childhood with the instant life lesson; ‘You should be prepared, whether you expect me or not’.

also alec’s little ‘I am. We are.’

i feel really bad for alec and izzy right here. let’s recap:

izzy’s getting scolded for having a friend in the downworld, in other words, sleeping with meliorn to get information. clearly maryse doesn’t condone this, perhaps because of the risks or the blatant morality questions that come with this.

alec’s role as head of the institute has turned into the Fairchild babysitter, he’s getting shade for being unprepared and you start to see why alec was so uptight all season.

meanwhile jace, who has limited expectations on him considering that he’s adopted, is seen to be consistently doing well. it’s not really his fault, i presume, considering that he never really had much of the responsibility for the institute. all of jace’s decision are actually alec’s in the eyes of the clave. to them it looks like alec can’t maintain control and is instead approving unsanctioned missions

clary, for some reason, is still involved in their discussion despite this clearly being a lightwood family matter. literally anyone else would have excused themselves. reason #13 why i hate clary fairchild. everything has to be about her.

oh, what a surprise, clary fairchild being shocked by another family’s drama. first of all, personally i was always taught to respect another family’s relationship chemistry. every family is different, every parent has a different style. clearly clary’s mother was more libertarian in her parenting style, which is great for her. except she’s missing the fact where the lightwoods are a high-status family with an institute to run. alec was consistently groomed to follow the rules and take over the institute. clary’s mom was much more libertarian except when it came to clary’s safety. moving on...

‘what did you do to piss off your mom?’ ummmmm.... who’s gonna tell her? oh wait, alec does nvm

‘I'd guess, for a start all the unsanctioned missions on your behalf didn't go over that big with the Clave.’ this little quip along with izzy’s speech before really combine in this episode. hopefully she understands that she’s a part of something bigger than herself with real-time consequences on her new ‘friends’.

okay, i have to admit, i love how jace know something’s up with alec. and that his assumption is that alec threw my leather jacket in the washing machine. again, just with this one line,

alec does laundry which for some reason is really funny

he’s thrown jace’s leather jacket in the machine before

clearly when he did it, jace must have gotten pissed off if he assumes alec’s wounded face is ‘cause of that

okay, i refuse to believe that jace is this dumb. even clary understood that the guy is gay, how is it feasible that jace hasn’t figured this out yet?

alec’s nervous smile after this little scene

i love alec and clary’s fight scene, just cause a) i get to see clary knocked on her ass and that’s just a different kind of joy and b) i feel like it’s so cathartic for alec

also if she’s saying that all a leader does is make decisions, i need to take a very deep breath. the leader is popularly misconceived as aspects of power, popularity, showmanship and wisdom. what a true leader has is vision, long-term planning skills and uses these to accomplish goals. in this setting, we have to add another criterion; protection. alec is meant to be a leader, but he’s still subordinate to the clave. and as for his decisions, clary doesn’t respect them because they don’t service her. alec’s decisions have to be made for the good of the institute, not for clary, another reason why she constantly undermines his authority. on top of that, she expects him to stand up to his mother, which would be perfectly reasonable except for the little, tiny detail in which maryse lightwood is head of the new york conclave. if he debates her decisions, if he doesn’t follow her orders, they’re all screwed. and that’s the difference between him and jace.

that’s not to say jace doesn’t make sound decisions. the way they stormed pandemonium and the hotel dumort with just the 3/4 of them is admirable. but while jace makes sound decisions on each mission, on each battle, alec has to make decisions on the war against valentine.

okay, these next lines should reealy grind my gears but i can’t be mad. so clary essentially tells alec that he needs to find valentine and stop him. ‘i need to find valentine and help save my mother.’ and then he kicks her ass and says ‘you need to work on your defence.’

‘what’s the big thought on not thinking?’ hahaha!

omg my two babies. s1 malec is so adorable. also, ‘you seem... sympathetic.’ really? he’s been alive for centuries and the best he could come up with is sympathetic? and why does the matchstick keep disappearing?

alec just yeeting through the institute to find clary is so funny

‘what’s the point of an invisibility rune if you don’t keep your phone on silent?’ excellent question.

also how did alec know she was at the brooklyn academy of arts? she didn’t leave anything to track so did he just, like, pay attention to who she was and guess? i mean it is canon that he has a fantastic memory for people. book!magnus mentions he loves the beach ONCE and alec remembers it for their wedding. mindblowing! (i’ve just realised how low the bar is)

‘mundanes. look at them. running around like ants.’ i can’t be mad at that. it’s actually very accurate. also, i know where this is going and my heart is palpitating.

oh ma gawd she said it. *face-palm* why would you say something like that? he already doesn’t like you. it’s like she’s trying to get him to hate her. did she actually say ‘busted, no?’ i really wanna slap her. can i slap her? just a l’il?

i mean, at least he didn’t threaten to kill her? i don’t even... i don’t even know what to say. i’ll probably rant about it after.

okay, i have to say this. valentine is smart af. picking chernobyl was genius with the only mundanes around willing to do whatever it takes to cure their cancer. i thought it was genius because noone would think to look there, but this. evil genius. i feel so bad for them.

haha. ‘world’s been ending for a thousand years. you get used to it.’

simon jumps up onto a ladder. ‘have you been doing parkour or something?’

‘climbing a fire escape excites mundanes. i’ll never understand these people.’ as lovely and unoffensive as that sentiment is, it’s a little clunky in my opinion but it’s alec so eh. not really out of character for him.

ooh nooo, simon. alec’s starting to get suspicious.

‘you were engaged? i’m almost certain i don’t want to hear this story’ but... simon tells it anyway.

‘She was protecting you.’ ‘Let's see how well that worked.’ ‘You're alive, aren't you?’ good point

okay, so i have to make one point about my archer boy before we go ahead. i kinda feel like alec’s reeally misunderstood by simon and clary. like the way he treats them is curt, sometimes arrogant and a l’il abrasive. but despite that he really does care about their wellbeing. you can see it in the way he pushes simon out of the way. while simon construes his behaviour as offensive and taking him for granted but i think in reality he’s protecting simon. jocelyn’s been careful enough to burn down clary’s room so there’s reason to believe that there might be booby traps or some kind of protection spell around it. he does it again when they hear something behind them. he just instinctively moves in front of them.

noo, don’t leave them alec. not good. on the other hand, archer boy!!

also they never actually sprint. it kinda feels weird that way they all run, like they’re afraid they’re gonna hit the camera or smth. idk how to explain it.

dear lord, the jalec conflict is coming and i want to curl up into a ball and cry. but also punch a wall at the same time.

so something i wanna address is how clary doesn’t realise that her actions, though they are hers, are attributed to the people around her. she sneaks out of the institute and that action is attributed by jace to alec. in simpler terms, he blames alec for clary sneaking out of the institute which izzy picks up on. ( ‘and yet you’re blaming our dear brother? fascinating’) and alec blames himself for it too, which isn’t great either. reason #31 why i dislike clary fairchild. the consequences of her irresponsible actions fall on the people around her.

my god, jace can be savage sometimes. so something they’ve established later on in the show is that you can only track someone if they’re on land. seeing as clary and simon have been taken to the docks, technically they’re not on land. so obviously the tracking isn’t gonna work, but jace doesn’t realise this (obv, since he doesn’t know or can’t predict she’s on water).

something else i should point out. jace is using a charred sketch to track clary when they have her bag RIGHT THERE.

first he blames alec for clary sneaking out of the institute. then he blames him for her getting kidnapped (which, i have to admit, maybe he should have stayed inside with them and then gone out as a group rather than secure the fire escape which is what he would normally do with jace and izzy). but then he says stuff i can’t forgive him for: ‘Then maybe your mother was right, and your best is just isn't good enough.’ that stings.

‘why do i keep getting kidnapped?’ that’s true. hasn’t the kid been through enough?

haha, inexpensive cocktails.

it always strikes me that these scenes happen after dusk. why? does it really take them that long to get there?

when did they teach her runes?

the way she holds the stele like it’s a wand. ridiculous. ‘you know you can’t cast spells with that thing?’ every time people say patronising stuff like this, i always start getting mad, but then i remember that none of this would’ve happened if she’d just stay put at the institute.

the way luke manhandles her is so funny. she’s like a rag doll.

poor luke. just got beat up by jace for saving clary

izzy is a queen PERIOD. ‘i’m getting seriously sick of saving your life.’ ‘i am not.’ i mean getting kidnapped would be worth it if you got to be rescued by the lightwood siblings.

do they seriously have to keep hugging each other? they’re right outside a werewolf den.

‘i didn’t screw up everything.’ technically he didn’t screw up anything. none of this would have happened if clary had just listened to him.

i also love how the lightwood siblings all instinctively touch simon to pull him back as the werewolves approach.

just the series of dialogues

alec: he’s challenging the alpha

clary: he’s helping us

simon: or cutting in line to kill us.

has clary not watched twilight? it’s like her questions get dumber every episode.

another thing i hate about jace; he says in the beginning that clary is his responsibility but then refuses to clean up her messes, telling alec and isabelle to report back to maryse who is not going to be happy.

the first time i watched the ending i was kinda disappointed. not by the luke plotline, just by the choice of song. soldier, by fleurie, is a masterpiece and i just feel like they wasted such a good song.

well, thank the lord that’s over. i hate watching jalec fight because they’re so good when they’re on the same side. ep 6 coming up

#shadowhunters #alec #alec lightwood #izzy #isabelle #isabelle lighwood #jace #jace wayland #clary #clary fray #clary fairchild #anti clary fray #anti clary fairchild #anti clary #anti jace

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faejilly · 4 years

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I was tagged by @la-muerta & @facialteeth & @thedivinemissema for the WIP/Title Game

rules: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. send me an ask with the title that most intrigues you and interests you and i’ll post a little snippet of it or tell you something about it!

AND THEN by @shadoedseptmbr @msviolacea & @ravenclawnerd for the “stories you want to write... but for some reason haven’t yet”

so this will be a mish-mash of both? The WIPs will mostly have blurbs in this case (to fit the second meme) but you are still welcome to ask follow-up questions, if you’d like ;) Assuming you make it through the list, it is uh. Not Short.

Anyone who would like to play with their WIPs, please consider yourself tagged in either or both of these. :D

Misc Fic Folder:

“untitled document” - where I’m working on fictober fills so I have word-counts for my GYWO tracker. I am not working on these because Brains Are Dumb and also Going Back To Work Is Exhausting

I made a file called “YULETIDE!” which has nothing in it but I’m determined to finish this year so that is definitely technically a thing in the Unending WIP List of Doom worth mentioning. (Tho obviously that’s all I could say even if I had started, because anonymous.)

“coda-fics, rewatch!” -yes, that exclamation mark is important! it’s to keep me motivated! (it didn’t work). Much like untitled, this is for putting stuff so I can do word count tracking even if I don’t know what I’m doing. Currently I think it just says “MARYSE” because I was working on my SH 1x6 coda-fic and then got distracted and haven’t typed anything up yet. (Yay notebooks? Boo notebooks? Not even sure at this point.)

WNIP (works not in progress) Folder:

“TOG” - I had one vivid mental image of how Nicky & Joe met (blood-stained evil smiles?) but then no idea for a follow-up story and also the fandom is insane and I’m not sure I want to deal with all of *gestures vaguely* all that

“Shan Xia Notes” -for a TTRPG that never quite got off the ground; she was a semi-tragic selkie who was still in love with the evil queen/lady who stole her skin and I got to play her for like one session and she was surprisingly chaotic neutral, which wasn’t at all what I’d been expecting. But the game never really got off the ground, so I never had enough info to really delve into writing backstory fic

“post-Kruschev” -Kruschev’s List was the last episode of Scarecrow & Mrs King, and I was debating writing an epilogue in place of the s5 we never got, to try and tie up some loose ends, but the fandom’s three old-ladies in trench coats and I never quite worked up the gumption to get it anywhere

“Code Realize warm as silk sequel” -there is literally nothing in this file except “SEX! Only a little angst” because I wanted to write some “we can’t actually touch each other” smut but never actually did. 🤷‍♀️

BioWare (also all Not-In-Progress Anymore)

“seb/adelaide”, “Theia” & “DAI Erana” -these WIP folders were cannibalized for ficlets for the last few times I did fictober, and while originally I had ideas for longer epilogues for all three of them, at this point I don’t think any of the remaining bits could support a story any longer.

”whispers in the dark” -Maia Ryder never really got much fic at all; the cancellation of any further Andromeda stuff was really disheartening, and at this point I’d have to play the game again, and I don’t think I’m gonna manage that any time soon

”TSP” -a Mass Effect 3 Shepard AU collab project that kind of went off the rails, and our mutual brains/lives never quite seem to line up so we can try and rebuild it ”Ngaio & Tane” -my one truly ruthless Shepard (Alliance background, who romanced Traynor) whose father Tane Shepard was, I think, in PsyOps, and I wanted to figure out their complicated relationship but never really did know where I was going with it

”JE Zu & Yaling” -so I’ve rambled about my Tragic Sagacious Zu Romance Thoughts regarding Jade Empire more than once (#Icy Yaling should have most of it) but apparently I want to yell about it more than I want to actually write it? Whoops.

”CI sequel: 5 times fic?” -Cruel Intentions is a kinkmeme fill that I started and then it sat for like five years before I actually finished it, and I liked the ending, but it does leave a giant fucking question mark in terms of how those people got from there to where they are after the game, and I kind of wanted to write a proper h/c fic rather than just... leaving them wallowing in all that trauma?

But I didn’t. I don’t even remember for sure how I wanted to frame the 5/1 of it all, besides it being something sad about allowing people to see you or touch you in some way. (Prayers maybe, since I think there was definitely some Sebastian & Fenris & faith stuff going on in there.)

“candles” -Merribela prompt fill that I never was happy with? Not sure what I might do with it at this point, so it’s just sitting there all sad and lonely and neglected-like.

Shadowhunters

pt1: WIP LIST ONLY

“Persuasion” -so I keep trying to write Persuasion AUs in many fandoms because it’s my favorite Austen, but I think I like it too much, I have no real solid concept of how I’d transform it, and if I don’t have anything else to say about different characters within that framework, I have no push to actually write anything? Also this SH version of it suffered from MASSIVE scope creep when I started outlining and it got too big for me to handle so I like, killed it twice? Whoops. This one is really probably never gonna happen.

“oosdt sequel” -I wanted to write more about the Forest That Eats People and Magnus & Alec as Guardians Between Worlds, and also some background Magnus’ Found Family & Lightwood Family Feels (maybe some clizzy?) and I left a Madzie plot-thread dangling from the first one on purpose even but I think this one had too many ideas and not enough focus so it’s sort of sprawling all over a doc with a lot of “???” in it

“procedural-ish” -this was originally going to be a sex-farce. and then it turned more serious. and then maybe kind of copaganda which was uncomfortable in terms of the Everything That Is The News in 2020, and then maybe it was more a Mafia AU and at that point I had self-inflicted tone whiplash and I wished the voices in my head were a little more forthcoming about their plans so I stopped before I brained myself on my computer monitor in frustration.

“I had rather a rose than live forever” -I started a reverse!verse Malec (Shadowhunter!Magnus, High Warlock!Alec) for bingo last year, and I couldn’t quite get it together in time, so I made a moodboard inspired by the bits I’d started instead. I may see if one of my prompts from Bingo this year help me finish it?

“fall fright fest (practical magic au)” -exactly what it says on the tin! almost exactly a year old & neglected! IDEK ANYMORE (I talked about this one with the WIP meme last time tho: here)

“priest!kink theology?” -I thought it was gonna be smut? I like priest!kink. I have made other people like it and yell at me even! But then I kept diverging into demon!Magnus thinking about Priest!Alec’s faith and as usual, IDEK ANYMORE *laughs*

(If they’re remotely canon-adjacent or divergent, a bunch of these are in here because I need to rewatch the show to get the pacing/timing/tone right and I haven’t, and I don’t know why, because I enjoy the show, but BRAINS! Are Dumb! So I guess that’s it?)

“I do” -I have tried to write this damnable Malec arranged marriage fic like six different times. I have signed up for fic exchanges and bangs with it, I have rewritten massive sections, trying to change tone or structure or POV or whatever, and it basically comes down to they like each other too fast and I keep not gutting it enough to get back to a useful pace, but by the time I realized that I was on take six and kind of sick of it. I may get back to it eventually

“wing!fic” -canon divergent in early s1, trying to deal with the consequences of Simon’s kidnapping as the Truly Serious Event that it should have been. It uh. Got heavier than I expected with those consequences (considering it was originally just supposed to be Alec’s wings flirting with Magnus) and also see above re: rewatching for pacing.

“2x20 aftermath/date night/pandemonium porn“ -yes that is the actual wip title. It used to be “spite fic” because I was originally inspired by fighting against a lot of fic!Alec characterization that was clearly based more on the books and ATG syndrome than the Alec in the show, which is the Alec I know and like and want to read about. BUT, pacing and etc. again, I think. Also I have somehow entirely lost my knack for writing porn, which makes it difficult to finish something originally intended to be smut!fic. Or even teasing almost!smut.

“rubbish heap” -so this is about three different fics that I realized complemented each other really well so they’re now all in the same file as I try to turn them into the sequel of “with an if in its soul”. It includes amnesia, parabatai lore shenanigans, a s3 rewrite, and some truly awful Owl adjustments that make me wince in horrified authorly delight and pain. BUT, as with the other ones in this file, the scope is large and I normally write short-fic and I kind of just threw up my hands in exasperation. I may have to break it back up into the three different fics instead, if I ever actually want to write it. Them? But also I need to take better notes on s3 to make sure I have what I need in here.

SH Pt 2: Started posting or not yet in hiatus because it’s actually almost ready to be a thing in the real world! maybe!?

“kisses (firsts)” -I actually started publishing this one, a “series of firsts” that was supposed to be kind of relationship milestones and kind of an excuse for smut, and then there wasn’t that much smut and I lost momentum and also dear lords & ladies the timeline is stupid, wtf. I may not ever add to this one, tbqh. It doesn’t stop in a terrible place, and they’re all ficlets so they stand alone all right.

“clizzy epilogue” -this is blank atm, it’s more a reminder for me to keep poking away at my “girls who can’t breathe air, only fire” collection BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO ACTUALLY GET TO THE CLIZZY AT SOME POINT

"mer!alec" -pts 2-4 of a series, but apparently having an actual plan gets in the way of me *writing* the thing, and I haven't managed to throw the half an outline far enough away from my brain to be able to write again. Or something like that.

"ibhww" -if broken hearts were whole is a soulmate fic I started a million years ago, and purposefully set aside to finish some other WIPs because I thought they'd be quick, and now it's just buried under two and a half years of regret and shame so it's hard to get back to it

"iafy" -i am for you is a delightful & frothy semi-epistolary fluff piece that also just lost momentum because Life & 2020 & etc. It's far and away the most popular thing I've ever posted on AO3, which also makes me feel weird sometimes, and I feel like the fact that there's no grand conclusion planned, just a bit more fluff and settling in, might end up being disappointing? Basically, it's the first time I think I've psyched myself out about reader expectations, and until I get over that I'm going to have trouble finishing the last couple chapters. (There really are probably only two more chapters though. IT’S SO CLOSE, I wish I could just... write it. And yet?)

“fake-hating” -I do not like fake dating as a trope that much, I just do not get it, but I love outside POVs and arranged marriages and there’s this delighful tumblr post about how they wished there was more fic about people who were together but had to pretend they werent’, and uh. This may be that? Eventually? I’m not exhausted by my failure to finish it yet, so it’s still in the regular folder rather than the hiatus folder, even though nothing’s been posted for it.

AND I THINK THAT’S IT?

Not as terrible as it could be, but still. MANY WORDS THAT MAY NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY. Posting the equivalent of one’s old ratty sketchbook is always a weird feeling. :D

#on writing #writing memery #unending WIP List Of Doom

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bytheangell · 5 years

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Hey Elle what's up! I've been thinking a lot about Magnus and alcoholism lately and I'm dying for a fic about him working to give that up and Alec helping him through it. Maybe like a post canon AU where Magnus has his magic back and him and Alec are together now? No rush I know you have a lot but I think this is right up your alley and I can't really write it myself right now

catalyst to your own happiness(read on AO3)tw: alcohol, alcohol abuse

It’s no surprise when it comes time for a toast at the wedding that the two grooms are front and center with a champagne fluke full of bubbling liquid, clinking their glasses with impossibly large smiles before taking the first drink. Alec finishes his first and gets an immediate refill, while Magnus nurses his a little longer with smaller sips, drawing it out.

What is a surprise is that when his glass is finally empty he denies his mother-in-law’s offer to top off his drink while she goes to grab another for herself.

“Something else?” Maryse asks instead, motioning toward the expansive bar selection readily available.

Magnus only shakes his head, much to Maryse and Alec’s surprise. “No,” he starts, considering his words carefully. He doesn’t want this to be a big deal… but it is. He knows it, and he’s certain they will, too. He turns slightly to address Maryse. “I meant what I said to you back at your shop that night. Magic or not, I think it’s time I take a little more responsibility for my more… excessive indulgences.”

Maryse, if she’s surprised by this, has the good grace to hide it behind a carefully controlled expression that smiles softly and nods. “Well then, I’m even more proud of you now than I was then. Might I suggest,” she adds quietly. “A little magic to keep that full of sparkling cider? Just to deter a night of unwanted temptations?”

Magnus laughs. “The beauty and the brains of the family, I see. Now I know where Alec gets it from.” He does just that, the glass in his hand no longer empty but full of something that looks exactly like the champagne it once held - except Maryse and Alec know differently.

Maryse catches the gaze of someone across the room and gives a little wave before excusing herself from the newlyweds, leaving Alec alone with Magnus once more. Unlike his mother, Alec can’t help the look of confusion and barely masked disbelief from his expressive eyes, glancing at Magnus’ drink before looking guiltily down at what is now his third glass of champagne.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize–” Alec starts, but Magnus immediately waves a hand dismissively at the apology.

“You have nothing to apologize for. We haven’t had a lot of time to just sit and talk since… well, before everything.” There was a lot of ‘everything’ covered by that vague statement, even though only a few days passed since he broke down on the balcony and ruined Alec’s proposal dinner. “Before I got my magic back, I told Maryse that I wasn’t going to drink anymore for a little while. I never want a repeat performance of that night…” Magnus knows he doesn’t need to specify which night for Alec to know which one. “I swore I would never burden you like that again. I know I have my tolerance back with my magic but it was still quite the wake-up call, and I think I want to stick with that promise. Or try to, at least.”

Alec nods, downing the rest of his glass in one go before holding it out to Magnus. “In that case, I’ll have what you’re having.”

Magnus shakes his head with a fond smile. “Alexander, you don’t have to–” “Of course I don’t, but I want to.” It’s such a simple gesture of solidarity but to Magnus, in this moment, it means the world.

“Alright. Just know that I honestly don’t mind if you want to indulge. This is your big day, after all. You deserve to celebrate.” Magnus draws the words out, buying time for Alec to change his mind and take the easy out. Alec doesn’t.

“It’s our big day,” Alec corrects him. “And all I need to celebrate is you.”

—

Given the short notice of the wedding, they’re both only able to take a few days on such short notice for an impromptu honeymoon. Those days are surprisingly simple because they’re more than a little preoccupied with one another, a wonderful distraction from any initial cravings Maganus might have. Again, they have a glass of wine over dinner, a drink with lunch, but that’s it. No excessive indulgences. It’s almost easy when it’s just the two of them.

The true test comes when they’ve returned to New York, but it’s one Magnus passes with flying colors… at first, in fact, it almost feels too easy to come back from their honeymoon and start their married life together as a new man. Maybe it’s just easier to psych himself out during such a monumental change in his life - his father is gone, he’s married, and he’s building up his client base one warlock at a time now that Lorenzo doesn’t have him on a universal Downworlder blacklist. Why not just slip this change in with the rest, while everything is already shifting and readjusting?

It goes well for a week or two until he gets particularly bad news about a sick warlock child. He first heard of her illness almost as soon as he got back to New York, and despite the fact that he immediately set to work on a particularly complicated elixir he’s currently in the middle of completing (one that took that full week of steeping and brewing and adding ingredients in just so over carefully measured intervals), it isn’t fast enough. He gets word that she died at 10:03 am on a Thursday, manages to hold off the worst of the impulses until 11:29 am, and pours his first glass of whiskey at 12:14 pm. Just one glass, he tells himself… which quickly turns into two, and then three, and then he isn’t bothering with the glass any more as he takes long swallows straight from the bottle.

Magnus hears Alec come home, he hears the greeting Alec calls into the apartment that he doesn’t reply to, and in the back of his head he knows that he shouldn’t be here. He should leave before Alec sees him and realizes that he fucked up… but he can’t be bothered to care just then. He certainly can’t be bothered to move. Alec walks into Magnus’ workroom to find his husband sitting on the floor next to a potion that’s hardening in the pot it was left in, two empty bottles of whiskey, and one more nearly gone in Magnus’ hands.

The worst part of it all is that instead of numbing the pain he only feels worse.

“What happened?” Alec asks, hesitating by the doorway. He knows better than to crowd Magnus’ space when he’s like this before getting a read on the situation, and Magnus is grateful for it even as he watches Alec’s hands twitch, eager to reach out to him.

“I wasn’t good enough to save her” Magnus says, and Alec winces.

“The warlock girl… the sick one? She didn’t-” Alec starts, but can’t bring himself to finish that sentence, already knowing the answer.

“She died. She’s dead and it’s because I didn’t do enough… there should’ve been something I could find to speed up the process, or if I was easier to reach they would’ve asked me sooner instead of going through local warlocks first, or-”

“Hey, hey,” Alec says, taking a few steps closer and kneeling down next to him on the floor. “You did everything you could. This isn’t your fault.”

Magnus shakes his head. “It is. And so is this,” he adds, half-heartedly lifting up the bottle in his hand. “Looks like I’m 2 for 2 in ruining everything that actually matters in my life right now. Careful, darling, or you’ll be next.” He knows his words have a slight slur to them but neither of them acknowledge it out loud. Alec doesn’t have to, the concern on his face speaks volumes.

Magnus wants to quit. He wants to take this as a clear sign that the sober life isn’t meant for him; he isn’t the sort of person who can just change himself after 400 years, so he should just admit defeat and move on. He almost does, expecting to look up into Alec’s face and see nothing but disappointment. It’ll be the final straw to make up his mind…

…but when he finally raises his eyes to meet Alec’s he doesn’t see disappointment, or anger, or even sadness. What he sees instead is resolve as his husband says, “I don’t believe that. And I don’t think you do, either.”

Easy for you to say, Magnus thinks, and he almost says those words out loud before he stops and really considers them. Is it easy for Alec? How could it be, to watch the man he loves struggle and fall apart? To know Magnus is doing his damndest to push Alec away? This isn’t easy for Alec, either, even if he isn’t the one with the problem.

“You’re right. I’m not– of course I’m not thinking clearly right now.” Magnus can’t tell if he truly believes it or if he’s only saying what he knows Alec wants to hear. Either way it has the desired effect.

“How about we take a nice, long bath and go to bed early? We can sort out the rest in the morning.” Alec asks, and Magnus nods. There are no simple answers today. No solutions. He can’t undo what he did but he can pick himself up off of the floor - quite literally - and try to piece things back together. It isn’t the easy option and it’s the last thing he wants to do just then but when Alec reaches out a hand to him Magnus takes it.

He wants to give up, but he doesn’t. Not today.

—

With Alec gone all day and Magnus with little to do outside of the occasional client, the drink cart situated in the corner of the room is more than a little tempting. He does well while Alec is around to see… but when his husband isn’t around Magnus starts to sneak a drink, or two, or three. It’s more habit than anything else and he hardly realizes he’s doing it until he has to make the effort to not do it around Alec.

It barely makes a difference - his tolerance is back to what it was before, and with his magic he barely feels anything under 4 or 5 drinks. Magnus certainly doesn’t think Alec notices until he comes home from visiting Raphael one night to hear the tail-end of a conversation Alec is having on the phone.

“I know. And I’m sure it isn’t a big deal, I just… I’m worried he’ll take it the wrong way.” Alec pauses, not hearing Magnus step inside and close the door gently behind him. “Of course you’re right, mom. It’s better I bring it up sooner rather than later. I just want to be there for him, after all, and–” Magnus places his bag down on the table, something inside clinking around enough to finally Alert Alec to his presence. Alec’s head whips around, eyes wide at the realization.

“I gotta go. Talk to you later.” Alec says before hurriedly hanging up the phone.

“And how is Maryse?” Magnus asks, eyeing Alec curiously.

Alec frowns. “How much of that did you hear?”

“Enough to know you’re worried about telling me something - which shouldn’t even be an emotion that crosses your mind, dear. This is us we’re talking about, after all.” Magnus smiles, and it only wavers the slightest bit in anticipation which threatens to betray the total confidence his words exude. “What’s wrong?”

“Well…” Alec starts slowly, and there’s no denying the anxiousness in his voice, the implication of worry behind the long pause as he seems to debate just how much of what’s wrong he plans on actually sharing now that he’s put on the spot. “You’ve been drinking.”

Magnus frowns and does what he does best - tries to spin the truth, a skill he picked up and finely honed over centuries of dealing with Seelies. “Of course I have. You know I have a glass or two when we-”

“No,” Alec cuts him off, before the cover can go on for too long and they both decide it’s just easier to pretend it’s the truth. Magnus thinks for a brief moment that he isn’t sure he’s ever seen his husband look quite so nervous before, which is a concerning realization considering the sorts of situations he’s seen Alexander face.

Alec walks over to the drink cart, picks up a bottle, and grabs the stele out of his pocket to wave over one of the sides. A line appears that wasn’t visible before… a line that’s over a full inch above where the current level of liquor sits.

Rage flares up in Magnus, eyes narrowing.

“You marked my bottles?! You actually - I cannot believe you have such little trust in me you would go behind my back like this.” His words grow louder with every syllable, voice shaking, eyes wide. He’s on the defensive, words biting and sharp, and even though he sees the cringe on Alec’s face and the pain in Alec’s eyes the moment Magnus snaps out that first statement he doesn’t stop. “Have you been following me, too? Paying off waitresses to tell you how many martinis I ordered at lunch with Catarina?”

“Magnus, I just want to help. I can’t help if I don’t know that you’re having a problem-”

“Oh, so now you think I have a problem, too?”

“That isn’t what I meant and you know it,” Alec snaps back this time. It should be enough to give Magnus a moment of pause but it isn’t. He feels too much like a wild animal backed into a corner, with nothing but the instinctive need to fight his way free. Before he can push back Alec continues, not backing off this time. “You told me this was something you wanted to do. I only want to help you if you’re having a difficult time with it. The groups I talked with to help Izzy with her addiction, they deal a lot with alcohol addiction, too. They said marking the bottles–”

“I know why you marked the goddamn bottles, Alec. I’ve been around for centuries, you think I don’t know what AA is?” Magnus rolls his eyes. Up until now he’s told himself he doesn’t really have a problem. He’s doing this because he wants to, not because he has to. Certainly not because anyone else believes he should be doing it. He actually had himself convinced that his husband was just going along with it for his own sake after Alec’s initial reaction at the wedding… he never stopped to consider that Alec might actually think he has a problem worth worrying about, too.

“I just want to be here for you,” Alec tries again, echoing the words he spoke to his mother on the phone. “And if you actually thought this was okay you wouldn’t have tried to hide it.”

Magnus turns away, seemingly in anger but mostly because he doesn’t think he can see the hurt and confusion in Alec’s eyes and remain as stubbornly upset over this as he wants to be.

“I can’t do this right now,” Magnus says finally, grabbing his bag back off of the table before heading for the door. “I’ll be back later. Don’t wait up.”

“Magnus, wait-” Alec starts, but it’s too late. Magnus is out the door without so much as a stutter in his step, and doesn’t stop until he’s cleared the block. He knows it isn’t fair to Alec - he’s only trying to help, and in fact, Alec went above and beyond in that department. But Magnus feels blindsided and backed into a corner by the sudden confrontation, and he’s panicking, and now he’s aimlessly wandering the streets of New York with nowhere to go and nothing to do.

So he walks, pointedly ignoring the buzzing of his phone in his pocket. He doesn’t go to Cat because he knows that she’ll agree with Alec. He fears the same for Maryse and Isabelle (both of whom Alec surely spoke to already), and Raphael is out of town. So instead he wanders without a destination, and he thinks. He could just change his mind and take it back. He tried, he failed, and he’s fine going back to the way things were before.

…isn’t he?

The moment he considers that option he knows it’s a lie. The time he spent sober, not relying on alcohol as a crutch or as something to numb the difficult days, was some of the most fulfilling time he’s had in recent years. Maybe he doesn’t want to quit forever but he can’t give in now, not while his motivations are still suspect.

Alec is right: he wouldn’t be hiding it if he thought what he’s doing is okay. That should’ve been his first sign that he isn’t as alright as he’s pretending to be.

Magnus finally pulls his phone out to call Alec, only to see a number of missed calls and texts from Catarina and Raphael as well.

Cat: Where are you? Alec’s worried sick, he thought you’d be here but I told him you weren’t, and now we’re both worried. Call one of us, please.

Raphael: I don’t know how your husband got my number but if he’s upset enough to call me I feel like I should be concerned. Are you alright? Call me, por favor.

Magnus texts them both back that he’s fine and he’ll talk to them later before calling Alec’s cell. Alec picks up before the first ring even finishes.

“Magnus, thank the Angel. I’m so sorry-”

“Alec, don’t. Please don’t apologize - you have nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who should be apologizing,” Magnus sighs. “I’m coming home.”

Magnus is dreading the conversation he knows he’ll have to have when he gets back, so he walks slowly and gathers his thoughts. When he finally opens up the front door of the apartment he sees Alec on the sofa trying very hard to look like he hasn’t just been sitting there, waiting. There’s a book open next to him as well as a cup of tea that’s long since gone cold.

“Sorry I worried you,” Magnus starts, figuring it’s as good a place as any.

“It’s alright, as long as you’re alright.” Alec says, eagerly tossing the book to the side. “…you are, aren’t you?”

“I didn’t go drink a bottle of whiskey and pass out in a gutter somewhere, if that’s what you’re asking.” Magnus declares, deflecting.

“That isn’t what I-” Alec starts, and Magnus can already feel this turning into the conversation from earlier all over again, defensive and hostile.

“I know, I know it isn’t. Sorry, I shouldn’t joke about it like that. I just don’t know how to do this? I can’t tell when I only feel like I want it, or when I feel like I need it. And I know with my powers back I could drink for hours and be fine, but that doesn’t mean I should. And I’m just having a difficult time reconciling those things.”

Alec listens. “I get it. I mean, I don’t get it, obviously. I just want to do whatever’s best for you. You said this was something you wanted to do, and I want to be here in whatever capacity I can if it is. But if it isn’t…” Alec trails off. It isn’t like it’s been a huge problem outside of those days without his magic prior to Alec’s attempted proposal.

But one look at him and Magnus can tell that Alec is reluctant to say he’ll support Magnus if he decides to go back on everything he said before… but Alec also doesn’t want to push him if he doesn’t want this anymore. And since Alec isn’t about to force him, the decision rests in Magnus’ hands now.

The weight of that isn’t lost on the Warlock, who falls silent for a long while after Alec’s words trail off, thinking them over.

“How about we start with full disclosure? Maybe trying to cut it all out at once was a bad idea. But I won’t hide anything any more, and we can take things from there?” Magnus takes a deep breath. “And no more pushing you away.”

Alec smiles, soft with a hint of sadness, and nods. “That sounds like an amazing plan. And I’m sorry for going behind your back with the bottles. I should’ve just said something to you first. I guess we both don’t really know how to do this… but we’ll figure it out. Together.”

And that’s all it takes for something so terrifying, something so monumental for the both of them to tackle, to feel entirely doable.

Because they’re doing it together.

————–

It soon becomes obvious that it isn’t how much he’s drinking, or even what he’s drinking - it’s the reason behind it, the emotional state that brings the urges about. Magnus is fine to have a drink or two with friends, or with Alec over meals, without the slightest bit of guilt. It helps to ease him into cutting back before cutting off entirely, since the all-or-nothing attempts weren’t working out.

What he can’t have is the drink cart in the apartment fully stocked with all of his go-to vices for days when the weight of the world feels a little too heavy. And what he can’t do is turn to that before he turns to a friend when things go wrong.

It’s easier said than done, but he does it just the same. He isn’t perfect, but Alec is there every step of the way to bring him back when he starts to slip. There are bumps in the road and nights out that, because he spent so long abstaining in-between, he indulges a little too much… but he’s finding a balance. He’s finding things that work for him because he wants to, and not because he feels pressured to by anyone for any reason other than simply getting better.

The more Magnus allows himself to go to Alec - or even Maryse, Catarina, or Raphael - when he’s having a particularly rough go of it, the easier it is to end that day on a positive note. That isn’t to say he doesn’t have some days that are worse than others; days when Alec comes home and Magnus admits he went out for a few too many drinks with an old friend and somewhere along the line started putting gin in the ‘just tonic’s. But it’s better than the start, and he’s making solid progress.

The first few times Isabelle invites him along to a meeting he turns her down. But after one particularly trying day when he finds himself pacing, actively trying to talk himself out of portaling to the nearest bar, he calls her up instead. It seems silly to talk about his life in mundane terms, and to think of it as a disease to be cured and not just a personality trait to be corrected. He doesn’t go often but it’s nice to hear from people who are going through the same thing.

It helps.

He takes up training with Alec to channel his frustrations. That helps, too… as does another less public form of stress relief Alec is more than happy to indulge in when Magnus needs a distraction.

Magnus hardly notices when he starts cutting back from casual social drinking as well, only imbibing once or twice a week until he isn’t even doing that. He reaches a point where he no longer feels as if he needs it- but more than that, he doesn’t even want it any more.

After an entire month without touching a single drop of alcohol Magnus comes home to dinner and a glass of sparkling cider on the table waiting for him.

“I thought this deserved a toast. I hope it’s alright, I know you didn’t say anything about it earlier so I’m not sure if you wanted to celebrate or not, but I know a full month is a pretty big milestone, and-” Alec starts to ramble a bit, and Magnus silences him with a finger brought up to Alec’s lips, followed quickly by a kiss.

“It’s fine. It’s perfect, Alexander. Thank you.” Magnus picks up his glass and waits for Alec to do the same. “To you, and all the unwavering love and support you’ve offered from the start.” Mangus says the words, moving his glass forward to meet Alec’s with a delicate ‘clink’.

“And to you” Alec adds. “For making this difficult decision for yourself and sticking to it. I’m so proud of you, Magnus.”

“Thank you. For everything,” Magnus smiles.

He knows better than to think one month means he’s rid of it for good, but Magnus allows himself this night to bask in the feeling of this current victory, even if it ends up being temporary.

Because this - despite what he’s sure they all believe - isn’t the first time he’s attempted to quit drinking. This is, however, the longest he’s managed to stick with it. There were times in his past - whether out of a loss of a loved one, or the loss of love itself, or sometimes just the weight of the things he’s seen and the horrors he’s lived through - where he’s gone too far even with his warlock tolerance to balance things out. He’s tried on his own to stop drinking in the past, obviously with little to no success given the recent state of things.

He doesn’t tell Alec all of that, however. If this fails - if he fails - he wants it to seem as if this is just a first attempt and not just another in a long line of broken promises to himself to get better.

Except this time he has something he didn’t have during any of those previous attempts. This time he has friends and family to support him; he has people to lean on.

This time he has Alexander.

And with Alec by his side he feels like he can take on the world, one glass of sparkling cider at a time.

#magnus bane #alec lightwood #malec #maryse lightwood #shadowhunters #shfanficnexus #i hope you like this and I'm sorry it took an eternity!!#tw: alcohol abuse #tw: alcohol #certifiedbisexualdisaster #ask rune #longfic #elle writes a few deadbeat lines

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sxgitta · 5 years

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𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑬𝑻

repost, don’t reblog !

𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 !

FULL NAME. alexander gideon lightwood-bane NICKNAME. alec, big bro/brother ( by izzy ), alexander ( by magnus ) GENDER. male HEIGHT. 6'0 (182/3) AGE. i keep alec at canon age, usually. show canon/wiki says 24, book wiki says 23. so around there. ZODIAC. virgo SPOKEN LANGUAGES. fluently she speaks english and i would assume spanish. any others i guess would depend on verse, or if for some reason i decide he maybe knows a little of something else. idk. time will tell, i guessssss, lmao. he is also trying to learn indonesian for magnus.

𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 !

HAIR COLOR. dark brown/black EYE COLOR. blue (book)/hazel(show) SKIN TONE. tan from hispanic descent/caucasion BODY TYPE. athletic/average. VOICE. deep, but soft. rugged. DOMINANT HAND. right handed, i think? someone tell me if i’m wrong, i never paid attn. lmao. POSTURE. she stands straight, head held high, as shadowhunters are trained, somewhat like a soldier in most cases. SCARS. i would say thanks to the iratze, alec doesn’t have any scars. but if i can find anywhere that says he does, or when i somehow someday finish the book series, i will change it. TATTOOS. None, outside of runes. BIRTHMARKS. none. MOST NOTICEABLE FEATURE(S). his height, probably. and his deflect rune.

𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 !

PLACE OF BIRTH. idris. HOMETOWN. new york city, though she’ll always consider idris her home away from home and hometown, like most shadowhunters. SIBLINGS. izzy lightwood, jace herondale and max lightwood. PARENTS. robert lightwood and maryse lightwood, though given her father’s infidelity and the fact that she’s known about the secret for years before any of her siblings, he’s a touchy subject for a while. he did forgive him eventually ( as he walked him down the aisle, according to the show ).

𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 !

OCCUPATION. per canon, shadowhunter in the new york Institute previously, currently the Inquisitor in Alicante. CURRENT RESIDENCE. Alicante. CLOSE FRIENDS. jace is his first and foremost parabatai/best friend. next would probably be magnus. he’s a lonely boy. RELATIONSHIP STATUS. married forever & ever. FINANCIAL STATUS. pretty well off, since the lightwoods seem to have built up their family name after some generations of the tarnish that was brought on it with their ancestor, and are once more considered an influential family, leading to assume they’re definitely wealthy in terms of what mundanes would consider when it comes to money, not to mention his current job status. DRIVER’S LICENSE. no, and i don’t think she should be trusted behind the wheel of a mundane car either. lets just say the lightwoods/herondales are HORRIBLE drivers, since they never needed to learn. lets leave the driving to simon. CRIMINAL RECORD. as far as i know from canon/books/show, i don’t think he’s ever been convicted or accused of anything. VICES. magnus is his one vice.

𝐬𝐞𝐱 & 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 !

SEXUAL ORIENTATION. gay. PREFERRED EMOTIONAL ROLE. alex can be pretty emotional, but he can go either way between a submissive and dominant role when it comes to emotions. PREFERRED SEXUAL ROLE. alex can be pretty dominant sexually, but he can go either way between a submissive and dominant role when it comes to sex. probably depends on the mood between magnus and him. LIBIDO. he’s definitely got a high sex drive, and is no stranger to giving into desires, but as it generally is, it’ll depend on his mood and magnus. TURN ON’S. light bdsm, semi public sex, usually willing to try any/most things with magnus. TURN OFF’S. humiliation or degradation, airway restriction, lack of communication ( stole those from izzy, lmaoo. ) LOVE LANGUAGE. talking sensually, physical touching, small gestures (aka the breakfast scene). RELATIONSHIP TENDENCIES. izzy’s very affectionate, whether it’s with gentle touches or words, and will always be touching magnus in even the smallest of ways or giving small words of compassion or compliments. whether it’s a hug, a hand on a shoulder, cheek kiss or anything else, she’s almost always touching magnus in some way. though at first he did have a hard time being that way, as the issues with his parents scared him a little, and affected his influence and judgment when it came to any kind of tendencies or affection toward magnus. sex definitely took a while, but he felt ready sooner than he thought.

𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 !

CHARACTER’S THEME SONG. WAR OF HEARTS AND I GET TO LOVE YOU BY RUELLE 100% !!!! CHANGE MY FUCKIN MIND !!! HOBBIES TO PASS TIME. training, attempted cooking, shopping LEFT OR RIGHT BRAINED. left PHOBIAS. arachnophobia, umbrellaphobia or pellebaphobia ( though not extreme ). SELF CONFIDENCE LEVEL. very high VULNERABILITIES. anything magnus or family related.

TAGGED BY: @runegiven thank you bb ! i did my best, lmaoo. TAGGING: @fvckingmagic @cantsingtm @unlockedinme and anyone else who wants to do it !

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carmenlire · 5 years

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White Blank Page Ch. 3

Edit courtesy of the lovely @kindaresilient!!

read chapter one

read chapter two

read on ao3

Magnus smiles as the door above him chimes cheerfully. The display is mostly the same, though he’s intrigued as he sees a sign advertising a midnight story hour at the bookstore in a few days, in celebration of Halloween.

It seems like the year’s gone by much too fast, Magnus reflects. Before he knows it, the snow will be falling and he’ll be trying to fit in his Christmas shopping into his bursting schedule.

This time around, there are several people milling about Lightwood Books, though no one spares him a second glance. Magnus doesn’t immediately see Alec but now that he knows to look for it, he can detect Lightwood’s background in the casual elegance and quality of the decor.

Magnus had met Maryse and Robert a few years ago before their divorce at a charity gala at the Four Seasons in Midtown. They’d only spoke for a few minutes but it had been like pulling teeth, Magnus overwhelmingly aware of what the couple thought of him.

New money, he’d hard Robert sneer to Maryse as they’d turned and walked to catch up with other friends.

That had been enough for Magnus. He’d poured his blood, sweat, and countless tears into his company and he didn’t need bigoted assholes condescending to him.

When he’d heard a few weeks later that the Lightwoods gave money to anti-LGBT groups among other equally conservative causes that caused him to gnash his teeth, Magnus had scoffed as he’d edited the story, unsurprised. They seemed like people who’d look down on anyone who didn’t fit their arbitrary, far-too-narrow mold.

It doesn’t look like their eldest son took after them though. Thank God, Magnus thinks.

Alec had been nothing but warm and welcoming the last time Magnus was here and he hopes to see the man again. Though really, he doesn’t know Alec’s schedule in the least and he might just be wasting his time on a fool's errrand.

Wandering through the aisles, Magnus picks up a book on botany for Ragnor as he makes his way upstairs. Looking down at his watch, Magnus makes a note that he has around an hour to kill before he needs to go back to his apartment and change for dinner with Camille.

Looking down, he doesn’t see the person he runs into until it’s too late. He’d clipped them on the shoulder and as he lifts his head to apologize, Magnus can’t help the instant grin that comes over his face.

“Alexander,” he greets warmly. “Fancy running into you here.”

He has a brief moment to worry that perhaps Alec didn’t remember him. It had been a few weeks, after all, and Alec was sure to see countless customers in his shop.

Before he can worry too much, however, Alec is smiling down at him, continuing down a few steps until they’re the same height.

“Hey, Magnus. I do work here so not so unusual, I’m afraid.”

Alec’s voice is dry but Magnus is deeply interested in the flush that starts to crawl into his cheeks.

“And how are you this fine autumnal afternoon?”

Laughing a little, Alec readjusts the box in his arms, settling it on his hip. His biceps might bulge a little but Magnus does not stare.

“I was just restocking and straightening up the children’s area. We had a busy morning so the place was a bit of a disaster.”

“And now,” Magnus asks, shifting a little closer.

Alec raises a brow, considering. “Well now I suppose I could take a break. If that was what you were hinting at?”

Laughing, Magnus shakes his head a little, unrepentant. “You can’t blame me if I want to spend a few minutes with the proprietor of this lovely bookstore. Maybe I want to pick your brain for the next bestseller.”

“Well, then if it’s alright with you, let’s head upstairs to the cafe and we can talk recommendations.”

Alec turns to go back up and Magnus isn’t complaining. No, he’s absolutely thrilled to follow Alec. Not only will he get to spend some time flirting with his favorite bookworm but he’s treated to a delectable view of Alec’s ass.

It’s a win-win as far as he’s concerned.

Settling them down at a table in front of a window, Magnus takes a few seconds to look outside as Alec sets his box down on the table. The busy Manhattan street is positively teeming with people. It’s a little after three and there’s the usual mix of tourists, businessmen, and teens that always seem to be in a hurry. Magnus feels removed from everyone else and it's not an unwelcome feeling even if it does rarely happen.

“Are you in the mood for anything or do you want me to surprise you?”

Magnus looks up at that. Alec is standing behind his chair, not yet having taken a seat. He thinks for a minute before shaking his head.

“Surprise me, though I’d prefer anything you have be made with soy milk or some other alternative.”

Alec nods once before smiling and turning toward the barista working the coffee counter.

Magnus watches as Alec approaches the counter and orders. The barista grins at him and the two seem to engage in a round of playful bickering before the blonde turns to the espresso machine. He looks more suited to playing beer pong in a dilapidated frat house than making cappuccino foam art but Magnus just finds that it adds to the charm of the shop.

Taking out his phone, Magnus ignores the speculative look he sees the barista throw his way and instead focuses on the dozen emails that have accumulated since he arrived, taking a minute to look through them. When he sees Alec walking toward him, two mugs in hand, he resolutely shuts his phone off and shoves it in his coat pocket.

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I got you a triple white chocolate mocha. Don’t worry, it’s all dairy-free.”

Magnus smiles and just knows that it’s too open and happy for such a simple thing.

Accepting the drink, Magnus blows over the top before taking a sip, humming at the subtle sweetness that doesn’t take over the bitter coffee. “Thank you, Alexander. This is really quite good.”

Settling down across from him, Alec wraps his hand around his giant white mug. He looks relieved that Magnus likes the drink and distantly Magnus knows that he’d have lied and said that it was the best damned thing he’d ever had if Alec would continue looking at him like that.

“I know people usually have very definite opinions on coffee. Some want it to taste like they’re drinking straight from the espresso machine and others need at least a cup of milk and twice as much sugar to make it palatable. I’m glad I guessed right.”

Alec sounds pleased and his words are calm. There’s an undercurrent of that damned warmth that Magnus wants to reach out and touch.

It feels like time slows when he’s in this shop, when he’s with Alec. This is only the second time that he’s been here, but Magnus thinks that it’s his new favorite place. He can almost, almost feel his stress slipping through his fingers and as the tension eases from his shoulders, he takes another drink and studies Alec with a content expression.

It’s quiet for a few minutes and Magnus is surprised that it’s not uneasy or expectant. Instead, it feels natural and Magnus can’t remember the last time he was content to just sit still and enjoy someone’s company, to enjoy his own.

He’s always running around like a dervish. From the time he wakes until he collapses into bed, Magnus is working. He’s always being pulled in a dozen different directions but he wonders what it would be like if he just gave it all up, right this moment. Stopped everything and stayed here, watching as the fall sunshine paints Alec in gold and as the air smells like toasted marshmallow and coffee and ink.

Magnus almost hates to ruin the silence but he can’t help himself from asking, “So, Mr. Bookstore Owner. Tell me about the next big book.”

Alec chuckles as he takes a lingering sip of his own coffee. From what Magnus can see, it looks like Alec likes his light and sweet.

“It depends on what you’re into. I try to only give recommendations that I think my customers will really enjoy. So, what do you like to read?”

Humming as he thinks, Magnus narrows his eyes at Alec. Alec waits patiently with a raised brow and Magnus can’t resist the challenge.

“I like romance,” he says slowly. “My work deals with the news and when I stop and slow down enough to read for pleasure, I want to lose myself in something light that ends happy. I don’t like a lot of angst and I’d be perfectly fine if the story had no conflict whatsoever.”

A lot of people can’t believe that Magnus Bane likes romance. He loves it in all its forms and many subgenres and while he also likes other genres as well-- he can’t deny the appeal of YA or a good thriller-- Magnus has enjoyed romances since he was in high school and looking for something to do at home.

He’d ended up finding one of his mother’s romances and hadn’t looked back since.

Alec stares into nothing for a minute, thinking, before his gaze snaps back to Magnus. “Would you mind if it wasn’t straight?”

Intrigued, Magnus raises a brow. He definitely would not have thought Alec would ask something like that, not given who his parents were.

Not to mention, Magnus loves LGBT fiction. Unfortunately, he bites back a sigh as he figures that he’s probably read whatever romance Alec is about to suggest. In Magnus’s opinion, there weren't very many authors who wrote LGBT romance well and he’d read most of their books several times already if they did.

“Considering I’m bi, I’d hope to hell I don’t have a problem with that. Lead the way, darling.”

Magnus throws out his response and he can’t help the angle of his chin. It’s not defensive but combative. He just gave Alec an opening and in Magnus’s opinion, homophobic people can never stop their instinctive distaste for those who aren’t straight.

Plus, Magnus doesn’t have a subtle bone in his body and if he’s feeling Alec out-- letting him know that there’s one less potential barrier should he feel something-- then it’s two birds with one stone.

Magnus has always prided himself on being efficient.

Alec just laughs and shakes his head a little. Magnus prays to God that he’s not imagining the interest in Alec’s eyes and the way his gaze drops down to his mouth for a fleeting second.

“In that case,” Alec says, “I want to recommend Higher than the Big Trees. It’s a m/m romance that takes place in the city. There’s no angst whatsoever and it’s a classic romance between a professor and a celebrity.”

“That sounds perfect and I haven’t read it yet. Do you have it in stock?”

Magnus settles back in his seat, crossing his legs as he reaches for his coffee. He’s glad when Alec nods.

“Of course I do,” he says dryly. “Not only are they my favorite author but I can barely keep it on the shelf.”

“How haven’t I heard of this book if it’s so popular?”

Shrugging, Alec just says, “I’ve been suggesting it to everyone who likes romance. It’s mostly word of mouth sales, really. They’re a new author and that’s their first book. I have high hopes for their next one, though. I hear there’s a journalist involved.”

Magnus smiles at Alec’s enthusiasm and can’t deny that he’s looking forward to this book and potentially discovering another writer.

Not to mention, he thinks dryly, that if they were going to write about journalism than he had to read it-- if only to catalog the many mistakes they were undoubtedly going to make about his career.

The two of them talk for awhile longer and when the blonde barista comes around to collect their now empty mugs, Magnus grins a little as he sees the silent conversation he has with Alec.

They must be close, maybe best friends, Magnus wonders and laughs a little as he sees Alec send the barista a deadpan look that could rival Raphael’s when he feels particularly put upon.

The blonde leaves and Alec turns to look at Magnus only to see that he’s already being studied.

“Sorry about that,” Alec offers sheepishly. “Jace is my brother and still hasn’t learned how to behave in public.”

Magnus waves that away. “Don’t worry about it, darling. I’m well familiar with family that doesn’t know when to stop. Now, I believe that we were just talking about favorite children’s books and the perfection that is Percy Jackson--”

Whatever Magnus was going to say stops as he feels his phone start vibrating. Not many people have access to his personal cell number and he grimaces in apology as he catches Alec’s confused look.

When he takes the phone out, Alec’s face relaxes in understanding and he waves Magnus on.

Seeing that it’s Simon, Magnus rolls his eyes a little as he answers.

“My dear little assistant, the building must be falling down or someone had better have just lost a limb. Which is it?”

“Magnus, where are you? You have dinner at Chartreuse BonBon in thirty minutes and your driver just called the office to say you’re not answering. Where are you,” Simo repeats and Magnus’s eyes widen as he wrenches his sleeve up to look at his watch.

“Shit,” he hisses. “I’m out, Simon. What does the traffic look like?”

Simon doesn’t answer for a moment and Magnus hears muttering going on in the background. Finally, he replies, “For a Thursday evening, it looks like there’s just the standard after work traffic. Why?”

Furiously thinking, Magnus immediately decides that he’ll just have to go straight to the restaurant from the bookstore. He doesn’t have time to go home or even to the office and change into something a little more formal, a little more crisp.

Appearances might be everything to Camille but Magnus still looks fresh, no matter that he’s been on the go twelve hours. Luckily, he’d chosen one of his more austere suits this morning and the burgundy shade was a perfect power play.

“Okay, I’m going to head there straight from where I’m at. Tell Elias that I’ll just need picked up from the restaurant at the end of the evening and I’ll get an Uber there. Thankfully, I’m still in Manhattan so I should get there right on time. Thanks for the call, dear.”

Magnus hangs up and looks at Alec who’s staring at him with something that seems like wistfulness in his eyes. “I take it you’re running late for something?”

Moving his chair back, Magnus shoves his phone in his pocket and stands, Alec following.

“Unfortunately, I lost track of time and I have a dinner meeting that I can’t be late for. I’m sorry, Alexander but I’m afraid that I’ll need a rain check for our YA debate.”

“No problem,” Alec says easily as he looks over his shoulder. “I understand how important meetings can be. I didn’t know you were such a big shot, though,” he teases as they start heading down the stairs, Magnus calling his ride. Unfortunately, he’s so focused on the phone that he can’t just stare at Alec’s ass again.

Magnus laughs a little. “I do okay,” he mutters, trying desperately not to tell Alec just who he is. It’s nice to have someone who treats him like a regular person, like Magnus instead of turning into a fawning mess when they realize they’re talking to Magnus Bane, the CEO of Bane Enterprises and the most famous man in the news industry.

“Just okay,” Alec repeats skeptically. “Whatever you say.”

Magnus looks up at that and as they start walking to the front door, he can’t help but feel like Alec’s just humoring him.

Deciding not to think about that, though, and the potential consequences, Magnus turns to face Alec as he takes a step back. “I’m sorry to run out, darling, but I really do need to leave.”

“It’s fine, Magnus,” Alec says softly. “Maybe I’ll see you again sometime.”

Studying Alec for a minute, Magnus takes another step back, reaching a hand out behind him to the door knob.

“Something tells me it’ll be sooner than sometime before I come back.” He throws one last smile Alec’s way before he’s turning and opening the door, rushing out into the fall chill just as his car pulls up.

He’s halfway to the restaurant when he remembers that he never did get that book Alec recommended.

As he watches New York fly by thanks to a particularly scrappy driver, Magnus wonders what it is about Alec that seems to pull him in.

Stepping out of the Uber just a few minutes later, Magnus sees that he has five minutes before Camille is set to arrive.

As he smooths down his suit and shoots his cuffs, Magnus walks toward the doorman who opens the door smoothly and unobtrusively as he approaches.

He’s escorted to his table and immediately given a wine list, which he peruses absently as the waiter fills his water glass.

Murmuring his thanks, Magnus isn’t paying attention to what he’s reading as his thoughts seem left in the bookstore.

With a sigh, he shakes his head a little and reaches for the water to clear his throat and his head. He’ll need his wits about him if he’s about to go a few rounds with Camille and as he starts to review everything he knows about Bellecourt and its struggling, he smiles.

Anyone who knows him knows that it’s the look of a shark circling its prey and Magnus fully expects to come out the winner of their little tête-à-tête by the end of the night.

He stands as he sees Camille’s lithe figure striding toward him on her signature Louboutin pumps and as they lean in for a European greeting that has Magnus rolling his eyes, he can’t help but think that he’d prefer vastly different company for dinner.

Company that looks an awful lot like Alexander.

#white blank page #my writing #malec fic

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imagination-is-key-in-my-world · 6 years

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Everything Has Changed (1/3)

Summary : You are Jace's little sister. You recently moved to the institute following your perfect record in Idris. Izzy is ecstatic to have you back, but Alec gives you the cold shoulder.

Warning : Possible inappropriate language

Pairing : Alec Lightwood x Reader

Word Count : 2,431

“You don't have to baby me Jace!” You say slapping his hand away for the fourth time since he picked you up from Idris. “I can carry my own bags. I do not need my big brother to do everything for me.” Jace sighed as he considered taking it from you anyway. He only stopped himself when he caught you rolling your eyes at him. “Y/N, I am just trying to be nice.” Jace stepped in front of you cutting you off. Rolling your eyes a second time, “Come on! I haven't seen my little sister in ages and I just wanna look out for my little girl.”

His hand raised to your head as he ruffled up your once neat parting. Setting your whole look off balanced, and basically giving you the appearance of a girl who had been dragged through a thorn bush backwards. But even though Jace was doing everything that he could to annoy you, you knew that he came from a good place. You hate to admit it but you missed him too. Not only him but you also missed your best friend Isabelle. Izzy would come and visit you whenever she had to go to Idris to see her family. Giving you the low down on everything that had gone on from missions to just general gossip. You almost laughed when Izzy had told you that Jace was deadly jealous of Simon who so happened to be a vampire. All of this because of a girl called Clary. Jace had shown you a picture of her and you had to admit that you could see why he was smitten, she was absolutely gorgeous with a capital G. You actually felt sorry for Jace because you knew what it was like to have a crush on someone that you knew you could not have. “Well hello there stranger!” Within seconds of walking through the doors you found yourself crashing to the floor sending one of your bags that you were carrying to fall right onto Jace's foot. Izzy apologized as she stood up, helping you to your feet as she was at it. You smoothed down your already messy hair do and stared at her confused. “Do I know you?” Izzy's smile instantly faded. A look of pure horror crashed onto her face as she considered the thought of her best friend not remembering who she was. That was when you burst out laughing, causing the corners of Izzy's mouth to lift into a weak smile. “You are not allowed to do that. You had me worried!” She slapped your arm and slowly her smile increased to a full belly laugh. “I'm sorry Izzy you are just too easy. Come here!” Both of you hugged each other tight after being apart for so long. You scanned the rest of the room, spotting people that you could faintly remember as well as those that you considered family. There were some that you just couldn't put their face to a name, obviously new. But there was one person that you could see through the crowd, walking in the opposite direction, and fading into the distance. You could remember that dark wild hair anywhere. Alec. __

A week has passed and you had developed new relationships with the other Shadowhunters. Clary was an alright chick. Although you did find it hard to like her because of her behaviour with Jace. Jace had told you that things were odd between them. They were close but awkwardly close. She was still with Simon who is now a close friend of yours. Both of you spent a whole night talking about Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Comparing theories and reciting scenes together. Simon was just the nerdy friend that you were lacking while you were away in Idris. Jace was always thankful that he was able to pry Clary away from Simon while he was distracted by you. He even joked about you and Simon becoming the new power couple because of how similar you both were. Every time he would say this you would smack him in the back of the head and tell him to get his mind out of the gutter. Just because he wanted to drive a wedge between the two, allowing him to swoop in and comfort Clary, doesn't mean he can exploit his sister.

Simon and you were talking in the training room after spending some time sparring. When Clary and you got closer, she asked you whether you would mind helping to train Simon, knowing that you were one of the best in the institute. But also aware that not many of the other Shadowhunters were willing enough to work with a Vampire. “So what is it with you and Jace?” you asked as you through him a bottle of water from the table. With his fast reflexes he was able to retrieve the bottle before it made an impact onto his head. “Nice.” “What do you mean Y/N?” His head tilted to the side the way that a dog would. You had to admit, it always made you smile when he did that and he knew. “Jace is Jace and I am just me.” You snorted a little at his response making him hold his hands up and change his answer, “fine, you got me. Very wise you are. No wonder we get along.” He scratched at the back of his head while searching for the right thing to say. “Well Clary and Jace have always been close and had that tension...” “Tension?” Your eyebrows furrowed. “Yeah sexual tension.” He stood up and approached you. You were leaning against the table that was at the far side of the room, watching him as he talked and advanced towards you. “So basically they want each other. But not as partners or friends, but more.” Using his fingers to air quote the word 'want.' Your hand lifted to the top of his arm as you looked deep into your friends hurt eyes. “Simon, if you know all of this. Why do you stay with Clary?” He moved away, turning his back to you as he brought a hand to his head. “It's not that simple Y/N.” He paused, “I love her. I have loved her since I was old enough to know what love is. Maybe even before that. So you see, I cant let Jace get in the way. If I want this to work, then I have to make it work.” Before you could stop yourself you pulled him into a hug. You weren't quite his height so your head was flat against his chest. After a few seconds, his chin rested on the top of your head, wrapping his own arms around you. You weren't the type of person who would show weakness like this. Where you would show that you cared as much as you did, especially when your line of work is as dangerous as it was. There were only a select few that you would allow yourself to be yourself around. To truly care about. It was hard for you to let new people in, but Simon would be an exception. You just couldn't stand seeing him this hurt. Especially because you knew far too well how it felt. Your hug as well as your thoughts were interrupted by a loud cough. Pulling away startled, you looked to your right and noticed Alec with his arms crossed staring at you disapprovingly. You had not seen Alec since the day you had got back. Even then all you saw was him look over his shoulder as he walked away, locking eyes with you for what felt like an eternity, but in actual fact it was a split second. “If you're done 'hugging.' Some of us need to train.” With that he moved over to start the simulator, bow at the ready. This was your queue to leave. __

Another week had passed since the training room drama. The person who said that time heals all wounds, was the most brain dead person on the planet. You couldn't help but feel like shit the past week. Thinking about how Alec and you had been so close for years. But the minute you were back he saw you as nothing more than the Downworlders that he used to despise. You had no one that you could talk to about this. Jace was his best friend, nothing good would come from telling your brother that his best friend was ignoring his sister. You knew Jace all too well. Hearing something like this would make him want to confront Alec, regardless of who overheard or got hurt in the meantime. Izzy was Izzy, she was all for the romance. But something told you that her innuendo and sexual nature would not stretch to her own brother. She was great to talk to about relationships, but probably not this particular one. You couldn't even consider telling Simon any of this. Not now that he has his own shit to deal with. Why wasn't life fucking simple.

You were sat in the large communal kitchen, stirring your spoon around in your already soggy cereal. You were never fond of cereal once it had gone past that 'too' wet point, slipping into the mushy. Your mind on other things, causing your cereal to become gross and putting you off eating it. For it to only become something for you to play with. “You know mum hated it when you did that!” Jace walked in, obviously meaning Maryse your adopted mother since your real parents perished. Having Maryse as your mother made things a hell of a lot harder for you. “What's on your mind little one? You only play with your food when your mind is somewhere else.” “It's nothing Jace.” You pick up your bowl, only to have it snatched back. “Jace!” “What?” He said with a mouthful of soggy cereal, “no point in letting good food go to waste.” You scoffed and walked out of the room, leaving Jace behind with the rest of your breakfast. Looking at the rota, you knew that in ten minutes it would be your slot in the training room. Running back to your room so that you could change from your pjs into your training gear. __

Half an hour later you were in the middle of training. Hair plastered to your sweaty face, unattractive and an inconvenience. There were not many people who could use a bow apart from you and Alec. When you were younger, you and Alec would practice together in the simulator. Having each others back. If it wasn't for him being closer to Jace, it is possible that you and him would have become parabati. Alec always laughed when you would miss the target. But not in a mean way to make you feel like shit. But in a way that would push you to try better, to work harder for his approval. While you were shooting the targets after your extensive sparring battle with the fight simulator. Your mind went back to the memories of you two..

** Alec was shooting at the archery targets that you had both set up in the training room. Each arrow flew and hit the target dead in the centre perfectly. He would laugh every time that he managed to land a perfect arrow on the target. While you fumbled trying to get the arrow to reach the board. “Another point for me! Any one would think you're distracted.” Your head fell to the floor to look at your toes. “Don't be stupid Alec! You're just not playing fair.” “How am I not playing fair?” He snapped turning around to look you dead in the eye. You were 14 at the time, Alec was 16. “Because you put me under too much pressure to be like you. I am not you.” You walked over to grab an arrow from the table. Lined up the target with your eye but hesitated. While you were trying to focus on the target, your were interrupted as you felt hands ever so gently placed on your waist holding you steady. “Y/N focus. You shake when you are trying to focus. Focus on not shaking more than hitting the target. Breath and let go.” His head was right next to your ear whispering to you. You could feel his warm breath on your neck. It was hard to focus when you knees felt that wobbly. You let out a sharp breath and the arrow flew landing right next to Alec's in the board. You could feel him smile without having to look at him. “The student has become the master.” You spun around with a big grin on your face. His hands fell from your waist and held onto your hands. “I knew you could do it. But I cant stand behind you every time we are in battle mind.” You laughed and fell into his chest. “Thank you Alec. You make me a better me. I hope I always have you around to keep me safe.” “We will always stick together. You and me, that's the truth. Forever and always.” “Forever and always!” You repeated as you nuzzled into his chest. **

“Are you gonna shoot, or what?” It was Alec who shook you out of your daydream about Alec. You released the arrow and sure enough you missed the target. You hadn't missed that bad since you were younger. “I am gonna go with or what” Alec snickered and walked out of the room. “What is your problem Alec?” You yell. Your eyes were glued to the doorway where he was just stood. All of a sudden he reappeared, arms crossed in his usual stance. “I have no idea what you are on about. But clearly you have forgotten everything that I taught you.” “Shut it Alec.” You turned back to the target quickly and shot an arrow landing right in the centre of the board. “I know what I am doing.” He turned and tried to walk away for a second time, but you weren't done. “You have been avoiding me since I got back. Why?” “Just drop it. Things have changed,” he paused, “people have changed. So just drop it.” By the time he finished what he was saying he was back through the door. Leaving you alone, again.

Part 2

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wrestlinghasmelike-blog · 6 years

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Monday Night Raw review- January 8th, 2017

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! I hope y’all are doing well, and that your 2018′s are getting off to a great start so far! I’ve been looking forward to Raw all day, let’s hope it’s a good show!

Please let me know what you thought of the show, as well as what you thought of this review! Any type of feedback and criticism is welcomed! Thanks so much for checking this out!

Opening segment- Roman Reigns

Last week we saw Roman and Joe for the IC title, and tonight we see him holding the title high. For those of you who didn’t see the match, I’d highly recommend checking it out because it was a phenomenal match that was put on by two really great performers.The crowd reaction seems mixed on Roman tonight, but overall he’s been getting more cheers than jeers lately.

Jason Jordan is now on his way to the ring, and I just don’t have anything positive to say about him. In the words of my father, “I just want him to get hurt, or something..” No one understands this kid, or why he’s getting this push that he is. His in-ring ability is pretty alright, but he just isn’t anything special to anyone.

Seth Rollins is now on his way down, and we have all 3 members of the “New Shield” joining us in the ring. Seth is definitely playing mentor/mentee with Jordan, and I wish I could pick Seth’s brain about how he feels about it.

OH BOY HOWDY IT’S FINN AND THE CLUB OH GOD I AM DEAD

God, I hope this elevates Finn’s status on Raw. He deserves a better chance, but it’s great to see Finn with Gallows and Anderson. Aaaaaand it’s great to see Finn so happy and smiling with some gggoooodddd boooyyyssss!

It was announced that the main event is going to be a 6-Man Tag match with the Balor Club against Roman, Seth, and Jordan! Get hyped!

Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville

I have to say I’m a little exhausted with seeing this matchup. Let absolution wrestle other women, because that’s what I want to see.

The match started off with the pairing of Mandy and Bayley, and I loved seeing the display of power from Mandy. I don’t think we’ve really seen her ability in the ring, and I’m glad that we’re seeing a showcase of it now. I will say, I am tired of hearing Booker T bring up the fact that Mandy was on Tough Enough a few years back. We get it Booker, you’ve seen Mandy before.

Coming back from commercial, Mandy has control over Sasha, but not for long as Sasha rallies back. Michael Cole is screaming into the mic and saying IT’S BOSS TIME and god help us. Sonya has now been tagged into the match, and I can’t wait to watch her take out Sasha. I don’t like how Sonya does the “put your hair up” thing because it really stops the flow of the match. Once she puts her hair up, however, she does deliver some really fast strikes. Mandy and Sonya really dominated through most of the match, which is usually the match style for these guys now. With a quick roll up from Sasha that turned into the Bank Statement, this less-than-exciting match is over, and the good guys get the win.

WOKEN!Matt vs. Curt Hawkins

Oh man, I love Woken Matt. It’s so weird and silly and I’m just happy that Matt has found something to do with Jeff not being here. Everyone knows that Jeff is the money maker for the Hardys, but with Woken Matt, things are great for Matt. I can’t wait for Jeff to come back to see what the brothers do next.

In the past weeks, we’ve seen Bray Wyatt and Matt go back and forth with promos, but this is the first time we’ve seen Matt wrestle like this. His style isn’t too different, but he does seem to be slowly “transforming” into something else.

There wasn’t much to say on this match, but it does suck for Curt that he’s basically a jobber. I miss him as an Edgehead, but that was a long time ago. Bray came out after Matt won the match, and it turned into a crazy contest with these two just laughing in the middle of the ring. I guess we’ll see if anything happens with these two in the upcoming weeks, and hopefully it doesn’t diffuse after the rumble.

The Return of The Miz!

He’s back everyone! With a nice introduction and song from Elias, The Miz has welcomed us to MizTV! He changed his hair back to the OG spiked haircut, which I like a lot better. I’m glad that MY INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION has come home. I can’t wait to see what The Miz brings us in 2018.

Miz’s guests for tonight were actually the Miztourage, which is a little bit of a letdown, but it was a good goofy segment because Dallas and Axel were giving Miz stupid gifts. But I think we all wanted to see Roman and Miz have a confrontation. As we all remember, Roman beat Miz for the IC title about 2 months ago, and while Roman is a good champ, The Miz is even better.

Miz began listing his accomplishments from 2017, and when you think about it, The Miz had a great year, and he really is one of Raw’s top talents. For 2018, he’s got a daughter on the way, a new movie or two, I think he and Maryse just got a new house?? He will most likely hold another title, and he promises to take back his title.

Cedric Alexander vs. Enzo Amore for the Cruiserweight Championship

I wish that this was a match that took place last week, but Enzo was out sick and could not compete, so we get this match tonight. Earlier in the show, we saw Goldust give Cedric some advice for the match, which is pretty sweet since Goldust is such a legend and to see him support the cruiserweight division is great.

Cedric got the opportunity to face Enzo for the title after a series of Fatal Four Way matches, which he first lost, but after Rich Swann was arrested for domestic violence, the WWE called for a new match which named Cedric as the number one contender.

Right before the commercial break, Cedric took a nasty fall from the top rope after Enzo used the ref as a distraction. For me, I think Cedric oversells and he’s a little too noisy in the ring. If he takes one forearm hit, he screams his head off, and it’s too much. Enzo was setting the pace for the match so far, but Cedric made contact with a dropkick to Enzo, and Cedric looks to make a comeback. With an amazing handspring kick to Enzo, the pin from Cedric leads to a near fall, and Cedric looks close to winning. After the kick from Cedric, it looks like Enzo has a cut above his eye, and from the words of Michael Cole, “Enzo’s face is a huge mess!” It’s hard to say whether or not Enzo is actually cut, or if he bladed, because once it got wiped off, it was like Enzo never got hurt at all.

With a suicide dive from Cedric to Enzo, Enzo got counted out, and with the champion's advantage, Enzo is still the champ. This match didn’t offer anything, and it sucks that Enzo is still holding the title.

The Bar vs. Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews

Oh god, what even is this matchup? This is The Bar y’all, they don’t want to face these guys. I always think it’s great when guys who don’t normally get TV time are seen on TV and get a story, but no one wants to see this. The crowd is dead for this match, which is just a little upsetting.

It was announced before this match that The Bar would get their title rematch at the Rumble, so let’s just see this match as a warmup for The Bar. The crowd is now more into this match now that it is at its midway point. Titus got the crowd really hyped, but The Bar took control back, but not for long as Titus got the small package on Sheamus! I’m shocked! This is a huge win!

Brock Lesnar Responds

Last week, we saw Brock and Kane have a confrontation in the middle of the ring. Tonight, Brock is apparently responding to the attack? I am surprised that we are seeing Brock two weeks in a row. He took time out of his busy days to come and bless us two weeks in a row, what a hero. I am, of course, being an asshole and I want Brock to not be champion anymore. I don’t care who it is anymore, I just don’t want Brock as champion anymore.

I am not thrilled by the idea of this triple threat match for the title at all. It just sucks that Big Man vs. Big Man vs. Big Man sells tickets better than it should.

Kane eventually came out to attack Brock as he and Paul were leaving, and it has moved from the stage to the backstage area, where Braun was waiting to attack as well, and threw Brock and Kane into equipment. He then pulled a grappling hook out of nowhere and threw it to the top of a structure, which then toppled onto both Kane and Brock. We were led to commercial by Paul Heyman screaming his head off and questioning god why he would let this happen. Hilarious.

Samoa Joe vs. Rhyno

I’m sorry, but this match was made just to kill time, and that sucks. I think the stuff with Heath and Rhyno is overplayed at this point, but they’re just hanging onto whatever they can to stay relevant. I also think this is a step backwards for Joe, since he faced Roman last week for the IC title.

Rhyno landed the first few strikes to start the match off, but Joe is now dominating the match. Joe brought Rhyno down, and Rhyno tried to fight back with some chops to the chest, but it wasn’t enough as Joe immediately reversed and took back control. A coquina clutch brought Rhyno down to his knees, and Joe gets the win by submission. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a good spot for Joe after last week, but after Joe cut a promo, he apparently is in the mind set that he was the winner last week! If this is Joe being positive towards this spot, then I hope he keeps a smile on his face.

Asuka was supposed to have a match, but Nia Jax came out and attacked her from behind. I wish it was an actual match, but I guess we’ll see this happen next week!

6-Man Tag Match- Balor Club! vs. The “Champions Club”

Oh god, I’ve been waiting for this match the entire night! Finn being in the main event two weeks in a row is just amazing and I just love, love, love this so much. He’s finally getting some recognition again, he’s being put in a good storyline, and I’m incredibly happy for him, and Gallows and Anderson as well for that matter. Corey Graves brought up their time in Japan, and they showed us a bunch of pictures of baby Finn and the club. Corey even said Being the Elite!

It looks like Seth and Finn will start the match, and no one can forget their history, stemming all the way from Summerslam 2016. The two had a really fast-paced combo of moves that took my breath away, and now Karl comes into the match. Some fast tags in the match, and now the Champion Club has control leading into the commercial break. I don’t know what to call that team, so I guess that will stick for now.

After the break we find Seth and Finn going after each other again. Seth tags in Roman, and Finn looks to be in trouble. Roman went for the superman punch, but with a distraction from Luke, Finn hits a slingblade and tags in Karl. Luke is keeping Reigns down for now with a reverse crossface, but now Reigns is trying to fight back and take Luke down. I do like the fact that Jordan has been kept out of the match entirely so far.

Reigns ends up captializing on Anderson and hits a tilt a whirl, but Anderson is able to get a tag and Roman is not. After Gallows works on Roman, Roman finds a way to superman punch Gallows to tag in Rollins. It’s now Anderson and Rollins, and Rollins looks amazing. Rollins knew he had to fight back, and he really did. Rollins tried to pick up the win for his team, but couldn’t do it. The match got a little messy as both teams distracted the ref, and he couldn’t see the tag. Jordan completely screwed the match and got in the way, but the better team won and Finn hit the Coup de Grace for the win! Hooray for the Balor Club! My heroes!

I thought this was a pretty decent show. Unfortunately, it had a lot of spots that wasted time and could’ve had been better used. I, of course, loved the main event a lot, and Finn just looked so good and so happy. Big things are happening for RAW! The 25th anniversary is happening soon!

Check in tomorrow for my Smackdown Live review! Thanks so much!

#wwe #wwe monday night raw #monday night raw #roman reigns #finn balor #the miz #balor club #samoa joe #brock lesnar #bayley #sasha banks #paige #asuka #nia jax #wrestling #reviews

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khaleesiofalicante · 5 years

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Shadowhunters S3E19 Thoughts

Okay Magnus is sad and walking around the streets of NY but THOSE PANTS THO DAYUUUM!!!!

Assmedaddy is casually just leaning on a lamp post as if he didn’t fuck up our lives big time this bitch!

I gotta say tho, both father and son dress to impress!

“What fool summoned you?” OMG MAGNUS IT WAS YOUR HUSBAND

OMG HE LOOKS SO HAPPY THAT HIS MAGIC IS BACK DAMN HARRY SHUM JR AND HIS SUBTLE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS!!!!

We are not falling for your bullshit, assme!! Leave my child the fuck alone!!!

OHHHHH CAT EYES!!!!

We are cooooooming after youuuuuuuuuu.

Alec you are NOT fine. Please!

“Number one priority is Clary” - Is she tho??? Okay let’s have a structured debate...

The Clave is like the most unstable, indecisive governing body ever. They be handing out kil orders every Tuesdays and Fridays.

Any scene with Clary and Jonathan makes me cringe so haaaard.

Let Sizzy have a moment please!

OH GOD IT’S THE LOCK SCENE WITH LOVELY PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND

PAIIIINNNNNNNNNN

I’m so glad that I finally know how to pronounce ‘aku cinta kamu’.

OMG THEY KISSED TWICE. THEY ARE SO SOFT!!!!!

So, that’s why the lock is not there... Okay. I’m fine.

NO NO NO NO NO NO to Maia x Jordan. HELL NO.

Awwwww Raphael looks so happy. My smol bean <3

YES YES YES YES YES to supportive parabrotai content.

Hey, Luke! Did you talk to Maryse yet? I’m sorry I have priorities too.

Clary x Jonathan x Jace is cringier than I thought.

Omg it’s that malec scene with Madzie!!!!!!!!

YES CHILD YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE SPRINKLES IN THE WORLD!!

Honestly can we just have malec being dads for the rest of the episodes??

OMG they are discussing about having a family I WAS NOT READY FOR THIS TODAY OKAY LIKE YOU NEED TO GIVE ME 2-3 BUSINESS DAYS TO EMOTIONALLY PREPARE FOR THIS SHIT

Ohhh Prague looks nice!

UGH THIS TRIO IS SO AWKWARD PLEASE STOP

Raphael went to morning mass? Planted flowers in his sister’s grave?? Went to the bakery and stood in line??? I AM NOT CRYING YOU ARE

Sizzy doing dirty talk like the nerds that they are. LOVE IT!!

Seriously, when did she take that blood tho??

Jonathan lectured Jace about covering up runes and all their runes are visible? Stick to the goddamn plan you dummies!!

He IS like a puppy - It’s pathetic and kind of sad...

I just want Jace to have a break yall. Like boy has been through a lot. Give Jace a break!!!!

SOMEBODY CALL 911 I AM BEING ATTACKED BY THIS MALEC MONTAGE SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME GOD THIS SHIT HURTS

BROTHER SNACKRIAH!!!

Jem honestly had the ‘dafaq you sayin bro’ face when Magnus asked him to erase his memories of Alec.

“I will always be there for you” - IMMORTAL BROTHERS SUPPORT GROUP

“Alec is different” - WOW OKAY THAT DIDN’T HURT AT ALL

Thank fuck for Jem and his brain cells!!

Ugh this scene with sizzy and jordan and maia is unnecessarily heated imo.

Thank you for this club scene and reminding me how much I hate clubs. Stupid music, too many people, horrible lighting effects, no thank you sir.

And THAT’S why you shouldn’t do drugs, kids!

Why is dark clary trying be like extra sexy??? Tis weird.

Voyeurist alert.

How did Jordan even steal that vial of heavenly fire??????????

Izzy better get a raise for all the shit that she is doing. Alec give her more gold coins next month okay?

Stabby Clary is backkkkkkkk

Losing clary is like a recurring theme on this show and honestly i’m tired of it now.

ASSME STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY SON I AM WARNING YOU BITCH

Magnus has been crying a lot in the last few episodes i am not okay with this

OMG MAGNUS BABY NO HE IS NOT OKAY NO SOMEBODY TELL HIM

WELL SHIT.

#shadowhunters #3x18 #aku cinta kamu #malec #sh spoilers

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enoughrunning · 5 years

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OLYMPIAN AESTHETICS.

APHRODITE // laughter-loving. sweet smiles. dressed in silk and satin. flower in their hair. sees the world as a runway. unapologetically sexual. the sea washing their ankles. in love with love. stirrer of passion. cunning concealed by painted lips. secret daggers. doves. revolution in their kiss. delighting in the waves. flirtatious winks. strolling along the beach. staring wistfully from a balcony. this is how to be a heartbreaker. wants to be adored. gets turned on by danger.

APOLLO // glitz and glamour. art galleries. turning the volume up. being made of gold. neatly organized music sheets. notebooks filled with poetry. bathing in the sunlight. the powerful urge to create. collecting vinyl records. beautiful cover of wonderwall. playing multiple instruments. tasting like sunshine. healing touch. speaking in prophecies. smile mingled with wrath. shunning lies. sporting shades. hanging out at music festivals with their friends. sleeps naked. arrow to the heart. paint brushes. probably has a tinder account.

ARES // armed for battle. wants to raise a dog with their significant other. soft spot for children. gives piggyback rides. scarred body. blood on their hands and face. willing to fight the world for the ones they love. fights against injustice. warm hugs. well worn combat boots. boxing gloves. bandages wrapped around bruised knuckles. fist raised in protest. ignites revolutions. fear is a prison. more sensitive than what their tough shell would have you think. exhausted. damaged goods. force to be reckoned with. red roses. curses under their breath.

ARTEMIS // keen sense of a hunter. freckles like constellations on their skin. piercing eyes. disheveled braid. moonlight peeking through the shadows. the calm of the forest at night. lying on the grass and staring at the stars. mother doe and her fawn. protecting their kin. the moon shimmering on a still lake. quiver full of arrows resting against the bark of a tree. running with wolves. bonding while circled around a campfire. not being much of a people person. arrow hitting a target. popping egos. patience on 3%. touches heaven and returns howling.

ATHENA // discerning gaze. unreadable face. quiet museums. owl perched on their finger. armour that intimidates. eye for architecture. plays the sims for the sole purpose of building houses. studied the blade while everyone else was busy getting laid. big fan of logic. loves brain teasers. ancient buildings. sweaters in neutrals and cool colours. hair done up. can kill you with their brain. heads to the library often to research. sharpened pencils. abs that can cut steel. stoic statues. pottery classes.

DEMETER // soil covered hands. smile that can bloom flowers. skin loved by the sun. being the mom friend. can lift you and your friends. flowers kept in the pockets of overalls. takes pride in their beautiful garden. speaks to their plants. leaves rustling in the wind. stalks of wheat. picking fruit. greenhouses. heart as strong as a mountain. values simplicity. daisies dotted across a collarbone. curls crowned with flowers. folded pile of sweaters in warm hues. pulling out fresh baked bread out of the oven and the smell wafting through the air.

DIONYSUS // drunk shitposter. on their sixth glass of wine before you’ve even finished your second. seductive smirks. untamed curls. rich fabrics on dark skin. sleek furred panthers. theatre masks. stage productions. receiving a standing ovation. rose caught between their teeth. being the baby of the bunch. wild parties that last from sundown to sunup. creeping vines. inspiring loyalty. grand opera houses. masquerade balls. rolls of film. shattered chandeliers with broken glass scattered across the wine spilled floor.pouring champagne into flutes. lives for the applause.

HEPHAESTUS // the calloused hands of someone who knows labor. sweaty brow. flame burning in their eyes. inventive mind. broad shoulders. steampunk goggles. nuts and bolts stored away in little boxes. ashes. striking a match. blueprints for future projects. fixing up a busted up car and giving it cool upgrades. wrestles with bitterness. work boots have seen better years. wrinkled plaid shirts. iron melted in blazing fire. huge jackets. crafting masterpieces. greased stained overalls. fascination with robotics. pain is fuel. stack of weaponry. even their muscles have muscles.

HERA // resting bitch face. dressed to the nines. cows grazing on a pasture. cool rain. loving and hating fiercely. hand clutching a string of pearls. large chandelier with glittering crystals. plays the sims for the sole purpose of killing off their sims. romance to realism. pictures of the sky while flying on a plane. files that under fuck it. downs glasses of wine as they relax with a scented bubble bath and netflix. like their selfie or you’re grounded. knows 57 convenient ways to murder a man. dark eyes that penetrate your soul. marble and gold.

HERMES // devil - may - care smile. always up - to - date on the latest technology. will steal your french fries. does it for the vine. shitposter. puts googly eyes on everything. meme hoarder. long drives on the highway. ma and pop diners. spontaneous road trips. folded maps. fingers dancing across the keyboard of a laptop. shooting hoops on the basketball court. chatting up strangers as you all journey to your own destinations. goes jogging in the morning. mixes redbull with coffee. menace on april fool’s. hoodies and sneakers.

POSEIDON // storm with skin. colorful coral reefs. waves crashing against the shore. stroking the soft fur of a cat. their heart pounding as their horse’s gentle trot speeds into a gallop. tousled locks. clothes smeared with paint. owns several sketchbooks yet always yearns to own more. leather jackets. fondness for diy projects. handwriting that flows across the page. nimble fingers playing the strings of a violin. a velvety singing voice that haunts your dreams. mood as ever-changing as the sea. the roar of a motorcycle. compass with a spinning arrow.

HADES // walking home alone in the early morning. back alleys. drinking alone in a graveyard. crippling loneliness hidden by sarcasm and cynicism. crows picking a carcass. untended dead flowers. the black sheep of the family. black coffee. money can’t buy you happiness. murder mystery dinner parties. blood on your shirt collar. dust illuminated by sunlight. classical music. dogs are better than people. quiet wrath. shady business deals. taking what you are owed. paint it black. seasonal affective disorder. popping the suit collar. grey rain on a cityscape.

ZEUS // thunder in their heart. running on coffee. a flash of lightning. unnatural charisma. eloquence. badass in a nice suit. an aficionado of history. a force of nature. Lenny’s face. nightmare - filled nights. proud arm around their lover’s waist. high - rise buildings. planes soaring through a cloudless sky. technician on the piano. maintains order. strong handshake. juggling multiple events on their busy schedule with ease. expensive watch.

tagged by: @stardustcreated ( thank youuuuu i feel so loved! <3 )

tagging: @hcretics for maryse, @flyingupward for the sh baes ( yes im tagging myself shhh ), @liveshaunted for one of ur sh baes, basically anyone else who wants to i’m bad at decisions

#⁎☆⁎ 𝒥𝐹 — AESTHETICS ( with stubborn patience as with triple steel )

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omegatheunknown · 7 years

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Wrestlemania 33 Ratings

Neville © vs Austin Aries for the Cruiserweight Championship *** - Unenviable spot on the card, little time to work, good effort though, liked the finish. Neville retains which makes sense.

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale **½ - Predictable mess turned into dumb fun when Gronk got involved, still not sure what’s up with “Hardbody Mahal” hanging in (or that Ziggler nonsense – that coulda been the Sami spot) but Mojo and Gronk is perfectly dumb.

Dean Ambrose © vs Baron Corbin for the Intercontinental Championship **½ - “He tried to kill me with a forklift!” Yet no stipulations between two workmanlike hands means this one was hard pressed to go somewhere. Dean going over makes not the most sense, figured it’s been a year, Big Breakfast could be ready to touch some gold.

AJ Styles vs Shane McMahon ***¾ - Shane wrestled. But like actually did some wrestling! AJ helped him look straight money, still can’t believe the SSP… though I’m not going higher because the finish was clunky – Shane hits three spots, boom-boom-boom and then AJ turns out the lights. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Chris Jericho © vs Kevin Owens for the United States Championship ***½ - Jericho is maybe the greatest of all time but he’s also 46, so a classic is hardly a reasonable expectation. Still delivered on an emotional level - KO’s complete and utter lack of remorse goes straight over Jericho’s broken heart.

Bayley © vs Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax for the RAW Women’s Championship ***¾ - If you overlook the weird narrative implications in having Bayley retain and focus on the in ring brilliance of the horsewomen (How good is Charlotte right now?) the match was one of the best of the night. (Also Bayley might be coming down with a case of Macho Madness. I’d watch it.)

Gallows and Anderson © vs Sheamus and Cesaro vs Enzo and Big Cass vs The Hardy Boyz (!) for the RAW Tag Team Championship ****, pop of the decade - Talk about flipping the switch from a resigned ‘I guess Big Cass grabs the gold’ to a brain melting hype when Matt and Jeff Hardy (who were in a ladder match for the ROH titles Saturday!) 1) appear 2) compete 3) win the fucking titles in the aftermath of Jeff dropping twenty feet off a ladder through Cesaro and a second ladder.

John Cena and Nikka Bella vs The Miz and Maryse for the next season of Total Bellas ** - The Miz deserves better, but Cena’s proposal was surprisingly sweet. Although sorta proves Miz’s point. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Seth Rollins vs Triple HHH *** (½ star added for Stephanie McMahon going through a table) - Trips as a part timer is reliably fine, Seth on one leg is also decent, but the body part narrative was really the only thing going on in this one and maybe putting Haitch down with one last pedigree is good, but I was hoping Seth would bust out something fresh to end it.

Bray Wyatt © vs Randy Orton for the WWE Championship *½ - About as close to dud territory as was on the card, match plodded along and yet was pretty short. Bray’s “new power” of projecting bugs onto the mat (presumably also into Orton’s mind?) was basically a rest hold each time and for some reason Randy gets the belt now.

Goldberg © vs Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship ** - “Better than expected” is a phrase with diminished weight in a contest between a guy who exclusively performs suplexes and a 50 y/o man who hasn’t had a match lasting more than ninety seconds in well over a decade. And yet… I’m fine with it. Good for Goldberg for bumping.

Alexa Bliss © vs Naomi vs Becky Lynch vs Mickie James vs Natalya for the Smackdown Women’s Championship ** - Points deducted for inexplicably moving from 'any woman eligible’ to 'the six women on smack down’ and then it being a single elimination schmoz, also having to google 'is Mickie James native’ when she came out in regalia (she is,) also Becky’s cheeto dreads are not what I wanted… points added on for the Bexploder on Ellsworth (and by the transitive property, Becky has a chance to beat AJ Styles…) and for Naomi winning in her hometown, but what a mess.

Roman Reigns vs The Undertaker for the resolution of a property dispute *½ (½ star added for Jim Ross on commentary) - Roman Reigns placed in the no-win situation of retiring Taker. Sad match. Sad when Taker couldn’t get himself into that spot, sad when Taker flopped over, sad when Roman Reigns, who is a good brother despite his dumb vest and the dumb superman punch, is yet again booked as an invincible hero to an audience that kinda hates invincible heroes. JR though, and the Taker farewell was pure class.

I was thoroughly sports entertained, though I suggested Saturday that an appearance by the Hardys would justify just about anything else that happened, so…

#wwe #wrestlemania #wm33

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antthonystark · 7 years

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Alec is my favorite character but I do think he is being worse to jace than jace ever was to him, if it's true that he's going to neglect his friendship with him for Magnus. Jace ignored Alec for Clary, but Alec was not in the aftermath of being tortured and jailed or homeless at the time. Also, Alec did make legitimately terrible decisions in the first season, such as going along with the Clave while Jace rebelled against it. But hopefully that scene is misleading and Alec is more sensitive.

note to anon: this is incredibly long. don’t feel like you have to read it all lol. atsome point it just devolves into me venting. but I appreciate the opportunityto do so, so thanks for the question and opportunity to entertain differentviewpoints!

also quick disclaimer: i really love jace wayland/herondale/lightwood/whatever. this answer might make it seem like i don’t but i really do.

“if it’s true that he’s going to neglect his friendship with[jace] for magnus” seven episodes beforetheir first date. Immediately after that, Jace goes with Valentine to saveeverybody’s asses, and then we move into Season 2. If Alec is as horrible asyou describe, Alec would be like “lol ok boy bye” and go start having drinkswith Magnus b/c Jace is finally out of his hair. Instead, what actuallyhappened is over the course of three (3) episodes (half the season thus far), Alec is destroying himself andpotentially his relationships witheverybody else (including Magnus) in order to get Jace back, because “he’s outthere and he’s in trouble” (Alec 2x01) and “he needs me” (Alec 2x02). Nobodywas as acutely aware of how much Jace had been suffering more than Alec was.And, for the love of God, Alec was inches away from killing himself in order to save Jace from Valentine. Like, did youjust…pave over that part? Alec willingly participated in a procedure that heknows most people don’t survive if it meant helping Jace – in fact, if youcount 2x01, he did it twice. For allthat you say Alec is your favourite character, and I don’t doubt he is, but hisliteral life doesn’t seem to havemuch currency with you.

As for what happened after 2x03 and up until now and future episodes,I mean, Alec is human. If Jace isallowed to treat Alec quite poorly over a girl he met a few days ago (we’ll getinto this in just a moment), then if Alec wants to focus (not even exclusively, butat least a little bit) on a relationship that he has clearly been interested inever since 1x04 (over a whole season ago) – and moreover, if he wants to focuson trying to cultivate a kind of happiness he has never allowed himself to have in his entire life, why does thatmake him automatically awful? He has not once yet neglected Jace – please see anice breakdown of that concept here – even in 2x07, it’s not like he’s ignoring Jace, he’s trying to help solvehis issues.

Like, if you look at the ways in which Alec and Jace havehistorically interacted, Alec and Jace are generally not “sensitive” with oneanother, so to expect Alec to be out of character towards Jace so you canapprove of his actions is a bit strange in my opinion. The last time Jace wasmessed up was when he first discovered Valentine was his father, and he almostkilled Hodge in 1x13. Alec spoke to Jace in a very similar way – not sensitive or gentle, almost goading him outof his own bad decisions (much in the way that a parent or big brother or momfriend™ would do), because that’s how his relationship with Jace is and hasalways been. Rough but ultimately understanding. The only lapse in this was in1x12, when they reconciled over a whole season of fighting, so it’sunderstandable to have them be a bit noticeably kind towards each other. (I spokeabout this in more detail here).

So as for the first part, I don’t see how Alec is ignoring Jace.In 2x05, certainly, he brushed Jace off – but he did just go through somethingthat would be extremely traumatic for anybody (an external entity taking overhis body and brain and his free will in order to punch his friend’s mom throughthe heart with his own bare hands while he’s helpless to stop it). I know thatJace has had much more than his fair share of trauma throughout the first fiveepisodes, and if I had to pick someone to comfort, it would be Jace over Alec.But unfortunately, people don’t work like that. Alec just went throughsomething awful, and that he’s not able to step back and go “hey, but you’vebeen through worse shit, how are you doing?” doesn’t make him a horribleperson. Even so, you can see that what’s eating at Alec is not, “I just wentthrough something terrible,” but rather, “I couldn’t save you from any of theshit that you went through, and now I’ve killed yours and Clary’s mom, too, whydo you want anything to do with me?” So it’s far from self-centred and it’sentirely understandable that he doesn’t want to face Jace about any of it atthat moment. I guess you could call it Alec being self-centred if you’rethinking that Alec is only cognizant of his own issues and not everything thatJace has been through (being all “woe is me” instead of caring about Jace), butlike?? he’s a human person who is struggling a lot right now, and the reasonhe’s struggling is because he feels like he has let everybody down and failedat both his job and the people he loves. he’s not perfect. The full burden ofJace’s emotional well-being does not rest on his shoulders and that you’retrying to make him responsible for it isn’t sitting quite well with me.

OKAY. So. Onto the next part.

Listen, I love Jace, so I don’t want to start listing off theways in which he behaved awfully towards Alec in season 1, because I’m okaywith letting bygones be bygones and letting characters develop away from themistakes of their pasts. But, what the hell, let’s get into it – it’s not byany means a simple case of Jace just “ignoring” Alec because he likes a girl(that’s to be expected and Alec is a big boy who can handle that kind oftreatment). But Jace really does mistreat Alec in a myriad of different ways.

Let’s start with 1x03, and bear in mind that Alec is the head ofthe institute – he’s not just the oldest child, but he is superior to everyoneelse and is responsible for everyoneelse in the Clave’s chain of command. When Alec says that they’re not allowed toembark on an unsanctioned mission, Jace and Clary literally dismiss himentirely. Throughout the episode, Jace doesn’t listen to Alec for even asecond, even if what Alec’s saying isn’t unreasonable. At the end of it, Alecis saying “just listen to me for one second – ” and Jace yells at him to “stop.” That’s just the sort of dismissivebehaviour Jace has towards Alec throughout the majority of the first part ofSeason 1.

Don’t even get me started on 1x05, where Jace – who knows what Alec’s insecurities arebetter than anyone – spits in his face that “your mother was right and yourbest just isn’t good enough” and basically calls Alec trash to his face becauseClary snuck out of the institute. Andeven then, Alec barely fights him on it, because his self-worth is in tatters(or it is now, if it wasn’t already).

But what’s worse aboutthis and behaviour like this is that it shows a disregard of what Alec has togo through that is far more callousthan any Alec may or may not have shown towards Jace in Season 2. Like I said,Alec is in charge of our little squad in terms of the chain of command –meaning that any and all consequences of their insubordination fall squarely onAlec’s shoulders, while the rest of them are able to go pretty much scot-free(other than Isabelle, who tries to placate the Lightwood parents to get theheat off of Alec). In 1x05, Alec gets chewed out by Maryse for approving themissions he was strongarmed into participating in by Jace/Clary; in 1x06, Robertvery clearly states that he blames Alec for the heat that the Lightwoods arefeeling towards the Clave, stating that (which then leads to Alec blaming himself enough to almost marry someonehe could never love):

Robert:But… after all the unsanctioned missions that your brotherauthorized while we were away…

Isabelle:Alec was protecting Clary. We all were. That’s what the Clavewanted.

Robert:You went rogue. And now the Clave thinks our family honor isbeyond repair. (Which then leads to the Lightwoods trying to arrange a marriagebetween Alec and somebody else for their own political gain, irrespective ofthe fact that Alec is gay.)

By episode 6, even Simon – who barely knows either of them –realizes that Jace “treat[s] [Alec] like a lapdog.” And it’s true – Alec gotfully chewed out by Robert for Jace and Clary being missing in 1x06, and whenhe tries to get Jace back as per orders, Jace doesn’t listen to a word he saysand instead immediately goes, no, I need you here instead. Of course, it’s animportant thing – Luke’s life hangs in the balance – but it does show acomplete disregard for Alec’s situation. This idea continues into 1x07, whereAlec fully says that his dad would disown him if he doesn’t get Jace back. I completely get that Jace is just doing what he thinks is right, and I fully appreciatethat - but if we’re talking about who doesn’t care about whom, then he doesn’t seem to give one shit about what effect that’s having onAlec. And once again, all the consequences of Jace’s behaviour are fallingsquarely on Alec’s shoulders.

(I’m certain that had Alec gone with instead of against Jace in1x09, the consequences – in the form of Isabelle’s trial – would again havefallen on him instead of Isabelle, since he’s the head in the chain ofcommand.)

The most insidious thing here of course is that, because nobodylistened to Alec, and he had to take pretty much all of the heat for theirinsubordination – this led very, very, very directly into Alec’s arrangedmarriage with Lydia, a woman, which further and more violently repressed Alec’salready violently-repressed self. Now, an almost-marriage isn’t nearly asshitty as being tortured or homeless, but it’s not like Jace was “just ignoring”Alec – Jace’s behaviour and disregard towards Alec led to Alec finding himself ina significantly terrible situation. It also leads to the Lightwoods losing theInstitute, and Alec therefore losing the chance to ever head the Institute,which is something he seems pretty broken up about – saying, rightly, that “I’vedone everything for my parents, the Clave – I’ve done everything that they’veasked”, and he still ends up with nothing (1x08). And, of course, Not all of that or even most of that is Jace’sfault, obviously (and some of it is Clary’s), but it plays into it in a waythat I think is not insignificant.

And this isn’t even factoring in how Jace lied to, stole from,and betrayed Alec in the whole 1x09-1x11 plot, because I can respect that Jacedid that for a greater good. And thisisn’t factoring in how Alec has feelings for Jace (feelings that he never actedon or blamed Jace for, feelings that he is completely anguished about, whichJace then throws into Alec’s face in1x09 and gets a pretty well-deserved punch for that).

Now, moving on.

Finally, the one singular instance in which Alec goesagainst Jace and with the Clave is in 1x09. I’m not going to condone Alec condoningthe state-sanctioned torture of another person (Meliorn), but in full defenseof Alec (as usual), let’s break it down.

What Clary and Jace did – stealing the Mortal Cup, most notably,to keep it from the Clave – had fucking disastrousconsequences. Had it not been for Clary’s quick thinking in the nick oftime (credit where it’s due, that was fucking awesome), they would haveliterally delivered the Mortal Cup straight into the hands of “Michael Wayland”aka Valentine.

So, honestly, other than the whole torture thing which I’m noteven going to try and defend, I can’t blame Alec for wanting to side with theClave when it comes to the Mortal Cup and Valentine. Being cognizant of therecent history of the Shadow World, the last time a group of young vigilantesstarted going rogue, it led to disastrous consequences – and that wasn’t a long time ago in the ShadowWorld. That was, what, twenty or thirty years ago? It’s very, very recenthistory. And Alec is very aware of this – so his desire to follow the Clavedoesn’t come from the fact that he necessarily thinks that what the Clave isdoing is right, but rather that he’s aware that breaking down the authoritiesin the Shadow World can lead to chaos - and it’s very fresh in his mind because of the recent revelation about his parents.

Alec’s most significant line in 1x09, Ithink, is this one, after Jace implores him to join him: “If we do that… we’ll be considered traitors like Mom and Dad.”

So you can see that Alec is extremelymessed up about his parents being in the Circle, but understands how defyingthe authority of the Clave in this case can easily be equitable to theactivities of Valentine and the Circle – so this isn’t about Alec ideologicallyaligning himself with the more questionable elements of the Clave’s methods andrhetoric, but rather Alec understanding that if they go against the Clave, it’sgoing to cause more harm than good for them personally and overall. (And Alecis ultimately proven right as Isabelle is so very nearly convicted of treasonand sentenced to exile as a scapegoat for Clary and Jace).

And for all that people were okay with defending Raj andAldertree for “just following orders”, that excuse seems to hold no water whenit comes to Alec. I don’t personally think it’s a very good excuse for anybody,because people have choices about how to act, but just pointing that out.

In the end, was it a good decision? Not really, no. Were thealternatives much better? Not really, no. And it’s a lot more complex than “Alecfollows rules because he’s a rule-follower”, which I think is usually whatpeople make it out to be.

If you’ve actually made it this far……….I mean, kudos. Thanks for reading.

#this is 2400 words so i didn't read over it so please excuse any errors of grammar or content #you just kind of hit me at all my weak points lol anon #alec lightwood #jace herondale #jacealec #mine:meta #shadowhunters #sh spoilers #anonymous

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FIGHTING ATTRACTION by Sarah Castille

Life, Books, & Loves: FIGHTING ATTRACTION by Sarah Castille

FIGHTING ATTRACTION Coming April 4, 2017!

Five sexy MMA fighters who will fight hard to win their girl. Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Mine, and Worth the Fight will love this standalone addition to the Redemption series by New York Times Bestselling author, Sarah Castille.

Pre-order FIGHTING ATTRACTION and add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! Then keep reading to get a sneak peek at FIGHTING ATTRACTION and to enter the giveaway for the first three books in the Redemption series!

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

My sweet, sexy Penny has a dark side. Just like me. I will have her. And then I will lose her, and suffer a lifetime of regret.

Rampage. Everyone loves him. He is Redemption’s top heavyweight fighter and the biggest gossip in the gym. But he isn’t the teddy bear everyone thinks he is. He’s hiding a dark secret-and he hates himself for it.

Twice a week, Rampage transforms into Master Jack, a notorious dom only the most hard-core submissives will play with. How can he-a Southern gentleman, bred to respect and protect women-want to dominate them?

But Penny Worthington wants him. Beneath her pearls, kitten heels, and prim British exterior beats a tortured heart…Master Jack is the only one who can set her free.

PRE-ORDER LINKS:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2jvBTuD Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2kOcmOB  B&N: http://bit.ly/2j5qgYa iTunes: http://apple.co/2iKwXkv  Google Books: http://bit.ly/2jsS5NG  BAM: http://bit.ly/2j5oB4J

Redemption Series: Against the Ropes (On sale for $1.99!) In Your Corner Full Contact Fighting Attraction Strong Hold (Coming soon!)

Spread the news about FIGHTING ATTRACTION with a GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: One (1) lucky winner will receive paperback copies of the first three books in the Redemption series (AGAINST THE ROPES, IN YOUR CORNER, AND FULL CONTACT).

Enter at: http://ift.tt/2kVpu4t?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Exclusive sneak peek at FIGHTING ATTRACTION!

Jack “Rampage” Caldwell is the first MMA fighter I created for the Redemption series, and even when I first brought this Southern gentleman to life, I knew he had a secret. But Penny has a dark secret, too. After Jack discovers what she hides from the world, he makes her promise to come to him if she needs him. But trust doesn’t come easily for Penny. She breaks her promise, never expecting that Jack will find out. But, of course, he does…and crossing a sadist is never a good idea!

“I’ll call you back. Jack is here.”

Cora sucks in a sharp breath. “I’ll see you at class tonight. I can hardly wait to hear all about it.”

I end the call and swallow past the lump in my throat. It’s only been three days, and yet it feels like I haven’t seen Jack in forever. He’s wearing a white T-shirt that clings to his taut, muscle-ridged abdomen, and worn jeans that ride low on his narrow hips.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to keep my gaze above his belt.

He pins me with a direct stare, his eyes fierce and hard. I feel like he’s trying to see into my soul, but my heart is pounding so hard I’m not sure enough oxygen is getting to my brain to make any sense of what’s going on.

“Jack?”

His gaze rakes over my body, lingering on my thighs as if he can see beneath my skirt. He tenses, and his eyes narrow. If I didn’t know X-ray vision was impossible, I would swear he knows I broke my promise.

“Are you alone?”

“Yes.” My pulse kicks up a notch. “Everyone’s out for the rest of the afternoon.”

He takes a step toward me, and the hair on the back of my neck stands on end.

“Lock the door.”

A thrill of fear shoots through me, and sweat beads on my forehead. What if he knows? Or suspects? What will he do?

“Now.” His deep, commanding Dom voice ripples through me, fanning the flames of my desire. Do I trust Jack enough to lock myself in the office with him, especially when I know what is coming? Do I trust myself?

I brush past him and lock the front door.

“Your office,” he snaps after I return.

I jump at his sharp tone and scramble out of his way as he brushes past me and through my office door, a lithe and powerful animal herding its prey.

“What’s going on?”

“Stand in front of the desk.” He gestures to the big oak desk Amanda and I refinished when we first moved into the building.

Puzzled, I do as he asks, my breath catching in my throat when he closes and locks the door behind him.

“Jack?”

He gives me his back as he draws the curtains at the side of my office. “Don’t move.”

A sting of disappointment hits me in the chest. Has he come to reject me all over again? Does he want to make sure I understand there is nothing between us? It shouldn’t bother me because I got the message the other night. I’m nothing. Nothing special. Nothing extraordinary. Not worth his time, especially since he’s on the cusp of fame. I’m just his pal. Plain old quirky Pen. But he doesn’t have to be so cold.

Worthless, no-good piece of shit.

No. No. No. My fingers tighten on the lip of the desk. I haven’t even started to heal from last night. I don’t need the past intruding on the present.

Jack leans against the door across from me, thick arms folded over his massive chest. “Lift your skirt.”

Shock steals my breath away, and all I can do is stare.

“What?”

“You heard me. Lift your skirt. Now.”

Bang. Bang. Bang. My heart thuds frantically against my ribs. Adrenaline pounds through my veins, and I feel a rush of heat between my legs. He knows. I can see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice…

“Why?” I whisper, stalling. And why is this turning me on?

“You know why,” he snaps. “You didn’t keep your promise.”

I smooth my hands over my cream skirt, silky underneath with a cotton macramé overlay, pressing it tight against my thighs. “It doesn’t matter if I kept it or not. We’re not in the club. There’s nothing between us. You made that clear the other night.”

“I fucked up the other night.” He shifts his stance. “I’m not good for you, Pen. You need to be with someone normal. A nice guy who’s going to treat you right and doesn’t want to hurt you.”

My hand fists on my thigh. “I don’t like nice guys. They don’t understand me. They’re too gentle. My life is about pain. Emotional and physical pain. It’s what I know, what I understand, what I need.”

“So you hurt yourself?”

“I didn’t—”

He cuts me off with a scowl. “Don’t lie to me.” He pauses, and his voice takes on a deeper, cutting edge. “Show me.”

My mouth goes dry at his abrupt command, and I fiddle with the edge of my skirt, at once indignant that he would try to boss me around and aroused that he did.

“What if I did?” I say defiantly. “There’s nothing you can do about it.”

His corded throat tightens when he swallows, and he fixes me with a level stare. “I’ll give you what you need.”

All the air leaves my lungs in a rush, and I feel a disconcerting wetness between my thighs. “You wouldn’t dare. I’m at work.”

“Try me.”

Electricity sparks in the air between us, and a curious mix of fear and arousal courses through my veins. Stiffening my spine, I curl my fingers under the edge of my skirt and draw it slowly, painfully slowly up my thighs. Jack stills. His eyes flick down and then back up again. He licks his lips, and his eyes darken.

I have awakened the beast.

PRAISE for Sarah Castille’s Redemption series:

“Powerful. Gritty. And sexy beyond belief. Sarah is a true master!”– Opal Carew, New York Times bestselling author of HIS TO CLAIM

“Hilarious, hot and occasionally heartbreaking. I loved it! “– Maryse’s Book Blog on AGAINST THE ROPES

“Castille’s follow-up to the excellent Against the Ropes doesn’t pull its punches.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review for IN YOUR CORNER

“Emotionally charged, amazingly sexy, and flat out fantastic.”– Fresh Fiction on FULL CONTACT

Other Books in the Redempton Series

AGAINST THE ROPES (Redemption #1)

Download the series starter for $1.99!

Order Paperback: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Books-A-Million | IndieBound | Indigo

IN YOUR CORNER (Redemption #2)

Order Paperback: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Book Depository | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

FULL CONTACT (Redemption #3)

Order Paperback: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Chapters Indigo | Book Depository | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

Order Ebook: Kindle | Nook | iTunes | Kobo | Google Play

ABOUT Sarah Castille:

Sarah Castille is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Redemption Series, Ruin & Revenge Series, Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club series, Legal Heat series and the Club Excelsior series. A recovering lawyer with a fondness for dirty-talking alpha males, she now is a full-time writer, who lives on Vancouver Island.

Sarah loves to connect with readers. Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases: http://bit.ly/LgFZlb

Connect with her at: TWITTER: https://twitter.com/sarah_castille FACEBOOK: http://ift.tt/1OmaySi INSTAGRAM: http://ift.tt/2kkWeAV AMAZON AUTHOR:http://ift.tt/1mySsAh GOODREADS: http://ift.tt/1mySsA9 PINTEREST: http://ift.tt/1mLcNCp YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnP8FQqxprb7iggEDKfA1mw BOOKBUB: http://ift.tt/2kkZIDM

Disclosure: This information was provided by Barclay Promotions and Sarah Castille. This is NOT a compensated post.

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