#future fluff

Skyler and David are taking a nap!

Read the full story on A03

Summary:

Alex is facing away from him, head bent over a pan of something that smells absolutely amazing. There’s an apron tied loosely around his waist. He looks so painfully domestic that Henry almost passes out.

He would make such a good father.

El Destino- Chapter One

Miguel x fem! Spider! Reader fanfic

It’s finally here! Chapter one of El Destino! I know I promised it yesterday, but I wasn’t 100% loving it yet. But after rewriting some things and editing it I decided it was ready to be seen!!!

In the photo, I wanted to give the color scheme of the spider outfit.

My Spanish is no where near perfect so I had to rely a bit on Spanish Dict. (waaay better than google translate.) I also apologize for any grammatical mistakes I missed.

WC: 2.3k

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Nueva York- Earth 3030

The chatter of people and the noise of the coffee machine blurred from the 24-year-old woman as she stared aimlessly at her computer screen. Her gaze kept moving from her work to her phone every time she heard it make a buzz. Rolling her eyes, she turned it on silent and flipped it over, determined to focus on her work and not on some guy she barely knew.

You slumped back against your chair, gaze now, staring at the popcorn ceiling. No amount of coffee would make your mind focus on the tasks that had an impending deadline. Suddenly, a figure approached you and placed a coffee on the table.

“Here.” Your gaze moved toward the woman standing in front of you.

“Aw, thanks, Michelle, that’s sweet of you. The next drink is on me.”

“Y/n, if we go out for drinks. I’m paying. How else can I impress my future sister-in-law.” Michelle chuckled as she waited for you to gather your things. You then walked out of the cafe and onto the humid streets of Nueva York.

“Girl, you’re my best friend. You don’t have to impress me. Though I think you and my brother are a cute couple, I’ll never understand what you see in him. He’s such a dork. You better not remove your last name once you tie the knot.” You grab your sunglasses and put them on. The summer sun of Nueva York was always brutal.

“I’ll still be Officer Moreno. But L/N is such a nice name too! I’m still going to take it.” Michelle smiles down at you. She was a tall woman. Almost 5 inches taller than you. You thought you were tall at 5’ 8’.” But her brother didn’t mind since he was 6’ 6.” You both entered the main building of Alchemex, where your brother worked.

You made it to his office after passing through the front desk and the annoying security checks. Right before walking in, you both jump in fright from a small explosion in the room.

“Liam?!”

“Honey?!”

You rush inside the office to see the man in question laughing as he wipes away the black smoke from his goggles. You let out a long breath, relief that he was alright. Michelle rushed to her fiance’s side.

“I’m fine. Just a little misstep in my experiment.” Liam cupped her cheek, grazing his thumb softly against her skin to ease her worries. Michelle pinched his cheek hard before giving him a quick kiss on the lips.

“You had me and your sister worried. Be more careful next time!”

“I’ll try my best. But being an Alchemex scientist means taking those risks! Breaking the barrier of our knowledge of the universe!”

“Dork.” You rolled your eyes at your annoying brother, which earned a chuckle from Michelle.

“Hey! At least I’m contributing something to society. All you do is write.” Liam whined as he began to clean up his mess.

“I’m a journalist! I work for the Nueva York Times! I should report your ass and your stupid projects. But I’m a nice sister.” You scoffed, offended by his comment.

“If you say anything to the public, my job will be on the line!” Liam grew more upset than annoyed as Michelle got between the L/N siblings to stop bickering. You rolled your eyes.

“You know one thing you lack in the intellect department, Liam? It’s Sarcasm.” You stopped laughing, knowing you had pulled one of his triggers.

Thankfully Michelle was there to calm him down. Unbeknownst to anyone in the room, a small spider squeezed through a crack in the ceiling. Its gaze went in multiple directions, looking for its victim. It took less than a second for its gaze to lock down on you as it descended. The silver and light blue spider glistened against the ceiling lights, sparkling like a diamond. It landed on your shoulder before it made its way to its destination.

“Well, I was going to tell you both over dinner tonight. It seems now is better.” Michelle spoke up, which brought the L/n sibling’s full attention.

“What is it, Mich?” Asked Liam.

“I’m going to be Captain!” Michelle smiled as she jumped in excitement.

“Oh my god! That’s amazing, Michelle!” You said, excited for your best friend.

“I’m so proud of you, Mich!” Liam brings her into a large hug.

“’ I’m finally going to bring change to the Nueva York police force!”

“Well, I’m done here! Let’s celebrate!” said Liam as he finished cleaning his mess.

…

After enjoying dinner with your brother and best friend, you separate ways with them, letting the couple celebrate the rest of the night alone. A sigh of disappointment left you as you reached the steps to your apartment, not wanting the night to end.

You scoffed as your keys slipped and fell to the ground. As you leaned down to pick them up, a scream left your lips when you noticed a spider on your hand. You flicked it off, but not before being bit by the nasty creature.

You rushed into your apartment, no longer wanting to gain the public’s attention with your small outburst. You rushed to the kitchen sink to clean the wound. It stung slightly when you touched it, so you quickly rubbed antibiotic cream, not wanting to get an infection. After the chaos, you turn on the TV as background noise as you get ready for bed.

The news was always playing in your apartment, not just because you were a journalist but because it was safe to know what was happening in the city. You will forever love Nueva York, but it wasn’t the safest city. Always a new story about a villain wreaking havoc and how the police force could barely keep the city safe. Thankfully, Michelle would hopefully change that as she moves up the ranks in the police force. You settle into bed, turning off your lights as you fall asleep to the sound of the news.

…

“Y/n! Why are you asleep! I need this draft by 5!” Your body jolts up from your desk, scared by the sudden intrusion. You fumble with the papers on your desk before passing one to your editor.

“Here. I have it done already.” The older man standing before you eyes narrow slightly before snatching the paper from you.

“You’re lucky that you’re so good at your job, y/n. If you weren't, I would have fired you for sleeping at work!”

“It won’t happen again, sir. I promise.” You heard a scoff come from him before he slammed your office door.

A loud sigh escapes from your lips, slumping back into your chair. You didn’t understand why, but you slept horribly last night. All night the entire room either felt scorching hot or ice cold. Not to mention how your figure looked in the mirror. You have always been in top shape, maintaining a mostly healthy diet and going on runs every other day. But you looked slightly tighter in your ass and thighs. Not to mention how amazing your hair looked after waking up. Usually, it looks like crap, and it takes you half an hour or more to make it look perfect.

However, those differences in your body were not the weirdest thing that happened this morning. Every other minute your hand would be stuck to a surface or an object. You wouldn’t think twice about how you stuck to your ceiling before coming into work late, which your boss was also on your ass about earlier.

Maybe your tired mind was playing tricks on you. But logic seemed to have flown out the window as your mind kept coming up with reasons to say this WAS happening to you. You kept picking up your phone, about to call your brother, but you immediately hung up every time you pressed the call button. What would happen if you told your brother? Alchemex would definitely find out. They would want to run all kinds of tests on you. The thought brought chills down your spine. You also thought about calling Michelle. But thought against it. Even though she was your best friend, you felt she wouldn’t understand.

It was only 1 in the afternoon, but you felt like the day had already ended. Since all your important deadlines are done, you’ll leave early to run errands.

…

A long groan escapes you, finally done with your last errand, as you walk out of the grocery store, walking back home. As you walked back, the hairs on your neck stood up as if someone had been watching you since you left work. However, every time you check your surroundings, no one was there. Obviously, your lack of sleep has made you delusional.

You decide to turn down an alleyway as a shortcut to your apartment. You thought it would be fine since it was still light out. How wrong you were.

“Give me your wallet.” A voice said from behind you. You felt something pointing into your back.

“Dude, I’m really having a shitty day today. I don’t need you making it worse.”

“I don’t care if your day was amazing or bad. Just give me your wallet, lady!” The man grew annoyed as the thing pointing in your back dug deeper into your spine. You took a chance and turned around.

“Do you really think I will give up my wallet when you don’t even have a gun?”

“Hey! This is a gun! And I’ll use it if you don’t give me your money!” The man said as he pointed whatever object from his jacket.

“Bye now.” You wave them off before continuing on your way.

“Hey!” He goes to grab you, but you quickly turn around, and now he was stuck to the wall?

He tries to move but is trapped in a white sticky substance. You were just as confused as the man. However, it was your chance to escape.

As soon as you turned around, you collided against something hard before falling on your ass to the ground. Looking up, you see a large man in a red and blue suit that completely covers him from head to toe.

This day was getting too weird as you slowly rose to your feet. Before the man could speak, you began to run. However, you didn’t get far as you felt something wrap around you, pulling you straight back to the intimidating figure. Looking down, you see a red rope substance around your waist. You ripped it off, about to run again, when he pulled you back in again.

“Would you let me go!” You yell out in annoyance.

“I told you, you shouldn’t have snuck up on her.” A small digital figure appears next to the man. It appeared to be a woman dressed in a fur coat with heart-shaped glasses hanging off the edge of her nose as she chuckled. The man groaned in frustration.

“How else could I have done it?”

“Umm, hello? Can you tell me what’s going on? Or, more importantly, who the hell are you?”

“My name is Miguel O’Hara. I’m from another dimension. I lead an elite force dedicated to the security of the multiverse… Why are you ignoring me?!”

A grin comes to your lips as you laugh. “Where are the cameras? I must be on some kind of prank show.”

“What? This is not a prank show. I’m from another universe. In my universe, I am Spiderman. In your universe, you are Spiderman. Or, well, Spider Woman.”

“Spider-what?”

“Dios mio! Were you bitten by a spider?” The man before you grew more annoyed, which made you chuckle.

“I was. Last night.”

“That was a radioactive spider genetically mutated in your universe’s Alchemex.”

“How did you..”

“It’s a canon event in every spider-person story. Obviously, yours just started.”

“What’s a canon event?”

“You know what. This will explain everything. Lyla, do the thing.” The small woman appeared next to the man again.

“Huh? What thing?”

“W-What do you mean, ‘What thing? The information explaining thing!” He looks at the small woman as if she should know what he was talking about.

You held your hand to your mouth, trying to hide your laughter. Your entire surrounding turned dark as a series of webs with images appeared.

“What is this?” You gazed at your surroundings, amazed by the sight.

“This is the arachnoid humanoid holy verse.”

“Catchy name.” You chuckle.

“Yeah, ok, it’s a stupid name. But it’s factually accurate. Going back to your question about a canon event. It’s a moment in every spider person’s life, every time. Some are good, some bad, some very bad. However, you don’t need to think about any of that yet. You’re just starting out.” The surroundings changed back just as soon as you were getting curious about what he was saying.

“So, why are you here then?” You ask, curious about the figure before you. You looked him over again. He was in the shape of his life; if only you could see what he was hiding behind that mask.

“I wasn’t planning on coming here. But you popped up on my scanner, so I checked it out. But I came too early. You barely have uncovered your powers yet.” He says as he fiddles with the futuristic watch on his wrist. A large orange portal splits open in thin air. The man turns around and walks into it, disappearing.

“W-wait!” You rushed over to stop him, but you were sucked into the portal before you could stop. The entire thing came all at once, which made your head dizzy. As quick as you entered, you stumbled out onto the floor.

“Ow.” You rubbed your head before standing up. You finally register your surroundings. It was spectacular.

Floors were going in all directions with a person or thing in a red and blue suit walking by as they gave you strange looks as if you had a third eye.

“Where am I?”

A woman in a red and black suit with yellow goggles approaches you.

“You must be new. My name is Jessica Drew. And you?” She smiled.

“Y/n L/n?”

“Well, Y/n, welcome to spider society.”

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Translations

El Destino= Fate

Dios mio= oh my god

Telling

“You two are barely thirteen. Where do you suppose you’ll get the money to buy crystal like that?” When the two trouble makers looked up at him with wide, puppy dog eyes, he shook his head. “Oh no. That’s not going to work on me this time. Your mother was ready to kill me when she found out how much those books you asked me for were. You are not wrapping me up in this one. You are telling your parents the moment they walk in. And you’re going to tell them you tried to bribe your sister.” 

They lowered their heads. “Alright Uncle Estinien…” 

Haurchefant looked back up at him, almost in tears. “Will you adopt us if Mama and Papa disown us?”

Chapters: 2/? Fandom: Top of the Lake Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Miranda Hilmarson/Reader Characters: Robin Griffin, Miranda Hilmarson, Original Male Character(s), Female Reader - Character Additional Tags: Background Case, Musicians, Reader-Insert, Death Threats, Getting Together Summary:

Being the No 1 female artist in Australia (and New Zealand, thank you very much) has it's perks, but it's decidedly less fun when things take a turn for the worse and threatening letters start to appear at your doorstep.

Detective Griffin seems to have just enough professionalism to agree to do her job even though it's clear that she can't stand you. Her tall constable partner however, well... that's another story altogether. One you would like to explore further.

Rating : Mature

TW/CW : manipulation, emotional abuse, physical abuse, harrassment, pressure to sex, breakdowns, anxiety, throwing up

Before reading, know that this might be hard for some people to read, so please be careful, escpecially if you’re under sixteen.

Chapter 2 : The Cut That Always Bleeds

Okay, so what the bloody hell was happening? Well, Alastair for sure did not know. First : Elias was going to the Silent City (for the best) because those bloody idiots thought that a trial will solve everything Second : Layla will try to help him, and Alastair was going to suffer from trying to hide his fathers secret Third : Their moving to bloody LONDON, to find allies.

What the- this was not fair. Yes, Alastair knew this was not on purpose, but- Everyone who ever hurt Alastair, or Alastair ever hurt was in London. But of course saying that they wanted Cordelia and that Herondale girl to be Parabatai as soon as possible, was the most believable excuse. Now this was going to be a huge mess.

Although Charles was there too. Which was worth anything, obviously. But that meant the mans brother was there too, who, just a few years earlier, blew up his belongings, along with one of the academys wing. With that other Lightwood, he couldn't remember his name, but he had lilac eyes. Wow, this was so not going to end well. And there was that stupid Herondale boy too. It seems, Alastair was going to stay in the house, all day long, and when there was a social event, he will be with Charles, and everything was going to be just fine.

Well, it was not. Turns out, his lover dissmissed him on any social event, or public space. Even on the streets. This was so not fair, and while Alastair tried to understand the reasons, it was hard to watch Charles ignore him, then walk straight to his fake fiancée. It just hurt, really much. It was like their relationship meant nothing, like Alastair meant nothing. It was a dagger flying straight into the boys heart, every time his love looked at Ariadne, or even mentioned her. It was indescribable. But after every time he felt like that, Charles noticed, and came to Cornwall Gardens. There were even some times he stayed nearly until dawn, but it was rare.

There was this one time, when (after he supervised his sister and her little friends in a demon fight) the red haired man came to him with news, and (as always) they ended up making out, but this time Charles was the one who pulled away. After, Alastair told him he loved him. And that was the time the other told him "Do not forget, Alastair, that whatever I do, it is with the thought of you ever in my mind" The boys eyes widened at that, and he was quite pleased with it. He truly did, never forget it.

Even when Charles was scolding him for literally anything that was not perfect, or shouting at him, or even when he went up to Ariadne and kissed her cheek. But there were also times he had no choice but to forget it, because sometimes it was hard to keep it in mind.

For an example, there was this time, when he was at the Fairchilds home, in the master bedroom, sitting on the settee. He was looking at the other man, who was bending over the desk, buried in papers, and was berating Alastair for getting caught up with his sisters friends (again), when he already told Charles a million times before, that no one had a clue about them, and that he was just picking his sister up from Annas flat, after she had tea. It was not Alastairs fault it had gone wrong, after all. So he just could not bear it longer, and burst out.

"Charles, can you stop?!" he shouted. The mentioned immediately stopped in his tracks, and turned to Alastair, slowly walking towards him. "Did you just shout at me?" he asked, and Alastair already felt guilty, he did not mean to shout... "I-I just told you already-" he cut himself off when the other stopped before him, and grabbed his jaw, not too strongly, but it still hurt a little. The boy started panicking, why did he have to say that? It was not on purpose, it just came out... Charles tilted his head up to look in his eyes sharply. Alastair felt his tears gathering, and a familiar sting in his eyes.

"I-I'm sorry...I did not mean to shout-" he was now cut off by the other, "But you never mean to, do you? You did not mean to meet up with your sisters friends, didn't you?" he said, sarcasm clear in his voice. Alastair tried to shake his head, but his grip was too strong. The boy felt a tear escape his eyes, though he was very determined to keep them back. "What did I say about crying?" Alastair just bit his lip, to keep other tears from coming. "Stop it, you have no reason to weep, just like a little kid..." Alastair couldn't hold himself back from sobbing, and the other let go of his jaw, now turning away, slowly walking around the room, shaking his head. Alastair brought his hands up to cover his face, trying to hide the tears, but the sobbing would not stop.

"Charles...Do you still love me?" he couldn't stop himself from saying. At that the mentioned turned around to look at him, with a face that said 'not again'. "Oh no, you are not turning this on me! You, and your delusions of 'love'..." he practically spat the last word out, like it was some kind of poison. "You know, you are the one here who should apologise, but no, instead you decide to turn this whole matter on me!" Charles was now furious. Alastair didn't want to rage the other man up even more, than he was now, so he sticked with apologising. Even though he wanted to scream. So, the younger boy took a deep breath and looked at the other.

"I am sorry for shouting at you, and for going out with my sister and her friends." the man came back to him again, and tilted his chin up, leaning down, into a kiss. He did not let go of the youngers chin, but reached for his torso with his other hand, and set him up from the settee. Alastair wasn't crying anymore, but the sting was still there, along with the dryed evidence of tears. The elder reached for his belt, but the boy gently tossed his hand away. When he tried again, Alastair decided to tell him not to.

"Charles, I do not think this is the best time for this..." he said, very carefully, with a little bit husky voice from crying. The man looked down on him with half lidded eyes, and Alastair was so exhausted, he closed his. "You owe me this." he said, his lips already touching the others. The boy let a last tear run down his face, but Charles didn't notice, or if he did, he ignored it.

It was about two hours later, that Charles sent him away because 'his brother could be home any time', but that was not true, because Matthew, that alcoholic, was nearly never home. He just wasn't interested in Alastair any other way than physical. The boy didn't want to stay anyways, so without a word he was just about to walk out the back door, when he heard someone in the kitchen. It must be the Fairchilds maid, he thought. Well, it was not their maid.

"Oh, Alastair. What are you doing here?" he asked, shocked.

"I could ask you the very same thing, Lightwood." he said, and Thomas looked down, but answered. "Henry told Kit to use the labor whenever he wished, and I am here to make sure he doesn't blow up the house..." the hazel eyed boy blushed, like as if Alastair had anymore reasons to be here. He wanted to divert the attention from why he was here, so he said what first came to his mind.

"Well, last time you 'made sure not to blow up anything' a whole wing of the academy exploded, along with my belongings, so I hope you do a better job now..." Thomas raised his head at that, "That was Matthew!" he blurted out. He was holding his hands up, as if in surrender, almost looking like a preyer when hunted. But Alastair was no pursuer, and he had no intentions of hurting the other. He had the urge to laugh at the boys reaction, but held himself back, and only let a small smile escape his lips. The other noticed, and was surprised, but returned it.

"So how do you like London so far?" he asked casually, making conversation, still Alastairs heart raced. He didn't react immediatly, so the other started explaining why he asked, "I-I just didn't see you since the demon fight-and-and-I didn't know how you were-and-" Alastair cut him off from his stuttering with "I like it just fine. Though there is a lot of traffic. And dramatic people." Thomas slightly chuckled at his comment on population.

"What makes the difference between London, and your previous address?" he asked curiously.

Alastair found himself wanting to talk to him, to answer the question, to start a conversation. So he did, "The people. They seem much more open minded in the Enclave, than in my previous home. London is much more about freedom than duty. I like that." he finished with a thoughtful look. It was like he was back in Paris again, in their little bubble, away from the world, and it was just the too of them. But, unfortunately, this reminded him of his original task, and felt an ache in his chest. They were not in Paris, and they were not alone. They were at the Fairchilds home, and Charles was just in the room above them. He had to leave.

"You know, I was about to leave, if you don't mind..." but seeing the dissapointed look on the others face made him think of something, "But you can escort me home, if you have nothing else to attend to." he suggested. Thomas opened his mouth, then closed it. It seemed Alastair really did surprise him. Or maybe made him uncomfortable... "But of course if you do not want to-" he was cut off by the other, "I do! I really do! I-I was just about to leave anyways." he said almost too quickly. Alastair raised his eyebrows, Thomas blushed, and looked down. He pretended not to notice it, and just gestured to the door. "Well then, shall we?" the younger nodded, and they headed out of the manor.

As they started to walk through the garden, Alastair felt a doze of guilt rush through him, but that was almost instantly gone, when Thomas distracted his attention, "So, you did not answer my question though..." he said as he opened the gate for Alastair. The gesture surprised him, but was pleased, and almost forgot what the boy was talking about. He pretended not to know, and put on his best confused and innocent face, then turned to the other and blinked. That made the other blush again, which Alastair did not understand, but decided he liked it. It was quite adorable.

"Which question?" he asked with fake curiousity, hoping not to get an answer. The hazel eyed boy scruched his neck and looked down, while still blushed. Alastair smirked to himself.

"Um...In the one were I asked you what you were doing in the Fairchilds house?" he asked not so confidently, and Alastair cursed himself for failing in distracting him. Atleast it worked in Paris.

It would not be strange if he told the other he was with Charles, right? People had friends... But the boy also noticed when he lied, he did in Paris too. So, he took a deep breath, looked away, and prayed to the Angels that Thomas wouldn't ask questions.

"I was with Charles..." there was a moment of silence, then the other asked, "Charles, as in Matthews brother?" Alastair found himself annoyed with the question. Who else? "Do you know other people named Charles?" he asked, a little sharply. "I apologise. I did not mean to be so snappy." he apologised, truly regretting it. After all, Thomas really didn't say anything.

"It is fine." he said, holding a hand up, and looking hesitant. Alastair felt like he could trust him. And, he also had the sudden urge, to tell someone about Charles. He hated to be a secret, but he would never tell anyone if Charles didn't want to. But Thomas seemed so trustworthy... Maybe if he told him just- "Do you have an affair?"

What- How- Alastairs mind stopped working, and nearly stumbled over a rock. Thomas caught his arm before he could fall, and turned to face him. They were already near Cornwall Gardens, but there were no surrounding people, the streets were all empty. It was just the two of them. The dark eyed boy turned away, and started walking again, the hazel eyed walking beside him.

"...How did you know?" he asked after coming out of his daze. The other nodded, and started explaining, "Paris. You did not want to tell me why, where, or who you were with, and somehow diverted the conversation to him (if not even on purpose), and Matthew told me Charles was there. Of course, this wouldn't be enough to confirm my theory, but I also saw the way you looked at him, how you said his name. On Enclave meetings too, you seemed to communicate without words, and I didn't know of you being friends with him. Oh, and I was nearly all the time at the labor with Kit, so I heard whenever you came in. And before you misunderstand me, no, I have not been eavsdropping on you, and no, I did not here what you were talking about, just that you came in." Alastair was truly stunned, of how good of an observer Thomas was.

"You pay quite much attention to me..." he murmured, but the other heard it, and blushed again, looking away. It was so cute, Alastair couldn't help but let a small smile.

"I am sorry if I gave the impression of stalking, I did not mean to." the older boy was speechless. He was happy the other did not hate him for it, he should not be apologising. Though the other did not hate him, he thought, otherwise he wouldn't have come to the Louvre with him.

"You didn't, it is fine. I actually am happy you do not hate me, at least not because of this." he saw the confused expression the boy had on his face, so he started explaining, like the other did earlier. "Well, I know you are not quite fond of me, and rightfully so, but I am glad that this is not the reason." the boy just looked even more confused, and furrowed his brows.

"I do not hate you Alastair, and never have. Maybe you were not so nice to me at the academy, but that was ages ago, and you were there with me in Paris when I was alone." Alastair raised his eyebrows yet again in surprise, and responded. "You do not have to thank me for that, I didn't have to cancel any of my activities." It was Thomas's turn to raise his eyebrows.

"Weren't you there with Charles?" he asked, seemingly curious. Well, he could tell him this, Alastair thought, he will not tell, right?

"I was, but he was working and I was staying at his apartment, so I only saw him at night." he shrugged, then continued, "And there were times when he didn't even come back for days." When remembering what he just said immediately started again, "I am sorry, you shouldn't have heard that, and I shouldn't have- This whole conversation shouldn't have happened-" but he was cut off by Thomas, gently grabbing his wrist to stop him, and turn to face Alastair.

"Alastair, stop. You can trust me. I am only sorry that Charles treated you that way, no one deserves to be treated like that. I did not know him very well, but I did not think he would be capable of doing such things..." Thomas looked at him ruefully, and he felt tears in his eyes again. He felt like an animal in a cage, the people walking by, looking at him in pity. But he could certainly not cry, so he decided to put his armor on. Which was anger.

Alastair ripped his wrist out of the others soft grip, and looked at him with rage. The hazel eyed boy seemed to instantly regret his words, and opened his mouth to speak, but was preceded by Alastair.

"Do not speak about Charles that way again. He did nothing wrong, I couldn't possibly expect him to throw away his life, just because I wished to be with him." his tone was so icy, the other truly seemed frightened. "Alastair, I did not mean-" but the other cut him off again, "I do not care what you meant. You should forget this whole conversation and go home. I will do the same. We will never speak of this again." Thomas opened his mouth again to say something, but Alastair prevented him in it, "Farewell, Lightwood." as he said this, he turned on his heels, and left to Cornwall Gardens. Thomas was still standing there, watching, as Alastair walked away, and never turned back.

As soon as he got home, he decided to write a letter to Charles. They had to meet, and talk, as soon as possible. So he wrote for the man to meet him tomorrow night, 10pm, Cornwall Gardens. That night, Alastair couldn't stop thinking about what Thomas said. Was Charles really treating him badly? He had no idea. In fact, he had no idea how a relationship should look like. He just based it off what he saw and heard. He knew for sure he did not want what his parents had, but then what should it look like? This was normal, right? Everything Charles was doing was for them. For him. He had to keep that in mind.

This was not how Alastair planned it to be. He was in the parlor, laying on the settee. Underneath Charles. Making out. With only trousers on. He knew where this was going, and he had to stop it. He called for Charles to talk. Right, talk.

The boy pulled away for air, and started speaking, "Charles, I actually wanted to talk about something..." he said, a little uncertainly about what, or how to say this, without infuriating Charles. The latter sat up, and reached for his shirt to put it on. Alastair watched as he buttoned it up, and thought about what to say. He didn't really think this over, did he? He came up on his elbows and took a deep breath, before starting.

"I told someone about us." he said really quickly, in hope of the other not understanding it. But, unfortunately, he did. Charles closed his eyes and said, "You. Did. What?!" shouting the last word. Alastair was absolutely panicking. He was practically hyperventillating by now. "I-I-" he found himself unable to speak, which was really unfortunate, because Charles was about to explode.

"Alastair. Who, where, when?" he asked, so harshly, the boy felt like simply his voice could smash him. "After you sent me away I-I was about to leave through the back door, when someone was there- and- and we started talking- and- and I suggested for him to escort me home- and then- and then he asked me about you- and I- I first didn't say anything- but then- then he asked if we had an affair- and I just- I could not lie- he would know- he always knows-" he would have explained further, but was cut off. "Alastair. Who?" Oh, this was going to be a mess.

Alastair was happy that the man wasn't shouting at him already, so he took a shaking breath before saying, "Thomas Lightwood.". It was like his name was a key, and now Charles's face was red from rage. "What do you mean by 'he always knows'?!" well, if he wasn't before, now he was shouting.

"W-We met in Paris-and -and he knew about us- but he first ignored it- but-but then he noticed when I was lying about where I was- and -and-" The other took a deep breath and looked at the younger boy.

"Alastair."

"Yes?" he asked with a trembling and thin voice. He was surprised it wasn't mistaken for the wind. His eyes were already welling up, but he was holding the tears back, as long as he could.

"You do not know what you just did...How could you trust that child?!" he clamored. Alastair winced at the loudness, and the harsh tone. "He is a child. Therefore he will spread rumors. Therfore he. Can. Not. Be. Trusted." Alastair was now nearly shaking from holding back the sobbs. Charles lowered his voice a little, and looked down. "Promise me you will not see him again. Promise to not meet, speak, or even look at him. Ever. Again." the boy shook his head slowly to himself, not believing what his lover just asked. Why is he doing this? Why?!

"Charles..." his voice was barely a wisper. "Promise." Now he was looking straight into Alastairs eyes, and his gaze was so heavy, he felt like it might crash him in any minute. It was painful to bear. So he looked down on his own chest, and said "I can't..." this time, it was even lower than a wisper. His voice was so thin, it could be mistaken for a mouse's squeak.

"He is just a child, you can not trust him!" Charles burst out. Now Alastair felt more anger than fear. This was so unfair. "Yes, well I am too! I am no more older than him with just a few months!" the man furrowed his brows, "No. You are much more mature than your age." Alastair fought back an eyeroll. This was getting ridiculous. "Of course now you say that, but you never talk to me about anything, because I am apparently 'too young to understand' !"

"I do not talk to you about shadowhunter politics because you truly are too young for that!" Now the boy indeed rolled his eyes, when saying "Yeah, I sure am, but I am old enough to have sex with you 98% of the time I see you, and the other 2% is on social events, where you ignore me!" Charles looked at him shocked. Alastair never talked back, afraid of causing a fight. He regretted the words as soon as they slipped out his mouth. "You can't turn this on me, you should be the one apologising for going behind my back with some kid, and revealing our relationship!" now Alastair truly had enough. This wasn't about him telling anymore. This was about Thomas.

"Charles, this is not about me telling him about us anymore. This is about you being jealous on your brothers best friend. Which you have no reason for!" he tried to say the last part assuringly, but the other just appeared to get even more angry. Really, he had no reason to question Alastairs loyalty! He wasn't the one trying to keep this a secret, with a fake fiancée, and never telling him he loved him!

"No, this is about you meeting up with this kid, and telling him about us, behind my back!" the man said the last part pointing a finger at Alastair, accusingly. He looked at the boy like he just commited the greatest betrayal anyone could ever imagine. Alastair just shook his head. The latter suddenly felt like he couldn't hold his tears back anymore, so stood up, and turned away. But, he wasn't in luck, because the other stood up too, and grabbed his arm, so hard, it was painful. Alastair gave a sharp whimper at the hurt. Charles yanked Alastair to him by his grip. The boy made another whine in pain, but Charles didn't loosen it.

"Charles-Charles stop, this hurts-" he was cut off by the mentioned, gripping tighter. The pain by now was almost intolerable. "Don't you dare shake your head, and ignore me. Do you hear me? Never again dare turn away from me. Do you hear me, Alastair?" the man tightened his hand around the others arm, so Alastair cried out, then nodded quickly. Charles let go, and the boy nearly collapsed to the floor, but tried to stay steady. He was breathing hard, and his eyes were burning from keeping the tears back. The elder looked down at him, then away, before saying "I'm sorry, I got carried away." but there was no regret in his voice. The man looked back at him and tilted his chin up, and gave him an expectant look.

"I am sorry for telling..." he said, and Charles nodded, then leaned down to kiss him. As soon as Charles slipped his tongue in Alastairs mouth, he felt nauseated, so quickly pulled back. The man gave him an odd look, and then Alastair started excusing, "It is getting late. My sister will get suspicious of me..." he finished with a fake smile, but the other didn't notice. He nodded, and started putting on his waistcoat, along with a jacket and hat. Alastair only put his shirt on, then escorted him to the exit, and before stepping out the door, Charles gave him a last kiss.

After he heard the door close, Alastair darted up the stairs, and into one of the bathrooms to throw up. He wanted to cry. He wanted to scream. He wanted to do anything, just not stay quiet. So, he screamed. And screamed, and screamed. Until someone came in.

"Dadash..." Layla gasped, then slipped down to the floor, beside Alastair.

"Abji! I-I am so sorry I woke you up-" He said in a hoarse voice from screaming. Cordelia shook her head.

"No, it is okay. It was just matter of time." Alastair looked questioningly at his sister.

"Of what?" he asked with slightly furrowed brows.

"You know, there is only so much of sorrow we can bear, until we break. That is why you need to let it out. You need to let yourself feel, Alastair. Or cry, or scream, just do not keep it in. If you do not let it out piece by piece, it will fall out in one big." when did his sister become so wise? Maybe she always was, he thought, they just did not talk that much. "You have to let your heart out..." she said, and put her hand on Alastairs chest, the place were ones heart was. The gesture was so warm, he felt like crying again, and hugged his sister.

"I love you, dadash..." she wispered, and in response he hugged her tighter. After a while they pulled away.

"What happened?" he just realised, he didn't give any explanation to what just happened.

"I-I cannot tell." Layla nodded, "I understand. But if something happens, let me know. Yes?" Alastair nodded too, and wiped at his eyes.

"Did maman wake up?" she shook her head, "No, I wasn't sleeping either, I just came home from Lucie and the Merry Thieves." that made him remember...

"There is still something I have to do before going to sleep..." Cordelia raised her eyebrows at that, "I promise I will be back until you wake up." he assured her, and she nodded. She told him to be careful on the streets at night, and to be safe, then left the bathroom, with a final kiss on the cheek.

After she was gone, Alastair washed his mouth out, (he was surprised Layla couldn't smell it) and rushed down the stairs, and to the door. He put on a jacket and his boots, then slipped out the door, and into the cold, dark night.

It was about half an hour later, he was standing before the Lightwoods house, and knocked on the door. Their maid opened it and asked who he was, and what the hell was he doing there. After putting on his most charming smile, he said "I am Alastair Carstairs, and I am here to see Thomas Lightwood.". The maid nodded, and told him to wait there. After a few minutes, she led him in the house, and up the stairs. Apparentaly, only Eugenia and Thomas were awake, and they were both in the boys room. She gestured to one of the doors, then walked back down, muttering something. Alastair nervously knocked on the door, and heard a female voice (probably Eugenia) shouting cheerfully "Come in!", then someone (Thomas) scolding her for doing so. He opened the door and found Eugenia stretched out on Thomas's bed (upside down), and the boy sitting next to her foot, legs crosssed under him.

"Hello." he said a little shyly. The girl wildly smiled at him, "Well hello, dear Alastair! I have to say, I am surprised to see you at this hour, but I must say, Thomas is delighted to see you, as always." she finished with a wide grin at her brother. The boy gave her a warning look, a one that Alastair recognised as something he gave Layla when she embarrassed him too much. This was a look only siblings could give the other. "Eugenia!" Thomas hissed at her, then looked at Alastair, "Hello. I am too, surprised to see you in the middle of the night."

Now that he said it out loud, it did sound ridiculous. But he couldn't have come earlier. "So why did you come? What was so urgent, it could not wait until the morning?" the hazel eyed boy asked.

"I wanted to apologise for earlier. And also speak with you in private." Thomas raised his eyebrows, and Eugenia was sipping a drink (Alastair didn't know what it was, and didn't want to), and not seeming to know who to look at. She was watching them like she was watching her favourite movie, eyes bouncing from one to the other. "In the middle of the night?" the boy asked.

"Yes?" Alastair said, but it sounded more like a question. The other boy nodded, and looked at his sister. "Would you please leave us to talk in private?" at that the girls mouth twitched, and she looked very dissapointed. "But our guest just arrived! she said looking at Alastair, as if asking for help. Thomas gave her a look that said 'I won't ask anymore', so the girl stood up, with a groan. As she left for the door, Eugenia patted Alastair on the shoulder, and wispered "Good luck!" with a wink. It was one of the rare times the boy blushed, and Eugenia giggled as she closed the door. After a moment of comfortable silence, Thomas spoke "You know you can come in, right?" and tilted his head a little to the side. "Oh, yes...Right..." the dark eyed boy muttered, as he sat down on one of the chairs near the desk, Thomas was gesturing to.

"So what did you want to talk about?" he asked, as soon as the other settled down. Alastair thought for a moment. He did not prepare any speech on his way here.

"I wanted to apologise for being so harsh with you. You were right, and I shouldn't have-" but the other put up a hand to stop him, and shook his head.

"Stop. I should not have said those things, after all, it is your life, and you know the people surrounding you. I do not know your- I do not know Charles, so I have no rights to judge him, in fact, I should not have asked any of those questions. It was none of my business, and I have no rights to judge your life at all. So I should be the one apologising here, you did what any other person would if they are angry." Alastair was absolutely shocked. Why would he say these things? Why is he so...kind? It almost made Alastair uncomfortable how much the other was taking responsibility, and was being so nice to him.

"Do you want anything to drink? I do not have anything at the moment in my room, but we can go downstairs if you want to." Well, Alastair was not thirsty, but he had to do this to accomplish his plan. So he nodded.

"Yes, I would like that." Thomas stood up, and so did Alastair, but instead of heading for the door, he walked towards the other boy. He stopped in front of him. The other was quite surprised, even confused.

"The door is the other way..." he said, pointing at it.

"Do you like me?" the taller boys eyes widened, and opened his mouth, then closed it. Alastair smirked to himself.

"Wh-What?" the shorter boy chuckled, and looked the other in the eyes. Those beautiful hazel eyes, he thought.

"Do you like me? Like me...romantically?" That just made the others eyes widen even more, and he opened his mouth slightly, and Alastair just smirked even more.

"I-I-" he chuckled again, then looked at him.

"I will take that as a yes." he said, and laced his fingers around the tallers neck, to pull him down, and into a kiss. It was a moment until Thomas's brain reacted, and realised what was happening, then put his hands around Alastairs waist to pull him closer. The latter gave an approving moan for that. The younger was quite unexperienced, but Alastair had no problem with teaching him. He took his hands from the others neck, to unbutton his waistcoat, and then tossed it to the floor. The younger was clearly about to repeat the motion with Alastairs shirt, but he accidentally touched his arm, and Alastair gave a muffled whimper of pain. Thomas immediatly pulled away and looked at Alastair, very concerned.

"What did I do?" he asked, worried about hurting the boy. Alastair gave him a tired half smile.

"It was not you. It is nothing, really." he said, trying to sound calm.

"Alastair, it isn't nothing. Show me, please."

"Thomas, really, you shouldn't be worried."

"Show me the bruise. Please." Alastair started unbuttoning his shirt instead of an answer. When it was hanging on him openly, Thomas gently slid it down his shoulders, then gasped when he saw the nearly black bruise. The boy just looked down, not sure why, but he felt his eyes sting again.

"Alastair...Who did it?" when there came no answer, he asked "...Was it Charles?". There was still no answer. "Oh Alastair...I am so sorry..." he wispered, when he hugged him, this time careful not to touch the bruise. The dark eyed boy started sobbing, his face burried in the others chest, staining his shirt with tears. He suddenly felt like the ground was disappearing, but Thomas had no trouble with reaching under his knees, to craddle him up, bridel style, if you will. The taller boy carried him to the bed, and gingerly placed him on one of the sides of it, still a little curled up, and crying. Thomas first drew an iratze on his arm, then climbed behind him and hugged around his torso.

"He will never hurt you again, I promise." Thomas kissed his jaw, and started murmuring soothing words. After he kissed, cherished, and hugged Alastair until he stopped crying, they both fell into a comfortable, calming silence. Alastair finally felt safe. He felt like he was home.

"He will never come close to you ever again. I will make sure."

Notes:

This speaks for itself. Introducing Edward to technology. TECH.NOLOGY. MODERN TECHNOLOGIC and the whole technological PIE. To indoor plumbing! TOILETS. SHOWERS. BIDETS—WASH YOUR ARSEHOLE AND JOIN THE FUTURE, EDBOY! We haven’t even covered streaming. Make it happen pb ✅ don’t sleep 💤😴 on this opportunity, give us book 2️⃣! Please and thank you!

Notes: Previosuly...

I couldn’t find anywhere exactly where the Pit is located in the movie (apparently it’s a different place in the comics). I read somewhere it’s in Egypt, which sounds way too general for me, but... That’s what we got.

***

Chapter 1

Katia wondered why she’d still let 47 drag her around like this. She was actually blaming her father for that; after he called 47 her brother, Katia had softened way too much with him.

He seemed mostly the same. But she couldn’t ignore that he'd taken a bullet to save her from her own stupidity.

It hadn’t changed his sunny disposition a bit, though.

That was how she found herself in the middle of the desert, assuming they were still somewhere in Egypt. At least they had a vehicle. She’d kinda thought that 47 would make her run in the desert and call it training.

“Is this Pit around here?” She asked as they drove.

“We never managed to find it’s actual location.” He was telling her. “At least for the entrance. I have a general idea.”

“General idea?” Katia arched an eyebrow at him. “What exactly is your plan? To drive around, hoping that eventually we’ll bump into the door?”

“No. I have a better idea.”

“What?” She pressed.

“Grab the grenade launcher on the backseat, would you?”

This is a future fic from the universe of my self published novel What Hindered Love. It’s pretty much 4k words of fluff. Spoilers for my book, obviously.

Summary: They've come a long way, but sometimes Chloe Wren Barrett still forgets she isn't alone, and sometimes Micah Barrett forgets he's been redeemed. Thankfully, they have each other to remind them.

Tagging:  @snowbellewells​​​​​​ @teamhook​​​​​​ @xhookswenchx​​​​​​ @ekr032-blog-blog​​​​​​ @sherlockianwhovian​​​​​​ @superchocovian​​​​​​ @thislassishooked​​​​​​ @ohmakemeahercules​​​​​​ @kday426​​​​​​ @onceuponaprincessworld​​​​​​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​​​​​​ @nikkiemms​​​​​​ @kmomof4​​​​​​ @hollyethecurious​​​​​​ @bethacaciakay​​​​​​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​​​​​​ @welllpthisishappening​​​​​​ @wellhellotragic​​​​​​ @tiganasummertree​​​​​​ @captainswanapproved​

The microwave makes its dull whirring sound, and Luke Barrett spins around the room in tune to its rhythm. His brother Lincoln sits on top of the kitchen counter, peering into the large bowl next to him.

“Does the chocolate go in first, Daddy?” the four year old asks.

“No, Lincoln,” Luke corrects him in a bossy tone, “you have to pour the hot fudge all over it so it’s nice and chocolately, right Daddy?”

Micah chuckles, thinking how he sounds exactly like his mother. As if said woman can read his mind, Chloe calls out from her spot on the couch in the living room.

“You better not be letting Lincoln sit on the counter top, Micah Barrett!”

Micah exchanges a sheepish, guilty look with his two boys, then grins mischievously. He winks at them both as he answers his wife, “Of course not, sweetie.” Lincoln starts to giggle, then claps his pudgy hands over his mouth as his brown eyes widen.

“Riiight,” Chloe quips, but the snap is out of her voice. She’s nine months pregnant, and doesn’t see the point in fighting over all that much.

Micah opens the bag of pretzels and shakes them into the bowl just as the timer dings on the microwave. Luke bounces up to open the microwave, and Micah shakes his head, still finding it hard to believe the boy is tall enough now to reach it.

“It’ll be hot,” he warns his son.

Micah grabs the oven mitts and carefully removes the jar of hot fudge. He slowly pours it into the bowl of pretzels, using a spoon to stir it.

“Why ya gotta stir it?” Lincoln asks, leaning over the bowl.

“If you don’t,” Micah explains, “not all the pretzels get covered in the fudge.”

“Ohhhh,” Lincoln says, as if Micah has imparted vast knowledge.

He lets both boys stir a little until the mixture is, as Luke and his mother so eloquently put it, “chocolatey.” Lincoln hops down from the counter before Micah can stop him, and he winces when the boy’s head comes dangerously close to hitting the edge.

“Can I carry Mommy her treat?”