bloodofithuriel | (no subject)

[ Jace has zero interest in being wanted by John, and Caliban had already made it clear they could always meet up elsewhere if they wanted, so it has little effect for Jace, other than being amused at John's pettiness.

His smile warms at Magnus' words and he leans into the touch. ]

I know that now. Mainly thanks to you. This was... oh, just a little while after I got here. He had a point. He knew this Alec better, because I'd just got here. I didn't think we'd ever be best friends, but he made it pretty clear he wasn't interested in being friendly even back then. He was too good at hitting my insecurities for me to try very hard though. Then he hurt Alec, and I was done.

[ Jace laughed. ]

I haven't actually spoken a word to him since the house party we had months ago. Plus, I don't see how me and him having a confrontation would do anything but upset Alec.

[ Magnus nods slightly at Jace's explanation, pleased that at least Jace doesn't seem to be harboring any doubts related to what John had said, not in any way that Magnus need influence. ]

I suppose I just wanted to know if you were each goading the other. You would have cause to, all things considered.

[ He gives Jace a light kiss. ]

Though I'm relieved you're not.

Edited 2022-02-01 14:49 (UTC)

Maybe. I don't know. I don't want to make things about me.

You can not know nerd things but still BE a nerd. That joke proved it.

I guess as long as you're not upset I guess. Still, I'm sorry it's hard for you guys.

yeah but babe, sometimes things ARE about you. what you want and need. that’s allowed. you know that right?

I honestly can’t tell if I should be offended or amused by this slander

I’m only upset about it when it makes Alec upset otherwise I don’t care what the dude does. He can go like, set fire to things or whatever he does.

Yeah, I know. I just made stuff all about me a lot. I'm trying not to anymore.

You're still very hot and very cute? Does that help you decide?

Oh right, he's a mutant too, isn't he?

okay. Just make sure you don’t go from one end of the spectrum to the total opposite, yeah?

I will cut anyone who takes advantage of you, baby, you know that right?

Hmmmm. Judges have decreed that we will allow it then.

Yeah he manipulates fire or some shit. Thinks he’s a badass. Please, your brother is more impressive than that, much less how much of a badass you are.

I'll do my best. I'm totally good at moderation. Supposedly.

No one's doing that. I found a contract by the way. I'm going to get a whole house to myself and that is super weird. I've never lived alone.

The judges love me.

There's a pretty high percentage of mutants who are kind of assholes because they've had people be assholes to them their whole lives. But he still shouldn't be to you.

Hmmm. Okay. Don’t blame me if I check in on how that’s going once in a while though.

Then no one needs to get cut. Oh yeah? Someone you like a lot, or just someone being cool? A whole house. Huh. Pretty swanky Billy. That’s good, though. I uh… Huh. I don’t think I’ve ever lived alone either, come to think of it. You should get some pets!

The judges are more than slightly biased in your favor, it is true.

The Judges is me.

Yeah. And if it was just that, he’d be totally justified. I mean, I can and have been a colossal asshole on more than one occasion. But I also try to not be a total asshole to the people I love. Much less do it deliberately.

You can check in on me whenever you want. For whatever reason.

I like him, and we think alike on a lot of stuff. He's got other subs who live with him, so it's mostly him doing me a favor, but he's a good guy. He owns the theater in the Down, his name's Nate.

The judges are pretty good company, too.

I've been an asshole to people I love before, but I didn't usually mean to. I'm sorry it's weird.

Oh I plan to. Someone’s gotta keep an eye on that pretty ass of yours.

Nate. You’re contracting with Nate. Oh wow. That’s… huh. Something. He IS a good guy. He’s a friend of Magnus’, and I guess me too. Also he is hot, so you should definitely go for that.

They are alright, most days.

Like I said, it mostly bothers me that it bothers Alec. Most days I don’t spare it a thought.

I feel objectified. I just don't mind.

Is that bad? Yeah he is. He said he wouldn't mind if the city did weird city stuff so we had to have sex, but he's got other subs and a lot of people who like him so I don't really think it's something that'll happen otherwise. Which is okay.

They're definitely better than okay.

Okay. Long as you're all right.

Oh I am objectifying the hell out of you, baby, but in a very respectful way, I promise. Hands on, if I could get away with it.

No! Not bad at all, just kind of hilariously coincidental? Seriously. He’s a great guy, I’m really relieved to hear you’re contracting with him.

The Judges are glad to hear that.

I am, baby, but I am very grateful you’re checking, thanks.

You can always always do that.

I guess you know him pretty well too then? And yeah, he is. We're going to give the house a magic makeover once his ex moves out.

You're welcome.

Hmmm. You are so tempting me, baby.

I mean, we’re getting to know each other better? We only really started talking around Halloween, but Magnus vouches for him, and I think Alec knows him pretty well so that makes him okay in my book. OOh, decorating, and he didn’t invite Magnus, he’ll hear about that later, lol. Put some pretty blue somewhere for me, Billy.

Let me know when you’re moved in so I can bring you a housewarming gift, hmm?

Kind of what I'm going for?

We worked on magic together, so that's how we got to know each other, but I met him not long after I got here, during the riots and stuff.

I will, it'll be after the 16th!

Oh good, glad it’s not just me then. Want to come over for a bit?

Yeah, he’s turned that theater into a shelter more than once, I’m pretty sure. Like I said, really glad you’re contracting with him, at least I know he’ll take proper care of you.

We’ll have to make a little celebration of it then. See how many rooms we can christen!

Sure, if everyone at your place won't mind?

Yeah, he's nice like that. I can mostly take care of myself though, promise.

As long as you help with clean up!

Nobody is gonna mind. Come on over, sweetheart.

I know you can. I mostly meant from the weird ass rules of the City and knowing he wouldn’t intentionally take advantage of the shitty stuff the city pulls sometimes.

Wow, already getting physical labor out of me. Excellent negotiation tactics. Also, can’t you just magic away the mess?

Okay. Be there in a few. I'll portal in out front.

Oh yeah, he's not like that. He's trying to make it so other doms can't punish me for stuff and put it in the contract that only he or Kyle can if something goes weird.

Technically yes but just in case there comes a magic free time!

[ If it had been a few months ago, before the collar and everything else, maybe Jace would have needed that reassurance. However, between Magnus and Alec and even a few others, Jace was pretty secure in his place and his unconscious trip home had only reinforced for him that he’d rather be here anyways. ]

Eh. Not going to lie, if he’d shown his face here while Alec was asleep, I might have made some pointed remarks, but he was a chicken shit and didn’t come, so it never came up.

[ Jace smiled, slight but happy at that kiss. ]

I know who cares about me and what I mean to them. He wants to feel threatened by my existence, that’s his problem. I’m not going to antagonize him and make Alec miserable thinking he has to choose.

[ Magnus is not entirely sure that that's the right read of John's feelings on the matter, that he feels threatened by Jace. But, then again, Magnus isn't sure how to read John a lot of the time, so he doesn't try and make assumptions.

And he doesn't mention that thought because really this conversation isn't about John. ]

I'm glad. [ Magnus steps forward slightly into Jace's space then, moving his hands from the other's hips to slide back, so his arms now wrap around his waist. ]

I want you happy. You and Alec and Ragnor. At least as happy as we can be here.

[ Once upon a time, Jace might have cared enough to try to figure John out, at least enough to co-exist peaceably, to work out whatever their differences were, but John had slammed that door shut when Jace had found Alec on that roof, alone and shattered.

Now, Jace is content to let John exist however he wants to exist as long as it is away from Jace. (He’d take away from Alec, too, but that’s just wishful thinking.) ]

I am. I am remarkably happy here. Probably happier here than I would be at home, honestly. I have everything I could possibly want, and more.

[ He leaned in and kissed Magnus’ nose with a mischievous grin. ]

What about you? How are YOU doing?

[ His nose wrinkles in playful response to the kiss and for a moment there is a playful spark in the warlock's eyes. But when Jace asks his question, there's a momentary pause wherein that glimmer fades. He hesitates, just briefly; he doesn't want to drag down a conversation, but he also doesn't want to sidestep Jace's inquiry. It doesn't feel right. ]

I've been better. [ It's true, but at the same time, he has to shrug, easy and unforced. ]

But I've been worse, too. I'm... It's getting easier being without her.

[ Easier, not easy. Because it was far, far, far from easy. ]

[ Jace studied Magnus' face, almost able to see the moment where he decides to be honest with Jace rather than brush it off, for which Jace is immeasurably thankful. Magnus takes on so much, gives so much of himself, and Jace is pretty sure that, like Alec, Magnus rarely remembers to ask for help for himself.

Jace hums and steps in a little closer to wrap his arms around Magnus and hug him tight. ]

Have we... Has anyone actually figured out what's going on with her yet?

[ Magnus allows the hug without question, though he is stiff for half a second before he fully gives into it. ]

No. I mean... it has something to do with her nature, I think. Werewolf, witch and vampire, but the vampire side hadn't been fully tapped into before. I'm not sure how it happened, and this is all the magic of her world, not ours, but I think there's something to that.