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)

[ 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.