spare me your judgments;

Jon | 19 | Wolf Oh, so this is the part where I'm supposed to introduce myself? Well, I'm Jonathan. Everyone calls me Jon, 'spose you can call me that. Lycanthrope with a bit of a temper so I suggest you not make any dog jokes as I am in no mood to hear them. Thank you.

[jonrochester]

Dinner Conversations | Jon & Emily

[emilypenhallow]

An overwhelming wave of remorse washed over Emily the minute she uttered those words, and her cheeks flushed instantly although she managed to keep a straight face. What horrible devil had convinced her that her petty attempt at retribution was a good idea, let alone justified? Jon’s statement — although annoying — had most likely been perfectly innocent, even though she had interpreted it as a spike aimed at her. Perhaps a subconscious one, but even so, an insult. Although however much she had taken offense it had not been very kind of her to wish to inflict an equal amount of annoyance upon him. But Jon seemed more than annoyed. He seemed angry, and… Jealous? No, jealously was not like him at all; although she could not quite soothe that particular suspicion of hers. She felt awful.

"I’m glad to hear that," Emily mumbled as she focused intently on one of the carrots on her plate, wondering if it would be alright to begin eating — she did not know very well of Mundane dining customs and although she was very eager to put her mouth to some work that would keep her from speaking, she couldn’t help but notice that no one else had touched the food on their plates quite yet. If it had been possible for Emily to take her words back she would have, although it wasn’t, and she had no choice but to endure the mess she had created. Perhaps this way she would learn not to repeat the mistake of letting her feelings take the upper hand. Although in some sense she was grateful. Her current state of regret was a very welcome distraction from her initial worry.

Emily smiled politely as Jonathan’s mother inquired who this Emmett character was — wondering why it was that she did not know before suddenly realising that there was a perfectly justifiable reason why Jon would not have told his mother of his pack mate and hoping that she had not said too much. However, as soon as Jon offered an explanation Emily couldn’t help but allow a muted laugh to slip past her lips before she silenced it, looking at Jonathan with raised eyebrows and a wide smile. “Emmett? A mere acquaintance? Oh Jonathan, I am beyond certain that the two of you are closer than you and I are,” said Emily, once again regretting her words as she hoped that no one else at the table had paid any particular attention to her suggesting that Jonathan and her were in fact close.

Jonathan was quiet for the remainder of the dinner. Perhaps that was for the best. It gave Emily some time to herself, or at least, some time when she did not have to constantly dread what to say to him or how to act. It gave her an excuse to be silent as well. Joanna and her mother were in conversation, to which Emily occasionally contributed idly whenever Joanna gestured for her to do so, before returning to simply smiling and nodding politely as she ate the rest of her food. A mundane family meal was not too different from what she was used to, after all.

Emily was surprisingly thrilled when dessert in the garden was mentioned — she must have made a somewhat decent impression for Jonathan’s mother to wish to keep her in their home longer when she could have easily suggested that they move to the parlor; indicating that in half an hour or so, it would be proper of the guest to leave. Or at least, that was what her aunt had taught her of social etiquette. A good guest should not overstay their welcome, although a good hostess is too polite to say so herself. 

As soon as she stood up her eyes inevitably drifted to Jonathan, silently scanning him with no intention to pry as he said something to his mother before making his way towards her. At first, Emily was shocked. Although it wasn’t such an outrageous thing to ask. A part of her wanted to seize him by the arm, bend it behind his back and ask why exactly he couldn’t have made that request earlier in the month or during the one before that when she had secretly hoped he would, although the rest of her consciousness did not take that small part of her seriously seeing as it consisted of nothing but empty threats and she knew it. It was beyond her how anyone would intentionally harm Jonathan when everything about him was so sweet. At least without feeling immediate regret. “I would like that,” she said, waiting for everyone to leave the dining room before cautiously placing her hand on his arm as they headed out.

[jonrochester]

"Jonathan?" Jon heard his sister call out, causing him to turn around and face her, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. "You'll be staying for the night, won't you? You won't.. leave?" 

Jon smiled and shook his head. "I will be staying, Joanna."

"Good." Joanna replied, smiling before she turned her attention to Emily. "And it was lovely having you for dinner, Em. You should come by more often. I wish you could join us for dessert but, obviously, you two have more important... things to do." Grinning, Joanna waved goodbye before following her parents to the garden.

Jon had to keep himself from rolling his eyes. "I'm sorry about that," he said, placing his hand atop Emily's on his arm. "You know how my sister is. Shall we go?"

Jon helped Emily with her coat and after wearing his own, the two made their way out of the Rochester home. The air was much colder than when Jon arrived but he was glad to have gotten out of the house. He needed to speak to Emily and he couldn't quite say what he wanted to say with his family around. It wasn't that he didn't trust them or that he feared they would laugh at him. Jon's parents had no knowledge about his feelings for Emily and he wanted to ask Emily if he could tell them about their relationship before actually doing so. He didn't want to make assumptions. Besides, as sure as he was of his feelings, he was beginning to doubt if Emily still felt the same for him. They had discussed it before and Emily had admitted to caring for Jon, but there was a part of Jon that feared that over the course of a few months, her feelings had changed. After all, they hadn't seen each other in quite a while and while his feelings had remained the same-- in fact, Jon felt as if his feelings for her intensified-- he couldn't help but have doubts.

He began asking her questions about her day, and about how she'd been doing these past few months that they hadn't seen each other. But while he was sincerely curious, he couldn't help but feel as if he was prolonging something. There was so much more that he wanted to say, but he couldn't quite bring himself to say it. The words were there, but they were stuck in his throat and he couldn't quite find his voice. Had the situation been completely different, Jon would have laughed at himself. He'd never been one to struggle with words. Like his sister, he was always able to say exactly what he was thinking and feeling, but there he was, clearly struggling. 

Jon listened to her speak, nodding his head as they walked. When she asked him about how he's been, he shrugged nonchalantly then told her he'd been fine. Except for the fact that I haven't seen you, he thought but didn't say. His heart continued to feel heavy as they walked and when they reached past the barn, he couldn't take it anymore. He stopped walking and stood in front of her then said "I have missed you more than I can say, Emily." He took her hands in his then sighed. The past few months have, indeed, been torture and Jon only had himself to blame. He could have gone to see her sooner, but for some reason, he hadn't. He regretted it, of course. He regretted it with his entire being and if Emily told him that her feelings for him have changed, he knew he would only have himself to blame. 

"I apologize, by the way, for how I spoke to you a while ago." A rueful smile spread across his lips and he couldn't help but feel sheepish. "My mother and father-- I haven't told them yet about us and I did not want you to feel as if I took liberties." Plus, there was the fact that Jon did not know what he and Emily were, exactly. He had not exactly asked her if he could court her yet, but they have kissed more than once and when they were together, it was evident to anyone who saw them that they were more than just friends. Jon did not know much about Nephilim courtships, but he was a gentleman through and through and he wished to court Emily in the proper way if she would let him. "I.. I also do not quite know how to introduce you to them. You are not simply my friend, Emily." he said, his brows furrowing as he struggled to find the right words to explain his sentiment. "You are so much more than that, and I hope I have not insulted you."

[jonrochester]

Dinner Conversations | Jon & Emily

[emilypenhallow]

Emily had not been able to turn Joanna down when she had received an invite to dine with the Rochester family, and so, she found herself sitting in the dining room of Jonathan’s childhood home — seeking out false comfort in her ability not to let her emotions take the upper hand. However, every ounce of reason she possessed was steering her towards the realisation that she would soon enough have to do the hounourable thing. Jonathan was her friend. Perhaps more than that. Or rather, most certainly more than that. Simple kinship was a mere insult to her sentiments and Emily sensed, although perhaps not with enough conviction, that Jonathan felt the same way in regards to their relationship. Had someone told her that she would fall for a Lycanthrope a few years ago, she would have laughed or perhaps even struck whomever would dare to suggest such a thing. Had someone told her he would be the main reason she would want to remain in London, hence away from her father and Beijing, she…

Came seven o’clock, Emily was not yet convinced that she would be able to tell Jonathan that she was leaving. Not tonight. She would not deny him, or his family, or herself for that matter, the simple pleasure in a careless and friendly dinner. Perhaps the least selfish thing to do would be to keep her worries locked safely aside within her own mind. Perhaps it wouldn’t. He deserved to know, far more than the people who were already informed of her imminent departure. In a week she would be leaving for Beijing — the journey had already been arranged and planned down to the very last detail, and the reasons Emily had kept her upcoming move to herself were purely selfish. It was too difficult for her to tell him. She did not want to know how he would react for he had the power to confirm her every fear and insecurity. Perhaps he just wouldn’t care. In one crucial moment, his initial reaction, he could easily crush her heart into unrecognisable cinders, and she hated him for it. Allowing another person to have that kind of power over you was frightening at best; not that there was anything she could do to help it.

Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how one chose to look at it, Jonathan seemed to have been cooperating with her for these past few months; making it fairly easy for her to avoid telling him for more time than she had thought to be possible in the first place. Granted, Emily had been avoiding Jonathan; keeping herself locked up in the Institute apart from the occasional hunting trip, but Jonathan had not gone through any particular lengths to get in touch with her, either. She had not made herself that unreachable. Whether she was relieved or heartbroken about that fact was yet to be decided.

The truth was that if she had wanted to, Emily could have easily retreated into the shadows, making it impossible for anyone to track her down and only emmerging when it was time for her to leave. The London Institute was filled with various nooks and crannies only its most familiar residents had bothered to examine. Even so, a part of her had wanted to be able to respond, were he to reach out. He hadn’t. His sister, however, had.

Emily had arrived early. Joanna had told her that they would be having dinner at seven, but with her nerves having had a heart-wretchingly tight grip on her, Emily had found herself ready at three. She had done her hair herself; tying it with a forest green ribbon to match her dress in a neat braid falling down her back. She was not sure whether the dress was too formal — she had never been invited to dine with mundanes before, hardly even spoken to them in the first place, and did not know what attire would  be considered appropriate. She wanted to make a good impression; especially given the nature of her latest encounter with Jonathan’s family, apart from Joanna, whom she had met on several occasions and couldn’t help but consider a friend. In one last attempt to find some balance, the green velvet dress laced with silver ribbons had been matched with a light and simple dark grey coat that was about as formal as her braid. Around four she had left the Institute, telling herself that it would take time to reach the Rochester manor and stopping to buy flowers along the way. She had arrived at five thirty, even after taking yet another lap around their entire neighbourhood, and in spite of her early appearance she had been greeted with open arms.

After talking to Joanna and Jonathan’s mother for about an hour — mostly regarding topics such as the weather, but also about Emily, which she had found easy enough providing she remained vague about her father’s occupation and the nature of everything that had ever happened throughout her entire life before being able to sigh in relief when, after dodging Mrs. Rochester’s question about how she had met her son, the subject was changed to Jonathan’s childhood and his mother went on to show her pictures of his adorable childhood self — the family and Emily had moved to the dining room. Jonathan would be arriving any second, his mother had said. Joanna had taken a seat next to Emily and begun talking about a particulary relentless suitor. She was thankful for Joanna’s kindness — perhaps the other girl had been able to sense that Emily needed a distraction, for with every breath, she was praying that the horrible thrembling in her heart would not spread to the rest of her body.

It was his mother saying his name that finally alerted Emily of Jonathan’s presence after having been completely engulfed by her conversation with Joanna — causing her to fly up and out of her seat before she could think to compose herself, and inwardly thanking the Angel that her knees had not failed her upon standing. He was there. Real. So unlike any of her memories and dreams of him, and yet, the same. She seemed to have forgotten what kind of impact he had on her and Emily suddenly had to remind herself to breathe. His eyes. Light blue and focused, as if he was in deep thought. He looked tired, she thought. Perhaps it was her fault. The fact that he also looked terribly shocked was most definitely her fault. Even with all that was going through her mind, Emily could do nothing but look into his eyes, study his face, and try to take in every last detail about him that she had missed so unreasonably much — something she could only really blame herself for, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t move so she was left with hoping that he would come to her, to respond to the involuntary plea in her eyes as their gazes met and take her hand in his. Simply hold it, and make her feel as though the distance inbetween them was of no consequence at all. To make her feel as though she had to tell him that she was leaving because he would notice if she left.

Instead, he looked away from her, and at his mother. A strange cold spread through Emily, making bite her lip, look down and draw a deep breath before she was once again able to put a pleasant smile on her lips. She could not give his action that much thought, because she knew that if she did, she would overthink it. She could not afford to that. Not now. The worst was yet to come and she would have to save her strength. Something told her that if she did not tell Jonathan that she was leaving for Beijing tonight, she would not be granted another chance.

As the family sat down at the table, Emily did the same. It was all she could do not to furrow her eyebrows in a mixture of bewilderment and hurt at Jonathan’s worlds when he finally acknowledged her presence. Her heart, however, was not as easily contained — flickering as though someone had just pierced it with a jagged blade. Well, it’s lovely to see you, Emily. Was she nothing but an acquiantance his parents had invited over for dinner to him? They had not seen each other for so long, and she had given so much of herself to him, did she not deserve more than his indifference? Even in the presence of his family, Emily thought he would not keep her at such a distance.

But Emily was not some foolish little girl who would allow her emotions to take over and make her storm out of the room. No, not at all. Instead she smiled politely at him as she replied in the same tone he had addressed her with. “No, not at all,” she said as she placed the napkin on her lap. “I do enjoy a good walk. Tell me, Jonathan, how is Emmett? I have not seen him in so long and I cannot help but miss him terribly.”

[jonrochester]

Emmett? Jonathan thought, trying his best not to look incredulous but evidently failing. You and I haven't seen each other for weeks and you're asking about Emmett? "Oh he's fine." he said simply, averting his gaze. He didn't want Emily to see how much her inquiry was affecting him. It was silly, he knew. But he couldn't help from feeling... jealous? Was he jealous? No, he couldn't be. Not of Emmett and Emily who, Jon knew, had never even had a conversation. He wasn't jealous, he reassured himself. He was simply annoyed by the fact that she had asked about how Emmett was and not how he was. "He's his usual sarcastic and rather annoying self, actually. You should come by the house and see him sometimes. Seeing as you seem rather curious about him." he said, regretting the words as soon as they came out of his mouth. He hadn't meant to sound spiteful but he guessed that he did. Jon raised his eyes to meet Emily's, hoping he wouldn't find anger there. What was going on with him? Why was he being so hostile towards her? 

It also made him slightly angry to hear her say that she had missed Emmett. Why would she? They were not friends. They barely knew each other, but there she was, with a small smile on her lips, asking Jon what she must think was an innocent question. And it was innocent. Emily would never do something as make him jealous. They weren't children. They were adults who knew how to handle.. things. But, even though he knew it was extremely childish of him, he couldn't help but be angry. Didn't she miss him? Did she ever think about him the entire time they hadn't seen each other? Jon was well aware that he only had himself to blame. Why couldn't he have just gone to the Institute and asked for her? He was making things more complicated than they already were and he chastised himself for being so upset. 

"Who is this Emmett person, Jon dear?" his mother inquired, causing Jon to look away from Emily and at his mother. "I've never heard you say you have a friend named Emmett.." His mother's brows were furrowed as she regarded Jonathan. 

"He's more of an acquaintance than a friend, mother." Jon said, lifting his shoulders in a nonchalant shrug. "And I don't think we should be spending this much time talking about him. Let's eat, shall we?"

Jonathan was quiet while they all dined. He listened as his mother and father asked Emily one question after another, and whenever Jon was addressed, he would try his best to be polite. Though it was difficult when his chest felt heavy. A part of him was glad that Emily had come to his family's home. It had been too long since he last saw her and he so badly wanted nothing else than to just talk to her. It didn't matter if they would discuss trivial matters like the weather, or the economy. He simply wanted to be with her, in every sense of the word. 

However, she felt so far away from him. Even though he was sitting across from her, he felt as if there was this distance between them. And Jon was adding to that distance by being so unlike himself. Or, rather, himself whenever he was feeling jealous. 

His mother suggested that they all move to the garden for dessert as soon as they were done eating. But at that point, Jon was dying to talk to Emily. And so he told his mother that they would be joining later on then made his way to Emily. "Would you care for a walk?" he asked. 

[jonrochester]

Dinner Conversations | Jon & Emily

The slowly setting sun on the horizon cast an orange glow on the houses Jonathan Rochester passed by as he walked from his pack's home on the outskirts of the city to his family's home which, inconveniently, was situated on the opposite side of London. The air was surprisingly warm, making the entire walk easier for Jon. A few children--orphans, Jon assumed by the looks of their clothes-- ran past him, laughing as they chased and teased one another. There were also peddlers who tried to get Jon to buy whatever they were selling, but he turned them down as kindly as he could. His hands were stuffed in the pockets of his black coat and his head was bowed as he walked. He didn't want to think of how lonely he must look to the people who saw him for it would only make him feel worse than he was already feeling.

Jon would have taken a carriage to his home, but he figured the walk would do him some good. He needed to clear his mind. The past few days have been rather rough on him and if there was anything Jon hated, it was feeling miserable. The empty feeling in the pit of his stomach seemed to grow larger everyday, making him want to just sleep and do nothing, and the worst part of it all was that he had absolutely no idea what was causing it. Or perhaps he knew and just didn't want to acknowledge it. After all, acknowledging it meant accepting it was true and Jon was unsure if he wanted the truth. One could say he'd been in denial for the past few days, ignoring Emmett's questions about her and where she was and why he hadn't been seeing her with Jon recently. Jon acted as if his pack mate's questions annoyed him and it did simply because he didn't have the answers. 

He shook his head, as if to rid himself of thoughts of her, and continued walking. The sun had finally set and the sky was no longer orange, but dark blue. Lamps were lit and the smell of stew wafted out from a small house as he walked by. It made Jon aware of his empty stomach and caused him to quicken his pace. He had about a few more minutes of walking to do before he could reach his parents' home. Jon often wondered if his mother had finally gotten used to his living arrangements-- how he usually spent three to four nights a week in their home, and the remaining days of the week in his pack's. The last time Jon was with his family, his mother had convinced him to stay permanently but he had declined, trying his best to make her understand while being vague. 

It was about half past seven when Jon finally arrived and he could hear the soft chatter from the inside of his parents' home. Even though he often teased Joanna about being a maiden even though she was already in the proper age to marry, he was glad she was still living with their parents. He loved his sister and loved the time he spent with her and could not imagine her moving away and starting a family of her own. Though he had faith that she'd be a great mother. She was always so patient with Jon and always gave him good counsel. She had plenty of suitors as well and Jon had met a few of them whenever they visited and he was around, so it was beyond him why she hadn't found her match yet. 

The maid greeted him as he walked through the front door and told him that his parents and sister were already in the dining room, waiting for him. Jon took off his coat and hat and gave it to the maid before joining his family, but when he walked in the dining area, he was surprised to find her sitting on a chair next to Joanna's, a smile on her lips as she chatted with his sister.

"Jonathan! You're here!" his mother said, rising from her seat and making her way towards him. "You are late, young man, but nevertheless, you are here and just in time for dinner. Come, come, sit. As you can see, we have a visitor. Your sister has invited her to join us and she has so gladly accepted the invitation."

Jon's gaze momentarily flickered away from her as he leaned forward and planted a kiss on his mother's cheek. "Mother, I am not late. I did not specify what time I'd be arriving."

"I remember you saying you'd be here before seven, Jonathan." his father said from where he was sitting. "And it is seven thirty so that means you're late." He smiled at Jon before bringing a cup of tea to his lips.

"He's here, that's all that matters. Aren't I right, Jon?" Jon looked at his sister and when their eyes met, she gestured to Emily and gave Jon a wink.

For half a moment, Jon was rendered speechless. He had absolutely no clue that Emily would be joining them for dinner and it seemed that, as per usual, his sister had a hand in this. "Well, it's lovely to see you, Emily." He almost winced at how polite he sounded. Jon made his way to sit next to his mother, on the seat across Emily's, and smiled when their gazes met. "I hope it wasn't much of a bother for you traveling all the way here?"

[halstcnsage-deactivated20171228]

where did i go wrong? i lost a friend somewhere along in the bitterness. (inspired by x)

[irreplaceableangie-blog]

“Per se,” Dimitri repeated after Jon, chuckling at his statement. “Very interesting, comrade.” 

"I am Dimitri Zaslavsky," Dimitri answered, his voice full of an arrogance that suggested that Jon shouldv’e known whom he was. Dimitri didn’t offer a hand for shaking - instead he put up his brightest grin. “And who is it that I have the pleasure of speaking with?”

[jonrochester]

Jon furrowed his brows. He couldn't find anything amusing in his statement and so he wondered why the younger Lycan was laughing. He decided to let it go and not ask. "I'm Jonathan Rochester, of the London pack." he said, placing his arms across his chest. Jon wasn't used to introducing himself to other wolves as he tried his best to stay away from them. However, with his Alpha nowhere to be found, Jon found himself conversing and making business with alphas of the other packs frequently nowadays. "What brings you here? Are you lost? In need of directions?"

[missmarlene-mckinnon]

Your pack? And what of you - how do you feel about the Nephilim?

And how can you be so sure that your dogs have no involvement? For all I know, you could be just as rabid as any other wolf on the street - though I’ll admit that you can hold a conversation without snarling.

[jonrochester]

That is irrelevant. I am not sure why you are even asking. Besides, if I hated your kind as much as the others in my pack do, I wouldn't be having this-- or any, for that matter-- conversation with you.

I just know. Also because we've spent the entire evening discussing these Accords and how it will benefit us. So far, it sounds as if it will only benefit the Nephilim which, I admit, does not surprise me. And trust me, Shadowhunter, if I was rabid, you would know. 

[irreplaceableangie-blog]

"My apologies," Dimitri said humbly, although he held an air of authority in his voice. He sniffed the air, and caught a whiff of alpha - they had a distinct scent to them. His Russian accent was weak, but still noticeable.

"I did not mean to pass through here," he said, "but I saw no sign that told me that this area was forbidden."

[jonrochester]

"It is not forbidden, per se." Jon replied, taking a quick look around his surroundings. Mundanes usually occupied the area and so the Lycans of his pack stayed away from it, especially during the night of a full moon. Jon, on the hand, was on his way to town that particular afternoon and had decided to take the route in that part of the forest. 

"So what is your name?" Jon said as he regarded the younger boy. He could already tell that he was a Lycanthrope and from his accent, Jonathan assumed he was part of the foreign pack that arrived not too long ago.

[missmarlene-mckinnon]

Listen;

I’ve tracked two of your feral pack members all the way from a little alley on Gunthorpe Street. If you tell me that you cannot smell the human blood on their hands, you are as good a liar as you are stubborn.

Crime doesn’t go unpunished.

[jonrochester]

I can assure you that it was not my pack members' fault. We are, in fact, the less murderous pack in all of London so perhaps you should turn your finger on somebody else. My pack hates your kind so much already, I suggest you do not give them any reason to hate you even more. 

[westtly-deactivated20140317]

[irreplaceableangie-blog]

"Alright, alright," Dimitri sighs, pulling off his hood as he turns around.

"You got me."

[jonrochester]

Jon regarded the other person standing in front of him, with his arms across his chest and his eyes slightly narrowed. "Well, you're not supposed to be in this part of the woods." he gestured vaguely with his hand. "What are you doing here, anyway? And who are you?"

[missmarlene-mckinnon]

That’s unfortunate.

It seems I’ll die a martyr, then.

[jonrochester]

And why should you? I told you; just leave that be and none of the werewolves will be upset. You Shadowhunters should really learn how to mind your own business.

[missmarlene-mckinnon]

Oh really?

Thank goodness I have another Nephilim here with me.

[jonrochester]

Ah, I hate to disappoint, Miss, but I am not a Nephilim. I am a Lycanthrope. In fact, those aforementioned twenty wolves and I belong to the same pack.

[jonrochester]

Unless you want to risk the wrath of about twenty wolves, I suggest you don't do that.

[angelboyjace]

"Well," Jace said with a shrug. "No ghost I have ever heard of, at least. And I’m sorry to disappoint you, but even my expertise doesn’t really apply to this particular situation. It seems no one really knows what’s happening."

Jace raised his eyebrows slightly at the other boy, waiting for him to take his hand until he did. “Alright then, Jon. Can I call you Jonny?”

[jonrochester]

"There are others, then?" he inquired, his eyebrows rising in curiosity. He hadn't heard of anyone else in his pack having an unexpected visitor. Jon had assumed that it was all him; that he was seeing things. 

His eyes narrowed as he regarded his companion. He had never really liked the name 'Jonny', especially not when referring to him. It brought up bad memories of an aunt who made Jon miserable when he was a child. "No, you may not call me Jonny. I'd rather you call me Jon. So what are you doing on this part of the city, er, Jace?"

[angelboyjace]

"Yes, they did. They were pretty… solid. I’m guessing your friend was, too." Jace furrowed his eyebrows slightly as he thought of it. "I guess that means they aren’t ghosts, at least." But what are they, then, he thought before it occured to him that he was confessing personal matters to a perfect stranger. Although, he seemed to be doing the same — it must have been the psuedo-haunting bringing people together. “I’m Jace, by the way,” he said as he extended his right hand towards the other boy.

[jonrochester]

"Definitely not ghosts." he said, nodding his head. "Ghosts cannot touch you, can they? And if they were, in fact, ghosts, then shouldn't we have seen them long ago? Why now?" Why now indeed. Although Jon was thankful he got to see Catherine again, he couldn't help but admit that it was a tiny bit suspicious. She wasn't alive; she had told him just as much. But she didn't look dead to him either. "Your people are the experts on heaven, hell, and everything in between. Do you happen to have a theory in mind as to what exactly is going on?" For a few seconds, Jon could only stare at the hand that was outstretched towards him. He then took it and said "Jonathan. But you can call me Jon."

[angelboyjace]

"Yes, that possibility still exists," Jace agreed with a smirk. "Maybe we’re both crazy. Although, I am usually the poster boy for mental health." He threw an unintentionally scrutinizing gaze at the other boy, debating whether it was really possible that he wasn’t the only one. It was… comforting? Disturbing? Whatever it was, it meant he was most likely about to gain some further insight into what was happening. "Oh you know," he begun casually. "The usual; dead mom, dead dad. Dead grandma. Pink elephant."

[jonrochester]

He couldn't help it. In spite of himself, Jonathan laughed loudly at the mention of 'pink elephants'. "I'm afraid you are out of your mind." he responded, squinting as he cast his gaze at the horizon that stretched in front of them. The mention of dead relatives didn't fall on deaf ears, though. It made Jon even curious about the Shadowhunter that was standing beside him. He knew he wasn't the only one being haunted. He just couldn't be. Although he didn't know whether 'haunting' was the right term. "I am seeing the dead, too. Well, one in particular. A childhood friend. She died of cholera when we were ten." he said. "Did they.. Did your mother, father, and grandmother seem real to you?"

[angelboyjace]

"You and me both, brother," Jace mumbled as he glanced at the boy beside him.

[jonrochester]

Jon exhaled. "Great. So I'm not insane then." he said, glancing at the Nephilim boy. "Either that or we both are. What.. things are you seeing?"