Honestly, I just got this jacket.

[namjoonddaeng]

Guys can we talk about how Simon dismisses Stan like he owns the place and Stan be like “Sir, are you sure I can leave you here alone with this Shadowhunter? If something bad happens to you Raphael is gonna kill me” and I totally love this.

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

@eloquated

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

Simon stepped up to him, made a joke about Magnus that Raphael only half hears before the fledgling is leaning forward and then they are kissing. 

Its been a few decades since he’s kissed anyone, and he’s only done it a few times in his life, but this kiss is a completely different experience. 

His first kiss had been weird. He had been 12, not interested in girls but he was young so no one really questioned that. She had kissed him, he had thought it was gross. she had pushed him off of the bench and ran off after he told her this. His next kiss was at 15 with a nice girl from church. He had been trying so hard back then to convince himself he could like girls, that he wanted to kiss them, but when her hand trailed up his leg he was so thankful when his mother walked in, even if he got yelled at for it. 

At 17 he wondered if he liked boys, even though when he looked at them it didn’t do anything for him either. But he kissed a boy at 17 and still didn’t want it. It had been a relief as much as a let down.

Then he met Magnus who helped him through his change, and helped him figure out his sexuality, that there was nothing wrong with him. It was okay to not like sex.

His kiss with Simon is quite different from those. Instead of it being awkward it feels like home, it feels safe. Simon’s lips are soft, cold, pressing against his clumsily but it’s so Simon that that fact make it better. He allows himself to linger for a second before pulling back, trying to hide the confused, nervous feeling growing inside him. 

Distantly, Simon can hear the round of applause behind them.  Clary’s enthusiastic cheer that blurred into Magnus’, and the polite golf claps from the Clave emissaries.  There were papers to sign, and people to thank, and a dozen things that they had to see to.  

He knew that.  But for just a moment, lingering in the quiet wordlessness between them, Simon let himself forget.

It was clumsy, and their noses bumped, and Simon overcompensated a little for glasses he no longer had to wear (but still felt awkward without).  Neither of them was entirely sure what to do with their hands, and Raphael was so much colder than anyone else he had ever kissed.

He tasted of peppermints and copper; and even though Simon had always been a hopeless romantic, he had never really (not really, not for himself) believed that a kiss could make the world slow down around you.  

Apparently it could.

With a slow, nervous exhale, Simon rested his forehead against Raphael’s– not quite ready to turn around and face the small crowd.  It was their wedding, he told himself, he could steal a few seconds for the two of them.  “Mi marido… I guess I’m going to have to get used to that.”  He whispered into the tiny space between them.

Their hands were still joined with a length of bright cord, and Simon realized that his other hand had come to rest over Raphael’s heart, where it would beat if he had been alive.  “Ready to brave the paperwork and the congratulations?”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Raphael pushed down his panic for later and gave simon a small smile, the young vamp still huddled close to him. It had a calming effect, despite the turmoil caused moment before from kissing Simon.

He glances at the crowd, where everyone is watching them. Magnus looks far too pleased. The fray girl had cheered for them and was now smiling at them, despite the fact that she had threatened him when she found out. Raphael figured she would look considerably more upset. 

“Your mother looks ready to jump out of her seat so she can be the first to congratulate us,” Raphael says, amused. Elaine is practically vibrating where she sits on the edge of her seat, eyes bright with tears and a watery smile on her face as she looks at them. The sight is quite heart warming, in the figurative sense. Meeting with her had gone better than expected, since she at least had met him before as Simon’s manager. It was easy to spin a whirlwind romance about how working together they had grown closer. 

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

No one stands or objects when asked, there is no dramatic entrance by a potential lover like at Alec’s wedding thankfully, and after a moment of silence the ceremony resumes. They light the unity candle, and Magnus comes up to tie them together in el lazo, then they exchange their vows.

Simon goes first, repeating after the officiant, and then it is Raphael’s turn. His are slightly different, being traditional catholic instead. 

“I, Raphael, take you, Simon, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will care for and honor you all the days of our life together.“ 

Raphael keeps his gaze locked with Simon’s as he speaks. The words, while typically said between a loving couple, are no less true. He will take care of Simon, try to be good to him to the best of his ability. 

“By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you married, you may kiss your husband.” Raphael started at that last part. He kind of forgot they would have to kiss, if he was being honest. It had been so long since he had gone to a wedding, a few decades. It wasn’t that big of a deal, just a quick kiss and the deal would be sealed. 

He took a step forward, into Simon’s space, but waited for him to indicate this was okay before Raphael moved any further. They hadn’t really talked about this beforehand besides the awkward conversation about Raphael’s sexuality a week ago.

Right.  Kiss.  Damnit.  How had he forgotten that?!

Simon’s fingers tensed beneath the cord that bound them; cold and gripping Raphael’s a little too tightly.  He could do this.  It was just one little kiss.  Totally fine.  He had been so worried about not tripping over his vows (or his own two feet!) that he had all but forgotten that…

Well, forgotten or not, he thought ruefully, that didn’t change the fact that they were standing there.  Surrounded by people.  Waiting for them to kiss, and seal the union between them.  And Raphael was just that much closer, and Simon was absolutely sure that, if he could actually have a heart attack, he would be.

Everyone was watching.  He could feel the eyes of the Clave dignitaries trying to drill holes in the side of his head.  He couldn’t look out at the crowd, and God, his mother was there, and his abuela, and this was.. Oh this was going to be– 

So he looked up at Raphael, the corners of his mouth twitching when he realized that he looked just as shocked by the pronouncement as he did.  Well, at least they were starting this marriage on the same stunned step!  With a tiny shuffle of his feet, Simon met him halfway across the single foot of space between them.  

“You know Magnus is trying not to laugh at us, right?”  Simon whispered, so quietly that only Raphael could hear.  And then, his eyes falling closed, and his breath held nervously, Simon closed the last few inches in a soft kiss.

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Simon stepped up to him, made a joke about Magnus that Raphael only half hears before the fledgling is leaning forward and then they are kissing. 

Its been a few decades since he’s kissed anyone, and he’s only done it a few times in his life, but this kiss is a completely different experience. 

His first kiss had been weird. He had been 12, not interested in girls but he was young so no one really questioned that. She had kissed him, he had thought it was gross. she had pushed him off of the bench and ran off after he told her this. His next kiss was at 15 with a nice girl from church. He had been trying so hard back then to convince himself he could like girls, that he wanted to kiss them, but when her hand trailed up his leg he was so thankful when his mother walked in, even if he got yelled at for it. 

At 17 he wondered if he liked boys, even though when he looked at them it didn’t do anything for him either. But he kissed a boy at 17 and still didn’t want it. It had been a relief as much as a let down.

Then he met Magnus who helped him through his change, and helped him figure out his sexuality, that there was nothing wrong with him. It was okay to not like sex.

His kiss with Simon is quite different from those. Instead of it being awkward it feels like home, it feels safe. Simon’s lips are soft, cold, pressing against his clumsily but it’s so Simon that that fact make it better. He allows himself to linger for a second before pulling back, trying to hide the confused, nervous feeling growing inside him. 

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

the fairy child

           I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,           Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,           Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,           With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.

Morning dawned over them with the palest warmth, shining through the soft yellow petals of sweet smelling honeysuckle, and dappling bare skin with feathery leaf green light.  Nestled amidst the tall fronds of the flowers at the riverside, on a bed of soft soil, crushed petals, and discarded clothes, Isabelle stirred with the new light, her head pillowed on Raphael’s chest.

Little by little the night before returned to her, like a fever dream of cold hands and passionate delirium.  Muddled and foggy, the memories seemed to slide away as quickly as she could reached for them, sliding through her fingers intangibly.

They weren’t in New York anymore.

Looking around, Isabelle tried to remember what had happened, how they had gotten here– and, most importantly, where exactly here was!  Under a makeshift blanket of Raphael’s unfolded jacket, the path they had been following– Stay on the path.  Follow the river.  And whatever you do, don’t … whatever you do…

There was some good advice there, she was sure.  Unfortunately, it didn’t look like they’d remembered it. Either that, or something had happened.

Shaking her head, and trying to clear the cobwebs, Izzy’s dark, loose hair tickled across Raphael’s chest.  “Wake up..”  She said quietly, giving his shoulder a slight shake, “Raphael, wake up.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

“Wake up..” came a soft voice, far away and sounding like it was underwater. It was familiar, he knew that voice, but it was difficult to place. It was difficult to place anything right now. It was dark, he knew his eyes were closed, that he was dreaming right now.

If it could be called dreaming. There were no picture, not memories like normal, just a fuzzy, muddy feeling, like the grogginess of morning. He was being woken from this blank place, sensations coming back to him. 

The owner of the voice, or so he assumed, was shaking him, he could feel that. “Raphael, wake up.” the voice came again, clearer this time, and he was able to concentrate enough to recognize it. 

Isabelle.

He dragged himself into consciousness, head turning towards where he sensed she was. “Isabelle,” he rasped out. He blinked his eyes open, wincing at the light. The light. He was up with a hiss, throwing his arms up though that would not help. He should already be dead, exposed as he was. But he was still here. How?

“What’s going on?” he snaps, confused, mind racing. He tries to remember what had happened, where he was, but it was like wading through mud. He couldn’t help but close his eyes, tipping his head back as he enjoyed the sun’s warmth on his skin, trying to take in ever detail. It was also how he noticed he was feeling warmth all over, in places he shouldn’t. He looked down at himself, and found he was naked. As was Isabelle when he looked over at her. Dread grew in his stomach, a nauseous feeling.

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

“Funny, I’d already come to terms with being stuck with you for eternity when you were turned,” He teases with a small smile, taking Simon’s hand in his own. He looks Simon over, the young vampire looks nice. The dark blue suit fits him perfectly, his hair is combed and . He cleans up well. Raphael knew that Simon was objectively attractive, but today he looks like something else. He wonders if it’s because they are getting married. “I’m sure he’d make you a portal too if you wanted to escape.”

He didn’t think Simon would take it, just like Raphael wouldn’t either, but he needed to offer one last time. Magnus offered his Arm to Clary, and they headed inside ahead of them to take their seats near the front. Everyone in the room turned to watch them, and Raphael’s attention was draw to Simon’s family, his sister looking smug and his mother almost in tears, holding up a camera and taking probably a thousand pictures. It was heart warming. He then looked over and saw Rosa, and from the look in her eyes she almost seemed to recognize him today. His chest squeezed tight at that.

“Yeah, but now you can’t escape.  You’re totally stuck.”  Simon whispered under his breath as the assembled guests all turned to look at them.  It was a little intimidating, and with a slow breath, Simon’s cold fingers curled more tightly in Raphael’s.  Clary and Magnus were smiling as they made their way down the aisle; and Simon could see the few Clave dignitaries at the back of the room, making sure that everything was done and legal.

Of course.  

He could do this. Just one foot ahead of the other.  A few words.  And they’d be out of here.

Easy peasy.  

As long as he remembered to breathe.

Reaching the head of the aisle, and the officiant that looked– well, official– and whose name Simon couldn’t remember, the fledgling turned to look at Raphael with a nervous, reflexive little smile, his expression seeming to silently say: well, here we are.  Nobody ran for the hills.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, and in the eyes of God, to join Raphael and Simon in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

No one stands or objects when asked, there is no dramatic entrance by a potential lover like at Alec’s wedding thankfully, and after a moment of silence the ceremony resumes. They light the unity candle, and Magnus comes up to tie them together in el lazo, then they exchange their vows.

Simon goes first, repeating after the officiant, and then it is Raphael’s turn. His are slightly different, being traditional catholic instead. 

"I, Raphael, take you, Simon, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will care for and honor you all the days of our life together." 

Raphael keeps his gaze locked with Simon’s as he speaks. The words, while typically said between a loving couple, are no less true. He will take care of Simon, try to be good to him to the best of his ability. 

“By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you married, you may kiss your husband.” Raphael started at that last part. He kind of forgot they would have to kiss, if he was being honest. It had been so long since he had gone to a wedding, a few decades. It wasn’t that big of a deal, just a quick kiss and the deal would be sealed. 

He took a step forward, into Simon’s space, but waited for him to indicate this was okay before Raphael moved any further. They hadn’t really talked about this beforehand besides the awkward conversation about Raphael’s sexuality a week ago.

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

The night of the wedding arrives quickly, the week flying by in a flash of planning and stress. Raphael is up half the night before making sure everything is set and then is up around 3 pm to double and triple check that the DuMort is set up. Before he knows it Magnus is dragging him to get changed, much to everyone else’s relief. He’s a bit tense, so sue him.

He smooths his hands over the front of his dark red jacket once again, checking his appearance in the mirror. Once satisfied he exits the room, where Magnus waits for him. 

“Everyone has been seated, the ceremony is about to begin.” Magnus tells him, “are you ready?”

“And if the answer is no?” he half teases, because he doesn’t think he would ever be ready for this, but he doesn’t really have a choice. It could be much worse. He’s lucky it’s not. He steels himself once more and heads down the hallway where he’s supposed to meet Simon.

“Simon, you don’t have to do this.”  

There was no missing the fretful way that Clary tugged his tie straight, her fingers curled hard around the fabric.  And if he was being honest, Simon didn’t blame her, not really.  This had been the match that the Clave had made for her, and the one she had escaped, simply because he hadn’t been willing to let her be trapped.

He could understand.  But that didn’t change anything.

Reaching out, Simon pulled the redhead into his arms, letting her cling to him in return.  “Don’t worry so much, Fray.  If anyone can handle Raphael, it’s me.  Give me a week, and he’ll have Vader in his speeches.”  His smile brightened as Clary huffed a shaky laugh into his chest– and it was easier to be brave and positive for her, than it was for himself.  Convincing her to convince himself.

“Like this?”  She asked, carefully dabbing a tear from the corner of her eye without smudging her makeup.  Playful fingers tapped the Captain America shield proud emblazoned on the bottom of his blue tie, before affectionately buttoning his jacket over it.

“Scrappy nerd from Brooklyn, gets turned into something else.”  He supplied, making sure the logo was actually hidden under his jacket (because sure, Raphael would roll his eyes later when he saw it.. but he didn’t want to antagonize him beforehand!  He had to pick his battles!)   “Brave guy that’s way stronger than anyone guessed, doing the right thing because he feels like someone has to.”  Clary corrected, throwing her arms around him once more.

“Hey, none of that!  If I show up at the altar all teary, I’m blaming you.  Come on, Fray.. Let’s get me married off, yeah?”

Tucking her arm through his, Simon took a deep breath, and stole a final glance in the mirror to make sure that his hair hadn’t managed to disarray itself (it had, a little, but he was fairly sure it was as good as he was going to get). 

Stepping out into the hallway, Simon’s dark eyes slid down to the two men at the other end, waiting for them.  “Last chance to escape, Raphael.”  He said, offering an uncertain smile to the man that, in just a few minutes, would be his husband.  “I hear Magnus does pretty good work in portals.”

It was a relief to see him.  Simon didn’t know why, or how that had happened– he should have been relieved if Raphael had taken off to parts unknown!  

But it was a relief.  And with a quirk of his mouth, he held out his hand to Raphael.  “Either that, or you’re going to be stuck with me.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

“Funny, I’d already come to terms with being stuck with you for eternity when you were turned,” He teases with a small smile, taking Simon’s hand in his own. He looks Simon over, the young vampire looks nice. The dark blue suit fits him perfectly, his hair is combed and . He cleans up well. Raphael knew that Simon was objectively attractive, but today he looks like something else. He wonders if it’s because they are getting married. “I’m sure he’d make you a portal too if you wanted to escape.”

He didn’t think Simon would take it, just like Raphael wouldn’t either, but he needed to offer one last time. Magnus offered his Arm to Clary, and they headed inside ahead of them to take their seats near the front. Everyone in the room turned to watch them, and Raphael’s attention was draw to Simon’s family, his sister looking smug and his mother almost in tears, holding up a camera and taking probably a thousand pictures. It was heart warming. He then looked over and saw Rosa, and from the look in her eyes she almost seemed to recognize him today. His chest squeezed tight at that.

[diggorypuff]

favorite male character – [38/50] male characters – Raphael Santiago “It is sometimes an exercise of real self-control not to laugh in your face. That much is true.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

The night of the wedding arrives quickly, the week flying by in a flash of planning and stress. Raphael is up half the night before making sure everything is set and then is up around 3 pm to double and triple check that the DuMort is set up. Before he knows it Magnus is dragging him to get changed, much to everyone else’s relief. He’s a bit tense, so sue him.

He smooths his hands over the front of his dark red jacket once again, checking his appearance in the mirror. Once satisfied he exits the room, where Magnus waits for him. 

“Everyone has been seated, the ceremony is about to begin.” Magnus tells him, “are you ready?”

“And if the answer is no?” he half teases, because he doesn’t think he would ever be ready for this, but he doesn’t really have a choice. It could be much worse. He’s lucky it’s not. He steels himself once more and heads down the hallway where he’s supposed to meet Simon.

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

He is immensely relieved when Simon decides he is still going to do this. He wants to work towards peace with the nephilim, but isn’t quite ready to marry one if he didn’t have to. 

 “After that? The least we need to do is our bare minimum to fulfill the clave’s contract. Whatever else our marriage entails is up to you. I’d like it if we could at least get along, but we don’t have to interact any more than necessary.” He wanted what they had discussed earlier, being in this together, but would only take what Simon wanted to give. He wasn’t going to just take from him anymore. 

“I don’t expect anything from you here. I need this alliance to get into the council with the clave, you’re doing me a favor. I’ll let you decide the rest, within reason. I’m not handing over the clan to you.” He smirks at the last thought, showing off a hint of his fangs. “You’d probably renovate the Dumort into the bat cave.” he teases.

“Raphael Santiago.. making pop culture references.  That’s… ok, equal parts creepy and amazing.”  Simon cracked a shaky smile, finally picking up his mug, and pushing away from the window. “But I wouldn’t turn it into the bat cave; for one, this place is totally atmospheric already.  Ok, it’s basically a haunted house, but still, atmosphere.  And also, cause the electrics in here are ancient.  Like, 1950′s chic.  I’d probably blow a breaker and and up crawling through the basement to fix it.  No way.”

Simon’s quiet babbling helped him process what Raphael had said, turning his mug in his hands, the heavy, warm weight offering him something to fidget with.  The odd orange, wool socks dangled loosely on his feet, as Simon sank into one of the chair across from Raphael’s desk, tucking up his heels and hugging his knees to his chest.

“It’s not that I.. don’t want to marry you.  Cause..  I mean, I don’t not want to.  But I don’t know… This, it’s political.  You need me to help you get on the council.  I get that.  It’s what’s best for the Downworld.  But.. if you want this to just stay political?  Then,.. we just go to the courthouse, or whatever the Downworld equivalent is.  Just us, a couple of witnesses,.. fast and ugly.  And I go back to what’s left of my place, and try to fix the hole in the roof and… we talk, when we have to.  Other than that?  You don’t worry about me, and I don’t worry about you.”

It sounded cold, and awful to Simon.  It sounded like everything he didn’t want… but he had to offer.  Because that was what Raphael had been intending to offer Clary.

And that might be exactly what he wanted.

“But…”

Simon’s fang caught on the edge of his lip as he bit down, uncertainly worrying the skin until it came up red.  “If… That’s not what you want.  Then I have to know.”  There was a flash of dark beneath darker lashes as Simon’s eyes flickered over to him, and then back to his hands.  “Because.. if.. you want something else.. then.. it has to be between the two of us.  No more people getting in the middle of our marriage.. not when we haven’t figured it out for ourselves yet.’

“But.. I mean… that’s.. it’s up to you.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Raphael found himself captivated with the sight of blood om Simon’s worry bitten lips, the red looking good against his skin. He wanted to reach out and wipe the blood away, or maybe smear it across his bottom lip more, definately wondering what it would taste like. He was then horrified at these thoughts, thoughts he hadn’t had in a while. Then again, Simon would be his husband. But their relationship wasn’t like that, not even close.

But what did Raphael want? Certainly not that, right? He knew he for sure didn’t want the first one.

“Like I’m going to let you go back to the mutts’ place.” he mutters,rolling his eyes, because Simon was his fledgling. He wanted him back at the hotel and he certainly didn’t want him smelling like mutt. More importantly he didn’t want him wasting away in that poor excuse of a shed, barely surviving. He makes up his mind

“I’m not sure where it’s going to go, but I’d like to find out.” Raphael decides, wanting things to get better, for Simon to come home, to not have a completely abysmal marriage. “So what should we do next? When you say no more people getting in between, what do we do now. I don’t know how to plan a wedding.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

Suddenly all the anger is draining out of him at Simon’s words. Hearing that the fledgling thinks no one loves him, that he thinks no one wants him to be happy, something painful twists inside of him. He feels guilty because he knows he’s part of that reason, but he also feels angry at Clarissa Fairchild, who has taken so much from Simon and given nothing in return. 

“That’s not true. There are plenty of people who have your back. Luke Garroway will have my neck once he finds out about this, Clary Fairchild has already threatened me, and even after your betrayal none of us really wanted you dead. I’ve already lifted the kill order, Simon. I won’t let anyone harm you, you have my word. There are more people than you think who care about you.” himself included. Simon may think he has no bargaining chips, but Raphael wouldn’t try this for just anyone. Wouldn’t actually plan a wedding with just anyone. Wouldn’t want to actually make it work with someone else. Raphael is willing to bend more for Simon than he is ready to admit, already has.

“Look,” he starts, standing up and carefully approaching Simon. “You’re still family, you always have been. Sometimes family does stupid things, and we end up hurting each other, but we forgive each other. We want you here whether that’s as my spouse or not. You don’t have to go through with this, I’ll find someone else.”

Simon’s breath hitched unsteadily as he rubbed his hands over his face, just trying to hold himself together as well as he could. Ever since Clary had dragged him into the Institute that first night, it had felt like he was freefalling without a parachute, just waiting to hit the bottom.  

Every time he thought he had, it turned out that it could get worse.  And he just didn’t know how much more of that he could stand.

But for all that, marrying Raphael didn’t seem like a bad thing.  Frustrating, sure, and scary.. but not bad.  Not really.

“What, and watch you marry some Shadowhunter that the Clave assigns?  And listen to you whine about her literally forever?”  Simon asked, managing a short, forced laugh (but feeling a little proud that he had managed that much). “No.  I.. No.  I haven’t changed my mind about this, I really haven’t. But.. it’s just.. we’re getting married on Friday.  And sure, that’s scary– but what happens after?  I don’r.. I don’t know what you want, or what you expect.’

“And sure, I’m mad at you now.. but that doesn’t mean I don’t want this to work. Cause, I do.  I don’t want you to be miserable about being stuck with me.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

He is immensely relieved when Simon decides he is still going to do this. He wants to work towards peace with the nephilim, but isn’t quite ready to marry one if he didn’t have to. 

 “After that? The least we need to do is our bare minimum to fulfill the clave’s contract. Whatever else our marriage entails is up to you. I’d like it if we could at least get along, but we don’t have to interact any more than necessary.” He wanted what they had discussed earlier, being in this together, but would only take what Simon wanted to give. He wasn’t going to just take from him anymore. 

“I don’t expect anything from you here. I need this alliance to get into the council with the clave, you’re doing me a favor. I’ll let you decide the rest, within reason. I’m not handing over the clan to you.” He smirks at the last thought, showing off a hint of his fangs. “You’d probably renovate the Dumort into the bat cave.” he teases.

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

“Those are your words not mine,” he hissed, feeling himself getting worked up again. He attempts to calm down, to keep his voice neutral, but he can’t help some slight irritation from showing. He’s tired of all the whiplash he’s getting from Simon. “I’m not trying to make all the decisions, I thought we were in agreement but something was misheard somewhere. I am trying to move past it, to work together, but you keep throwing things back in my face. I’ve worked by myself for a long time, Simon. I can’t change overnight but I’m willing to try to make this work but I’m getting the impression you don’t want it to.”

“I can’t deal with this back and forth from you, so you need to decide if you are in or out.”

“What do you expect– it’s all I’ve got!”  Simon blurted, setting down his glass so hard on the windowsill that a few rogue drops of blood splashed over the side, and seeped down over his white knuckled fingers.  “You decide that I’m not what you wanted, or not worth the trouble– and bang!  One dead Simon.  You don’t even have to do it yourself, just ask someone and there you go!  No more me getting in the way.”

Slowly his arms curled around himself, skinny fingers digging hard into his arms, over his elbows.  “You don’t get it, do you?  You have all  the power here.  You have the friends, and the connections, and the power.  And I have literally nothing except for words!  My best friend?  Shadowhunter– you really think she’d help?  My family doesn’t know a damn thing about what’s happening to me– and you saw what happened when my mom found out!  You saw her– she was horrified!”

He should stop, he brain warned him.  He needed to shut up!  But the words kept coming, bitter and scared and escaping the tight grasp he had been desperately trying to hold over them.  “You couldn’t marry Clary because she has so many people that love her, and want her to be happy.  But it’s not like that for me, it’s not!  But I still have to live with it.. and I’ve.. I’m powerless here.  So yeah, I talk, and I make you angry.. but d-damnit Raphael.. it’s the only bargaining chip I’ve got.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Suddenly all the anger is draining out of him at Simon’s words. Hearing that the fledgling thinks no one loves him, that he thinks no one wants him to be happy, something painful twists inside of him. He feels guilty because he knows he’s part of that reason, but he also feels angry at Clarissa Fairchild, who has taken so much from Simon and given nothing in return. 

“That’s not true. There are plenty of people who have your back. Luke Garroway will have my neck once he finds out about this, Clary Fairchild has already threatened me, and even after your betrayal none of us really wanted you dead. I’ve already lifted the kill order, Simon. I won’t let anyone harm you, you have my word. There are more people than you think who care about you.” himself included. Simon may think he has no bargaining chips, but Raphael wouldn’t try this for just anyone. Wouldn’t actually plan a wedding with just anyone. Wouldn’t want to actually make it work with someone else. Raphael is willing to bend more for Simon than he is ready to admit, already has.

“Look,” he starts, standing up and carefully approaching Simon. “You’re still family, you always have been. Sometimes family does stupid things, and we end up hurting each other, but we forgive each other. We want you here whether that’s as my spouse or not. You don’t have to go through with this, I’ll find someone else.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

Raphael leaned back in his chair, folding his hands into his lap as he watched the young bat walk across the room, settling with leaning against the window. 

“About last night. Unless you think there isn’t anything to talk about, in which case I have work to do finding a new intended.” 

“I never said I wasn’t going to go through with it.  But I sure don’t like you talking over my head like that, either.  You’re marrying me, remember? Not Magnus.  Which also, yeah, means that you actually have to talk to me.  Instead of just assuming that I’m going to like whatever you decide.”

Simon looked down at his cup, turning the handle carefully into the notch of his palm.  It was better than looking over at Raphael.  “At this point, getting married is just a formality. So I suggest that we just do this the cheap, fast, and ugly way.  And then we can both go back to our separate lives.’  

“Because I’m not going to be someone that you can just parade around.  I’m not an idiot.  I’m not some witless moron that needs you to explain things.  And you’ve already apparently got it into your head that you’re the one calling the shots. Well, you’re not.  And if that’s what you’re wanting? Well, then I can just as easily tell the Clave that they need to find you someone else.  And go right back to my normal life without you trying to push me around.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

“Those are your words not mine,” he hissed, feeling himself getting worked up again. He attempts to calm down, to keep his voice neutral, but he can’t help some slight irritation from showing. He’s tired of all the whiplash he’s getting from Simon. “I’m not trying to make all the decisions, I thought we were in agreement but something was misheard somewhere. I am trying to move past it, to work together, but you keep throwing things back in my face. I’ve worked by myself for a long time, Simon. I can’t change overnight but I’m willing to try to make this work but I’m getting the impression you don’t want it to.”

“I can’t deal with this back and forth from you, so you need to decide if you are in or out.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

Raphael has only managed to just sit down and glance through the stack of papers on his desk when he hears Simon up and about. He listens as the fledgling talks to himself, listening to make sure he doesn’t also run into any trouble. He’s heading towards him so Raphael pulls out a report of a new bleeders den that’s showed up in the east side, trying to look busy. Which in reality he is busy, so its not that much of a try, more that he needs to actually do his work rather than track the fledgling as he walks. 

He looks up as Simon appears in the door way, looking skinnier than normal in clothes too big for him, but at least he looks rested now and there is some color returning to his face. 

“You always know how to keep things interesting,” he drawls, because wherever Simon is involved, something is always happening. Yesterday had certainly been interesting, in the extremely stressful and not fun way. Raphael flips the report shut because he’s not going to be getting anywhere with it right now, and they need to talk. He mentions for Simon to take a seat across from him. 

“We need to talk.”

If there was a statement more ominous than ‘we need to talk’, Simon wasn’t sure he had ever heard it.  It was amazing how quickly the little colour could drain from the fledgling’s face, the hint of health that a bit of blood and a lot of sleep had given him, seeming to vanish in an instant.

They needed to talk.

God.

“Right.. I.. Sure.”  Simon said to fill the silence, not wanting to let it drag on too long.  Gingerly he closed the door behind him, resisting the urge to jump as the latch clicked shut.  Suddenly the office seemed very small.

Too small.

Claustrophobic.

Instead of sitting across from Raphael, Simon shuffled over to the window, his back pressing against the frame, and one skinny hand against the sill, swallowing hard.  “About what?”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Raphael leaned back in his chair, folding his hands into his lap as he watched the young bat walk across the room, settling with leaning against the window. 

“About last night. Unless you think there isn’t anything to talk about, in which case I have work to do finding a new intended.” 

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

Simon fell asleep without answering him, his eyes dropping closed. Raphael made sure the fledgling was tucked in before he made his way out of the room, closing the door behind him. A few vampires are waiting outside, Lily included. 

“No one enters without permission. Let him sleep.” he didn’t want anyone bothering the fledgling for any reasons, not that he thought anyone would. Even if they had grievances with him they would not harm Raphael’s fiance, but Raphael would rather say something than assume.

Lily nodded at his order, shooing the other vampires away. Stan was the most reluctant to go. “Is he going to be alright?”

“He’ll be fine, he just need rest.” Raphael assured him. The other vampire looked relieved at that, finally taking his leave. Lily cocked a questioning brow at him when they were the only two left. Raphael dismissed her with a wave, they could talk about it later. “Get some sleep.” 

She didn’t look happy about his dismissal but she let it go, reminding Raphael why she was his favorite. They parted ways and Raphael went to his own room, shrugging out of his jacket and hanging it on the back of a chair before basically collapsing into his own casket, mentally exhausted from the day. He pulls the casket closed and falls into a dreamless sleep.

xxx

Raphael wakes some hours later, blinking groggily into the darkness of his casket. He pulls his phone from his pocket and turns it on, wincing at the brightness. 6:57 PM. He could still sleep a few more hours if he wanted but his mind is already pulling itself into awareness, so he decides to get up and get dressed. He walks to the kitchen and gets himself a glass of blood, pouring a second for Simon. He then heads to the room the fledgling is staying in, listening through the door to see if the fledgling is awake. He doesn’t hear anything so he leaves the glass on a table outside the room and makes his way to his office.

Simon wasn’t sure what time it was when he finally started to stir, having moved to the small couch in the room sometime in the middle of the night.  The fireplace had long since burned down to embers, but the heavy blanket tucked around him, and the clothes he’d been given, were enough to trap the lingering heat around him.

With a jolt, the night before came back to him, a little foggy, the memories stained with cold.  Was it even safe to venture outside the room?  Sure, the other vampires had been nice enough the night before, but that didn’t mean their generousity would hold after he was back on his feet!

Rummaging for his cell phone, still tucked in the pocket of the jeans he’d hung by the hearth the night before to dry, Simon checked the time, wincing at the lateness of the hour.  He really must have been more tired than he realized!  Outside, he could hear the sounds of his clanmates (former clanmates?  He wasn’t sure how that worked, and almost dreaded the answer!) in the communal parts of the hotel; ambient sounds of rummaging and walking and talking in voices that all seemed to blur together into one living noise.

“Alright, Lewis.  It’s not going to help you to hide in here!  Might as well get up and face the music.”  He told himself, wishing he could convince himself that he felt more confident.  Most of his clothes were still clammy, damp and musty smelling from being wet for so long, not the things he really wanted to get dressed back into!

So, in the heavy wool socks (which were in striped shades of orange that he wasn’t sure about) the too-large grey sweat pants, and the black sweater that was so large it kept sliding off his shoulder, Simon gathered up his courage and braved a glance outside the door.

No guard.  No mob of angry vampires.  Just a still-hot mug of blood sitting on the floor.

Good start.

Picking up the mug, Simon cradled the warm ceramic in his hands, trying to get his bearings inside the hotel.  Some parts seemed like a maze of corridors, all lined with similar doors.  “Alright.. So… living room is that way.. and the kitchen, is over there.. So.. Raphael’s office is… this way.”  He told himself, setting off down the hallways.

The few vampires he saw seemed to be happy enough to ignore him (at worst) or double glance to make sure he was alright (as best), and Eamon even stopped long enough to flash him a warm, uncomplicated smile.  It was.. surreal.  But he managed to reach Raphael’s office without mishap!  Which was an even better start to the night.

Padding up to the half open door, Simon leaned against the frame– trying for nonchalant, and only really looking nervous.  “So.. thanks.  I mean, for yesterday.”  He started with, his fangs half peeking between his lips as he took a sip of the blood.  “Probably not, you know, how you planned to spend your evening.”

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Raphael has only managed to just sit down and glance through the stack of papers on his desk when he hears Simon up and about. He listens as the fledgling talks to himself, listening to make sure he doesn’t also run into any trouble. He’s heading towards him so Raphael pulls out a report of a new bleeders den that’s showed up in the east side, trying to look busy. Which in reality he is busy, so its not that much of a try, more that he needs to actually do his work rather than track the fledgling as he walks. 

He looks up as Simon appears in the door way, looking skinnier than normal in clothes too big for him, but at least he looks rested now and there is some color returning to his face. 

“You always know how to keep things interesting,” he drawls, because wherever Simon is involved, something is always happening. Yesterday had certainly been interesting, in the extremely stressful and not fun way. Raphael flips the report shut because he’s not going to be getting anywhere with it right now, and they need to talk. He mentions for Simon to take a seat across from him. 

“We need to talk.”

[darkblendroleplay]

 “You must never imagine, that just because something is funny, it is not also dangerous.”

Panfandom Discord RP group, centering around Shadowhunters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and other urban fantasy settings.  Open to OC and Canon characters, Dark Blend is a group roleplay, where you can see the shadow world through your characters eyes.  Just submit your application through the link below, or check out our Discord server!

A little wisdom to carry with you on your travels!

1. Don’t godmod.  We all know it, just don’t control other people’s characters. 2. Don’t reorder the channels.. it just makes it hard for everyone to find things. 3. Try to keep things SFW.  If you want to write NSFW, please move it to your own personal DMs. 4. If you want a channel created, ask Eloquated, she’ll be happy to! 5. You can apply as any urban fantasy character, not only ones you play on Tumblr. If they’re part of a fandom or series the Admin isn’t familiar with, she may have a few questions before your application is approved.

PLOT ||  APPLICATION ||  FACTIONS

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Arranged Marriage - open

[eloquated-archived-deactivated2]

stop-ruining-my-jackets:

“Don’t worry about it, I already told you you were welcome here,” and he wasn’t going to force Simon to stay in a flooded shed where he was getting sick. They had a number of perfectly serviceable rooms where there were no holes in the roof. 

Raphael smiled to himself as he saw Simon’s fangs, the fledgling was so tired he couldn’t keep them pulled back. He was definitely still a baby bat. 

Raphael walked over to the windows and made sure the curtains were draw tight. Even though the sun wouldn’t harm Simon, it was a habit. Besides, the blackout curtains would make it easier to sleep during the day.

“Do you need anything else?” Raphael asked, walking back over to Simon and stopping beside the chair. 

Right, Simon reminded himself, Raphael had promised that he could come home. Finally warmed through, and his stomach filled with proper blood, it was getting harder and harder to keep his eyes open. After forty hours awake, the fledgling could feel the world getting slow and hazy around him; but it was alright, he was safe.

Raphael wouldn’t let anything happen to him, was the last clear thought he managed before his eyes dropped closed, and he was carried off to sleep.

It was a dreamless sleep, exhausted and deep, his slight frame tucked into the side of the old, wing backed chair.  Huddled under the blanket, his knees hugged up to his chest, the daylight hours passed surprisingly fast– it felt like only a few moments, a blink, had passed.

Outside the Hotel du Mort, the storm continued to batter at the walls, and rattle the windows in their casements.  But the vampire’s home was strong, and inside, everything was warm, and dry.

[stop-ruining-my-jackets]

Simon fell asleep without answering him, his eyes dropping closed. Raphael made sure the fledgling was tucked in before he made his way out of the room, closing the door behind him. A few vampires are waiting outside, Lily included. 

“No one enters without permission. Let him sleep.” he didn’t want anyone bothering the fledgling for any reasons, not that he thought anyone would. Even if they had grievances with him they would not harm Raphael’s fiance, but Raphael would rather say something than assume.

Lily nodded at his order, shooing the other vampires away. Stan was the most reluctant to go. “Is he going to be alright?”

“He’ll be fine, he just need rest.” Raphael assured him. The other vampire looked relieved at that, finally taking his leave. Lily cocked a questioning brow at him when they were the only two left. Raphael dismissed her with a wave, they could talk about it later. “Get some sleep.” 

She didn’t look happy about his dismissal but she let it go, reminding Raphael why she was his favorite. They parted ways and Raphael went to his own room, shrugging out of his jacket and hanging it on the back of a chair before basically collapsing into his own casket, mentally exhausted from the day. He pulls the casket closed and falls into a dreamless sleep.

xxx

Raphael wakes some hours later, blinking groggily into the darkness of his casket. He pulls his phone from his pocket and turns it on, wincing at the brightness. 6:57 PM. He could still sleep a few more hours if he wanted but his mind is already pulling itself into awareness, so he decides to get up and get dressed. He walks to the kitchen and gets himself a glass of blood, pouring a second for Simon. He then heads to the room the fledgling is staying in, listening through the door to see if the fledgling is awake. He doesn’t hear anything so he leaves the glass on a table outside the room and makes his way to his office.

[benjahminbarnes-deactivated2021]

[simonlewisthenerdyvamp]

😍❤❤❤

[raphaelsantiagotheleader]

Simon…

[simonlewisthenerdyvamp]

Yeah…?

[raphaelsantiagotheleader]

Don’t.

[simonlewisthenerdyvamp]

Don’t what?

[raphaelsantiagotheleader]

Just don’t