the_central_library | Event 1 - New Friends for the Holidays

Entry tags:

Event 1 - New Friends for the Holidays

[The Cat appears on the bookmark screens, black fur looking slightly mussed and one ear cocked at an odd angle as if he's listening to something out of the bookmark range. He lets out a humph and a trill before focusing on the patrons that he's broadcasting to. If some of the patrons listen carefully, they will hear the sound of barking and the occasional 'meow'.]

Good day, everyone. While the portal was open to London, the Librarians received a request from some beings who were looking for a new home. Some of them are canines and felines that are similar to the creatures on most worlds. Others are more... unique. All wish to find companionship here and have asked if our patrons would take them in and befriend them. The Library will find ways to accommodate these creatures needs so there will be no concerns regarding the items required to care for them. If you would like to visit with our new guests, you may find them at the main reception hall.

[When the Cat finishes speaking, a grey Persian cat nudges him so that he can look at the screen as well.]

There is also a feline here that says his name is Church. He says his human is Jem Carstairs but he will settle for Isabelle or Alec Lightwood, or the 'Herondale boy'.

[The Cat looks at Church, canting his head toward the other feline.]

He does have a name you know and there are other Herondales that could be here.

[Church looks unimpressed in the way only cats seem to be able to master.]

Jace Lightwood-Herondale. I would appreciate one of those individuals collecting Church so he might settle in.

The other creatures are eager to join the Library community. Please come by and offer a new home to our guests.

((ooc: Players can post here to talk to the Cat about the new pets or use this post for discussions of the pets with other players. Another post will be made in the log community for those who prefer prose based rp.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sebastian actually took longer than was necessary calling Alec. He was enjoying holding the cat and hearing him purr. He may have talked to Chairman Meow a little, too. He talked about Jace and Izzy coming to live in the Library. He was happy for Alec. He really was.

And maybe a little nervous. Sad. Scared. He was trying to not let his insecurities show at all. They weren't important and he really did feel good about the Cat knowing and being open about his relationship with Alec.

"This is my room, Chairman Meow. I hope you don't mind stopping here so I can call Alec. The Library isn't always a safe place and I am responsible for getting you safely to your family." He didn't put Chairman Meow down, he sat down on his bed and pulled out his bookmark to call Alec. Sending a video and making sure Alec could see the cat in his lap.

"Alec. Someone arrived here looking for you and Magnus."

When Alec realized someone wanted to talk to him, he guessed that it would be Izzy telling him she had picked up Church. Grinning when he realized who it was, he ignored his parabatai snickering in the background. He tried to elbow Jace to get him to be quiet, but he moved easily out of the way.

Suddenly he realized he'd missed that when he was dating Magnus. Everything had been a secret and then he'd been on the trip with his boyfriend. There hadn't been a chance for Jace to do normal, brother things like tease him about being love struck whenever Magnus called.

He was about to tell Jace to be quiet when he realized that it wasn't Church that Sebastian was holding. "The Chairman's here? I thought Church was the only one from our world."

"Chairman Meow told the Cat when he heard Church was traveling to the Library he wanted to come as well." Sebastian smiled at Alec, so very pleased to be petting Alec's cat.

"He said I smell like home." He added, blushing faintly.

"You smell like Alec." Jace offered from right behind Alec's ear. Sebastian's blush darkened.

"Of course he'd want to come." Now that he saw the cat, Alec realized it had been foolish not to realize that the Chairman would come too. If Church had been allowed to come to the Library why wouldn't other pets from their worlds?

"Yes he does," Alec teased before wrapping an arm around his parabatai and pulling him close enough that they'd both be visible in the bookmark image. It was obvious how happy he was to have his family with him. "And now you will too. Izzy will freak if she notices."

Suddenly realizing how the Chairman had taken to Sebastian, his grin turned to a softer expression, remember what Magnus had said when Alec had asked him out. "The Chairman is a very good judge of character. You should only date people he likes."

Alec looked so happy it made Sebastian's chest ache. His brother Jace looked as if he needed Alec there to remind him of who he was. Something in his eyes and his face when Alec wrapped his arm around him.

"Isabelle is here, too?" He asked, the ache feeling more like a sharp pain. He was reminded of the jealous feeling he had when he'd first talked to Alec about Jack. Alec was surrounded by people who cared about him. He felt wrong for having the feeling at all and looked down at Chairman Meow.

Chairman Meow seemed to like him. And he liked Chairman Meow. It was nice petting his fur and hearing him purr. It made him feel better, more calm and less jealous idiot. "So I should date Magnus?" He asked suddenly, smiling and then biting his bottom lip.

"She is. I'll introduce you to her too eventually. She's..." His expression faltered for a moment. Izzy wasn't in a good place mentally and it would take time for some of her brittle edges to smooth down. Especially when Simon wasn't here to help her through things. "She's from a difficult time in our family's history. She'll be prickly for awhile and your name might make her a little hostile for awhile before she realizes you're special."

The smile returned along with the blush that Jace had noticed whenever Alec had said Sebastian's name. "Maybe. If you want to. I'm willing to share." Was he really suggesting that with his brother beside him? Jace would never let him live this down. "The Chairman likes me too. If you're interested in a Shadowhunter to go with a warlock."

It had been meant as a tease, but Alec's response made him raise his eyebrows. Magnus was very handsome, but he didn't know him the way he was getting to know Alec. "A Shadowhunter, a Warlock, and a-" Not that he wouldn't consider the idea. Magnus was someone Alec cared for deeply.

"Are you really suggesting a threesome?" Jace sounded more impressed that Alec would even consider sharing Magnus.

Sebastian blushed, "And if I'm interested in a Warlock to go with the Shadowhunter?"

"Where did you find this Mundie?" Jace interrupted again.

Mentally cursing when he realized he'd probably gone too far, Alec began apologizing when Sebastian spoke. "And a cellist." He was not going to say Mundie or Mundane. Sebastian was more than that.

Looking over at Jace, he blushed harder while considering if there was a way to keep his parabatai from teasing him for weeks over this. "Yes, I am. Relationships aren't always as simple as society wants us to believe." Neither was love but Alec wasn't going to mention that with Jace listening in or over the bookmarks.

"You'd have to talk to the warlock to sort out those details but the Shadowhunter doesn't mind. And he's hoping that the cellist is interested in the Shadowhunter."

Sighing, Alec elbowed Jace in the ribs. "In the middle of Yellowstone National Park."

Sebastian was sure he'd die blushing his face was so hot, but the smile he gave Alec was full of affection and hope. "The cellist is absolutely interested in the Shadowhunter."

Jace pretended it hurt and then rolled his eyes, "You would find a stray Mundane in a forest."

His heart stuttered as he returned that smile. He'd hoped that Sebastian felt the same way and there had been hints, but it wasn't until his friend agreed that it felt real. "Then we should figure out that date we were planning."

Preferably when Jace wasn't around to eavesdrop.

"He isn't a Mundane." Okay, technically he was. He wasn't a Shadowhunter or Downworlder but that didn't mean that he wasn't more than just the average human. "He's special."

Alec said he was special. The idea of anyone actually thinking he was special made his heart beat faster. And he was saying this to his brother, his family. Sebastian knew Jack had felt the same about him, but hearing Alec say it meant so much to him. He didn't think he was special in any way that truly mattered, but Alec thought he was and that was all that mattered.

"I can see that." Jace smirked faintly, but didn't say anything further.

The comment reminded Sebastian they had an audience, he had forgotten for a moment Jace was right there because he couldn't stop staring at Alec and imagining their first date. "We could talk about it more when you come get Chairman Meow." He offered.

Alec began scowling at Jace and then realized that his parabatai wasn't snarking. Smirking but that was normal. Jace really didn't mind that Alec had feelings for two people. He was willing to give Sebastian a chance simply because Alec liked him. "Thanks," he said softly to his brother before focusing on Sebastian.

The blush brightened but he didn't care. Sebastian was okay with their 'strange' relationship and Jace wanted him to be happy. Sebastian was going to date him just like Alec had hoped. "Okay but we probably should talk about it later since Jace will be around when we pick up the Chairman. I want you to meet my family."

"A date to plan a date?" Sebastian teased. But the thought of meeting Alec's family both scared him and made him happy. He wanted to know the people who were important to Alec, but he worried about how he would feel and how it would affect Alec.

He didn't have anyone to share with Alec for reasons he didn't want to think about.

Jace was biting his bottom lip as if trying not to speak. He was being good. But really? A date to plan a date? Alec and Sebastian were perfect for each other. They were both horrifically nerdy. That was the word Simon would use.

"I want to meet them, too." Sebastian smiled softly. Alec looked so happy. "But you should take some time with them. You haven't seen them in a while and I'm sure they've missed you."

"It won't be the first time I had a date to plan a date. At least I won't have to sneak out to do it." Alec wasn't sure if Jace knew about that. He'd been busy with Clary, which had helped give Alec a chance to get out of the Institute without his parabatai fretting over his injuries.

He had the feeling that Jace was amused by all this. He was probably going to tease Alec constantly about it. If everything had been normal when he'd met Magnus, would Jace have done the same thing? He almost wished that they'd had the chance to have those jokes and mock-glares flying between them. At least they'd have it this time.

"The family who matter is here." He wasn't sure why he had to say that. Maybe because he knew how Sebastian's father treated him. It made him selfishly grateful that Robert hadn't arrived at the Library but he doubted that his father would ever leave Idris again. "Wanting to spend time with them doesn't mean I don't want to spend time with you. Maybe if you're around Jace will take pity on me and won't kick my ass when we're training."

"No. That won't happen regardless of who is watching." Jace commented, grabbed Alec's wrist and turning it so Sebastian could see his face. "I'll kick his ass twice as hard so you can kiss him and make him better."

Sebastian gave Jace a look that said he doubted his abilities. He'd seen Alec in action. Sort of. But he would love to see Alec and Jace training. "That's very thoughtful of you, but I don't need you to give me a reason to kiss Alec. He's reason enough all on his own."

"Jace!" He sounded more exasperated than annoyed. Having Jace here and ready to 'help' him with his love life was more than he'd hoped for while at the Library. He'd always assumed that his parabatai would choose to stay in New York if the Head Librarian invited him. "No breaking bones, okay? I hate how it feels when they heal."

Grinning at Sebastian's comment, Alec turned the bookmark back so that his boyfriend could see him. "You might not need a reason but you should see us train. It might give you an idea of what you might want to learn. If you want to... I thought you might after in case I'm not around."

Jace smiled and ruffled Alec's hair roughly. Letting him get back to the lovey dovey mushy boyfriend stuff. He rolled his eyes a bit and watched Alec. His brother seemed happy. Happier than he ever remembered.

Watching Alec and Jace train was something Sebastian definitely wanted to see. He didn't like the idea of Alec being hurt, but he'd watch them train. And then his heart skipped a beat and followed his stomach in a freefall similar to the sensation of missing a step. His smile faltered much like his brain. Sort of just stuck and failing to move forward for a moment.

"I'd like that." A weak recovery, but he pushed through it. Alec was so very happy right then and he wasn't going to ruin it when he wasn't even sure of what he'd heard. "If Jace promises no broken bones."

Gently swatting Jace's hand away, Alec pretended to scowl but the expression turned to a smile instead. At least until he saw the change in expression and Jace was momentarily forgotten. "Sebastian, what..."

Slowly, he started reviewing what both of them had said that could have upset Sebastian. In case he wasn't around... Like Jack.

It wasn't what Alec had meant but he had the feeling that was what Sebastian was thinking. "Sebastian, everyone in the Library is immortal. We can't die. It's one of the reasons why I'm here instead of New York. I meant if I wasn't around because I was out patrolling or I was doing something else and you ran into something dangerous. I'm not planning on leaving you."

Sebastian wanted to hide. He wasn't used to anyone noticing and he was usually more careful not to show too much of what he was feeling or thinking. Jack had somehow always known, but had been more subtle about it. He should have expected Alec to notice. Not just notice, but also say something.

It had caught him off guard. The sudden idea that Alec wouldn't be around. His mind had latched onto those words and twisted them, misunderstood, gave him his worst fears, all at once. Even worse. Alec had noticed.

"I didn't...I'm sorry. I didn't mean..." Sebastian looked down at Chairman Meow, the cat looking up at him as if it understood his panic. He took a breath and tried again. "I'm sorry. I'd like to learn if you don't mind teaching me."

Jace was examining something far away, his back to Alec, pretending to not be eavesdropping. "I promise not to break any bones. And I'll help if Alec doesn't get insanely jealous."

"There's nothing to be sorry for. And he'll keep his promise. Jace never hurt me intentionally," he said softly, taking in Sebastian's expression and knowing that he had caused it. It was his fault that his boyfriend was thinking of the worst parts of his past. Muttering a curse under his breath, one that Jace would complain about since 'bloody' wasn't a word that American Shadowhunters should use, he glanced over at his parabatai.

It was one of the looks that had become habit for them on hunts. Entire conversations could occur with just looks, quirks of eyebrows and subtle changes in expressions. I need to go there now. Jace would understand both what he meant and why he needed to leave. Another shift in expression that was a silent apology before giving Jace concise directions to Sebastian's quarters and the ones Alec shared with Magnus.

He felt a twinge of guilt that he couldn't show Jace the way but he had to get to Sebastian. "I'll be there in a couple of minutes," he promised before he started running the familiar path to Sebastian's room. When he reached the door, he almost skidded to a stop, knocking on the door as he shoved the bookmark back into his pocket.

Jace understood and would have easily kicked Alec if he hadn't chosen to go. There had been something in the reaction and what Alec had said that gave him a small idea of what was happening between them. Alec didn't need to worry. They were safe here and he wasn't planning to go anywhere anytime soon either.

Sebastian stared at the door wishing Alec had run there for other reasons. Not because he had been an emotional idiot. He would have tried to talk him out of coming, but Alec was fast. Chairman Meow was already at the door as if he knew. Maybe he did. Sebastian wondered if the cat was somehow magical, too.

Taking deep breaths and trying to push the anxiety he felt out of his head and chest, he stood up and went to the door. His hand on the handle he leaned closer, listening. Chairman Meow rubbing against his legs and purring loudly for him to open the door.

"What? I'm just being sure it's him." He protested when Chairman Meow meowed at him. He was sure the cat was yelling or lecturing or something. He opened the door and peeked out at Alec. "You didn't have to run over just because I'm being stupid."

As soon as the door began to open, Alec automatically put his foot out to trap the Chairman in the room. "You know you're not allowed out." It wasn't the first thing he wanted to say but he knew the cat would try to escape into the Library if he didn't warn him to stay.

If he wasn't worried over Sebastian, he would have grinned at that familiar habit. It was a part of 'home' that he hadn't realized he missed until now.

Worry caused cold to slide down his spine as he tipped his head to try to see more of Sebastian. Why wouldn't he let him in? "You are not being stupid. I said something thoughtless and I should apologize. But it'd be better if I apologized inside since the Chairman will make a break for it if we leave the door open too long."

Unless Sebastian didn't want him in his room. "Or you can close the door and we can talk using the bookmarks."

Sebastian reached down and scooped Chairman Meow up as soon as he let go of the door, trying to be mindful of the cat. It would be worse to behave stupidly and then lose Alec's and Magnus's cat.

"You don't have to apologize. You didn't do or say anything wrong." He held the cat carefully against his chest and gave Alec the room he needed to come in and shut the door. It wasn't that he didn't want Alec in his room. He was embarrassed and upset at himself.

As soon as he could enter the room, Alec stepped inside and closed the door. When he was sure it was locked, he turned back to Sebastian, heart giving an odd lurch when he saw his boyfriend holding his cat. Again he was reminded of home even though Sebastian wasn't from his reality.

Sebastian was a part of what Alec thought of as 'home' just as much as Magnus and the Chairman.

And he had hurt one of the people who made him feel truly comfortable with himself.

Alec struggled for the right words for a moment, and then realized there weren't any. Instead, he stepped closer, leaning down to press his lips against Sebastian's. It wasn't quite romantic but it was the best apology he could think of. One that would prove to Sebastian that he really was here and safe and not planning on leaving him.

Chairman Meow wiggled out of Sebastian's arms and he had no idea where the cat had gone, but he couldn't really be bothered by it. The moment Alec kissed him his thoughts scattered a bit. It was better than words or promises. He knew some things happened unexpectedly and out of their control so promises and words wouldn't soothe the jolt of fear and panic he'd felt.

But the kiss was reassuring and so was Alec being there despite the guilt he felt for making him worry. He snagged Alec's shirt and pulled him closer, returning the reassurance with a more firm press of his lips while clinging to him at the same time.

(no subject)

alec_lightwood - 2016-01-10 22:29 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only