Hi guys! Sorry for how long it took to update – it's test time for me. Also, I'm considering changing my username, so in case that happens, it'll still be me! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed/favourited/followed and all that jazz! You're best. ALSO, I realised I made a mistake – there are two Andrews in this fic: Maryse's Andrew and Helen's Dad Andrew. I'll try and make sure it stays clear who is who, but so sorry for that! I should've thought ahead!
Disclaimer: Casandra Clare is the true mastermind. Also, Stone Cold is by Demi Lovato.
Chapter 11
The Calm before the Storm
MARYSE AND ROBERT LIGHTWOOD – IS THEIR MARRIAGE ON THE ROCKS?
The Lightwoods have been in the public eye since Maryse and Robert tied the knot back in December, 1986. Their winter wonderland wedding had been broadcasted live on television and was sighted on every magazine cover for months afterwards. It was a huge and decadent affair, filled with the greatest celebrities on the guest list. Maryse's wedding dress, designed by the one and only fabulous Amatis Greymark, who now hosts her own talk show. The wedding was the talk of the century and definitely never going to be forgotten.
The two stars met on the set of Robert's 1986 hit movie, Breaking Walls. It was love at first sight, despite Robert being in his late twenties, whilst Maryse was merely nineteen years old. In the many years of their marriage, they've had three very successful biological children and even adopted the son of a close friend. Together, they became a close-knit and powerful family. They've always been viewed as a force to be reckoned with and a huge power duo, but the public is left scrutinising whether this power couple is still happy. Maryse was spotted in Paris last weekend; without her engagement or wedding ring (which is a rare sight). Robert has also been seen out and about, mainly with his youngest son, Maxwell. Yet the famous director has sent to Canada to begin shooting his next movie, Demons.
Furthermore, it's been reported that tension has increased between the couple after their eldest son, Alexander Lightwood, declared his homosexuality. Will the Lightwoods be able to stick together? Or like many other famous families, will the pressure make them crack? See more on page 49…
Maryse threw the paper down on the bed, groaning and running her hands through her matted and oily dark hair. It was rare for Maryse to have her hair unwashed and be wearing a tank top and tracksuit pants, of all things. She didn't even realise she owned them until she went into a cleaning fit in order to keep her mind off the harder aspects of life. Maryse crossed her toned arms over her chest and paced around the silent room. She avoided looking at the sweet wedding photo next to the bed or the image of young Maryse and Robert on set, hugging and grinning widely. That had been taken before he had asked her out, when they both started to hold feelings for each other. Her makeup artist, deciding they'd be great together, decided to set them up. Apparently taking a photo is part of that process.
She also knew not to look at the wall next to the bed, where there would be a photo of him twirling her around. Her blue coat was floating with the breeze and her long hair was going in all directions. It wasn't the most attractive photo, but it had been on magazine covers for weeks due to how cute the public had considered it to be. It had been taken by paparazzi years ago, and despite the questionable way it was photographed, she adored it. Not so much anymore, though.
Everything about the bedroom haunted her – the way she could still smell his cologne, as if it was freshly put on by him minutes ago. She used to laze around in beds when she pregnant and watch him get ready for an interview or a meeting. He would tease her as he dressed in front of her, making sure to wiggle his hips as he pulled his pants up. That always managed to make her burst into laughter, which was soon replaced by moans. Before leaving, he would kiss her on the head, on the hand, down on her pregnant belly before finally on her lips. Those were the morning she loved the most.
She could also remember him watching her chat on the phone as he was spread over the bed at the end of a long day. She recalled how he had rushed into the room and pulled her into a tight hug when his movie had been nominated for an award. He made passionate love to her that night, and if was the first time in years that she truly felt loved by him. Her nights weren't the same a couple of years after that; she was always lying in the bed and the spot beside her empty and cold. It pained her to know that he was in bed with some other person, receiving pleasure while she cried herself to sleep. Maryse knew that she shouldn't feel this way, after all, Robert was the one who chose to cheat to begin with. Her heart couldn't help it though, over twenty years of marriage was a long time to throw away.
Her phone rang, but she fell into her bed, clutching the pillow and ignoring the sound. It had been two weeks since the day Alexander had come out. Two weeks since she and Robert had agreed to end their marriage. Her days were spent organising the proceedings of the marriage annulment with lawyers. She and Robert had agreed that they would wait another two weeks before they announced their separation and divorce. This gave both of them time to come to terms with it before it becomes public. Maryse sniffed, angrily swiping away at traitorous tears that fell from her eyes. Everything hurt, no matter how hard she tried to deny it. She felt her throat tighten as she shook her head, whimpering.
In her moment of weakness, she didn't hear the sound of the door opening or clicking shut. Nor did she smell the new odour that gave her support and a feeling of love. Footsteps made their way towards the bedroom and she felt the bed dip under the weight. Strong arms encased her in a gentle hold, and warm breath was hot against her neck.
"Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry you're hurting. I'll be okay," Andrew whispered comfortingly. "I promise, I'm here for you during every step of it. Always."
"Everything hurts, Drew." She admitted numbly, swallowing thickly.
"That's because you care," he reminded her softly, playing with her hair.
Maryse rolled over and moved further into his embrace, breathing in his welcomed scent. Her body relaxed as he continued to murmur words of love, leaving her feel like, for the first time in years, she had a home.
Magnus knocked on the door of the little house, bouncing on the spot and grinning when he smelt the homely and familiar smell of choc-chip cookies. The door was yanked open and his eyes immediately latched on to a pair of matching emerald green ones that were reflecting his happiness. Batari Bane was a petite woman – definitely tiny when standing next to her only son, who towered over her. Whilst Magnus got his slender form from his mother, his height was definitely from his father. Yet, despite her small size, nothing about her personality was little. She leapt forward agilely with the grace of a dancer, holding onto him tightly and shutting her eyes. He returned the hug just as firmly. The smell of her perfume hit him and he clutched her even tighter. She didn't say anything about the intensity of the hug, instead merely enjoying it in silence for a few moments.
"It's been far too long, Maggie. Where have you been?" She questioned, still holding on.
He knew that she needed a few more minutes to appreciate the embrace before she'd let go. There were somethings about his mother that would never change; her adoration of hugs being one of them.
Magnus chuckled warmly, patting her on the back. "Sorry Mum, university has been so hectic lately…that and I got back from London two weeks ago but it took me a while to settle in again and unpack everything and rearrange my makeup and wardrobe. You know how particular I am when it comes back to my makeup and wardrobe arrangement! After all, I did get the habit from you. Plus, I had to catch up on four days' worth of work…which turns out be a lot when you're in your final year of university."
Batari finally released Magnus, stepping back to beam up at him with a smile that was so much like his own, "is this where we have boy talk? Because I have the kettle on and the biscuits out of the oven for this. I've been waiting weeks since I got that phone call about you and a certain Lightwood boy. Tell me all about him, Maggie."
"It'll be like old times," Magnus laughed as he entered the home he spent most of his life growing up in. When he was a teenager, even possibly a child, he used to come home and tell his mother all about his crushes while they drank hot chocolate and ate biscuits. They were always close and the gossip cheered them up. It became a ritual for them. "The biscuits smell great, Mum."
"Thanks honey," Batari called as she strutted towards the kitchen, her green dress swaying with each step.
Magnus sent her vintage styled dress a look of appreciation – he had always gotten his love for style from his very fashion conscious mother. Her dark black hair, which just reached past her collarbone, was tied back into an elegant yet simple ponytail. Somethings about Batari never changed, such as her fashion, but her son loved that fact.
Magnus followed her, eyeing all the photos that had been hooked onto the bright yellow walls. He winced at some of the disorganised photos that weren't lined up or even straight, but then again, that gave his childhood home more character. Once in the kitchen, he clapped at the sight of the biscuits on the cooling rack. Batari smiled up at him and went to the fridge, opening the door and pulling out milk. Magnus automatically went to one of the top cupboards and grabbed a pot of hot chocolate mixture.
"I always forget how tall you are until I see you reaching the cupboards so easily," Batari commented as she searched for two mugs. "So much like your father, you are."
"Even more of a reason for me to come over more." Magnus teased lovingly, watching the nostalgic look coming over Batari's face. "I can get anything out of your cupboards."
"I would not complain if you visited me more, Maggie. I'm turning into an old woman, I'll need my big boy to help me more often." She winked at him, hiding her softer, and possible self-conscious, side a little.
"You could never be old, you've got that ageless beauty, Mum." He replied cheekily, ducking the spoon she threw his way.
"Oh stop with the cheek, you." She grinned, before sashaying over to the table in the kitchen and sitting down. Magnus put the hot chocolate mixture and placed it next to some cups that Batari had retrieved. He moved away from the table and went to get the hot water, humming under his breath. "Hurry up, we need to catch up on all the goss."
"I swear, sometimes you're worse than Camille." Magnus mocked, making Batari giggle.
"Where do you think she got the attitude from?" Batari mocked, rolling her eyes as she scooped the hot chocolate mixture into the mugs.
"Clearly not her own mother," Magnus remarked brazenly while he filled the mugs with boiling water.
"Careful with the hot water, Maggie." Batari said automatically before she paused.
Magnus stared at her, gaping slightly. He slowly muttered, "Mum, I'm twenty-five. You really don't need to warn me about hot water."
"It's a habit that will never die, Maggie." She retorted, pouring milk into their mugs and stirring the drink. "Now hurry up and sit down before I die from lack of gossip. I'm an old lady in need."
"You're worse than the paparazzi," Magnus pronounced as he sat next to her.
"I'm your mother, it's practically the same thing when it comes to my little boy's love life." Batari responded cheerfully, snatching a biscuit and taking a bite. "Oh lord, my waist line is going to hate me for this. My diet was being so good until you returned and I just had to make these biscuits."
"Mine too, but don't blame me for your random moments of gluttony." Magnus agreed as he took a bite and moaned. "So good, Mum. Like always."
"Why thank you, darling." Batari smirked at him, "no more delaying. Gossip away, dear son of mine."
Magnus sighed dramatically before going into a deep tale of how he and Alec first met in the coffee shop.
Alec ruffled through all the various papers in the music room at the Lightwood Estate with his eyebrows furrowed and a crease on his forehead. He was searching for some of the older lyrics he wrote, after something came to mind on how he could improve some that haven't been released yet. Sighing, he put another box back. It had been the fourth box he had search and the lyrics weren't there. Turning to look at the items on another shelf, his elbow caught another box, with M. T. L written on it. The box tumbled down to the ground and opened, sheading sheets all over the floor.
"Dammit, my day just can't get any better, can it?" he shouted sarcastically, hitting at the wall with a clenched fist.
Breathing heavily, he quickly caught himself and began to calm down. Swearing gently when he realised the large number of sheets that were spread over the floor, he bent down to pick them up. Some sheets where untouched and merely stored away. Alec paused, tensing up when his eyes landed on a yellowing piece of paper with what appeared to be lyrics and chords written on it. A frown rose to his face as he read the top of the page, Stone Cold by M. T. L. Picking up the paper, Alec read through the lyrics, biting his lip as he slowly wandered towards the piano in the middle of the room.
"Doesn't seem too difficult," he muttered as he read the key signature.
Sitting down on the piano stool, Alec started to play the chords that were scrawled in an oddly familiar handwriting. He narrowed his eyes as he attempted to figure out the melody from the chords, but nothing made sense to him. It was so close to someone's he knew, yet parts of it were a little dissimilar. Tilting his head, he also realised that part of the page had a different texture and odd coloured marks on them.
"I see you found one of my old songs," a voice commented from the door, making Alec jump and gasp in surprise.
He turned to see Maryse in the doorway, arms crossed over her chest and a gentle smile on her face. It was a different look from the icy and ambitious expression he was used to from her. For once, her hair was lose and showing its natural wave. Whilst she wore her usual black trousers, her dress shirt was untucked and the sleeves were rolled up casually.
Alec felt a flush rise to his cheeks once he realised he had been caught staring. "I'm sorry…I didn't know it was yours."
"That's okay, Alexander." She said softly, moving into the room. Despite her mellower demeanour, she still wore her black heels. Alec was aware that she adored those heels, so that didn't really surprise him. "I'm assuming that you want to hear how the melody goes?"
Alec nodded slowly, watching his mother carefully before mumbling, "I never knew that you wrote music."
Maryse chuckled warmly, almost making Alec going into shock when she also waved a manicured hand at him. He got off the piano stool with wide eyes and she sat down, eyeing the music. "I wanted to be a singer when I was younger. My brother was into musical theatre, so I grew up watching all of his productions and listening to him rehearse his classical pieces at night."
"I never knew Uncle Max was into music," Alec reflected about the uncle he barely remembered, who sadly died passed away from leukaemia when Alec was eight years old. His death had impacted his mother to a huge degree, and he remembered she didn't leave her room for a month afterwards.
Maryse nodded, "he adored, and soon, so did I. It soon became my dream goal above all goals. I used to sing in local competitions and all around the house. Sometime it'd drive my family nuts – especially when my brother was trying to rehearse as well. You could say that my parents had no clue how to handle to attention seeking divas in their house. Then one day, the Summer after I had just graduated from high school, one of Robert's casting agents caught sight of me when I was working my night shift in a diner. She thought I was perfect for the role and immediately organised me to meet with your father. He agreed and he was so flattering…charming. Everything that would pull a young girl into a false sense of security. I wasn't aware that he was like that with all the other women around him. Women who he considered to be beautiful enough to be seen with. Don't get me wrong, Alexander - I'm thankful he believed in me enough to give me the part. I was one of the very few lucky ones to get a job as an actress and there was no way I wasn't going to the opportunity. After that, singing never became possible. My manager wanted me to be an actress, not a singer. So I kept it to myself. I did have a few movies where I sang a little, but that was only a rare treat."
"You were always a good singer," Alec stated, remembering her singing him off to sleep with a lullaby. "I guess I had to get the skill from someone – Dad definitely wasn't who I inherited it from."
"Thank you and you definitely didn't get your music abilities from your father," Maryse said, as she started to play the chords to her song. Her hands were a little shaky and she seemed slightly unnerved. "I wrote this less than four years into my marriage with Robert...when it became clear that he had some…hobbies that I didn't like."
Alec fell silent and started to listen to the melancholy piano chords. Maryse had shut her eyes, playing the song as if it was yesterday she composed it. Her fingers soon began to glide smoothly over the notes as she became more comfortable, the red of her nails contrasting the white and black keys. Her voice started off quiet, almost remorseful.
Stone cold, stone cold,
You see me standing, but I'm dying on the floor.
Stone cold, stone cold,
Maybe if I don't cry, I won't feel anymore.
She tilted her head back more, eventually opening her eyes. Alec saw the pain in them that she had spent years attempting to hide. Part of her hair fell in front of her face, yet she did nothing to move it. It was almost as if she didn't notice. As the song continued, he began to understand the barriers she had put up and why she did that.
Stone cold, baby,
God knows I tried to feel.
Happy for you,
Know that I am, even if I
Can't understand, I'll take the pain.
Give me the truth, me and my heart,
We'll make it through.
If happy is her, I'm happy for you.
Alec was amazed at the control and range she had over her voice, despite the fact that it had probably been years since she last sang this song. It had looked untouched. He saw that Izzy, Jace and Max were watching from the doorway, all looking sad. Izzy had her arms around Max, while Jace was clutching her shoulder tightly. Her head was resting on his shoulder while Max leaned into her embrace. Maryse didn't seem to notice their presence as she continued.
Stone cold, stone cold,
You're dancing with her, while I'm staring at my phone.
Stone cold, stone cold,
I was your amber, but now she's your shade of gold.
Izzy exhaled loudly and Alec felt as if he had been punched in the gut. The agony was present in Maryse's voice, making it rougher and tighter. She flicked her hair out of the way and shook her head. The feelings Maryse went through suddenly became so much clearer to her children, who trembled with unshed tears. Jace's head was lowered and Alec realised that the blonde was feeling guilty for his biological father's actions.
Stone cold, baby.
God knows I tried to feel
Happy for you,
Know that I am, even if I
Can't understand, I'll take the pain.
Give me the truth, me and my heart,
We'll make it through.
If happy is her, I'm happy for you.
Annamarie. The name came to mind and Alec immediately knew who his mother was referring to. Hatred built up inside him – she was the wench who enchanted his father, and his father was too weak to stop himself. Stop his lustful desires and needy behaviour. His betrayal had caused such hurt for his mother, all because of one woman.
Don't wanna be stone cold, stone
I wish I could mend this but here's my goodbye.
Oh, I'm happy for you,
Know that I am, even if I
Can't understand.
If happy is her, If happy is her,
I'm happy for you.
Maryse slowly finished the chords, her voice cracking before she let out a heavy breath.
"I am going to kill him." Izzy stated darkly, eyes full of anger.
Alec stepped towards her, mouth open and ready to defend their father before the words fell silent on his tongue. A mixture of confused emotions hit him at once, making him stumble back. His legs hit the piano, where he quickly caught himself. His hands grabbed at the edge of the piano, leaving defined fingerprints on its shiny black surface.
"I second that." Jace growled, his fists clenched and lips tightly pressed together.
"I cheated too, don't forget that." Maryse muttered, running a hand through her hair in an attempt to neaten it. "He wasn't the only one in the relationship to behave in that manner."
Alec took in a deep breath, pushing his own feelings aside as he crouched down beside her, placing his hand on hers. "He was the one who cheated first and broke your heart. You waited years for it to be fixed and he still kept breaking you. You needed love, Mum. You're human, what you did was for love. What he did was for lust. There is a difference."
Maryse stared down at Alec with an unreadable expression, which melted into sadness. "My baby boy, how you've grown. I remember the time you ever called me mama, that made me so proud to be your mother. Alexander…I…I'm so sorry."
"What for?" Alec reached up and grasped her shoulder, soothingly rubbing at her shoulder blade.
Maryse whimpered and brushed away tears that threatened to dribble down her cheeks, "for treating you so appallingly. It's not your sexuality I'm against…it just…it…"
"Brought back old feelings," Alec finished for her softly, "I understand."
"You said…at your concert…that there's a man in your life." Maryse continued and Alec saw Izzy, Jace and Max leave the room out of the corner of his eye. "Tell me about him?"
"He's my boyfriend." Alec informed her quietly, trying to keep track of all her emotions. She gazed at him curiously, causing him to continue. "He's called Magnus Bane…it's an usual name…I know, but his got a lot of different cultural backgrounds which influenced his parent's decision on what to name him. He's twenty-five, so a few years older than me and a fashion student at Idris University. It's his last year of the course."
"He must be a mastermind of fashion, then. Definitely would have to be brilliant at art." Maryse commented idly, letting out a weak chuckle. "Idris only takes the best."
"He's definitely the best – everyone's saying that he's the top of the top." Alec supplied, trying to hide his pride. "His educators think he'll be in all the huge magazines by the time he's thirty."
"I saw the dress he designed and created. The one Isabelle wore. It was beautiful." Maryse paused, "maybe…if Magnus wouldn't mind, I could wear one of his designs sometime?"
Alec gaped at her in shock, "Mum…that would be huge for him…he'd gain even more publicity. That'd mean so much to him…to the both of us."
"Anything to make my son happy," Maryse murmured sweetly, "tell him that if he has time and my manager approves, my Met Gala dress won't make itself."
"I…wow, you're prepared to trust him with a dress for such a big event?" Alec was genuinely surprised – Maryse always was so particular with her fashion.
"He's from Idris University, once again, that gives me a lot of confidence." She shrugged half-heartedly.
"He's brilliant at fashion, I can promise you that." Alec insisted smugly, still for of his boyfriend. He beamed at the memory of Magnus when the fashion student would go into a fashion frenzy.
"Look at that smile," Maryse said, cupping his cheek delicately. "You look so happy, Alecy."
"I am, Mum." He replied slowly, observing her gentle smile.
"Good." She cleared her throat and sat up straighter, reminding Alec of the normal Maryse. "When will I be meeting this Magnus?"
"I…er…I'm not sure. He's back in America, you see." Alec supplied awkwardly, "I…I was planning on surprising him at this ball at his University…apparently it's a big thing."
"Alexander, that's a huge thing. Don't you know anything about Idris University?" Maryse crossed her arms over her chest and huffed.
Alec defensively raised his hands before claiming, "I only heard about it a few weeks ago."
"Did he invite you?" Maryse questioned, eyeing her son curiously.
Blue eyes caught blue and Alec nodded, "he did. I said no."
"Alexander Gideon, you are going that ball and you will do some sort of romantic surprise for him. Do you hear me?" Maryse commanded. Alec knew she was partially teasing, although the gleam in her eye told him that she was also serious.
"Er…okay?" He answered, completely confused at her erratic behaviour.
Maryse beamed down at him, "good boy. No one deserves to feel unappreciated. Never forget that. Also, are you aware of the fact that the university arranges a famous model to wear the top student's outfit at the huge fashion show they have at the end of the year?"
"No…should I be aware of it?" Alec raised an eyebrow, now aware to stay cautious with what he says.
Maryse blustered loudly, "Alexander, have you heard anything about Isabelle's news recently?"
"What news?" Alec questioned, shaking his head. "Has there been news? Since when?"
"Alexander," Maryse sighed dejectedly, "Isabelle is the model that Idris has requested to strut down the catwalk for the top student's outfit."
"Are you serious?" Alec cried out, eyes widening from surprise.
"Yes, you fool." Maryse muttered, cursing her son's inability to keep up with new knowledge. "And if Magnus is as good as people say, he should prepare to have his boyfriend's sister wearing his clothes. It's nothing official yet, so don't tell him. None of the students know who is going to model it this year."
"I…I won't tell him." Alec promised, still in shock.
Maryse chuckled and patted his shoulder, slightly awkwardly as her usual brisk self started to reappear. "I must go – I have a meeting with my lawyers about…about…proceedings."
Maryse sent him a sad smile, which he returned with his own. "Sure thing, Mum."
She nodded before striding out, leaving Alec by himself. He eyed the sheet music and sat down on the piano stool, running a hand through his hair. "Well…that was weird."
Camille searched through her handbag, sighing in relief when she found one of the spare keys to Magnus' apartment. Her phone rang and she quickly checked it to see that it was another text from her mother. Groaning, she scanned it hurriedly. We need to talk, ma cherie. Call me. Je t'aime xx
"How about no," Camille mumbled sassily, flicking a blonde curl over one shoulder before shoving her phone back into her bag and unlocking the front door. "I need chocolate. And wine. And Magnus."
She stumbled into the apartment, her feet aching from the monstrous heels she had decided to wear that morning. What she didn't expect was to find someone already in the room. Someone who wasn't Magnus. Camille immediately felt her mood improve slightly, although she hid it behind a perfectly sculptured scowl.
"Fell, what are you doing here?" Camille questioned as soon as she saw Ragnor lazily spread across Magnus' oversized sofa.
"Waiting for Magnus. Duh. What are you doing here?" He asked absentmindedly as he flicked through the various channels on Magnus' T.V. "Crap, crap and more crap."
"Waiting for Magnus too." She stated as she took of her shoes and treaded towards Magnus' kitchen.
"Get me a drink?" Ragnor requested hopefully, making her roll her eyes, although she couldn't help but inwardly appreciate the domesticity of it.
"What do you think I am? You're servant?" She spat out grumpily with little hatred in her voice.
Ragnor snorted, still watching the T.V as he asked, "what got your panties in a knot, Belcourt?"
"Just parent things." Camille answered distractedly as she opened Magnus' fridge and grabbed a diet coke, "coke or beer?"
"Coke please," he replied, making her brow furrow. "And parent things? What did dearest Vivienne do now? Command that you lose another kilo? I can go tell her to get lost, if it's easier. Or was it your darling daddy who screwed up?"
Camille grabbed two cokes before shutting she fridge door with her hip and strutting towards Ragnor. "No, it was my mum. She has been so on edge lately and I have no clue why. Dad won't tell me and he always tells me things. Also, since when did you deny a beer? It's you, Fell. You love anything that will get you shitfaced."
"Since I have a date tonight." He replied, finally settling on a food channel. "And don't use such language, Camille. You're a lady."
Camille cackled at his response and the pathetic attempt at mimicking her mother, "okay, be serious here Fell."
"I'm sorry, but imitating your mother is never something that will be serious for me." Ragnor said sarcastically, chuckling.
Camille narrowed her eyes, "I meant…with the date thing. You don't really date. Ha, who would want to date you?"
Ragnor frowned and peered at her, "clearly not you. And just for your information, I am being serious. I have a date tonight with a really nice girl I met at the airport. Lucky chance meeting, if you ask me. She's called Madeleine Bellefleur, apparently she's a friend of Clary's family. That's how we got talking – I heard her mentioning a Clary and a Jocelyn in the same sentence. I think it's rare to know a Clary and a Jocelyn, let alone mention them in the same sentence."
"So…when's this date?" Camille queried quietly, sending him a small smile that wasn't very true. Wine was definitely needed now. Possibly vodka too.
"Tonight at 7. I'm picking her up on the way to the restaurant…I can't remember what it's called. It's her favourite though. She said that so I thought why not go with it. I'm pretty sure they do Thai food." Ragnor stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Oh…that's…that's great, Ragnor." Camille said with fake happiness. "I'm…so, so very happy for you."
Ragnor gazed at her, jaw slightly ajar with a bewildered expression on his face, "are you okay?"
"Of course! I couldn't be happier. It'd be impossible." Camille clapped her hands together as she let out a forged giggle that was definitely far too high-pitched, "why wouldn't I be?"
"You called me Ragnor," he commented sharply, raising an eyebrow. "That's enough to let me know that something isn't okay. Is it your Mum, Cam? Do you need to talk? You know I'm always going to be here. I feel London really showed me the truth about us. I know what you are to me know and what you'll always be and I've accepted it."
"And what am I to you?" She whispered, her breath caught in her throat.
Ragnor reached over and grabbed her hand, "a friend. I'm sorry for practically stalking and pressuring you for all these years, it has juvenile of me. Forgive me? Let's just be friends."
"Friends?" Camille repeated, gaping at him with wide eyes.
"Friends." He confirmed, smiling at her. Despite what he was saying, the beauty of his eyes still managed to take her breath away as they stared soulfully into her own. "You're fun to hang out with, Belcourt. You and I are so different though, it was entirely wishful thinking and I'm definitely over you. So don't worry about any secret feelings on my part."
"Secret feelings…pfft, screw them." Camille joked weakly, hearing her phone chime again.
"So, now that we've settled that, are you okay?" Ragnor tightened his grip on her hand and leaned forward.
"I must be sick," Camille replied harshly, yanking her hand away from his. She clenched her hands into fists as she got to her feet. Ragnor stared up at her in confusion. Camille slung her back over her shoulder and shoved her heels back on as she snarled, "tell Magnus to call me."
"Wait, where are you going?" Ragnor sat up straighter, watching her storm out of Magnus' apartment.
Magnus felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, making him growl angrily. His swiped his hair away from his face before snatching the phone, only to see it was Camille calling. He could feel Jessamine's eyes on him from across the room. He bit his lip before rejecting the call, shaking his head before he returned to his outfit.
"What's got you in such a mood?" Jessamine asked delicately as she pinned part of her dress.
"Nothing," Magnus stated, swearing when he accidentally stuck the pin in his finger.
"Magnus, be careful." Jessamine scolded before sighing and strolling towards him. She took his hand and pulled out of the tip of the pin. "I'll get some tissues."
"I need to get going," Magnus gritted his teeth, making the blonde roll her eyes.
"You'll get blood on your dress, so I highly recommend that you shut up and sit down." She pointed at his empty seat.
Magnus stared at the dress for a few moments before he gave up. He knew that fighting with it would just continue to worsen mood. That and the look Jessamine was giving him was terrifying. He stumbled to the chair and collapsed into it, running his hand through his styled hair. "I don't need tissues, Jessamine. It was just a prick."
"I know you don't, but I needed the excuse to get you to sit down and talk to me." Jessamine replied firmly, hoping up onto the workbench and crossing her legs agilely. "What's wrong, Magnus?"
"Am I really that obvious?" Magnus groaned, self-consciously covering his face with his hands.
Jessamine snorted loudly and leant closer to him, poking him in the shoulder. "Magnus, when you're in a mood, it's like a cyclone just hit town. It's very obvious. Now talk to me about it, is it boy trouble?"
Magnus pouted pathetically, crossing his arms and huffing as he muttered, "you have to promise not to tell anyone. I mean it."
"I promise I won't. You know you can trust me." Jessamine responded seriously, causing Magnus' barriers to break down. His shoulders sagged and his arms fell limply into his lap.
"Alexander and I…we're…dating." He admitted, causing Jessamine to gasp. Her eyes were wide and mouth was left open in an o shape. Magnus ignored her reaction and continued, "I asked him to come out as my boyfriend at the ball."
"What did he say?" Jessamine questioned in a hurry, reaching out and comfortingly running her hand up and down his arm.
Magnus sent her a scathing look, "what do you think?"
A grimace rose to Jessamine's delicate face and she slowly removed her hand from his arm, "I'm guessing a no?"
"He isn't ready to come out as a couple then…which I can understand…but still. It's a big thing for me…especially if I end up being the prom king." Magnus lamented dramatically. "How much of an idiot will I look if I don't have a partner at the ball? So freaking stupid!"
Jessamine shoved him gently, appearing to be angry. "Don't talk like that, Mag, there is no need for you to put yourself down purely because of a guy. We both know that you'll be prom king – you're the top of the year; the teachers don't deny that. There's no way you can be beaten now. Maybe he'll surprise you?"
Magnus puffed and shook his head, "I think that's highly unlikely, Jess."
"Then let it be," Jessamine shrugged helplessly before hopping off the desk. She turned around and leant against the side of the table, gently placing her hand on his knee as she reminded him, "just don't let it stop you from being happy on the night, okay? No guy is worth destroying what four years of hard work earnt you."
Magnus sent her a soft smile, "okay, I'll make sure to remember that. Thanks Jessamine…for putting things into perspective for me."
"Any time," she winked before strutting back to her own workbench, pausing once she stood there with a smirk on her face. "I'd call Camille back, if I were you. I wouldn't want to be on the end of her wraith."
"Good point," Magnus chuckled weakly, "I'll be back in a moment."
"Sure thing," Jessamine said absentmindedly as he left the classroom with his phone in hand, in search for somewhere to sit by himself.
"We'll find her, Anna." Robert stood behind Annamarie, comfortingly rubbing her arms. "I promise you. I'll do everything to help – I can even employ a few assistants, if need be."
She gazed out of the window of her apartment, frowning. "What if she doesn't want to see me? What if it causes more trouble? She doesn't even know that she wasn't adopted, Robert. This is going to be a huge change in her life."
"She's an adult, she can handle it." Robert insisted kindly, kissing Annamarie's cheek. "I'm sure we can find her. Did the adoption agencies give you the number of her adopted parents?"
Annamarie nodded, "they gave me Vivienne's number."
"Have you called her?" Robert pushed, slowly turning Annamarie around so that he could look into her eyes.
"Yes." Annamarie replied earnestly, although she grimacing. Robert could practically hear the nervous pounding of her heart. "She said that they can try and bring it up, but give them some time. According to them…Camille can be…quite the drama queen. Especially when she feels like someone has hidden crucial information from her…which did happen. I guess that makes me in the wrong."
"You did nothing wrong," Robert cupped her jaw and gazed into her eyes lovingly. She could see the loyalty in his eyes as he swore, "you gave her to a good family who would love and support her. You did the right thing. Now it's just time to open a can of worms, but it'll be okay."
"It's more than a can of worms, Rob. More like a bucket." She replied quickly, raising an eyebrow.
"Then a bucket it is," Robert laughed, leaning forward and placing a tantalizing kiss on Annamarie's lips. "I love you."
"I love you too," she chimed back, losing herself into the kiss.
"You need to stop with the moping around and pick up your lardy ass," Izzy stated, staring at her brother from the doorway leading into his room.
Alec moaned from where he was spread across the bed, "get lost, Iz."
"No, get up, Alec." She snapped, striding to his bed and perching herself on the edge of it. "Magnus has been gone for two weeks. You have an interview tomorrow that you need to prepare yourself for. There's a photoshoot after it, so you have to be looking your best. So get off your fat ass."
"Leave my ass alone," he complained, eyeing her. "Magnus wants me to be his date at a ball in less than a month. A month? I just came out to the world, how am I meant to suddenly find the strength to come out as boyfriend? There's something like two weeks until this ball. I'm not sure."
Izzy surveyed him before speaking, "what's scaring you so much about making you two official?"
"The fact that the media is ruthless. What hurtful things will they say about him, Iz? He won't be left alone. Blimey, even his mother might be stalked. I don't want to cause that." Alec shook his head, determined.
"Alexander, you're just scared." Izzy realised, rolling her eyes and lying down beside him. "Listen to me, everything will be okay."
"Easy for you to say," Alec whined, sinking his head further into the pillow and groaning. "It isn't your love life that's on the line. Speaking of love lives, why didn't you tell me that you and that Sam dude were texting?"
"First thing, he's called Simon. Secondly, I didn't feel like it was the right time to. Especially with all the stress going on currently." Izzy whispered, watching Alec frown.
"I'm your big brother, Iz. I should know when I have brotherly duties to perform." Alec claimed, causing Izzy to huff.
"You are not putting fireworks into his backpack." She warned him darkly.
"That was Jace's idea." Alec cried defensively as he sat up.
Izzy copied his actions as she rebuked, "you almost gave Meliorn burns! It was dangerous."
"Which is why it was Jace's idea," Alec maintained his argument as the two Lightwoods stared at each other stubbornly before dissolving into giggles.
"Do you want my opinion on the whole ball situation?" Izzy said once they had recovered and sobered up.
"Yes please," Alec mumbled self-consciously, twisting his hands in his lap.
"Go to the ball. Be the handsome prince to Magnus' Cinderella. You've come this far, you can do it." Izzy declared, "you might have fun. Do it for Magnus."
She hopped off the bed and Alec watched as she began to head out of the room, "what is going on between you and Simon?"
Izzy paused, "nothing. He still has a thing for Clary."
"Jace's Clary?" Alec winced, "oh shit. That sucks. I'm sure he'll like you though, you're impossible not to like."
"Clearly, you're statement is wrong." Izzy replied, shooting him a tense smile. "I should head off. I've got a shoot in two hours that I'll need to get ready for."
"Have fun," Alec called as Izzy left the room.
"I'm here, sorry I'm late. I got caught up, I came as fast as I could." Magnus rushed into the Taki's Diner, carrying bags filled with all the materials he needs to finish off his dress.
Camille gave him a weak smile from where she sat at their usual table, "hi powerpuff girl."
Magnus' smile immediately fell off his face, "oh Cammie, what's wrong?"
Camille ran a hand through her hair, watching as he sat down. "I'm such an idiot, Magnus. Such a freaking idiot."
"What's this about, Cam?" Magnus asked as Simon passed.
"The usual?" He queried and Camille and Magnus nodded. "Coming right up."
"I have a huge problem," Camille whispered sadly, lowering her eyes with shame.
"Is it your Mum again? Is she being a bitch? I can step in, just say the word." Magnus hurried to say, frowning when she shook her head. "What is it?"
"Ragnor has a date tonight," Camille muttered and Magnus' eyes widened.
"And?" he paused when realisation hit me. "Camille, please don't tell me that when he finally decided to move on…you decided that…that you…you like him? Please."
"I'm sorry, Mag." She whimpered, brushing away a stray tear.
"Oh darling," he sighed, grabbing her hand and soothingly massaging it. "It'll be okay, Cammie. I promise."
"How can you really promise that?" Camille moped, pouting as another tear trickled down her cheek.
"Because Ragnor has adored you since we were in high school. He was twelve when he first laid eyes on you, and now he's twenty-five. There's no way that would've been able to move on that quickly due to one random girl." Magnus ranted passionately. "Tell him how you feel and he will be yours."
"You can't know that," Camille hissed as Simon returned with their coffees.
"Hey guys, everything okay?" He hesitated as he handed them their drinks, stepping back to take in the sight of Camille with tear tracks.
"Just fine, Simon." Camille sulked and Simon shared a weary look with Magnus.
"Did you hear about Ragnor?" Simon brought up the topic and Magnus inwardly groaned.
"Not right now, Simon." Camille snarled through clenched teeth.
Simon raised his hands and shrugged, "I just thought you wanted to hear the latest update about his date."
"Latest update?" Magnus raised an eyebrow as he sipped his coffee.
"Madeline's boyfriend didn't like the attempts on his girlfriend," Simon stated dryly, making Camille and Magnus gasp.
"She has a boyfriend?" Camille questioned, eyes wide.
"According to a pretty peeved Ragnor, she does. She didn't have the heart to dismiss his date, apparently her boyfriend did though." Simon informed them, appearing bewildered when Camille jumped to her feet. "You alright, Camille?"
"Later, Mags, Simon." She yelled as she sprinted out of the diner.
Simon turned to Magnus, who didn't seem to be overly shocked by her behaviour. "What was that about?"
"What I want to know is how she just managed to run in those heels," Magnus replied, stirring his coffee with a spoon.
Camille didn't look back as she raced down the sidewalk of the streets, huffing and puffing. Her hair was messy and clothes were dishevelled, but she couldn't find it in herself to care. Camille wasn't sure how long she was running for, it could've been seconds, minutes or perhaps an hour. She accidentally knocked into strangers, one man in particular yelling out, "watch it, you crazy lady."
"Sorry," she shrieked back, not stopping to make sure he was okay.
Crazy lady? If falling for someone is being crazy, then she accepts it. Camille was nearing Ragnor's house, which was merely a block away. Magnus and Ragnor's placed were close together, not making it very difficult for them to hang out. Her phone rang in her pocket, but she ignored it. It was probably her mother, insisting on some family meeting – that sounded like Vivienne, the perfectionist. Camille found herself a few metres away from Ragnor's street, hope building up in her. Someone was calling out her name and she turned to see Jem and Will carrying bags of shopping; probably heading home. She passed them in a hurry, waving a hand.
"Sorry boys, can't stop and talk." She replied shakily.
"I wonder what that's about," she could hear Will remark and she immediately knew that Jem was chastising him.
Camille turned down into a very familiar street, panting as she made her way to number six. She soon saw the grey walls with the tiny garden out the front, as well as the front steps. Camille took two steps at the time before bounding the front door and pressing the doorbell. Bouncing on the spot, she shoved her hands into her pockets as she heard movement from behind the door.
"Coming," Ragnor bellowed and the door opened.
Ragnor gaped at the sight of Camille as she stared into his eyes, trying to control her breathing. "Camille? What can I do for you?"
"Your date was a no-go right?" She fired out and Ragnor reeled back.
"Did you seriously come here to rub it in? Thanks." He said dejectedly, genuinely seeing sad.
"No!" Camille shrieked, reaching out towards him and shaking her head. "I didn't mean it like that. What I wanted to do was make sure that what I was about to do is okay. So you and her are not happening?"
"Yes Camille, we're not happening. What is this about?" Ragnor scowled at her, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well, you see…" Camille licked her lips as she gave herself more strength. "It's about this."
Ragnor found her hands grabbing the lapels of his jacket as she yanked him forward. His hands automatically fell to his side before her lips crashed into his. Ragnor gasped into the kiss, his eyes widening for a moment before he moaned and shut them. His hands went up to cup her face as hers enfolded around his waist. They stayed in the embrace for what felt like hours as they stood in the doorway of Ragnor's house, the front door still fully open. Camille felt the tips of his fingers in her curls that fell around the sides of her face. She stepped closer, so that their bodies were completely pressed against each other's. She couldn't help but notice that his body felt amazing against hers. Eventually, they broke the kiss, both breathing heavily.
"That was…wow." Ragnor wheezed, lips red and puffy.
"I think I can get used to it," Camille retorted cheekily, and he beamed before eyeing her lips again.
"Funnily enough, I think the same thing." His mouth latched onto hers again as they stumbled inside his house, kicking the front door shut behind them.
"I'm so behind on this stupid dress," Magnus whined into the phone, lying on his back as he stared up at the ceiling of his bedroom.
"I'm sure you'll finish in time; and it will be perfect." Alec said soothingly, "much like you."
Magnus couldn't hold back his laugh or delighted smile, "you are way too cute, Alexander. Stop or you'll give me diabetes from your sweetness."
"You have the weirdest phrases sometimes." Alec commented with mirth in his voice.
Magnus rolled over, reaching to his bedside table and grasping his laptop. "You love them, my darling sweetheart."
"Maybe I do, maybe I don't." Alec replied cryptically.
Magnus rolled his eyes and turned the laptop on, "don't try and be all mysterious, Alexander. It doesn't work for you."
"I thought I was meant to be the mysterious bad boy guy?" Alec questioned and Magnus could hear him crunching on something – probably one of the healthy salads he was forced to eat. "That's what my manager says I'm meant to be."
"You are, darling." Magnus logged into his laptop and waited for it to load. "To me though? Nope. I know you way too well though."
Soon, he was gazing at his screen, where there was a picture of him, Camille and Ragnor from NYE. Magnus stood in the middle, his hair a little shorter than it is now, just reaching below his ears with green highlights. He was beaming at the camera with blue lipstick on his lips as Camille was laughing, her hair straight and braided at the front yet loose at the back. It was flowing out behind her in the wind, creating a majestic effect. Ragnor stood on Magnus' other side and was jokingly kissing the fashion student's cheek. His hair was bright purple and wavy, almost reminding Magnus of a mullet (which Ragnor had fiercely denied). Magnus had an old fashioned top hat on his head, whilst Ragnor was wearing a bandana and Camille had oversized bright yellow, plastic glasses on. He felt nostalgia hit him before he quickly clicked onto the internet browser and searched up Facebook and Instagram.
"So…are you excited for your big fashion show?" Alec queried, his voice getting an odd tone to it.
"I'm mainly nervous." Magnus admitted, pausing when his Instagram came up with a picture he did not expect. Especially to be posted by Ragnor. "Holy shit."
"What? What's wrong?" Alec panicked as Magnus muttered inaudibly.
"Ragnor…he posted a picture onto Instagram…and it's him…and…wow." Magnus rushed out before ordering, "look up Instagram. His profile is public – just search up FellingForYou. I know, I know, it's a terrible pun."
"Okay," Alec said unsurely and Magnus could hear his fingers hitting the keys on his laptop loudly. "Found him…wait. Oh my God."
"Yep," Magnus muttered, "I really didn't expect that to happen so quickly."
On his screen was a picture posted by Ragnor, where he was smooching a very familiar blonde girl whose fingers were in his hair. The picture was a mirror selfie, showing how Ragnor's free hand was on her ass.
"At least he gets ass action now," Alec commented, making Magnus pretend to gasp.
"Alexander, I did not expect such words from you." Magnus complained, "although ass action is good action. A few lovers in my time have greatly appreciated my ass."
"Like me?" Alec suggested hopefully, trying to hold down his jealousy.
"Yes you…and…maybe someone else." Magnus realised it was best to backtrack, but it was too late.
"Who?" Alec demanded, and the fashion student could imagine the scowl on his man's face.
"Erm…Alejandro." He whispered, shutting his eyes and waiting for the-
"Alejandro? That prick?" Alec snarled, "he didn't worship your ass like I do."
"Ah, no. He didn't." Magnus replied cautiously while Chairman Meow sauntered into the room, jumping up onto his bed. He shot the cat a panicked look and pull the phone away from his mouth to hiss, "what do I do, Chairman?"
"Magnus? Are you even listening?" Alec asked, annoyed.
"Of course, darling!" Magnus laughed awkwardly, glowering at his white cat, who purely curled into a ball and purred. "Although, I might need to get a new phone number."
Alec paused, "why?"
"I er…" Magnus cursed himself again before rushing out, "have been getting a few calls from Alejandro recently."
"Please repeat that so I can understand it," Alec said coolly, although Magnus knew that this was the calm before the storm.
"I have been getting calls from Alejandro," Magnus replied after clearing his throat.
"Are you serious? Does he not know when to back off?" Alec growled, sending tingles down Magnus' spine. Maybe he should talk about Alejandro more often?
"Baby, it's okay. I didn't respond to any of the calls." Magnus insisted, hearing Alec sigh.
"Just please don't, I hate that guy." Alec stated and Magnus rolled his eyes.
"You've met him once," he said dryly, watching as Chairman Meow drifted off to sleep.
"Once is enough to know I don't like him," Alec informed Magnus. "Mags, I have to go and work. Have fun."
"Bye handsome," Magnus replied, ending the call and eyeing the cat. "I feel like he's up to something, Chairman."
Aline tossed and turned in bed, shivering and sweating, her dream turning sour.
She was in her dressing room, humming to herself when a threatening figure towered over her from behind.
"Axel, what are you doing here?" Aline's voice was cold as she subtly snuck her hand into her bag and clutched her phone.
"Haven't you missed me? Missed us? I certainly have," Axel's grey eyes widened in fake surprise.
"I definitely haven't missed you, especially after everything you've said and done." Aline snarled, slamming her clothes back into her bag and zipping it up. She kept her phone in her hand. "Now get out before I call security. How did you even get here? I got a restraining order against you."
Aline rolled over, her breathing quickening and fingers clutching her pillow.
"Easy, I got my assistant to book the ticket in their name and then came when everything was rushed. The girl serving me didn't even recognise me. As for getting backstage? Darling, you know me. I have my connections." Axel started to move toward Aline, eyeing her like prey.
"Get out Axel, or I will." She threatened, paling when she recognised the evil look in his eye.
"I missed you," he whispered, his voice almost sounding sensitive and sweet, but Aline knew it was all an act.
"You've already told me that," she reminded him darkly, yanking her bag over one shoulder. "I'm going."
"No you are not," he suddenly lurched out and grabbed her upper arm, jerking her closer to him. Her phone slipped out of her hand and fell to the floor, smashing. Axel took her bag and threw it to the other side of the room.
Aline let out a high-pitched moan, quivering with a deep frown on her lips. Her mind begged her to get out of the dream – a memory of hers – and wake up. Her body refused to obey the command.
"Let go of me," Aline shrieked, finding herself shoved against the wall with a thunderous bang. Pain shot up her back, making her cry out. "Stop it, Mortmain."
"You can't make me," he warned menacingly, pinning her between himself and the wall.
"You're a bastard," she yelled, wriggling against him. From the pleasured look on his face, he seemed to be pleased by her reaction.
"Tell me something I don't know," he muttered, before his lips crashed against hers.
Aline began to fight with her sheets, shaking her head and muttering, "no." Her whispers and movement sounded throughout her bedroom.
Aline struggled, but let out a cry when she heard her shirt tear under his hands. She moaned painfully into his mouth, something that seemed to spur him on. Memories resurfaced. How this used to be a common occurrence. How sometimes she was luckily to be left with only a few bite marks and claw marks. Tears came to her eyes as she began to beg for him to stop once his hand climbed her thigh.
He pulled back from her mouth, "how I have missed this, sweetheart."
"Stop Axel." She pleaded, knowing that it was no use before the door suddenly burst open.
Her phone blared on her nightstand and she shot up, eyes wide and chest rising and falling quickly while she panted. Running a hand through her hair, she gathered her thoughts before realising her phone was definitely ringing. Reaching over, she grabbed it, seeing Alec's name as the caller I.D.
"Hey Alec," she said breathlessly after accepting the call, "what can I do for you?".
I wonder what he's up to ;) Would you like a hint? I might be bringing in a Lady Gaga song for them to sing together and "write". 10 points to Gryffindor if anyone can guess the song…I don't think it'll be hard to guess, but she has a crap ton of songs, so it might be. Who knows? Also, Stone Cold is a great song if you decide to listen to it! I felt like it really described how Maryse would've felt. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed. Also, I really hope I replied to all the reviews! For some reason I got really confused when trying to figure out which ones I needed to reply to o.O Sorry!
Tay – Okay, I think I might've not replied to your first review. Sorry! I'm trying to put a lot into my chapters so that there's a lot to write about and to expect! Aww I'm glad you like the name Batari – I hope you like her. As for your second review, Magnus will definitely start helping with the proposal, which will hopefully happen soon. I did decide to go ahead with Maryse being a good singer, after all, Alec had to get it from somewhere ;) I'm so thankful that you like the backstory to Camille I added! I was really nervous about it, tbh xD It'll definitely come in, especially considering that it makes her Helen's cousin (since Camille's biological Dad is Helen's Uncle Arthur), Alec, Jace, Izzy and Max's step-sister and possibly a future-step-sister-in-law to Magnus, Simon and Clary. It'll be a weird combination! Well…I can't deny the fact Alec will go to the ball, can I? ;) Thank you.
Hewt – Aww thank you! How have you found the rest of it? I hope you've enjoyed it!
Wohlerbear – I think Ramille is pretty good. Haha the others sound pretty weird…no offense. So Ramille it is :') I'll definitely be exploring the dynamic between Jace and Clary, but I want to save more of that for face-to-face angst with them as well. So maybe Jace, Alec and Iz will have to return to America soon? Haha Max is great, but I'm totally not biased ;) Thanks for reviewing
Floosted – Thank you so much! Robert is turning out to be more of the villain now, I guess looks can be deceiving.
Blacknblu30 – Something bad may happen, it might not ;) You'll have to wait and see *evil laugh*. Thank you for reviewing again!
TomTheSquirrel – Thank youuuuu!
Pri-Chan 1410 – Alec and Magnus will reunite, I promise! Thank you for reviewing!
Moonchild001 – I'm not certain how Will is going to propose, but it is definitely going to be romantic! I do know about their wedding ceremony and I have the song that they'll walk down the aisle to all planned. As well as the singer who will sing it…I think you can guess who ;) The ball! I'm so excited and it'll definitely be a night Magnus will remember. Robert will get what he deserves, plus having Camille as a step-daughter won't be easy! Thank you so much!
Meilylullaby – Thanks for reviewing! Divorces definitely are messy, probably especially since they're so famous. Haha I want to slap Robert too!
wendy – Haha dammit Batari, getting in the way! I am definitely going to focus more on their relationships, the main ones I'm focusing on currently are Alec/Magnus and Ragnor/Camille, but since Ragnor and Camille are together now, there will be more focus on Jace and Izzy's.
Lukas Le Stelle – I got an email saying you reviewed this, but I can't see it in the list of reviews. It could be my computer being a prat, or something else. I don't know. Either way, I'll still reply! I really love Saphael and I'm actually planning to explore with it in another fic! Perhaps not this one, but it'll happen! Damn, you pretty much said how I was planning to write the ball scene, with the masquerade them as well. I'll see whether I'll add something or change it to surprise you or not, but you nailed it on the head xD Camille will be the Lightwood's stepsister. I also mentioned her biological father is Arthur Blackthorn, who is the brother of Andrew Blackthorn, who is the Father of Helen. So she'll also be Helen's cousin! Thanks for reviewing!