[ 001 ] 🌠 [ Video // Action ]

[stelecharm]

[ A tall, blond teenage boy appears right beside the fountain, and it's a close call that he doesn't end up emerged in the water, stumbling away from it as he tries to regain his balance, somehow still as graceful as ever, and takes in his surroundings.

He thinks about removing the stele from his pocket, drawing runes upon his flesh to help him fight, but he decides against; if he looks beyond the fact he's been kidnapped, standing in the middle of a city he doesn't recognise, he doesn't sense any threat here. And there's always the blades holstered around his waist if he needs them.

The weight in his pocket wasn't there before, isn't one he's familiar with, but before he can take whatever it is out, he's being approached by a stranger who feels the need to kiss him, and worse still, that he suddenly finds himself wanting to kiss back.

Clary, he thinks, panicked, eyes darting around in case she's here, too, lost somewhere, alone, and with who knows what waiting for her out there. I need to find Clary.

Finally pulling out the device, he switches it on, figures it out enough to get a video feed going. ]

So, does someone want to tell me what's going on? I'm not really in the mood for guessing games. And what's with all the tongue action I'm getting here? I know I'm attractive, but it's not the welcome I'd choose.

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[stelecharm]

[ He makes a face, but he stopped paying attention to everyone else around, hands and lips everywhere, the second that he saw her. ]

It's disgusting, and someone should tell them to get a room.

[ But he suddenly becomes aware of how close they are, the fact that he's still holding onto her as much as she is him, the warmth of her hand on his cheek. ] Fell? I'd be offended if it didn't sound like you were trying to pick me up.

[steleheart]

[ A startled laugh before she's pulling him closer again, burying her face in his shoulder. ]

It's only been two weeks and I've missed you like a limb is missing. [ Muffled. ] What have you done to me?

[stelecharm]

[ It's hard not to laugh with her, but he sounds a little smug, or at least overly pleased, when he speaks. ] It's my charm and wit, no one can resist, so don't beat yourself up about it.

[ But he pulls away, but only enough so he can look at her. ] You've been here for two weeks?

[steleheart]

It's hard to explain. [ Chewing her bottom lip. ] Time works differently here? They call the people in charge deities. They bring us here and we can't escape, but it's like you were never gone outside of here?

[ Pausing. ] I fell into the fountain two weeks ago, I know it sounds mad, but it's true.

[stelecharm]

I wish I could have been here to see that. [ He's openly smirking, but it fades as soon as he realises someone else probably went to her rescue.

He's absorbing this as well as to be expected, which is better than most, but not impressed by it. ] Is anyone else here?

[steleheart]

From our world? [ Shaking her head. ] It's been just me for the whole time.

[stelecharm]

Have you been staying away from trouble? [ She's in one piece, so that's something, and because he can't help himself. ] I don't like leaving you alone too long for fear of what I'll come back to.

[steleheart]

People are pretty good about looking out for other people when you turn up. I've been okay, haven't been cursed yet either.

[ Beaming. ] But now you're here, I'll be okay.

[stelecharm]

Cursed as in the reason everyone's making connections?

[ That he agrees with, and he's still not in a rush to let her go. ] So, where do people live here, and how do they pay their way?

[steleheart]

You'll be young enough for a youth allowance. [ Thoughtfully. ] I get one too, and I have a job in a tea shop. I'm staying with a girl called Mae - I could.

[ Suddenly super shy, her cheeks flaming. ] I could ask her if you could stay with me, if you wanted to I mean, you don't have to.

[stelecharm]

[ He makes a face at the allowance part, but it'll be enough to put him on until he figures everything out.

He thinks about it, watching her, lips curling at the corners at the way she blushes. ] Whatever you want is fine with me, but if you want your own space I'll find somewhere.

[steleheart]

[ She's quiet for a moment before she admits something in a low whisper. ] Being without you was killing me. I want you to be where I can find you.

[stelecharm]

[ There's no hesitation to think it over, because as soon as she admits that then he'll give her what she wants. ] Show me the way, I'll talk your friend around if she needs persuading.

[steleheart]

I'll ask her, she's lovely, I don't think she'll say no.

[ Tilting her head slightly. ] Shall I give you the tour of the City first?

[stelecharm]

[ He looks around, pulling a face at the people still hanging around together, but he should get the lay of the land. ]

Let's get it over with, the sooner I can bleach my eyes out the better.

[steleheart]

[ She laughs at that, takes his hand to tug him away from the fountain. If she conveniently forgets to let go, well. ]

You'll learn to like it. At least there's a coffee shop.

[stelecharm]

[ He doesn't mind, and he's in no hurry to let go, either, sticking close and comforted by the fact she's still there, safe, where he can see her. ]

There'd better be sugar to go with it. [ He looks around as he lets her drag him along. ]

[steleheart]

I promise you can have all the sugar you want. It's mostly like a normal city only there are people from different worlds and universes and there are curses.

[ Pointing. ] Look, they even have a library.

[stelecharm]

When you put it like that, it's not all that different. [ It's mostly sarcastic, but it's more thoughtful than anything; he'll have to see more of it to really take it in. ]

It might not be home, but at least we can read.

[steleheart]

Coffee and books, you must be so pleased.

[ But Clary sounds pleased herself, so she can't help but smile. ] There are stores too, and food places, and a zoo with a unicorn.

[stelecharm]

What about demons, do they have demons? [ He sounds hopeful, but then hunting them down is all he's ever really known. ]

Oh, that's good to know, one of my biggest dreams is to pet a real life unicorn.

[steleheart]

They wouldn't let you, I thought only vi --. [ Well, now she's blushing. ]

Never mind. We could go to the zoo one day. I haven't been yet.

[stelecharm]

[ He raises a fond, amused brow, and idly wonders if there's some kind of map for later use; he plans to sneak off alone at some point and thoroughly check the security of the place. ]

It's a date.

[steleheart]

[ Clary's got to stop reacting like this - all smiles and blushing and general girly feelings that maybe Jace doesn't find attractive. She doesn't know how to act especially when everything has changed so much for them both.

They can be normal. They can do what normal people do and it makes Clary feel wrong-footed. ]

There are places you'll probably love to explore. Bits of the City that are meant to be dangerous. The Underground for one.

[stelecharm]

[ As soon as he figures out this place and assesses the situation between them, Jace thinks there should be a conversation about how she should stop trying to act how she thinks he'll like and be herself; he fell for the girl she is, not the one she thinks he wants.

Until then, he enjoys the view and files every detail away for later. ]

Please tell me you've not been down there.