Matthew Daddario imagines

FED UP

Alec had assured you that his parents' arrival to the Institute was nothing more than procedure. But you were weary. Every time Maryse came over a dark cloud joined. Her time spent here involved chastising Alec and Isabelle while worshipping Jace, and throwing orders around at everyone like she owned the place. You stood at the back of the entrance area with Clary, hoping not to see Maryse or her see you. Your relationship was hot and cold. While you tried to appease her, she was scornful, saying that her son deserved someone better. So you stopped trying and often fell into despair and fear with her next arrival, knowing that she was perfectly able to convince Alec to leave you.

Clary noticed how tense you were and grasped your shoulder.
"You okay?"
"I'm just worried."
"Why? Jace said that their arrival meant nothing."
"Maryse never goes anywhere without a purpose. And well, she doesn't like me. Never has."
"I'm sure it'll-" The door opened and the devil herself strode through the magical portal, prompting you to disappear into the crowd.

Tension was rising in headquarters. Shadowhunters were tense, and more and more were heading out on longer missions so they wouldn't have to be stuck at home. Your home. And Maryse was causing a turmoil. Alec was distant, which made the whole situation worse. You were at your wit's end and you finally snapped when you overheard Maryse scolding your boyfriend and best friend yet again.

You slammed the door open, a vicious glare set straight at the cursed woman.
"Excuse me, we are having a private family discussion-"
"Your arrival has caused nothing but turmoil in this Institute and I've just about had it with your private family discussions."
Maryse's expression was beyond livid and her children stared at you with wide eyes. Yet you didn't give her the opportunity to cut you off and have the final word.
"All you do is berate people, Maryse, you have nothing good to say about anyone. How could you hate yourself so much to drown your own children in your frustrations? You're putting them through hell because you're unsatisfied with your own life! You're so selfish!"
"Selfish? Listen here-"
"I refuse to listen to you. I'm sick and tired of you acting Queen Bee! Everyone is! This isn't your Institute, your last name means nothing here. We're all Shadowhunters, we're all one."

After a moment of silence and blank expressions, Maryse creased her suit jacket. She remained stiff.
"Is that all?"
"No. Alec and Isabelle are here because of you and for someone who thinks of herself high and mighty you give them absolutely no credit. You degrade Isabelle for her friendship with the Downworlders when missions go so much smoother because of them. And you have no respect for Alec's choices! I am not after your name - I would never want it."

It was after midnight, hours after you slammed the door on the Lightwood family, and you were still in your secret spot in the rafters of the Institute. Only Alec knew about it, but since he still hadn't had come you assumed the worst.
"Should've just kept my mouth shut. With my luck, she'll have me transferred far away... And I'll never see Alec again."
A warm body sat down beside you, your nose picking up your boyfriend's fresh cologne. But you didn't dare look at him.
"Please look at me, (y/n)."
Your bloodshot eyes met his, tears still streaming down your flushed cheeks.

"What you did-"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"But we are going to talk about it. What you did... It was unbelievable."
"What?"
"You were amazing. I've never seen my mother so shocked. I've never seen anyone have the last word with her."
"That doesn't matter now. She'll send me somewhere far away so we won't be able to be together anymore. And I'll lose the only good thing that's ever happened to me."
"She was impressed by your defiance, believe it or not. Everyone was."
"Even you?" You looked up at him to see a bright smile on his perfect lips, one that brought joy to your soul.

"I was more than impressed. I saw my whole future in you. But... And I quote; you would never want my name."
He did a bad immitation of your voice, which earned him a nudge. He swiftly grabbed you and pulled you onto his lap.
"I would never allow my mother to tear us apart. I would never choose my name over you. And I would never regret defying her. But we don't have to worry about that anymore."
"Huh?"
"She's willing to give you - us- a chance."
"Truly?"
"Yes."