EVENT ▸ welcome week

[cuddlemods]

EVENT 001: WELCOME WEEK

MOVE-IN DAY Welcome to Cadelle, cuddlers! The city is — for the most part, at least — very happy with the first wave of volunteers who have chosen to spend time here! To help everyone get settled a little easier, Mayor Drake and her team have put together a series of helpful booths, each staffed by friendly citizen volunteers who are more than ready to answer any questions characters may have. ▸ First things first: visitors will need to visit City Hall to officially enroll as a Cadelle citizen. Once complete, they'll receive their Welcome Packet, which will include all of the most important items for settling in. Characters will find keys to their apartment and associated mail box, their housing assignment, and their pre-activated CuddleCard, ready to go. In addition, the volunteer coordinators have included a newly printed map of the city, as well as contact information for various city-run organizations, just in case! ▸ Due to the influx of energy from all of the new visitors, the city’s computer systems have been experiencing some "minor hiccups". While this is nothing to be concerned about, characters may find themselves mildly inconvenienced — they may have received keys that don’t work in their door, or been issued someone else's room assignment unknowingly! ▸ If they've arrived during regular business hours, characters are, of course, able to visit the maintenance office on the first floor of each building for help switching out their mismatched keys or determining their correct assignment. However, getting settled after hours will require a little extra creative problem solving — like asking a new friend if sharing a bed for the night seems reasonable, sleeping on the couches in the public lounges downstairs, or maybe even roughing it for the night outdoors. (Of course, there's always the frowned-upon methods of breaking and entering... not that you heard it from us!) ▸ As with any move-in day, there’s bound to be lots to see and do. Characters may need help carrying their things, or even just help finding their way around. If they're lucky enough to find their room without problem, they may not be so lucky in their assignment. They may find themselves living underneath someone who's got to be part elephant (who stomps that much at 6 AM?!) or just above someone who insists on burning every batch of popcorn they make! Get out there, meet the neighbors, and see what this city has to offer! CITY SCAVENGER HUNT A few days after the big move-in weekend, characters will find an unread message on their CuddlePhone, encouraging them to check out the CuddleTalk network for a very special message from two very special guests. When they do, they’ll find a cute (but admittedly very cheesy) video message from Cadelle’s volunteer coordinators, Flora and Cornelius. The video highlights a few of the most popular destinations in the city — Blaze Pizza, for example, the home of the ninety-second wood-fired pizza, or Dinah’s, where you can enjoy a literal bucket of fries perfect for sharing. At the end of the video, a link will come up for characters to click if they are so inclined. They’ll be directed to a sign-up page for a city-wide scavenger hunt, with a grand prize promised for the first team to complete the challenge. Want to participate? ▸ Characters will be able to sign up for the scavenger hunt either on their own or with a friend. (The prizes remain the same regardless of the size of the team, so if your character wants all the money for themselves, they'll either want to race it alone or pick a very generous teammate!) ▸ Among the many delicious dining destinations around Cadelle, characters will discover three venues that the volunteer coordinators have tapped as their current favorites. Somewhere in those three venues, characters will find a beautiful framed photo of Flora and Cornelius. ▸ When characters find the photo, they'll be instructed to take their best selfie, being sure to capture themselves, the framed snapshot, and their teammate (if they chose to bring one along) in the shot. ▸ The first group to send in all three selfies will win the grand prize — one month's stipend worth of extra CuddleBucks! However, all competitors who complete the challenge will be rewarded with a token of appreciation — one week's stipend worth of CuddleBucks, just for playing along! ▸ While characters explore the city, they just might find some "bonus" surprises along the way. Keep your eyes peeled! Helpful Hint: To find the secret locations (and any hidden bonuses along the way), check out our CITY DIRECTORY for all the amazing destinations your character can explore! Feel free to sort by category on the left, and click your way through your first big adventure in the big city! Mod Note: For fairness, the "grand prize" winner will be determined by RNG in a drawing on August 4 at 3:00 PM. If your character would like to be eligible to win the grand prize, please be sure to leave us a comment so we can include them in the drawing!

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Comments

( clary fray | shadowhunters. )

[creatio]

a. open.

( There's a girl with bright orange hair sitting on the floor outside the maintenance office. She's cross-legged, eyes closed, curls of black peeking from the collar of her shirt and down her arms. She's either been here five minutes, or five hours, depending on the weariness of her sigh. When she opens her eyes, they're bright and green and wry, a smile curving her mouth. )

Let me guess. ( One hand lifts up and she twirls the keys there, like she's a gunslinger in the wild west. ) You got the wrong ones too. ( She's not actually all that upset. She just wants to get in so she can go back out again, find a place that sells the stuff she'll need to spend the night. While she doesn't mind slumming it, she really wants to be able to change. Plus she has to go and requisition a stele, apparently. Someone told her. )

I thought about checking the other doors, but there are a lot and what if I walk in on some poor person in the buff. ( Socialising. She's so good at it. ) I mean, not that I do that. Or have done that. It was just a thought. ( Great, now she sounds like a pervert. )

b. open.

( Cadelle is nicer than she thought. The apartment buildings are clean and much brighter than some of the ones in New York, but she's mostly only seen weird underground bunkers and then various eateries. She hasn't actually gone to explore much. Rectifying that seemed like her first port of call, especially if she'll be here for a while. Clary's wandering aimlessly, a few bags looped over her wrist, when she spots the sign for the Museum of Art. If it wasn't clear she was a dork before, it certainly is now because she practically skips up the steps to peer at the signs on the board.

Already she's itching to go inside, but part of her wants to hold off too. She needs to find a supply store, buy herself a new sketchbook, some pencils, download enough music on her CuddlePhone. The wait would be worth it, she could decompress properly that way.

( Idly, she wonders if Jace would come with. She also wonders if it's silly that she would like to sit in comfortable silence with him. Though would the artwork compare, if he were at her side? -- No, no more of that. )

Thoughts wandering dangerously, Clary turns abruptly and nearly barrels into the person behind her, accidentally thwacking them with her packages. ) Oh, my God! I'm so sorry. ( Shadowhunter skills, what are they? )

c. closed / kimberly.

( She's bored. That's her excuse. She's bored and definitely not desperately lonely. It's 100% the first feeling that has her escaping her apartment minutes after reading the scavenger information, bag already slung over her shoulder as she makes her way to Kimberly's apartment, knuckles rapping against the door. Clary tries not to fidget, really she does. She's grace and poise and all of those things that she'd use to describe Izzy. Actually, she should probably be trying to embody Izzy instead. But no, when the door finally opens, Clary's tugging on her ponytail enough that she's sure it's frizzing. )

Hi.

( She probably should have called ahead, or maybe even texted. But here she is anyway. Waving her phone at Kimberly, she grins in what she hopes is not a deranged way. )

Food based scavenger hunt. Cash prize. Thought we could pool together our stomachs and our resources and win this thing. You in?

d. open.

( The Axe & Oxen isn't really her style. She's slower, if she fills herself on potatoes. Less likely to run away from demons. That's what she tells herself. But what she's also telling herself is that by not being her thing, it's definitely going to be one of the clues. She knows how this works.

She sits down in a chair to anticipate her future heaviness, craning her neck to see where her partner's gone off to before flipping open the menu. Maybe appetizers. Then they can hit up more places. But lo and behold, the photo is carefully tucked into the inside. Clary lets out a whoop of victory that startles the other diners, plucking it free before heading to the bar. She's waiting for the tender to notice her, so she doesn't mind beaming at the person beside her. )

So, how many have you found?

( You better be taking part, snoozers are losers. )

e. wildcard.

( Hit me up at athosing if you want to plot. )

makes this a disaster, obviously.

[recoined]

( it takes kimberly a good ten minutes of grumbling and vague hand gestures towards the door before she's actually presentable enough to open it. she vaguely considers changing out of what had counted as pajamas the night before — shorts that were arguably too short to be worn in public (not that it ever stopped her) and one of too many tank tops worn loosely over her shoulders — but decides she doesn't really care enough just yet.

that is, until clary's nervous smile and shockingly red mane greets her from the other side, fingertips tugging on the ends of her ponytail in a way that somehow claims all of kimberly's attention. ) Uh, hey. ( not that she's unhappy to see her. which is exactly what that sounds like. disgruntled and unhappy about being woken up, sure, but not so much about the company behind it.

blinking the grogginess out of her eyes, she listens as clary tries to explain the rationale for her visit. something about a scavenger hunt, and food, and money, which was never really a bad reason to do anything as far as she's concerned. plus the invitation to loop kimberly in on her potential winnings.

it wasn't like she had anything to lose, right? )

Am I... yeah, yeah, that sounds great. Let me put, like, actual clothes on, though? Two seconds.

( and while her hand releases the hold on the door, she doesn't actually close it, just leaves it open as she trudges back towards her closet. whether clary comes closer or not, the sight of kimberly tugging that tank top over her shoulders is not one that's hidden from view. or the rest of the steps in her changing process, for that matter. )

i love you

[creatio]

( She really should have called ahead.

Kimberly doesn't seem bothered though. Or at least she doesn't after the information makes it through her sleep-fogged brain. Clary expects the other girl to close the door, is stepping back even as she turns around. Instead Kimberly just starts stripping and Clary sends a panicked glance down the hall in case someone sees, before she steps hurriedly inside the apartment and closes the door herself.

At least she focuses on the walls instead of the bare skin she just caught a glimpse of. )

So basically, there are a bunch of photos somewhere in the city restaurants and we have to take a selfie with them. So grand prize of cash, plus getting to sample all sorts of food? I think we'd own this.

swoons.

[recoined]

( a lifetime of locker rooms and too-close-for-comfort changing rooms have taught kimberly that changing clothing is hardly something to get fussed about. besides, she's proud of her body, and the work that she puts into it — or, at least, the work she had put into it before the power coin woke her up with ridiculous muscle definition. nowadays, kimberly just works out because it's something familiar to do. it helps her burn off some of that excess ranger energy.

it doesn't take her long to fish out an outfit, either. if they're going to be running all over town, she'd like to be comfortable, which means gym wear — black capri-cut yoga pants that hug all the right spots and yes, yet another tank top, this one gray and loose and impossibly low-cut in the back. the high neck of forest green lace peeks up over the scooped neckline, secured at the nape of her neck with a quick clip, and she's set to go, all bounce in her step. )

What are we waiting for, then? Let's go.

( if she grabs clary's hands as soon as her bag is slung over her shoulder, phone tucked inside for safekeeping, so be it. her fingers tangled around the other girl's just makes it easier to drag her out the door and down the staircase, weaving around other people until they're stumbling into the bright afternoon sun, squinting a bit and breathless from their impromptu sprint. )

Where should we start? Any ideas?

[creatio]

( She is definitely not troubled by the hand grabbing. In fact it just makes her smile. It's an ease she wishes she possessed around other people, and something she'd admired in Isabelle at first too. Clary wants to be like that. So she just laughs as Kimberly pulls her, down the stairs and out into the sun, the light glinting off everything and making the day sweet and light. )

I think we should save the sugary places for the end, so we don't make ourselves sick before we've even got going. ( With her free hand, she fetches her phone from her pocket and scrolls through the list of nearby restaurants. ) Pho Sizzle? I could totally go for noodles right now.

( Plus, they haven't been their together yet and Clary's going to make it their thing. )

[recoined]

Jesus, the puns keep coming, ( but kimberly's nodding, grinning even as they take off running in whatever direction clary's gps-enabled cuddlephone sends them in. they careen around other people, taking turns leading around corners and down straightaways until the maroon front door of the noodle joint comes into view.

it's not too busy yet, so it doesn't take them long to get a table, or for the waitress to sidle over with impossibly large menus filled with every variety of noodle-and-assorted-extras meals anyone could think up. kimberly's eyes get a little large as they try to take it all in. )

Wow, I have... literally no idea what to get. Do you think there's a thing in the menu, or... ?

( a flash over kimberly's shoulder as someone else takes a picture, and her brows furrow as she peers back at clary. )

What kind of scavenger hunt is this again?

[creatio]

( She hasn't been this wild in a long time, her feet carrying her swiftly over the sidewalk, hand still holding on to Kimberly's. It makes her feel weightless and alive, blood thrumming in her veins and lungs burning, her cheeks aching from smiling too much. It's the best feeling in the world and she's still coming down even as she sinks into a seat and eyes up the neatly printed list of foods. )

Something about a picture.

( The person who'd just taken a selfie moves aside and Clary catches sight of the framed photograph, hissing a yes under her breath. She's jumping up immediately, taking Kimberly's hand like the other girl had done before and guiding her that way. She leaves her bag though, she still wants to eat.

When she has the both of them by the photo, Clary grins and folds their arms together, shoulders pressed close as she angles her camera to include the two of them plus the picture. She's pulling a cute face, lips pursed like she's blowing a kiss. Kimberly, she hopes you like selfies. )

[recoined]

( weirdly enough, angel grove had yet to catch on to the whole selfies trend, but kimberly's socially savvy enough to figure out the concept pretty quickly. enough to laugh at clary's expression, and to follow her lead in the theme of the shot, pressing her own lips against clary's cheek as the camera shutters, a mock kiss that's captured with a quick flash. )

Okay, that's cute, ( kimberly admits as the screen of the phone reveals how the picture had come out. maybe that's why selfies were a thing here? she won't complain about taking more of those, in any case.

or about getting food, which is next on her agenda and easily accomplished as they settle back into the table, the waitress waiting rather impatiently for their order. what can i get for you, she repeats, and kimberly has to stare rather sheepishly at the menu for a minute before she can reply. )

Uh. The... shoyu ramen, I think. But no bamboo shoots? And extra pork, I'm starving.

[creatio]

( Privately, Clary is absolutely delighted. She's not used to this kind of relaxed acceptance of other people, she's not used to just clicking like with someone. But it feels like she's known Kimberly forever, beaming when she looks at the picture. )

I think we need like three of these, but first, food.

( Clary just smiles widely at the waitress, uncaring that they're taking their time. ) Pad thai, please. ( Politeness always wins people over, right? ) Also pepsi. Like so much soda, we're going to need the energy.

( When she leaves, Clary directs her attention to Kimberly again. ) I knew we'd make a good team.

a

[obdurates]

( To be on his own; an endeavor never pursued, or thought of before Cadelle. Valentine, under powerful glamour, kept a tight leash on his childhood...and from there, straight to the Lighwoods, in the constantly observed institute. Freedom held a powerful sway; calling to something inside, a potent mix as it rocked against his lingering sense of anxiety. Knowing she's there helps. Clary. The length of time she's taken root in his life probably felt insubstantial to others; they couldn't have understood how she managed to become irreplaceable in a matter of weeks.

Finding her at the maintenance office is coincidence; as much as anything can be chalked up to that. Sitting on tile, strands of brightly colored hair framing a face that's burned into his memory, eyebrows knitted, as if calling up the vestiges of patience, raising the question of how long this wait has been. At the smile, his chest immediately tightens, a reaction that's kept from reaching Jace's expression )

Wrong key. ( Confirming the suspicion; thought a smirk immediately appears, corners of his mouth tugging upwards ) Not that it mattered, one opening rune later and... ( The benefit of no longer requiring a stele for activation; this after half an hour of frustration. Accessing the power given to him through angel blood came in times of duress; mostly centered around Clary. )

Just dropping by to deliver this. ( Said key held deftly between two fingers; no attendee seemed to be in sight, explaining just why she had taken up temporary residence there. ) You think about people in the buff a lot? ( Stepping forward, a hand is held out in offer to her, the smirk seeming to have no intention on disappearing any time soon ) Can't speak for anyone else, but I wouldn't have complained about you walking in.

( The pause only lasts a few seconds at best; quickly followed up, as if saying such a thing had been no big deal at all ) Come on, we don't know how long they'll be, and I've got plenty of room.

[creatio]

( She looks badly impressed. It doesn't matter if Jace is using his power for saving lives, or for something as everyday as getting into his apartment, it's still awe-inspiring to her. He's special, he always has been, but now the world has proof of it.

Clary's mouth opens to speak, but then he reminds her of what she had just said and she has to scowl, blushing furiously. ) Sure, have you seen Ryan Gosling? Who wouldn't think about him naked? ( She takes his hand easily though, and lets him lever her to her feet, bringing the two closer so that when he keeps talking he's near enough to see the way her eyes widen slightly, the sharpness of her inhale. ) What if you'd been doing something super embarrassing? ( It's easier footing, and yet she still hasn't let go of his hand, nor has she moved away. ) Like dancing in your socks. Or singing Taylor Swift songs and dancing in your socks?

( One day, she might be able to stop looking at him. One day she'll stop being as easily read. )

Okay. ( There's no point saying no, there's no point staying in this hall. ) I can come back later.

[obdurates]

Gosling? Is that the one who had eight kids? ( Feinting ignorance; pop culture may be a gap in his knowledge generally speaking, but it doesn't go quite so far. ) I don't dance. Or sing along to terrible music. ( Only a half truth. Could anyone that grew up around Izzy claim to not dance? A display reserved for very special occasions. As for the Taylor Swift music; it won't be confirmed at this point.

Taking note of Clary's nonexistent attempt at freeing herself from his grasp, a rush of warmth spreads throughout, pleasant and dizzying. An effect only she could ever claim responsibility for. Swallowing thickly, wanting the lump in his throat to disappear, their trek into beta building comes in relative silence, until they were in the elevator together, doors slipping closed, a soft humming sound carrying out )

I've never...really had my own place. ( Low, gentle words. Something he doubted would come as a surprise to Clary; she doesn't know all the details of his life, few do, but an awareness deep enough to have an inkling towards prior living arrangements ) You're the artist. Maybe you'll help me get it set up. ( Because, clearly, asking directly for her help would have been far too difficult. This, the conversation, serves a separate purpose. Distraction. To keep his gaze from inevitably focusing on her lips.

A realization; this feels like the first time they've been truly alone with one another. In the institute, there was always the knowledge that others were a few rooms away at best...this, soon to have Clary in his apartment, is different )

[creatio]

See, now you're mistaking me for someone who cares about an actor's private life. I don't read RPF anymore. ( She knows full well that will mystify Jace, smiling a little smuggly even as she says it.

When they reach the elevator, Clary takes a step away to lean against the wall, but her gaze still returns to him quickly. She wishes things were simpler, really, wishes she didn't have to think so much. It used to be like that, instinct overriding her senses, it used to be easy and careless between them. And then she had to build walls and walls between his heart and hers and she's finding it --

Difficult.

She wants to touch him, but she's not sure she won't shake down something important when she does.

Her mouth softens though, eyes scanning his face. ) Me either. ( Technically, moving to the Institute would have counted. But Isabelle didn't let Clary disappear into large rooms, didn't let her get lost. Suddenly, she's afraid of the silence her own promises, a feeling of unease sweeping through her. She doesn't want to be alone, doesn't want to have to deal with the ghosts that only get silenced when she's busy trying to save the world. ) We'll help each other. Maybe tomorrow we can go into the city and figure out what we need for them?

[obdurates]

( Genuine puzzlement works at his expression; mind racing, struggling to decipher what words 'RPF' stood for. A needed distraction, regardless of how brief. Relieving miniscule weight from the tension; just enough for the elevator trip to become bearable, no longer a threat to his sanity. Thank the angel. Clary still wields the power to undo him. A smile, a look, a word. Her weapons are limitless. How did this take such an intimate feeling onto itself so quickly?

Another soft ding; saving grace for both of them. Or simply a delay of the inevitable. ) Sounds like a plan. We need to get a feel for this place, and put some runes up on your walls later. ( Chances of an attack were remote; some habits aren't so easily forgotten, though. An excuse to spend more time with her might represent a certain degree of the truth.

A short walk towards the 'south' unit. He can feel it already; a tightness in his chest, the elevation of his pulse, over something that wouldn't illicit nearly the same reaction from a different visitor. The apartment> is an open studio; dark grays and metallic touches, modern, without having a hint of 'Jace' to it yet; the design pre-furnished. Once Clary's stepped inside, the door quietly shuts behind them, and a breath he hadn't realized was being held is finally released )

Pretty different from the institute, I guess I'll get used to it, eventually. ( A pause, eyebrows knitting together, and then: ) I'm glad you're here.

[creatio]

It's very ... manly. ( Which seems like a ridiculous thing to say, but she can't think of anything else. There's something bold about it, something uncaring in its masculinity, and she's half willing her cheeks not to burn when her gaze lingers on the bed just out in the open. ) Not even a hint of hard wood, so really not like the Institute at all. ( Realising the double entendre of her words means she instantly loses the battle with her blush, looking away and to the window. Clary moves, slowly, pacing out the place, but his words pull her back and she looks over her shoulder, mouth softer. )

I'm glad you're here too.

( Because she is. She likes him being where she can find him. Every time they get pulled away from each other it feels like something's missing. Despite everything they've been through, Clary feels a lot more herself when he's there. )

I think it's nice. This place, the apartments. ( Her fingers drift over the edges of a shelf, still exploring. ) It's not home, but it's not terrible either.

( She frowns, stops walking, looks over to him. Her words come out in a rush, like they've just hit her themselves. ) You know, I feel guilty. That I said yes? I know they can help me, but at the same time I feel like maybe I've run away and I shouldn't have. I feel guilty that I'm relieved, because no one is going to knock that door now and tell me someone else has died because of me. I feel guilty because I'm happy you're here too, that I'm not alone, that we get to talk. ( Crossing her arms over her chest, the confession strange in her mouth. ) I've been so afraid, lately. And now there's no reason to be, at least, not right now. I don't know what to do with it.

( She laughs, but it's weak. ) It's really dumb, right?

[obdurates]

You're not the only one. ( Admissions that are hard pressed to come out; she may not realize it yet, how she's already unlocked something inside him, minimal effort required...Clary's presence was the only requirement. ) Feeling like that. Relieved. Guilty. Afraid. ( A fear different than any other he's experienced. Send an army of demons with Valentine at the lead and he wouldn't have blinked. Wouldn't hesitate to throw himself into the chaos. Afraid of what could be lost; afraid of what might never happen. Her.

Shifting, he reaches out, fingertips slipping into the fiery locks of her hair, gaze meeting in a shared moment of understanding ) Do you know why I said yes? ( A thick swallow; mouth dry, and the thunder of his heartbeat threatens to overpower everything else. Words he didn't know if he would share. ) My wish, Clary. It's not some...heroic pursuit. I could have asked to stop Valentine and I didn't. Or made sure all our friends would be safe. The people we care about.

( Reasons in the hundreds; belief, even when his self worth was at the lowest, that they were capable of doing all of those things on their own. And a pure selfishness. Having others that loved you never stopped the feeling of being an orphan ) I could have, and there's no doubt in my mind when I activate the wish stone, those things would have happened.

( Cupping her face gently, there's a vulnerability in his eyes, raw and shining ) It's not dumb, being happy, on some level to be here. ( Thumb brushing over Clary's cheek, he breathes out softly, closer now to her than before ) My wish is to meet my parents. It doesn't matter if it's only for five minutes. I-I need them to know Valentine didn't win. That I survived...and that I'm their son. That's...that's why I can't force myself to regret being here.

eff u i'm cryin

[creatio]

( It's not the first time the world has struck her as cruel.

It's not even the first time this week. Sometimes Clary gets so angry at how things have turned out for him, so furious that someone like Jace has been deprived of a better life that she wants to take on the entire universe. There have been nights she's lain awake and remembered every thing he told her, piecing together an unhappy tapestry of an upbringing and held it against the light of her own. At least Clary knew that she was loved. What had he? An uncertainty so strong he'd been more than willing to write himself off as a monster. A belief so real he'd thought the very blood in his veins was poison.

Valentine's cruelty has taken a lot from them both. For him though, the wounds run deep.

But Jace is beautiful, inside and out, brave and smart and strong and so wonderful that she couldn't have helped but gravitate towards him. If he were any less, she'd have been able to walk away, but here she is, even now. )

They're going to be so proud of you. ( Her voice is soft, threaded through with feeling. Clary lifts a hand, presses her palm against the back of his, turns her cheek against his touch. Her lips brush against his skin, a sweet gesture, as if for a moment she could prove how good he is through action alone. ) I know it. They're going to be so proud, Jace. They'll love you.

( Just like his siblings do, just like she does. )

A

[depressiveoptimist]

[Kieren is really perplexed why his keys don't work; it makes him nervous, almost like he shouldn't be here. Which--he knows he's supposed to be here, that he was asked to be here--but anxiety doesn't always listen to rational thought.

He had tried a few nearby doors, but they hadn't worked, so here he was, feeling a bit of relief in seeing someone else. Of course, there are other feelings of anxiety (towards the way his skin looked, the white eyes), but he swallowed those down. Undead or not, he had a right to be here as much as anyone else. People could accept him--they would. This wasn't Roarton. He just needed to stop being so antsy.

Managing a tight little smile, he raised his keys up as well, speaking in a northern british accent.]

Mistakes do happen. I mean, if you had, I'm sure they would have forgiven you. If your keys had worked in their door--wouldn't that mean they were technically in your room, anyways?

[A bit of a bigger smile. He's trying to make a joke.]

i'm sorry this took so long, pls forgive!

[creatio]

( If Clary's surprised by his appearance it doesn't show. Instead she's offering him up a bright smile, rearranging her legs so she can rest her chin on her knees. She's getting stiff now, so clearly this is a bust. )

I didn't think of it that way, but you're totally right. They're the naked interloper, not me.

( She wonders, briefly, if he's a Warlock. Each of them have their marks, and his would be the most obvious she's seen. She won't ask straight away though, she's careful with things here. She wants to be liked. )

Is it terrible I'm glad I'm not the only one? I was beginning to think I just didn't have an apartment, but two means there's more of an administration issue than just having been forgotten.

no worries!!

[depressiveoptimist]

Exactly. See--you're finally thinking about it the right way.

[Though really seeing anyone naked would get Kieren more than a bit flustered but that's beside the point. He gives a little nod of his head, and moves to sit down next to her awkwardly--it's clear that there is something wrong with one of his legs that gives him a bit of a strange gait.]

No, I don't think so. I mean, I just thought maybe I got the numbers wrong, somehow. But it seems more they got keys wrong. Which--I guess happens? Never lived in apartments much until recently.

[creatio]

Me either. Well, no, I lived in one with my mom but like, that was for my whole life so it made the whole navigating thing pretty easy.

( Until she had to move into the Institute. But that wasn't as strange as this either. She'd had people with her.

Clary watches him settle, something curious in her eyes. There's very little judgement there, maybe because she's seen a fair few things in the last couple of months, maybe because she's aware there's a whole multiverse thing going on. ) And you'd think with the whole expecting us thing, they'd have double checked the key situation, but no. (She's still smiling, she's not actually that upset. ) It's cool though, this hallway's ... nice. It's got the whole magnolia thing going for it.

( Leaning towards him a little, as if they're old friends. ) They're so boring I've been contemplating petty vandalism. You're saving me from a life of crime.

[depressiveoptimist]

[There is something about her that reminds him a bit of Amy; it hurts his heart, but at the same time, it warms him, as well. He missed her, so much, and to see someone shining with her sort of humor, willing to reach out to a stranger so easily...it was good to see there were people like that still in the world.

So he couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head, but then putting on a mock tone of seriousness..]

Ah, well, that's what I'm here for, you see. Undercover flat cop. Perhaps my keys work after all, and I'm only here to save people like you from committing minor misdemeanors.

[He smirks and puts out his cool hand to her.]

Name's Kieren.

[creatio]

( It's easy to laugh when he makes the joke, her nose crinkling a little. She doesn't remember the last time she's actually been able to giggle without the threat of impending doom hanging over her head and it's definitely pleasant. She's no longer even the slightest bit annoyed that she's had a key mishap. )

Kieren. I'm Clary. It's nice to meet you.

( And she shakes his hand, noting the cold but not reacting in any specific way. She regularly touches Simon, so this isn't surprising to her. )

See, I'm glad I figured it out. Imagine if I'd gotten arrested on my first day of Cuddle City. That would not be a good start. People would think I was some sort of rebel.

( She is definitely some sort of rebel. )

[depressiveoptimist]

Nice to meet you too.

[He gives her hand a gentle squeeze, letting it drop quickly enough. He leans his head back against the wall, giving her an amused but skeptical look.]

Oh no, can't have people assume that.

...even if that's probably what you are, aren't you?

[He gives her a little nudge.]

[creatio]

( She pulls a shocked face, but it dissolves into helpless laughter instantly. )

You've caught me. I'm just usually more sneaky about my misdemeanours. I grew up with a detective in the house, you learn to keep that stuff on the downlow.

( Except the worst she's ever done is tag an underpass. )

How about you? Are you rebellious? Is this the start of our gang?