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Catarina had her reservations about taking over as the warlock representative in the Downworld Cabinet after Magnus made his move to Idris. First and foremost being that outside of Alexander who was also going to Idris, Cat wasn’t particularly familiar with anyone else involved. The second was that she knew she wasn’t as personable as Magnus was - what if no one listened to her or took her seriously? Not to mention the fact that her time was already split between her shifts at the hospital and raising Madzie, how would she fit this in, too?
As it would turn out, Cat didn’t have to worry about any of those things. Isabelle, who took over for Alec as the Shadowhunter representative, welcomed Cat with open arms, and following Isabelle’s lead so did everyone else. They took her seriously, probably because she rarely spoke unless it was necessary so it was always something important. Most importantly, they understood when something came up at work and she had to portal in late or out early, sometimes missing meetings entirely.
Isabelle would always fill her in the next day with detailed notes on anything vital she might have missed. These meetings started innocently enough, but quickly shifted into something more. A quick chat before lunch turned into coffees, which turned into lunches, which turned into drinks after work. Isabelle would swing by Cat’s place when she had no one to watch Madzie while they go out so the three of them would spend an evening inside instead.
When their relationship officially tipped the scales from friendship to something romantic, the real flirtation started, Isabelle was shameless. Casual touches, suggestive remarks, and longing glances weren’t contained to the moments they were alone. Isabelle made certain everyone knew that the two of them were together and Catarina couldn’t say she minded.
Unfortunately, the others on the Downworld Cabinet didn’t share that sentiment.
“My beautiful girlfriend makes a very intelligent point,” Izzy said one day, shooting Catarina a charming smile before turning her attention back to the rest of the room.
“I can’t believe it’s actually gotten worse,” Maia sighs.
“I know,” Simon agrees. “I thought when Alec and Magnus left we were finally free.”
They both lower their voices to ‘whisper’ between each other, but it’s just for show. Cat hears both statements because they’re intentionally speaking just loud enough for everyone to hear them.
“Excuse me?” Isabelle says, bringing her hands to her hips. “Something you want to share with the group?”
“No, I think you’re sharing plenty for everyone,” Simon quips back, a smile on his face.
Cat shakes her head slightly, but can’t hide her own smile as Isabelle winks at her and she winks back.
For all the crap she gave Magnus about being sappy and in love, she’s starting to see the appeal of it, and there are worse people to take after.
“Back on topic, please?” Meliorn practically pleads.
“Yeah,” Cat agrees. “Back on topic. I believe we were discussing my very intelligent point?”
Meliorn shoots Cat a ‘not you too’ look of exasperation, but the laughter Cat’s comment earns from Isabelle is absolutely worth it.
“I believe we were,” Izzy says, continuing the meeting (more or less) without further interruption.