DISCLAIMER – I don't own anything Infernal Device's wise; they all 100% belong to the brilliantness of Cassandra Claire (:

NOTES – So i have a love for the Infernal Devices book (can't wait for the next one xD) and i had a little idea, so i thought i'd write it. Not entirely sure how this is gonna go, and i have very little idea about the time the IF series is set in, so be patient with me. This is only my second fanfic so go easy on me and my first IF one. Oh and this is set pretty much directly after Clockwork angel .. the next day or so. And please ... i would love for you to R&R

CHAPTER ONE ~

"Play cards with me." Will insisted as he sat himself carelessly in the seat opposite Tessa. She glanced up once, raised an eyebrow and then returned her eyes to her book.

"I'm reading, Will." She said simply, continuing from the line she'd been at before he'd interrupted. It was hard to get back into the novel once he'd interrupted her, and especially now that he sat with his eyes upon her. He knew he was irritating her by sitting there and watching her read, but he was persistent if nothing else.

"Oh come on. Please? There's little else to do around here." He almost begged, and Tessa raised an eyebrow at him again, shutting her book on the page she'd been reading. Will looked triumphant; before he saw her standing up, hands smoothing down the creases in her skirts.

"I'm afraid i can't right now, Will. Perhaps you can find some other way to amuse yourself...by yourself." She said, voice a little tighter than before.

"But why can't you?" He asked, surprised at her sudden departure and the slightest bit disgruntled. Tessa paused halfway to the door and half turned to face him. Her face remained neutral.

"Because, i'm reading." She said and exited the room with a flourish, turning left down the corridor toward her room. She knew she'd lied to him, but she couldn't tell him the real truth – that she found it hard to be in the same room as him anymore. It wasn't that she hated him, not even a little bit – but that ever since that time on the roof, when he'd outlandishly suggested that she become his ... of all things ... prostitute (or close to), and then casually mentioned her infertility and the fact that is was not his wish that she remained in the institute, she felt odd around him; as if she was disappointed in him, or embarrassed...or upset.

She didn't much fancy the idea of shutting herself in her room and pretending to read, but there was little else to do at this current time - Will had been right about something at least. Charlotte was working on something with the Clave in the Library. Henry was in his lab, messing with trinkets and other such devices. Jessamine ... well Tessa never really enjoyed her company, for if she wasn't dragging Tessa around the city, she was complaining never end about everything – mostly Will and the attitude that he hauled upon his back everywhere he went. And Jem...

She paused as she caught the noise of music gently drifting down the hallway, capturing her in it's beauty without hesitation. She smiled softly to herself and followed the noise as if it pulled her toward the source. She knew the source, of course, and it was almost with relief that she came to find it within Jem's room. Jem would be a breath of fresh air – a welcome break, should he not mind her company for an hour or two (and he never did mind).

She paused outside his room, caught in the music and not wishing to disturb him. His door was not wide open, but just slightly ajar, therefore allowing the caressing notes to dance gracefully along the length of the hall, allowing the beauty to be heard. Tessa bit her lip in the doorway, glancing in to see Jem fully immersed in his music, violin perched upon his shoulder. hands moving deftly and with ease and grace. Tessa hesitated there for a minute, listening...just listening.

And then the music stopped.

"You may come in, Tessa." She jumped slightly, blushing at being caught unawares by Jem. Her gaze flickered to him and his kindly smile. She noticed he had taken the violin from it's perch and was sitting upon his bed in a relaxed manner. Tessa inclined her head slightly and lightly pushed the door open enough to allow her entry, before pushing it shut behind her.

"You make such beautiful music...i couldn't resist." She said, smiling as she came a few more steps into the room before pausing. She felt her heart jump slightly as Jem's smile became a grin, and he indicated for her to sit beside him; which she did, gathering her skirts to do so.

"Thank you. Now tell me...is everything okay?" He asked, smile falling as his silver eyes probed her face gently. Tessa sighed and looked away from his gaze. This was what she'd been hoping to avoid – the discussion of everything. She knew Jem would understand should she wish to avoid the subject, and she was about to say that she'd rather not talk about things but something made her change her mind. Jem was so kind, so sweet. He was trustworthy and loyal, and a perfect gentleman to confide in.

"I'm...okay." She paused, chewing thoughtfully on her lower lip. She could feel Jem frowning in concern, easily picking up on her emotions.

"Will has upset you." He said quietly, making his words a statement rather than a question. Tessa contemplated denying it, and then gave up with another sigh, nodding.

"Yes." She said simply, equally as quiet.

"What has he said?" Tessa turned to look at Jem, having heard the almost undetectable undertone of irritation. She knew Jem disliked Will when he upset her, but she equally disliked coming between them, and preferred not to. But sometimes, she just needed somebody to turn to...and Jem was always there.

"It is about the other day...on the roof." She hesitated again, and she was sure that should it have been anyone other than Jem to who she was talking to, they might have shaken her in the hope that she'd have hurried with her story. She made a noise of frustration and moved her hands in equal annoyance at herself. "It bothers me, you see, that he can have said such things, and then returned to how everything was before without a single thought. It upsets me to think that he can think of me so little, and cause me to remind myself that he is right to think little of me." She frowned, looking down upon her hands which she now clasped in her lap. Jem did not take even a second to think of a response before shaking his head.

"No, he is wrong." Tessa glanced up at him. "He has no right to think of you in any bad manner, Tessa. No right in the slightest. You allow yourself to think badly of yourself and it pains me, Tessa. You cannot see what i see – that you are beautiful, strong and entirely unique." He gently caught one of her hands in his own, and her gaze flickered down to see the image of his strong, slender hands clasping her own, smaller one. "You are perfect, Tessa, and Will is a fool for acting as if he does not see it too."

Tessa placed her other hand atop his and smiled softly. "As are you, Jem. Though i know you refuse to see it just as plainly as i know that i am a monster." She watched him shake his head adamantly.

"You are by far no monster, Tessa Grey." She caught his gaze and was caught there, eyes staring into the silvery depths of his own. That was until someone cleared their throat harshly from the doorway. Tessa jumped, but Jem did not – as if he had already known.

"So sorry to interrupt, but there's been an attack. They're requesting your presence, Jem." Will snapped, face twisted slightly in what Tessa could only identify as irritation. His gaze snapped to Tessa, and she bit her lip and looked away from the coldness of it. "I suppose you can come too, Tessa. I doubt you will do anything else besides. It's fast becoming a habit; your nosiness." Tessa shot a glare at him and stood up, hands slipping from Jem's.

"Then it must have always been your habit to be so rude, or is it a skill you have only recently aquainted yourself with? In that case, i congratulate you; it certainly does become you well." She turned her back on Will to face Jem, her expression softening slightly but remaining almost business-like.

"I wish to accompany you." She said simply, and he grinned widely, amusement clear within his moon-coloured eyes as he stood up.

"And it is my wish for you to join us. Where are the others?" He aimed the second part at Will, who was watching with a sullen expression. He pushed himself away from the doorframe and abruptly turned.

"The library." And without a glance over his stiffened shoulders, Will strode off without them.