Tessa, Jem and Will meandered through the streets of London on one particularly miserable Sunday morning. Although this was a pastime frequently undertaken by Jem and Tessa, the company of William was a pleasant, if slightly awkward, surprise. He had come barreling down the grand staircase of the entrance hall to the institute, pulling on his dark overcoat, as Jem was fastening Tessa's cloak, and, without inquiring their destination, announced that he was joining them. So, the unlikely party set, with particular direction in mind, off into the mist.
"lovely weather we're having." Tess remarked as Jem helped her over a large puddle.
"Indeed," he agreed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, 'Lovely weather for ducks that is."
Will, who had barely spoken since they left, snapped his head up and, seraph blade in hand, whirled into a battle stance.
"Where?" He cried. frantic, head whipping from left to right quite humorously.
Jem and Tessa roared with laughter as Will sheathed his knife, shoved his hands in his pockets and stalked into the rain, scowling.
"Oh, very funny the pair of you!"
Tessa and Jem, still giggling, hurried after him and grabbed each arm.
"Oh come William, we were only teasing!" Tessa sang.
Will harrumphed. Tessa chuckled.
"If we promise not to mention du-" She broke off at a sharp look from Will.
"- Not to mention You Know Whats for the rest of the day, will you promise to cheer up and enjoy our little stroll?" She finished.
Will contemplated this for a moment. "Perhaps, even though the weather is ghastly. Where do you propose we stroll to, Miss Gray?"
"How about Hyde Park duck pond?" Jem interjected, and took off running down the empty street, roaring with laughter.
"Why, you bastard!" Will hollered and sprinted after Jem's rapidly disappearing form.
"Boys!" Tessa sighed before hurrying after them, her petticoats trailing through the mud.