"You're getting better," Jem said, as the knife that Will had been using struck the target, not far from the centre.
"Getting better?" Will said incredulously. "I'm bloody brilliant!"
"If you say so," Jem chuckled. "But if you wish to be even more brilliant, you might want my help," The Carstairs boy moved closer to the Herondale.
As he was fixing Will's posture, Jem was blissfully unaware of the way his parabatai's pulse raced.
Jem looked at his face and noticed his blush. "Will, are you feeling alright? You look flushed."
"What? No, I'm fine," Will said too quickly.
Jem gave him a doubtful look. "Are you sure?"
The way his silver eyes widened slightly with concern, the way his pale lips parted, Will thought. He had to get out of there before he did something he would regret.
"Actually, no. I feel a little faint. I think it would be best if I gracefully retired now," Will said, moving away from Jem.
"I think that would be best too," Jem agreed. "Allow me to escort you to your room."
Will could feel his eyes widen and his heart leap. "No need James! I'll be fine, I just need to lie down for a little bit. You keep practicing. But you get some rest too," Will could feel himself rambling, so he made a tactful retreat.
Back in his room, Will sat in his armchair. He had been trying to read the book in his hands to keep his mind off Jem, but so far that had proved to be futile. He had been doing this for hours and he even refused to go to dinner when Sophie came to tell him it was ready.
He had felt this way about his parabatai for a while now and he wasn't sure how, or what started it. He supposed that over time he started to like James Carstairs more than just a friend or a brother. He wasn't sure if he loved him, therefore his reasoning told him he was not in violation of the law. The was not law explicitly stating that you could not like your parabatai.
He heard footsteps coming down the hallway. Remembering he was supposed to be unwell, he got up, stripped off his gear and got into his bed, just as there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," he said. The door opened and Jem entered with a pitcher filled with what Will guessed was water and a glass.
"How are you feeling?" Jem asked with mild concern.
"Better, thank you James," Will replied trying to keep his calm. Jem came over with the jug and glass and put them on dresser next to Will's bed. He stood next to where Will sat up and leaned forward a bit, placing his hand on the boy's forehead, checking to see if he had a temperature.
The only reason I would have a temperature, Will thought, would be because of you.
Satisfied that he wasn't running a fever, Jem removed his hand and began to move away.
Without thinking, Will grabbed his wrist, stopping him.
"What is it Will? Is something the matter?" Jem asked, moving closer.
Oh bullocks, Will thought. What now?
Jem was now sitting on the edge of the bed next to him. Will saw his chance and he seized it.
Still holding his wrist, Will pulled him even closer and their lips met. At first, Jem tensed in surprise but slowly relaxed, much to Will's relief. He even kissed him back. His lips were as soft as they looked.
Pulling Jem on to his lap, Will began kissing him more fiercely, wrapping his arms around him.
They stayed like that for a few moments before Jem pulled away.
"Sleep well, William." Jem said kindly but firmly, placing a light kiss on Will's forehead as he lay down.
As the door closed shut behind Jem, Will smiled to himself. He definitely loved Jem, he decided.
To Hell with the Law, Will thought as he drifted off to sleep.