The first of Shadowhunter Christmas: where the inhabitants think of a way to honor Jem during their first Christmas without him.
If there is anything you liked/disliked about the chapter let me know in a review. Also, if there is any other Christmas-related oneshot ideas you want to see, you an put it in a review or a private message. This one isn't overly Christmassy (sorry!) but I'll make up for it in the next chapter. Promise!
Hope you enjoy. I own nothing but the plot!
***December 1878***
It had been a difficult year for the inhabitants of the London Institute, but thankfully it had given them all the happy ending they all deserved and needed. Tessa was learning to control her magic, Sophie had ascended, Gideon was engaged to (in his opinion) the most wonderful woman on the planet, Gabriel had a blossoming relationship, Cecily had been reunited with her brother and was training to become a Shadowhunter, Charlotte had become the Consul and Henry was going to become a father. As for Will? He was finally able to court the woman he was hopelessly in love with as the curse he thought was on him turned out to be a lie. Despite the festivities and the general good mood, there was something, or rather a someone, whose absence was felt by all: Jem. Yes he hadn't met the fate that they were expecting as he had become a Silent Brother rather than haven died, but either way, he wasn't with those who loved him most at Christmas.
It had been Will who had decided to finally raise the topic of Jem. Everyone else had wanted to, but had avoided it as they hadn't wanted to upset Will (who had been Jems Parabatai) or Tessa (who had been Jems Fiancée) and Will had been all too aware of this information. It was dinner, when Will brought the topic up "We need this Christmas to be a good one, by the angel we all need it" he started, and everyone nodded in agreement. "But we're not going to achieve that if we're all thinking how sad it is that Jem isn't here (everyone had stopped eating and were staring at Will, he could feel Tessa stiffen beside him) and I have to agree, it is sad, but Jem wouldn't want that. Jem never had a bad bone in him, and would feel horrific if there was even a hint that he had made anyone upset. Rather than missing him we should do something to honour the man rather than wish he was with us rather than the Silent City" he said with a tone that indicated that it wasn't up for debate.
It had taken a lot of Will to say that, so Tessa slipped her hand into his and gave it a quick, comforting squeeze. It was Charlotte who spoke next "Will I think that's a lovely idea, does anyone have any suggestions?" which was followed by a short silence as everyone started to think of a perfect way to honour Jem. Various suggestions were put forward but no one could agree on one that seemed right. It was Tess who came up with the final idea "Jem never liked people making a fuss about him, so whatever we do shouldn't be a huge song and dance, Jem would hate that. Seeing as his favourite place in London was Blackfriars Bridge, we could get Magnus to put a glamour on it and simply put forward what we remember of him, keep the positive memories alive. Jem was a number of things and we shouldn't just remember him as a Shadowhunter with an addiction to Yin Fen who ended up being a Silent Brother as he was so much more than that" she said, then looked at the faces of those all around her.
"All in agreement raise your hand now" Henry said, which they all did. "So we are finally in agreement. I'll ask Magnus if he will help us" said Charlotte, by way of a conclusion. The rest of the dinner was eaten in silence, as everyone was lost in their own thoughts. Once the meal was over, everyone decided to head back to their rooms. Charlotte, despite being heavily pregnant wheeled Henry out in his chair, and, despite not yet being married, Sophie and Gideon already sharing a room (well, they were going to be married and Shadowhunters were more relaxed than the average mundane about such matters) so they walked off, arm in arm. Gabriel escorted Cecily back to her room, as he did most nights (which meant Will gave him a death glare to the back of Gabriel most nights most nights. And that was only because Cecily and Tessa had practically begged him not beat him up, which he had tried to do the first time Gabriel had gone to take Cecily back to her room, only to have been stopped by Gideon….but that's another story) leaving Tessa and Will alone in the dining room.
Tessa went to move, when Will took hold of her hand and spun her around, so she was looking him in the eye "Is everything alright Tess?" he asked softly. She nodded, if anyone could understand what she was feeling, it was Will. "I guess so, but it will be good, for all of us to have a feeling of closure, to properly say goodbye to Jem, That's not saying we will forget him and act as though he never existed but it might help end some of the pain his leaving caused" she said quietly. Will just pulled her close and kissed her on the forehead. Neither of them needed to say anything. After a slight pause, Tessa took a step back and gave Will a small smile "would the gentleman like to escort a lady to her room?" she asked sweetly. Will gave her a grin only he could manage "the gentleman would like that very much" he said, and offered her his arm. When they finally got to Tessa's room, he gave her a small kiss on the cheek. "Good night Tess" he said softly then left. "Good night Will" she whispered after him.