What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

by GraceWinter

In the 21st century a cure has been found for 'yin fen', so Jem has left the Silent Brothers. However, he is left with the effect of immortality. To celebrate, Magnus takes Jem and Tessa on a journey around the world - no demons, no fighting, just a peaceful holiday. But with their complicated pasts (and Magnus's dress sense!), is 'normal' even a possibility? A Jessa/Malec story.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter Two

"Tessa! It's been too long! Oh, and... James Carstairs? Weren't you a Silent Brother?"

Magnus Bane answered the door with enthusiasm and a flourish of his rather extravagant hat.

"It's a long story. We're both tired, and we were wondering... is there room for us to stay here? Just until Jem gets used to the 21st century!" Tessa laughed delicately, but her eyes betrayed the anxiety she felt.

"Of course there's room - my voice practically echos in this place! We'd be delighted to have visitors."

A rather bemused Alec came towards them from the kitchen. He looked at Magnus for an explanation.

"Alec! There you are. These people will be staying with us for a while. Of course, you know about Tessa. Tessa, James -"

"Er, you can call me Jem."

"Yes. Tessa, Jem, this is Alexander, my... close friend."

Tessa and Jem managed to figure out what he meant - after all, they knew Magnus. They also knew his fashion sense - flamboyant at the best of times, disastrous at the worst - so they didn't question the outfit that he wore.

Earlier that day Alec had audibly sighed when he saw Magnus's chosen outfit, but Magnus saw nothing wrong with it; green silk trousers and a gold sequinned waistcoat were perfectly fashionable items in his opinion. Dull, really, compared to the peacock-feather hat he'd once worn when visiting a certain blonde-haired vampire. Or his blood-red velvet jacket, trimmed with gold brocade, which had been her particular favourite... Drat. He had to stop thinking about Camille.

Magnus was abruptly broken out of his reverie by Alec.

"I guess we should show Tessa and Jem to their rooms?" prompted Alec. He rolled his eyes at Magnus's startled expression. Alec rolled his eyes rather too frequently, Magnus thought.

"Yes, yes! Of course!" Magnus's eyes seemed too bright, his voice artificially cheerful. Alec wondered what he had been daydreaming about. "You can spend some time getting accustomed, but an event like this deserves a celebration."

Tessa and Jem exchanged a nervous glance, wondering what was in store. Magnus's celebrations verged on opened her mouth to ask what exactly he had in mind, but Magnus held up a hand to silence her.

"No questions - I believe surprises are good for the mind and soul! But as a young Welsh man once told me," - Magnus winked at them both - "Fe hoffwn i fod mor feddw, fyddai ddim yn cofio fy enw."