Sorry it's been so long! I have no excuse really other than I didn't have the patience to do it. Anyway, I'll try to make the chapters longer because I know they are shorter than other stories.

Will awoke the next morning to find Tessa leaning over him, her luscious brown hair tickling his cheek. "What in the world are you doing out here, William?" Will's mouth quirked up at the sound of her gentle and curious voice. Will could count on her to brighten his mood, no matter his state of emotion; though he tried to hide it well, and hide it was what he did.

He squinted into her face and said, "Oh, nothing, just waiting for you to come out of Jem's bedroom. By the way, the next time you are planning to sleep with another boy, let me know so that I can go to The Devil's Tavern and get wasted to save me the pain." He actually didn't mind all that much that Tessa had gone to Jem, or at least he didn't mind as much as he should have; though he knew it would eventually happen. He looked up at her face, and when he saw her sad gray eyes looking at him, and hollow pit began to form in his stomach. He should've known not to say things like that, especially to Tessa. Words were one of the greatest weapons you have, he had learned.

Her expression went to one of confusion, to one of anger in an instant. "Coming from the likes of you! You went ahead and did that anyway, and might I add that you also abandoned me in your bedroom when you were the one who offered the idea in the first place."

"Well, Miss Gray, I rather thought I was giving you a boon, considering that most women would have loved to have been in my bedroom, alone or not." He regretted his words, as always. Tessa pulled herself away from him. When she stood tall and firm, he began to pick himself up, but as he raised his body onto his elbows; Tessa had put her foot on his chest. If he had been anything but a Shadowhunter, her strength would've most definitely have knocked the wind out of him.

Will was about to make a comment when Jem and all his silver glory stepped out of his room and glanced down to the floor. He gave Will a curious glance before reaching his arm out to Tessa. "Shall we head to the dining room now, Tessa?" She smiled a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes before taking his outstretched arm into hers and they walked down the corridor. About halfway down, not unexpectantly, Will might add, Jem turned his head and asked, "Are you going to be joining us, Will? Or would you prefer to lay outside my bedroom all day?" There was no humor in his voice, but Will still let out a small laugh that was barely audible. He stood and took as much time as he needed to catch up to Jem and Tessa. "Oh and Will?"

"Yes?"

"I think you and I should have a discussion. Later." Jem glanced at Tessa, who pretended to ignore their conversation. When he looked back at Will, he had a sort of fierce protectiveness in his eyes, one that couldn't be mistaken with anything but love, one that Will wished he could provide for Tessa, but knew that he couldn't. The thought of it angered him and his heart felt as if it were about to leap out of his chest.

*
Tessa's POV

Tessa was waiting outside of Jem's bedroom for Will to escort her to his bedroom, where she would try to stay once more, but she was uncertain of it. Night had fallen and the London streets had become less crowded, though there were still many stragglers, returning home from G-d knows where. Jem and Will had raised their voices more than once, but for the most part, their conversation was one of hushed and frustrated whispers, which she had no doubt was about her.

Then, all of a sudden, it was complete utter silence. Tessa raised her hand to knock, but as her hand reached the door, Will burst through it, face flustered and hand clenched in a fist. Tessa fell forward and Will reached out to steady her. She opened her mouth to thank him, but when she saw the tension in his shoulders, she immediately fell silent. He walked away and Tessa followed suit, not daring to say a word.

When they finally reached the room, Will collapsed on the bed. Tessa didn't know whether to stay or go, but she chose to leave. Will obviously had a lot of issues to work out. She turned to leave, but Will's sounded from behind her. "Where are you going, Tessie? Please don't leave?" It came out as a question, which rather surprised Tessa, especially coming from the usually confident Will. She didn't say anything, just walked to his bed and sat down gently, gathering her skirts, careful not to tear the hem.

His hands which moments before, covered his eyes, were now reaching for hers. He pulled her towards him, and she snuggled her head into his broad, muscular chest. He pulled away for a moment and as Tessa sat up to see what was the matter, his lips met hers. She kissed him back harshly, their lips moving together in unison. She pulled herself up on her elbows, trying to get as close to Will as she could. Tessa all of a sudden froze, feeling a wall of wrongness erase any longing she had to kiss Will at that moment. He must have sensed her tensing up because he pulled away. "What's wrong, Tessie?"

"Why do you keep calling me that?" She asked with a sort of hushed cry.

Will looked at her, as confused by her words as she was. "I'm sorry, I lo…"

Knowing what he was going to say- I love you- she immediately interrupted him. "Never mind that. I'm tired so… let's go to bed." She looked into his eyes, not wanting to offend him, but also not wanting to touch him until she sorted out her feelings.

"A…alright. All right then. Goodnight Tessa." He was obviously trying to hide his hurt. She could tell not only from his voice, but also at the look of pain that flashed across his eyes. He leaned forward to kiss her hand, but she had already turned around. He still put his arm around her though, and even though she didn't want to kiss Will, she didn't mind snuggling into his body. The last thing she heard before drifting off to sleep was the soft whisper of Will's voice saying, "I love you." She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but, his voice sounded almost… scared. But was he afraid to love her or was it something else completely?

Okay, so I was going to make this chapter longer, but I just wanted to post it after so long. The next chapter will be up in 3 days at the latest.