Hello! Happy (belated) Easter, my lovelies! :)

So, as you can tell, I have finished CoA… I was going to start CoG since I have it, but then I remembered my story.

Okay, actually, that's not true. I'm nearly halfway through CoG! I just wasn't allowed to have electronics all day Sunday...

And all day Monday I was at the beach...

Okay! First order of business. This chapter will be super mushy, fluffy, sweet, romantic…

Even though I am having trouble writing this. Okay, not really. I'm super pissed at my parents. They made me break up with my boyfriend of nearly two years… I haven't seen him in 4 1/2 months, and he was planning on flying down to see me in 3 weeks for our anniversary… His ticket was $3000, and they gave him the OK to come. And then they pulled this and told him he couldn't come, and all that money is just gone, down the drain...

Anyway, here are my responses:

M. MarvinN. Nancy: I really liked writing this chapter, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

Zstar1: I updated in a reasonable amount of time, didn't I? :)

bow down to me peasants: Okay, the Nate mystery will reveal itself soon. However, he won't make an appearance in this chapter.

SilverCarstairs:

Firstly: I love it when you identify my believable fluff! :D

Secondly: It won't be incest… I think I PM'd you on this? … Honestly, I don't remember. This week has been hectic… Anyway, they just share a common last name.

Thirdly: Yes, Jem… I know how you wanted this for Jem.

Fourthly: We all have those days when we wake up unusually early despite the circumstances!

Also, I think I read pretty quickly! Did I not?! :O

Morning and Eve: It was more than just that sentence. Well, I guess not. But it had a big impact on me. See, for years I've been so self-conscious and shy when it came to my writing (neither of which are my general personality) so I was SUPER nervous about posting my writing on the Internet for ANYONE to see. But, after seeing all my wonderful reviews, follows, favorites, etc., it has significantly boosted my confidence in my writing. And, (despite that others just ask me to update soon or say they love my story) your reviews stood out. Why? Because you tell me you love my writing! And saying you'd die if I wrote a book really means more than you'll ever know. It helps me come out of my writing shell. ANYWAY, I'm in love with 1D! Yay! Someone agrees with my song choices. :) I wasn't sure if this chapter would get good reviews because it was kind of the same story, just in different POV's, but I'm so glad you like it! BTW, I like that abbreve. OMGTITCFMIMDN is my new motto. SO! Yes, Jem is bi. I figured, instead of being like the other Heronstairs FanFic's, I'd make him stand out more by giving him more... options, I suppose. I formally give you permission to be Fandom Queen should I ever publish a book! And yes, you bring a smile to my face every time you review! Please continue to do so. :)

combatbootchic12: Those 3 words are soon to come! Oh, and so far, I am succeeding quite well! :)

accioswiftgames: Yes, I suppose it is... "sexual". But, I have left the adventures under the sheets to the imagination because, well... You know. YES! I know this sounds weird (I don't mean it to be) but I'm glad it creeped you out because it means that the story line... sucks the reader in I guess? Thank you so much for reviewing this! :O And yes, CoA is done, and I had lots of fun reading it!

Thalia (Guest): Yes the Jem being bi thing has yet to resolve itself! And I'm glad you like all the Wessa. :) What is your preference: Jem with a girl, or Jem with a guy? Which are you most interested in reading about?

June (Guest): Here is the update... :)

Mrs Jace Wayland-Herondale: BTW, I LOVE your FanFic name! Oh, and for your first review: It's good that chapter 1 drew you in! :) And yes I cried reading Clockwork Princess too... Now for your second review: Yes, part of Will was inspired by the lovely Christian Grey. And thank you! I'm glad you like my writing style! :) It means the world to me! Third review: Don't worry about the length of the review... Really, I enjoy reviews! The longer the better! And honestly... I think Sideon will come back, but much later in the story. Now for the Jem-violin thing... it's not such a bad idea.

AmityClary2020: Thank you solo much! :) And yes Jem is bi like Magnus.

So there you go! Enjoy the chapter my fellow readers! Thank you so much for your continued support... You guys really have no idea how much this brightens my day amidst my crazy, real, non-FanFiction life.

Please keep in mind that I did not have a description of Tessa's parents, so I kind of winged it!

Disclaimer: Come on, guys...


Chapter 11-I Love You

WILL'S POV

Thanksgiving passed quickly.

Tessa's flights back to America were "cancelled". She was upset; in tears. I let her stay with me that night, as she did most other nights. But there was something different that night; she clung to me with desperate urgency that I'd never seen in her before.

The next day, however, Tessa's surprise appeared on the doorstep of my lake house. Her parents stood there, and Tessa had thrown herself at them, tears shining in her eyes.

Tessa looked strikingly like her mother, Elizabeth; the undeniable splash of long brown hair and glittering grey eyes, oval faces and high cheekbones. Her father, Richard, was tall and broad-shouldered with close-cropped blonde hair and warm brown eyes.

She had looked at me then like she never had before; her grey eyes gleaming with something more than admiration or adoration. No, I knew exactly what it was, and I knew what words had died on her lips before she spoke them.

I knew what she wanted to say, and I knew why she hadn't said it.

I knew it was because she was waiting for me to say them.

And I was going to say those three words. Little did she know what she had in store for that moment.


TESSA'S POV

I spent Thanksgiving with both Will's family and my family; I had no siblings, and Will's two sisters were there along with his parents and my parents.

It was all so warm and welcoming, all of us gathered around the table in the Herondales' cabin.

The Herondale family was perfect.

There was Will's mother, Linette, where Ella, Will, and Cecily inherited their looks from. She was a slender and beautiful woman with the familiar spill of licorice-black hair, brilliant violet eyes and dimples when she smiled at me.

Attached to her side constantly was his father, Edmund. He was tall and broad shouldered, like Will. He had light blue eyes and a mass of fair hair slightly streaked with grey. His eyes had smile lines around them.

The entire family was attractive and beautiful in their own ways.

I had missed Jem though; he had spent it with his family on the other side of London.

The whole week had gone smoothly and perfectly. Will and I were never better; we were all smiles and ogling eyes when we looked at each other.

I had shared Jem's room with Cecily and Ella, and had bonded with the two sisters. They were nearly identical; bubbly, enthusiastic, and funny.

But the entire time I had been expecting Will to tell me he loved me, because I couldn't bring myself to say it first.

And I knew he wanted to say it by the knowing looks he gave me.


WILL'S POV

I was ready to tell Tessa what she'd been wanting to hear. I had been waiting for the perfect moment to do so, but it hadn't come yet.

So I had started to plan it. Not her reaction, but how I would do it.

Tonight she was coming to my house expecting a romantic dinner, a movie, and cuddling. All of that was going to happen, just after my plan.

I was getting nervous, checking my watch every ten seconds or so. She was supposed to be here around 5:30 to catch the sunset with me.

It was 5:25.

I was dressed in a white button-down with a black blazer over it and a pair of dark jeans. I fiddled with the rose in my hand, twirling it around.

I checked my reflection in the mirror by the front door. My hair was freshly trimmed; not cut. It was combed neatly so that my eyes were fully visible. My eyes were bright but reflected how nervous I was.

My heart was pounding loudly in my chest; I had never told a girl I loved her before. At least, not a girl outside my family. What if she didn't like my plan? What if she laughed?

I gasped. What if she didn't say it back?

Headlights cast shadows into the front room from outside.

Oh, God. She was here.

I felt nauseous, ready to throw up as my heart leapt to my throat.

If this is what love was supposed to feel like, how did people tolerate it on a consistent basis?

Suddenly the door opened and there Tessa stood in front of me.

My breath hitched in my throat when I saw her. She was wearing dark skinny jeans with brown boots, a tight-fitting ruffled pink top, a white scarf and her peacoat. Her makeup was left to a minimum and her hair was in its natural waves.

Good. I loved it when she accepted her natural beauty.

"Tess," I said, grinning. I reached behind her to shut the door before pulling her into my arms.

"Why, hello there," Tessa said, smiling up at me and puckering her lips for a kiss. I bent down and pressed my lips to hers, squeezing her momentarily before releasing her.

I handed her the single rose I had been holding and placed a kiss on her forehead. "This is for you, snow princess."

She blushed and accepted the flower, leaning in to smell it. "I love roses. You did good, William." She dropped a wink.

"Well, I just figured I could get some if I got you a flower of sorts..." I trailed off, letting her know I was joking.

She giggled, following me to the kitchen. She took a seat at the bar while I turned toward the stove. "Well, perhaps you will should you play your cards right tonight."

"Did I ever tell you I'm excellent at cards? Especially poker." I put everything at a low temperature so they would stay warm but wouldn't cook any longer.

Tessa raised an eyebrow at me but was smirking. "William Herondale," she breathed.

"Yes?" I asked, turning toward her.

"Are you making spaghetti again? Because I'm beginning to think that you'll never let me go on a no-carb diet even if I really wanted to," she teased.

I laughed and came around the counter. I took both her hands in mine, pulling her to her feet. I kissed her hard and slow, her lips parting at my touch, my hands clasping her hips in a tight grip.

She groaned as she broke the embrace. "As much as I love kissing you, you spent all that time making that wonderful spaghetti, and I would hate for it to go to waste."

I raised an eyebrow at her, shaking my head and grinning at her. "As you wish, my Tess."


Tessa and I had just finished my spaghetti. She had thoroughly enjoyed it, practically licking her plate clean. I admired her across the table, taking in her every feature.

From the light sprinkle of freckles across her nose and cheeks, to her soft pink lips, everything about her made me feel... Happy? Warm? No. In love.

She had shed her jacket, her shoulders now almost bare.

"You're staring at me. Why are you staring at me?" Tessa asked suddenly.

I pushed my chair back and stood up, walking around to the other side of the table to grab her hands. I pulled her to her feet. She just gazed up at me, her grey eyes wide and sparkling.

"I will be right back. Stay here," I whispered, pressing a small kiss to her forehead as she nodded.

I went to the back of the house, into the room that overlooked the lake in my backyard. It was nearly completely frozen now.

I slowly opened the door. The smell of rose petals and candles floated gently around me in a soothing aroma. I walked into the dark room and picked up the lighter that had been sitting on the bay window. I lit the candles that lined the window sill, the ones on top of the piano.

The room was lit with a warm glow, dim but romantic. In the middle of the wall to the left was the bay window, with the candles flickering, reflecting in the glass. In the far left corner was the grand piano, it's black finish shining in the orange glow of the candles. Leaning against the piano was my guitar.

Rose petals were strewn around the room delicately but carefully. They were a deep red, like the one I gave her tonight.

I swallowed. I had never been so nervous before. What if she didn't like what I did for her?

I shook my head, trying to shake the nerves off. I was just overthinking it. That's all. Just overthinking it.

I exhaled sharply before turning and exiting the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

I rounded the corner and saw Tessa pacing in front of the bar, her heels clacking against the wood floor, her eyes distant.

My Tessa, always lost in thought.

Her eyes landed on me and immediately brightened. She ran toward me, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"What were you doing?" She wondered, beaming.

I gulped. Here goes.

"I want you to come with me, okay? I want you to see something with me, but most of all, I want you to hear what I have to say," I told her, bracing myself for the worst.

She nodded, searching my eyes. "Of course."

I lead her back to the room, clutching her hand like it was my lifeline.

And maybe it was.

I looked back at her once before pulling her in front of me and pushing the door open. She gasped and released my hand.

I stiffened. Was that a good or bad sign?

"Will," she breathed as she walked into the room. I followed her, gently shutting the door behind us.

"What?" I replied.

Tessa turned to face me. Candlelight flickered in her eyes, lit her skin with a soft glow.

"You did all this for... for me?"

I nodded. "Do you... Do you not like it?"

Her eyes widened. "No! No, Will. I love it. It's so sweet! I love it," she said, then paused. "I..."

I knew what she was going to say, but I couldn't let her say it first.

"Tess, I brought you in here so I could do something for you."

Her lips formed in O. "And what would that be?"

I guided her over to the bay window, pressing down on her shoulders to make her sit.

I sat down on the piano bench, turning to face her. "I want you to know I've never done anything like this before. I've been working on this for the past few weeks, in every spare moment of mine that you're not with me. I wanted to make sure this moment was perfect."

I raised my eyes to meet hers. They were glinting with some emotion that I couldn't identify, but her face gave me all the courage I needed.

"Okay, then," she said, smiling. "I'm ready to see what you have planned for me."

I reached for my guitar, settling it in my lap. I took a deep breath and started strumming. The notes were now so familiar they came almost naturally. I was still nervous when I opened my mouth to sing.

"Your hand fits in mine
Like it's made just for me
But bear this in mind
It was meant to be-," I heard her gasp, and my eyes flashed to her for just a moment. Her eyes were wide, her lips parted. She wasn't horrified, no, she was surprised.

"And I'm joining up the dots with the freckles on your cheeks
And it all makes sense to me
I know you've never loved
The crinkles by your eyes
When you smile
You've never loved
Your stomach or your thighs,
The dimples in your back at the bottom of your spine
But I'll love them endlessly

I won't let these little things slip out of my mouth
But if I do
It's you
Oh, it's you they add up to
I'm in love with you-," I met her eyes now. They were glittering with unshed tears. This time I maintained eye contact with her.

"And all these little things

You can't go to bed without a cup of tea
And maybe that's the reason that you talk in your sleep
And all those conversations are the secrets that I keep
Though it makes no sense to me
I know you've never loved
The sound of your voice on tape
You never want
To know how much you weigh
You still have to squeeze into your jeans
But you're perfect to me

I won't let these little things slip out of my mouth
But if it's true
It's you,
It's you they add up to
I'm in love with you
And all these little things

You'll never love yourself half as much as I love you
And you'll never treat yourself right, darling, but I want you to.
If I let you know I'm here for you
Maybe you'll love yourself like I love you, oh.

And I've just let these little things slip out of my mouth
'Cause it's you,
Oh, it's you,
It's you they add up to
And I'm in love with you
And all these little things

I won't let these little things slip out of my mouth
But if it's true
It's you,
It's you they add up to
I'm in love with you
And all your little things."

My fingers stopped strumming, and I hadn't broken eye contact with her. As practiced, I went right into the next song.

"I've tried playing it cool
But when I'm looking at you
I can't ever be brave
'Cause you make my heart race
Shot me out of the sky
You're my kryptonite
You keep making me weak
Yeah, frozen and can't breathe-," a tear slipped down Tessa's cheek now, and she wiped it away quickly, not letting her eyes wander from mine.

"Something's gotta give now
'Cause I'm dying just to make you see
That I need you here with me now
'Cause you've got that one thing
So get out, get out, get out of my head
And fall into my arms instead
I don't, I don't, don't know what it is
But I need that one thing
And you've got that one thing

Now I'm climbing the walls
But you don't notice at all
That I'm going out of my mind
All day and all night-," I grinned at her. Performing in front of her was easier now, and I wasn't afraid anymore. Not with the way she was looking at me.

"Something's gotta give now
'Cause I'm dying just to know your name
And I need you here with me now
'Cause you've got that one thing
So get out, get out, get out of my head
And fall into my arms instead
I don't, I don't, don't know what it is
But I need that one thing
And you've got that one thing

Oo-ooo-ooooh
Oo-ooo-ooooh
Oo-ooo-ooooh

You've got that one thing
Get out, get out, get out of my head
And fall into my arms instead
So get out, get out, get out of my head
And fall into my arms instead
I don't, I don't, don't know what it is
But I need that one thing
So get out, get out, get out of my mind
And come on, come into my life
I don't, I don't, don't know what it is
But I need that one thing
And you've got that one thing."

I paused. Two down, two to go.

"Will!" She cried. Two more tears slid down her cheeks, but this time she didn't bother to wipe them away.

I smiled, but kept playing.

"Am I asleep, am I awake, or somewhere in between?
I can't believe that you are here and lying next to me
Or did I dream that we were perfectly entwined?
Like branches on a tree, or twigs caught on a vine?
Like all those days and weeks and months I tried to steal a kiss
And all those sleepless nights and daydreams where I pictured this,
I'm just the underdog who finally got the girl
And I am not ashamed to tell it to the world

Truly, madly, deeply, I am
Foolishly, completely falling
And somehow you caved all my walls in
So baby, say you'll always keep me
Truly, madly, crazy, deeply in love with you
In love with you-," Tessa covered her mouth with her hands; it covered the infectious smile she wore.

Should I put coffee and granola on a tray in bed
And wake you up with all the words that I still haven't said?
And tender touches, just to show you how I feel
Or should I act so cool like it was no big deal?
Wish I could freeze this moment in a frame and stay like this
I'll put this day back on replay and keep reliving it
'Cause here's the tragic truth if you don't feel the same
My heart would fall apart if someone said your name-," Tessa sucked in a shaking breath, drawing her hands away from her face.

"And truly, madly, deeply, I am
Foolishly, completely falling
And somehow you caved all my walls in
So baby, say you'll always keep me
Truly, madly, crazy, deeply in love with you

I hope I'm not a casualty,
Hope you won't get up and leave
Might not mean that much to you
But to me it's everything, everything

Truly, madly, deeply, I am
Foolishly, completely falling
And somehow you caved all my walls in
So baby, say you'll always keep me
Truly, madly, crazy deeply in love with you

In love with you
In love with you
With you."

Nervously, I set my guitar down, leaning it against the piano. I stood up and walked over to Tessa.

"Will, I-," she started, gazing up at me.

"Shh," I hushed, pulling her to her feet and guiding her over to the piano. I sat, and she stood just to the side of it, so I could see her. I glanced up before I set my hands down on the keys. She was giving me a look I had never seen before; one filled with love and admiration.

"I have one more," I told her, and then let my fingers fall over the keys smoothly and gracefully.

"People say we shouldn't be together
We're too young to know about forever
But I say they don't know what they're talk-talk-talkin' about
'Cause this love is only getting stronger
So I don't wanna wait any longer
I just wanna tell the world that you're mine, girl, oh

They don't know about the things we do
They don't know about the "I love you's"
But I bet you if they only knew (they don't know)
They would just be jealous of us,
They don't know about the up all nights
They don't know I've waited all my life
Just to find a love that feels this right
Baby they don't know about, they don't know about us-," I caught Tessa's eyes, her tear-filled eyes shone orange in the flickering candle light. In her eyes I saw exactly what I was feeling.

One touch and I was a believer
Every kiss it gets a little sweeter
It's getting better
Keeps getting better all the time, girl

They don't know about the things we do
They don't know about the "I love you"'s
But I bet you if they only knew
They would just be jealous of us,
They don't know about the up all nights
They don't know I've waited all my life
Just to find a love that feels this right
Baby they don't know about, they don't know about us

They don't know how special you are
They don't know what you've done to my heart
They can say anything they want
'Cause they don't know us

They don't know what we do best
It's between me and you, our little secret
But I wanna tell 'em
I wanna tell the world that you're mine, girl

They don't know about the things we do
They don't know about the "I love you"'s
But I bet you if they only knew
They would just be jealous of us,
They don't know about the up all nights
They don't know I've waited all my life
Just to find a love that feels this right
Baby they don't know about, they don't know about us

They don't know about us."

I let my hands fall to my lap before I looked up to Tessa again. Now that I was finished, I was nervous about what she would say or do. I searched her face for a sign of what she would do, for anything.

"Will, I-I don't know what to say," she whispered.

I rose from the piano bench, making my way toward her, slowly. She didn't back away from me, but welcomed my presence. I wrapped my fingers around her wrists, gently tugging them away from her face.

Tessa intertwined her fingers with mine, and I could see her face clearly now, glowing in the dim light. She bursted into tears, burying her face in my neck. At first, it startled me, but I let go of her hands and tucked her into me. One arm snaked around her waist while the other hand stroked her hair.

"That was," she mumbled into my neck in between sobs, "the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. God, Will, what have you done to me? Why am I crying? And how did you know I like One Direction?"

I laughed softly as she tilted her head back to look at me. She shook her head in disbelief as she realized the answer to her own question.

"Jem," we said in unison.

"I was just trying to figure out the best way to say it to you, Tess. I knew you were waiting for it, I just... I just haven't done this before," I admitted, brushing her hair back from sticking to her wet cheeks.

"Say it without the songs, as wonderful as you made them."

A smile crept onto my face. "I love you, Tess. I love you."

She grinned. "I love you, too, Will."

My heart jumped into my throat and all my worries, all my nervousness went away.

Who knew three small words could produce such a feeling?

Not wanting any more distance between us, I gripped the hair at the nape of Tessa's neck and looked down at her, pleading with my eyes. I wanted to kiss her so badly, wanted to let go all of the tension we'd had in the past few weeks.

She got the hint and locked her hands together behind my neck, pulling me down to her lips.

My lips met hers in a bruising kiss; every feeling, every emotion, every worry dissipated at the single touch. Her lips parted gently, a soft moan escaping them, and I took the opportunity to tenderly caress her bottom lip with the tip of my tongue. Her tongue brushed against mine, and I pulled her against me tighter, gripping a handful of her shirt in one hand and a handful of her hair in the other.

She bit my lip and I broke away, bending to graze feather-light kisses over her temples, her nose, her cheeks, down her jaw, hovering just over her lips, teasing her, taunting her, probing her. My kisses made their way down her neck, my tongue lightly skimming the skin as I continued. I stopped at the base of her neck, right above her collarbone. I knew that spot was sensitive to her, that she enjoyed the most.

I released her hair, fumbling for the straps of her top, yanking them down over her shoulders, my fingers trembling as they skimmed over her skin. I lightly pressed my lips to her shoulders-

Tessa tugged on my hair. I raised my head to look at her.

"You want to do this... in here? Or in your room?" she whispered, panting, breaking the silence of the room.

I struggled to catch my breath. "Wherever you want, my love."

She grinned, then broke away from me. She turned, blowing out every candle on the bay window, leaving the ones on the piano. We were immersed into near complete darkness when she curled herself into me again, pulling me into her lips again, and her embrace engulfed me.

And this time, nothing was going to pull me out. I was there for good.

I knew in that moment, I knew when she let those three words escape her lips, that she was the one I had been waiting for, and that's why I had never found anyone before her. She was my hand to hold, and I hers. She was the one I was meant to hold. She came into my world, and suddenly my world was changed forever.

Other than Jem, no one else's eyes could see into me.

Everything had fallen into place; the stars aligned above just as Tessa and I collided.

And I wasn't going to let anyone, or anything, tear us apart.


So... yes, I know. This chapter mainly consisted of song lyrics. I would apologize, but... if a man ever did this to me, I would straight-up marry him on the spot (not really, but you know what I mean... I hope).

Anyway! Other than the song lyrics (which I thought were adorable and needed to be said) what did you guys think? R&R as always :)

Playlist:

Little Things-One Direction

One Thing-One Direction

Truly, Madly, Deeply-One Direction

They Don't Know About Us-One Direction

Ride-SoMo

Heart By Heart-Demi Lovato

I have been waiting to write this chapter for so long! I have imagined it in my head for so long, and I hope I have lived up to the suspense. But don't worry-the story is far from being over! I have huge plans for this story.

Remember to R&R! Give me suggestions.

Oh! I have a dilemma. Jem is bi, like Magnus (as AmityClary2020 pointed out). I don't think the TMI Lightwoods will make TOO BIG an appearance in this story (they will be here-I have a scene envisioned for this) so I don't think I'll ship Malec (which I totally do) for this. I was thinking Magnus/Jem, Sophie/Gideon? What are your thoughts? Let me know in your review!

Until I finish CoG...

Xoxo!
~Caitlyn :)