November 1878, London
Will Had to admit it felt empty without Jem. Not just the Institute but his own soul felt like it was missing something. Not that he was truly gone but it felt like it. No one spoke at meal times or anytime really. There were still screams in the night and tears at odd moments. He had wandered the halls late at night to find Sophie curled on the floor asleep or Gabriel wandering aimlessly just as he was.
The one he was most worried about was Tessa. Some mornings he would find her sitting in Jem's room staring off into space, unaware he was watching her like right now. He walked closer towards her. He knelt beside her next to the armchair and took her hand in his. He watched her mouth turn up at the corners for a moment. "You know it's impolite to spy." she said softly that had it not been so deftly quite he wouldn't of heard her. "I'm not spying. I'm politely admiring you." He exclaimed forcing the amusement into his voice. She exhaled a short breath as if meaning to laugh but didn't have the heart to. He got to his feet, her hand still in his and tugged at it impatiently. "Get up." He said pulling her out of the chair. "and get dressed." he ordered. "Will… I… " she started "No excuses just go." he said placing his finger to her lips. "Will what are you doing?" she demanded swatting his hand away. Will smiled at her trying to get one from her in return. He would spend the whole day trying to make her smile again, spend a lifetime trying. "Today Miss Gray I am going to court you." He said matter-of-factly. "We are going to walk together through Hyde Park and I'm going to hold your hand." once again the corners of her mouth curled up. "After that we will return here and I will recite you a whole volume of Keats and then…." "all right, all right. As you desire." She said pulling away from him and heading for the door, but not without flashing him a smile before she left.
Brother Zachariah watched from afar was they made their way down the path. He was glamored so as not to frighten any passers by. His emotion felt dull and deflated but not entirely. It was if they were a balloon and not all the air had managed to escape. He felt something watching the pair stroll slowly down the path.
It was something between relief and joy. It was small and not dominant to the numbness that occupied most of him. It was there but small. He was happy for them. Seeing them together made him feel at peace. Will had clearly said something to make Tessa smile. Her smile so radiant he could see it form here. She looked like she hadn't smiled in ages. 'Yes I love you still. I love Will, too.' Her words drifted into his mind. The hurt he had caused her, the hurt he had caused the both of them. He watched as they walked passed him without noticing. He saw their fingers laced together, Will watching her as she spoke, because he knew as well as Jem that her words were like poetry.
He was happy they had each other. Thats all he'd ever wanted. The spark of light and emotion grew as he saw Tess cover her mouth to laugh. He waited till they'd disappeared from his line of sight and then began his ascent back to the silent city. HIs heart feeling light and content to the point he felt weightless. He had a feeling this would not be his last encounter with them and thought of and because he knew Will would somehow make up some ridiculous reason for him to visit. He almost smiled at the idea.
A/N: Requested by the wonderful AnnaMariaNordlade, so thank you :) Jem Is such a sweet heart and I love his unconditional love for the both of them.
I've decided That I'm going back to the old updated schedule seeing how it was more convent the first time around so that means we'er back to Tuesdays and Thursdays folks. Again i jut want to thank you guys for sticking by while all that randomness was going on. Also you all fabulous as always:)
- RowanWhitethorn22