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As usual, quotes from both fandoms. Happy reading!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the TID or Beauty and the Beast characters, nor their stories.
Tale as Old as Time...
CHAPTER 8: SONG AS OLD AS RHYME
1885, Goodramgate, England
Aloysius Starkweather hated surprises. So when he sat perched by the windowsill next to the York Institute's front doors, waiting for Tessa's arrival for hours, he was highly disappointed when a messenger came in her place.
The boy was lanky with thick brown hair; he looked vaguely familiar, but Aloysius didn't care enough to inquire of his whereabouts. He glared from behind Gottshall as the boy raked a hand through his hair and held out a sealed envelope.
Aloysius snatched it from the boy's hands upon seeing a flash of Tessa's neat cursive and ripped it open then and there. His eyes scanned the message furiously, and he grumbled at her words. Kind London shadowhunters? Please, he thought, ripping the letter in half and letting the pieces drift to the floor.
He stomped off towards the dining table, where Cook had just placed a steaming bowl of stew and a piece of bread.
"Stale again," Aloysius mumbled as he bit into the baguette. But he ate his meal quietly anyways, since it was the only thing his granddaughter had told him to do, and he couldn't disappoint the last person in this world that he loved.
Aloysius turned to the portrait of Adele Starkweather in front of him. He finished his meal in silence.
-O-o-O-
Two weeks later: 1885, London, England
"Tessa, Tessa, wake up!" Sophie shook her awake excitedly, and Tessa squinted her eyes as she looked up to see her friend's hazel eyes shining.
"Sophieee," Tessa groaned, rubbing her eyes groggily. "What time is it?"
"Twelve o'clock." Sophie rolled her eyes and tugged on Tessa's bed. Since she had been training as a shadowhunter, she had become much stronger; it wasn't long before Sophie had pulled Tessa off the bed onto the hard wood floor.
Tessa grimaced and shook out her messy braid. "Fine, fine, I'm up." She tugged her hair back into a loose plait. "It wasn't my fault that someone kept me up all night writing Christmas cards to members of the Enclave."
Sophie bat her eyelashes innocently. "I don't know what you're complaining about," she said smiling. "Besides, it is extremely important to keep up Ms. Branwell's charade of, well, being an actual human being. She always sends Christmas greetings, even to the ones who aren't so friendly to her."
Tessa stood up, latching onto the side of her bed for support, and yawned. "So, what's all this urgency of waking me?"
The girl laughed and dragged Tessa towards her dressing room. "We-" Tessa grunted as Sophie helped her into her corset, "are going shopping for dresses for the Yule Ball!"
Tessa raised a brow. She would have thought that boutique shopping was one of Jessie's interests, not Sophie's. "Are we, now?"
She mulled over her thoughts, and then cracked a grin. "Might this be because of a certain...young Mr. Lightwood?" Tessa teased, poking Sophie as she laced up her rose-colored dress and tossed her a velvety red cloak. It was lined in white fur, and looked very expensive.
Tessa gasped. "Sophie, where did you get this?" She ran her hands over the fur, momentarily distracted.
"I stole it from Jessie's wardrobe."
"But-"
"She can't wear it now! Plus, it suits your brown hair and complexion much better than hers."
Tessa laughed, then shoved Sophie playfully. "Fine, then, we can go. But do tell me what this ball is?"
Once concealed in the warmth of the Branwells' carriage, with Thomas at the head, Sophie folded her gloved hands in her lap and grinned at Tessa.
"Right, so the Yule Ball is- or, was- an annual event at the London Institute in which everyone would dress up on the eve of Christmas. It was magical, with beautiful women and dashing men sweeping across the dance floor, and Jem and an orchestra filling the room with the most lovely music."
Sophie spoke animatedly, her bright tone and hand gestures giving Tessa the sense that this was an exclusive rarity at the Institute. "Of course, once the curse happened, we hadn't celebrated much in the years after. But Ms. Branwell told me just last night that I had permission to go out with you, and prepare!" Her eyes gleamed with happiness. "Tessa, it's because of you!"
Tessa smiled, taking her friend's hand in her own. "That's very kind, Sophie, but-"
Sophie shook her head. "No, Tessa, you are most definitely the cause for this change of events. Do not be apologetic," she said, noting Tessa's concerned expression, "I think it will rekindle the holiday spirit the Institute has been missing."
The carriage rolled to a gentle stop, and Tessa peered out the small window and gasped. It was snowing lightly, but a whole street of beautifully-colored boutiques lined the row, displaying delicate fancies she had never seen before.
Thomas helped the two out of the carriage, promising to return three hours later.
"Three hours of shopping?" Tessa asked skeptically. She had never had an eye for fashion; she was more than content to just wear her comfortable patchwork dress and work boots.
Sophie dragged her off. In a whirlwind of fabric and measuring tape, Sophie whisked Tessa off to Jessie's favorite boutiques, both girls trying on multiple gowns until Tessa felt as though her feet would fall off.
Now, Tessa smiled at her transformation in the mirror. All of Sophie's primping and preening had been worth it; she had dressed her up as if she was a princess: half of her plain brown hair was now swept up stunningly while the rest cascaded down her back; crystalline jewels sparkled along her neckline, and Tessa's elegant figure was highlighted by the gown's golden yellow folds. Just for this occasion, she had grudgingly exchanged her work boots for fancier shoes that glittered as she walked.
Sophie marveled at Tessa, but really, she looked just as dashing. Sophie's hair was straight and glossy, her body displaying a beautiful silk and chiffon regal dark purple gown.
"Tessa, you look-"
"Sophie, that dress is just-"
"Gorgeous!" Sophie squealed, at the same time Tessa exclaimed.
Tessa quivered with excitement; although she had celebrated Christmas with her grandfather every year in the York Institute, it was a melancholy affair in which they exchanged gifts briefly and then sat before the fire sipping warm cider. She missed him, with a ferocity buried in her heart, but she now felt as excited as she used to feel as a little girl peeking into her stocking from Saint Nicholas.
Tessa shyly spun to face Sophie, hazel meeting gray. "I think Gideon is going to adore you," Tessa said with a smile. And, before Sophie could respond, Tessa grabbed her arm and marched towards the door.
-O-o-O-
"You're the worst-"
"Shut up, Will!"
"Mae'n gas gen i!"
Jem chuckled, leaping from his perch on Will's armrest to settle besides Gabriel. "I hate you, too, William," he said, stifling his laughter.
Will proceeded to curse in his native tongue while Jessamine cleaned him up, trimming his fur and closing the buttons on the magnificent royal blue and gold aristocratic coat custom made for Will (tailored by Magnus Bane, of course).
"I'm going to literally give you the worst haircut if you don't stop whining." Jessie scolded as she returned to styling the fur around his horns. "It is imperative that you look your best tonight-"
"For she may be the one to break the curse!" Gideon cut in, prancing enthusiastically around the bottom of Will's chair. "It's just been so long..."
Will fidgeted nervously, finally breaking and swatting Jessie away. It was true that he did look better than he had in a long time, his eyes brighter and horns shinier, but he was still a beast. From Tessa's laughter to her adorable adoration of books, he had realized that he wasn't just trying to like a girl to break the curse. He liked her, maybe even loved her, for who she was inside.
Will didn't know what he wanted. He didn't know if he wanted to drag Tessa into the mess of the curse, he didn't know if he wanted her to grow closer to him, but he...he wanted. And there was nothing he could to do to stop it.
Jessie snapped him out of his reverie as she floated backwards with a satisfied smirk. "Well, William, you look like the snarky prince you act like."
Will growled, but turned his gaze towards the mirror lining his wall and rose his brow. For a beast, well, Jessie surpassed his expectations.
"I- I don't know what to say, Jessie."
"Then don't say anything," she replied, the usual attitude left out of her gentle tone. "Go get Tessa."
-O-o-O-
The stars glittered above in the cloudless night sky, bright lights scattered across the rich cobalt canvas. A fresh layer of crisp snow, not yet dirty and gray from pedestrians or vehicles, sparkled along the front steps of the Institute.
Inside the ballroom, Charlotte laughed from her position atop Henry-the-harpsichord's stand, watching Gideon struggle to adorn the grand pine tree with tiny crystal ornaments. Sophie chuckled, spinning Gideon towards her and pecking him on the cheek. She took the orb out of his ginormous hands, easily tying it to a branch with her own thin fingers.
"Do you really think this will work?" Sophie wondered aloud as Jessie, Jem and Gabriel ambled in besides them. "I mean, do you think she suspects?"
"Tessa?" Gabriel said, shaking his small metal head. "She doesn't. I would bet anything that they came together on their own- a few weeks ago, Will came back to the attic with a book in his hand and a smile on his face."
"And I saw them together in the library," Jem interjected, beaming.
"He didn't even swat me away when I was fixing him up," Jessie added. "To let me fuss over him...well, that means he really cares about her."
Charlotte frowned. "If Tessa, by chance, learns to love him, then we will forever be in her debt," she said. "But, you must not interfere. She does not need anything more to weigh her down, the poor girl."
Henry played a few harmonious notes in agreement. "Lottie is right. No matter what happens-"
"Shhhh! I hear someone coming," Gabriel whispered urgently.
Tessa was immediately grateful that her dress did not require a corset; it fell loosely and comfortably around her, the golden silk soft against her skin. She had been looking for Will, hoping to see him and talk about Vathek since she had just finished it the night before, but seeing that his room was empty she set off towards the ballroom.
Her dress whispered along the marble staircase as she descended from the left, looking down as to not trip on her own feet and tumble down the stairs embarrassingly.
When she reached the platform, she looked up, and gasped as her eyes met Will's. He stood right across from her, only a few feet separating them.
The intensity of his blue gaze startled her, but she smiled. "Will," she murmured softly.
Before he could reply, a chorus of violins began to play, an elegant sweeping melody filling the room. Soon gentle chords accompanied the strings. Tessa turned towards the ballroom, marveling at the beauty of the sparkling dance floor and glittering tree near the back of the room.
She didn't see anyone else, but in the moment, it didn't strike her as odd.
Will slowly exhaled the breath he was holding. His paw was quivering, but he tried to calm his nerves. Will Herondale doesn't get frightened, he told himself, despite his shaking body. Traitor, he thought, looking at his paws.
Mustering all his courage, Will softened his gaze, and held his arm out to Tessa. She was the belle of the ball, all golden and shining like an angel he couldn't help but stare at.
He almost collapsed with relief as she grinned and took his arm, and then the two descended down the remaining steps.
Will gulped as he looked down at Tessa, her mouth quirking upwards. And, before he could awkwardly ruin this moment, she pulled him closer and began to sway.
Will wanted to laugh, only Tessa, only his Tess, would start dancing before a man asked her to. But he suppressed his chuckles as he folded his hands over hers and began to waltz with her.
Tessa barely heard the soaring melody of the instruments as she spun with Will. The two twirled in unison under the stars. She caught her breath as he dipped her, then just as swiftly pulled her back up. Their feet moved lightly to the rhythm of the song, never stepping out of line.
From afar it was hard to tell that one was a beast, and the other, a beauty. They danced without collisions, as if the rest of the world had faded away.
Will suddenly pulled Tessa's body flush against his, and she gasped, her breath ragged. "Will-"
His blue eyes shone with warmth, but also something she hadn't seen in them before and couldn't decipher. Their faces were only inches apart.
"Where did you learn to dance?"
Will chuckled, slowly releasing her. The absence of her warmth was immediate as he stepped back, breathing hard.
"I was once a shadowhunter; our agility is helpful for dancing." He replied with a hint of amusement. As he stared into Tessa's curious gray eyes, he wanted to whisk her away. "Do you want to get out of here?"
Tessa laughed, then grabbed his paw again. Will's heart ached as he dragged her back up the stairs, only to lead her up a few more until they stood once again before the vast expanse of books in the Great Library.
She smiled at him. "How did you know just what I'd want to see?"
"How could I not?" He said. "When I think of you, and you are not there, I see you in my mind's eye always with a book in your hand." He looked away from her as he said it, but not before she caught the slight darkening of his brilliant blue eyes.
Tessa was surprised by how affectionate his thought was.
Will headed towards a cozy armchair in one corner of the library, settling down and sprawling out in his seat. He plucked a book he had left off the nearby table, finding his marked page and resuming his reading.
Tessa's cheeks hurt from smiling; she casually sauntered over and bent over his massive shoulder to read the fine print saying the book's name in the top corner. She chuckled gleefully, ready to tease Will.
"What are you reading?
Will opened his mouth, but then quickly slammed the book shut. "King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table."
"Mmhmm," Tessa said sarcastically, moving to rest on the arm of his chair, careful not to ruin her dress. "But Guinevere and Lancelot...it's still a romance." She raised her brow at Will.
Will rolled his eyes. "Alright, Tess, you got me." He stood up, placing the book back down. "Let's get some fresh air."
But Tessa stood, staring at him, her lips slightly parted. She looked bewildered; Will frowned. "What, did I say something wrong?"
Tessa blinked, then shook her head, not meeting his gaze. "No...well...I, um... no one has ever called me Tess before."
A moment of silence. Then, Will burst into laughter. "You're so shocked about a nick name, Tess?" He teased. "Come on, love."
Covering her small hand with his, Will led Tessa towards the balcony, a perfect viewpoint of the Institute's garden's down below and the twinkling stars up above.
He wanted to tell her how he felt, but he couldn't fathom her reaction. His heart was dangling so close to the edge of a cliff, and he could either step back and save himself, or he could plummet off, too far from the possibility of rescue.
Tessa leaned her arms against the balcony's railing, inhaling the chilly night breeze. She turned back towards Will, the smile on her face lighting him up inside.
"Happy Christmas Eve, Will," she said softly.
Will took a step closer, resting besides Tessa. "I bid you the same."
They didn't speak for a moment, as if each other's presence was enough. Then Will asked, "What is he like?" Seeing her look of anticipation, Will cleared his throat and began again. "You know, your grandfather?"
Tessa was clearly surprised by his inquiry; she bit her lip, and turned her gaze towards the faint London skyline in the distance. "My grandfather...he's...well, he's kind. I still remember on my tenth birthday, when I saw a group of shadowhunter teenagers and asked him why they all had matching drawings on their arms."
She closed her eyes, wisps of light hair whipping in the wind. "He told me that they were called runes, and then told me that my mother had them. But that I couldn't, since I was a warlock."
Her eyes met his then, big and gray and brimming with sorrow. "All he has ever done is care for me. And that's all I could ever ask for."
Tessa's gloved hands shook, and in a quick, fervent motion, she removed them. Will watched as her delicate, pale fingers trembled. "I need to save him, Will. The Institute is everything to him. There are memories, and- and it's the only shard of his heart left that he still owns. The Clave can't take it away from him."
"They won't, Tess." Will's voice was rough but gentle. "I swear by the Angel, they won't."
He leaned over to cup her cheek, his paw the size of her face. Tessa shivered, then looked up at the stars.
"Will, why didn't you want me to touch that rose? All those weeks ago, when I first arrived at the Institute?" She still didn't turn to face him.
Will inhaled sharply. He didn't know what to say- the truth? He chuckled nervously. "It's just a rose."
"What are you hiding?"
"Nothing! I-" Will faltered, sighing. He had just admit to himself that he possibly loved Tessa, and he couldn't even tell her the truth? "The curse."
Tessa looked at him expectantly, but only kindness was visible in her eyes. Will ambled on before his doubt could overshadow his thinking. "An enchantress cursed me, and everyone in the Institute." He couldn't bring himself to tell her how to break the curse. "When the last petal falls, I will remain a beast forever, and the others will become antiques. Just as well dead."
Tessa gaped. "Will- there must be a way to break it."
Will sighed. "There is."
Her jaw dropped.
Will turned away, and mumbled so softly he was afraid he'd have to repeat himself, "It will be broken when someone falls in love with me. For who I am."
He heard a deep breath. He guessed Tessa had heard him. But he wasn't prepared for what happened next.
"So you've kept me locked up in the Institute, probably under the false promise of helping my grandfather, so you could seduce me? And break the curse?"
At her sharp outburst, Will spun around, looking as if she'd slapped him.
"I didn't keep you here so you'd be seduced!"
"Then, what?" Her voice rose, her whole body shaking. "You did it because it's your mandate? Because the Law says-"
"I did it because I love you!" He half-shouted, and then, as if registering the shocked look on her face, he said in a more subdued voice, "I love you, Tessa, and I have loved you, almost since the moment I met you. When you barged into the attic unafraid-"
"But you lied." Her voice was uncharacteristically low and quiet. "You lied to me, Will, about the curse, about...about everything. How can you live with yourself, and what you've inflicted on your friends?"
Will sputtered, but she shook her head softly. "Stop. It doesn't matter now, if you're telling the truth, or just...just forget. I hope you find a girl willing enough to fall in love with you," she said, her voice a menacing calm. "I should get back to York."
And Will watched as the one girl who had made everything seem possible left, slipping through the doors back into the library, until Will was left alone in the cold night.
AHHH last part was hard to write. :( When can we get to the happy fairytale ending? But anyways, as always, thank you to the moon and back for reading and stay tuned for more soon!
xoxo