Disclaimer: All characters belong to Cassandra Clare.
WARNING: This chapter contains a lemon, so is rated M.
~0~0~0~0~0~
The bride wore gold for the wedding; that was the Shadowhunter custom.
It was quite the blessing, it seemed, as Sophie had often thought that white washed out her skin too much. Now, as she stood before the mirror, she could barely recognise herself.
"Sophie," Charlotte said breathlessly from behind her, having just finished tucking in the last of the shining pins into Sophie's hair. "You look so beautiful."
Charlotte and Henry had travelled from Alicante, where they had moved to when Charlotte had accepted her new position as Consul, to be at the London Institute for the wedding. Although most Shadowhunter weddings were usually held in Alicante itself, Gideon and Sophie had been allowed to have theirs at the London Institute upon request.
Tessa, who was standing beside Charlotte, smiled warmly. "Gold is definitely your colour."
The dress was beautiful. Sophie had been speechless when she had first seen it, and even now as she stood wearing it. The material was lightly traced with threaded runes that shimmered when they caught the light. It hugged her frame delicately, showing off her curves whilst still keeping her modesty. The warm colour of the dress complimented Sophie's dark hair and hazel eyes quite nicely.
Tessa clapped her hands together in delight. "I cannot wait to see Gideon's face when he sees you!"
Charlotte squeezed Sophie's shoulders. "Are you ready?"
"No," She answered honestly.
Always sensitive to people's emotions, Tessa's smile faded. "Sophie, what is it? What are you worried about? You know Gideon loves you-"
"I know." Sophie reassured her, meeting her gaze in the mirror. "I just feel...nervous."
"Every bride feels butterflies on the morning of her wedding." Charlotte said. "It is perfectly normal, and you have nothing to worry about, my dear Sophie. Everything will be perfect."
Everything will be perfect, she repeated to herself as she took in her reflection. Of course, everything would be perfect. She was marrying Gideon. At the end of this day, she would be his wife. That in itself was perfect.
But, she found she could not lie to her friends, to the women who had always been supportive and kind to her. "I am nervous, though." She admitted. "Tonight..."
Charlotte made a quiet noise of understanding. "Ah, yes. Your first time is certainly a big event in your life. No one takes it lightly, nor could anyone fault you for being a little anxious. I imagine Gideon is feeling rather nervous for it as well."
The thought of Gideon Lightwood ever being nervous about anything seemed too strange for Sophie's mind to comprehend. "What if I do something wrong?"
"Sophie, you could show up to this wedding in a bright pink frock and Gideon wouldn't care, as long as you are with him." Tessa pointed out affectionately. "You two will learn together."
But what if he already knows? What if I am giving him something that he won't be able to give me? The thought bothered her more than she was willing to admit, so she pushed it away. "You're right."
"Besides, it's clear as glass how much Gideon loves you. He practically worships the ground you walk on." Tessa added.
Sophie thought back to the previous evening fondly. Gideon was due to go to the local tavern with Will and Gabriel, while Sophie stayed at the Institute with Tessa and Cecily to discuss 'womanly things'. Before he had gone, Gideon had swept her up into his arms and kissed her until her lungs had been starved of oxygen, as if making up for the fact that he wouldn't see her until the following day.
As they parted, she had nestled her nose into the crook of his neck, smelling cinnamon and spiced apple, and teasingly threatened, "You better not have any women throwing themselves at you tonight, Gideon Lightwood."
He had chuckled, his hand brushing against her hair lightly as he eased her head back so he could kiss her again. "I assure you, my love," He said against her mouth. "You will never have anything to worry about."
The door to the room opened, bringing Sophie back from her memory, and Cecily entered, wearing a pretty gown and a smile on her face as she took in Sophie. "I think Gideon's heart may stop when he sees you." She said, her blue eyes lighting with her smile. "I've just left them, they've headed downstairs."
Charlotte gave Sophie another squeeze. "Henry will be here any second."
Sophie had asked Henry to walk her down the aisle, which had been an offer that had made him tear up instantly. It was just as much a custom for Shadowhunters as it was for mundanes, to have someone escort the bride, although it was usually a role for a family member. Sophie did not have any biological family in the Institute, nor had she been in contact with her blood family for many years. Charlotte and Henry had given her a place to call home, and as Charlotte was officiating the ceremony, Sophie had wanted Henry to be a part of it as well.
As it turns out, Henry shown up at the room exactly on time, and had proceeded to take his role very seriously. "You look angelic, Sophie." He whispered to her as they descended the stairs and headed for the grand room of the Institute.
Stood by the large windows was Gideon, looking handsome in his dark suit that shone with the golden runes that coated it. He had turned as the doors had opened to reveal his bride, and his expression was one that Sophie hoped she would never forget. His mouth had parted, his eyes had darkened with warmth and love, and he never looked away as she walked to him.
Shadowhunters did not exchange rings, instead the bride and groom placed runes on each other. Her skin still prickled at the unusual burn of the stele as Gideon gave her her new rune, and she had taken great pride when she had drawn his rune into his skin. Then, as Charlotte finished the ceremony, they had kissed and everything in the world fell into place.
After the ceremony, Gideon and Sophie spent the rest of the evening dancing, amongst their friends. Gabriel had stolen her for a dance, which had surprised her at first, but she had come to care very much for the younger Lightwood boy, and it gave her great joy to know that he fully accepted her.
"I thought my brother was going to explode whilst we were waiting for you." Gabriel admitted to her with an amused tone. "Gideon's always been so composed, it was rather funny to watch him."
Sophie smiled at the imagine that popped into her head. "My nerves were no better."
"I'm glad he found you." Gabriel said, surprising her slightly. "I never realised how lost my brother actually was, until we came here. I have to admit, I wasn't supportive of his decision at the start, and now I'm quite ashamed to admit that, but I didn't want to see him throw his heart into something that couldn't happen."
"I know." She wasn't annoyed by his revelation, as it had been her fear as well. She found that she rather liked the fact that Gabriel was being so open with her.
"Now, seeing him with you, it all makes sense. Before you, he was so...distant. So difficult to get through to. He didn't let anyone in, he never shared his thoughts or his worries, and he cut everyone off from him. He's different now." Gabriel went on, his face close to hers as they danced to the music. "Thank you, Sophie."
"What are you thanking me for?" She asked softly.
"For giving me my brother back."
She smiled at that, and enjoyed the rest of the dance with her new brother-in-law. Gabriel had changed so much from the brash, cold boy who had come to oversee their training all those weeks ago. Now, he was someone who she felt like she understood, and she was relieved that he approved of her marriage to his brother. Gabriel and Gideon shared a complex relationship, that had been strained by the events of their father, but it remained strong against the odds. She knew what it meant to Gideon to have Gabriel at the Institute with them, and now, she couldn't think of what it would have been like to not have him.
Sophie had then danced with Will and Henry before returning to the arms of her husband.
Husband. She couldn't believe it.
"You are an angel," Gideon told her gently, his mouth close to her ear as they danced, bodies close together, the world outside darkening with the upcoming night. "I am the luckiest man in the world to be able to call you my wife."
She rested her forehead on his shoulder, turning her head slightly so her nose brushed the collar of his suit. "I cannot remember a time where I've felt so happy before."
Gideon smiled at that. "I intend to make you feel like that every day, for the rest of forever." He vowed.
~0~0~0~0~0~
She bit her lower lip, hard enough to cause pressure, but not hard enough to hurt herself. Her nerves were making her entire body tremble. It's Gideon, she reminded herself. You trust him, with your life. Stop being so ridiculous.
She stepped into the room, finding her husband - a term that was still unfamiliar, but one that warmed her greatly - sitting on the edge of the bed. Gideon rose to his feet as she approached.
He took her hands in his, squeezing them gently. "Sophie, if you're worried, or don't want this, tell me-"
"Kiss me." She requested firmly, proud that her voice didn't tremble. Her earlier worries had vanished as soon as he had touched her, as soon as his voice met her ears and his eyes looked into her. It was Gideon, and she wanted this, wanted him.
He seemed to hesitate, as if worried she didn't mean what she said, but then he lowered his head and captured her lips. Soon enough, she was pressing against him, her hands tangled in his hair whilst he rested on her lower back, holding her against him in a way that was not possessive or harsh, but loving and secure. Their mouth moved in their familiar dance, his tongue brushing against her lower lip, seeking permission which she gladly gave.
His hand moved to her hair, and she felt the grips that had kept it together ease out of it, allowing her brown curls to tumble down her back, just as he liked it. He brushed his fingers through them, moaning in appreciation.
She knew he was holding himself back though, and she wanted to prove to him that it was alright, that she wasn't going to break under his touch. So, her fingers went to the buttons of his shirt, flicking them open one by one. His mouth paused against hers momentarily as he took in what she was doing, but then he was kissing her again and everything else in the world faded into the background.
Once the final button was undone, she glided her hand down his strong chest, spreading across his flat stomach and then running back up to his collarbone. Slowly, she pushed the material from his body, and it floated to the floor with unimportance. Breaking the kiss, she pulled away to look; she had never seen him, or any man for that matter, shirtless, and now she doubted if she would ever see a sight more beautiful. She knew he was strong, but it was proved by the impressive chiselled features of a seasoned warrior. There were runes all over him, but one in particular had caught her attention; the one she had placed there herself, over his heart.
Leaning down, she kissed it, and heard his sharp inhale of breath. His lips were suddenly against her neck, caressing and sucking on the exposed skin under her ear. She leaned back and moaned, no longer caring about being proper and ladylike. It didn't matter. All that mattered was Gideon and the sensations he was causing her.
Slowly, his hands moved behind her to the bindings of her dress, undoing them delicately. His eyes found her face. "Are you sure, Sophie?" He checked.
Her breathing was ragged as she replied, "I have never been more sure of anything in my life, Gideon." She assured him, her voice deepened with need.
That was all the encouragement he seemed to require. He pushed the dress from her shoulders, so it slid easily down her frame and pooled at her feet. It was shortly followed by her corset and the rest of the material from her body until she stood bare before him.
Gideon leaned back, his eyes moving from his face and roaming her body. As moments of silence passed, worry started to take over Sophie. "Gideon-" She started.
He kissed her, effectively silencing her. "You are the most beautiful woman in the world, Sophie." He said against her mouth, his hands on her bare waist and bringing her against him, her chest crushing against his, their skin touching in ways that caused hers to alight.
Feeling bold, Sophie moved her attention to the button of his trousers as Gideon started to trace kisses across her shoulders. Soon enough, they both stood without the protection of clothing, but there were no feelings of awkwardness or vulnerability. Sophie had never seen a naked man before, and the sight before her was truly beautiful.
She squealed slightly as the back of her legs hit the side of the bed and she toppled backwards onto the soft mattress, her grip on Gideon's shoulders causing him to fall down with her, landing on top of her. It was his quick reflexes that enabled him to put his arms out so he didn't crush her underneath him. Instead, he hovered above her, his breathing heavy as he looked down at her, those deep grey-green eyes of his dark with desire.
She reached up and kissed him, feeling one of his hands lightly gliding down her side. Her back ached at the sensation and she found herself bending one of her legs, the side of her knee coming to rest against his waist. It was an impulsive move, one driven by instinct, but she didn't prevent it, and they both moaned at the new closeness that this position allowed them.
Gideon's tongue brushed against hers as he kissed her with fervour, but he still remained respectful so she didn't feel smothered or rushed or pressured. They were simply exploring each other. Her hands grazed over his bare chest before wrapping round to his back, her nails digging in slightly. Gideon did not protest.
"Sophie," He moaned against her, his lips trailing along her jawbone and down her neck. As his mouth lowered the exposed skin of her breasts, Sophie gasped. She clutched the back of his head to keep him there, knowing that he would worry he had done something wrong and wanting to encourage him that it was more than okay for him to continue.
Her eyes flew open and a gasp escaped her lips as his mouth engulfed one of her nipples. As pleasure swarmed through her, she arched her back and dug her nails into his skin, unable to contain herself. She was sure she felt Gideon grin against her skin before returning his full attention to what he was doing before switching to the other nipple.
"Oh, my-" She gasped out, and she could feel the effect that her moaning and writhing was having on Gideon, she could feel it against the inside of her leg. Instinct took over, and she found herself reaching down and grasping him in her hand.
Gideon's entire body shuddered, and he released her nipple to growl, resting his head against her collarbone. "Sophie, my love, I won't be able to last much longer." He told her as she held him in her hand, squeezing him slightly. "By the Angel-"
She released him then. "I'm ready, my love." She told him, with not a single hint of doubt or worry in her voice. She knew what she wanted, and her entire body was burning for it.
"I'll be gentle." He promised, leaning down and kissing her as he lowered his body and joined them together, as one.
For a moment, the world stopped. It hurt, as it was an unfamiliar intrusion, and she felt herself stretch to accommodate him. He gasped above her, pausing to allow her time to get used to it
"Please, Gideon," She whispered, stroking the back of his head with one hand while the other continued to dig into the skin of his back. "Please move."
He did, slowly thrusting slowly into her, moaning as her warmth surrounded him. Sophie threw her head back as the pain was soon replaced with an unbelievable amount of pleasure. Gideon's lips returned to her neck, keeping himself off her with one arm whilst his free hand moved to her chest, teasing and squeezing her nipples. He was driving her insane, surely he was aware of that?
As his thrusts became more confident and sure, Sophie's hand ran down his back, unable to prevent her nails digging in slightly, her own spine arching as she lifted her hips to his, wanting more, wanting him further inside her.
Her eyes were closed from the pleasure that threatened to overcome her completely, and she allowed it, moaning lowly as Gideon continued to pay attention to her neck and breasts as well as continuing his thrusts. She had never felt more alive. Her entire body was burning, for him.
"Sophie," He moaned against her chest, and all she could do was answer in a soft whimper. "My Sophie..."
They continued, until the inevitable build up of pleasure took over. She was the first to release; gasping and writhing beneath him as violent waves took over her body, making her feel feather-light. He followed soon after and then collapsed against her, staying in her for a few minutes more while she fluttered around him.
Then, he pulled out, and she suddenly felt an emptiness that she had never experienced. He kissed her before dropping to her side.
"That was…" He trailed off, searching for the right word but feeling that nothing would give what just happened between them enough justice. "More than I had ever dreamed possible."
That captured her attention. She turned her head to look at him. "You mean you've never...?"
He dipped his head. "Never."
Her mouth parted in shock. "But, Gideon, there have been so many Shadowhunter women who have thrown themselves at you, Gabriel has told me before-"
Gideon made a silent note to himself to kill Gabriel later. "There has been no one, Sophie."
"Even Tatiana said-"
"There has been no one, no one who has captivated my heart like you, no one whose beauty has stolen the breath out of my lungs, no one who I search for in a crowded room like I do with you, no one who has ever made me feel so at home. My virtue was yours, from the second I realised I loved you." He took her hand and kissed it, and act that seemed so innocent to what they had just shared. "Thank you, Sophie."
She snuggled against him, surprised that she wasn't feeling awkward or self-conscious. Her warm, naked body pressed against his, her head moving to rest on his chest while her hand flat over the rune above his heart. "I love you." So much it hurts.
"I love you." He returned, kissing her forehead. "And, once I get my breath back, I will continue to show you just how much."
~0~0~0~0~0~
I couldn't not add the little part with Gabriel in, as I feel like his friendship with Sophie is so important to both of them, so I'm looking forward to writing about how that also grows.
I just love Sophie and Gideon so much, and the fact that they were both lost in their own worlds before meeting each other makes their story all the more sweeter.
Hope you enjoyed :)
- E x