曾经年少英姿 欲穷千里的心动 "The youthful beauty that once was, the urge to see a thousand miles"

Will hastily packed away his belongings, which were not a lot. Mostly weapons, and he was planning on leaving all the potion ingredients he had collected with Jem through the years. That was it. It took him less than 10 minutes to move out of the room he barely used in the past months. Which might as well, since he did not need any reminder of his past. Though brighter with the days with old Jem and Tessa, his memory was dark and undesirable. Better leave them untouched and forgotten. There was a knock on door.

"Come in."

"Will."

Tessa. His heart fluttered then sank.

"I just want to speak to you, before you were gone."

"It's alright, Tessa. I know my place. I was just about to leave. You must hate me, for putting you in that position, for threatening your children, and your own life. I can't stay here, and be a constant reminder to anyone that I am inept father and lover."

"But Will…" Tessa can't shake the feeling that he was right. "Can you please visit sometimes? Maybe during holidays and birthdays? To at least let us know that you are alright. As a favour to me? Promise?"

"That is the least I can do." Will whispered.

In the silence, they let their instinct drive them. Will could not tear his gaze from her luscious lips. His heart screamed for him to kiss her, but he was hesitant, for fear of intimidating her. But instead of closing in the distance, Tessa pulled back, so Will made his eyes travel up her ivory skin to her high cheekbones, to her steel grey-blue eyes.

"Can we just… talk?"

So they talked. They talked about what they did for the past years, Will finally stopped avoiding this subject and talked about his adventures deep in the underworld mixed with human criminals and downworlders, with the occasion interventions by Greater demons. Tessa talked about her life in the institute, with constant subjects popping up and beckoned her to investigate, and also much about her children, how they make troubles, how they gave her headaches, and how they tug at her heartstring.

Then, they changed to talking about their time together, when Jem was still there, when things were simpler. They talked about how they wanted to read all the books there are, how they wanted to explore all corners of the world together, with a bitter taste since it never came true. Will complained about how his slender and elegant body got replaced by a heavily-scarred brawly figure, but he was content that he got to keep his ruggedly handsome good looks.

They talked as the sun went and the night drew in, and they grew tired, so they slumped at the side of the bed, still going on, until sleep finally took hold of Tessa, and Will caressed her in his arm, seeking sleep himself too.