Author's note: Hopefully this will make up for my singular update last week! Thank you to all who have reviewed! Speaking of reviews, whoever "sf" is, Unless is for you! And PryingLittlePandora, I'm planning a Jem drabble or two for you! Just because you've stuck with this little story and never fail to brighten my days with your lovely reviews :)
Disclaimer: I might be a decent writer, but I'm definitely nowhere near Cassie Clare's level! So in case anyone happens to be wondering (which I doubt they are), I do not own Infernal Devices.
Unless
"Tessa!"
The lady in question froze in her tracks. She slowly turned toward the voice, dreading what might greet her eyes. No, she would no longer lie to herself. It was not the sight she dreaded; it was the reaction that the sight would inevitably drag out of her. She did not have time for this today. She was already late and talking to him would make her forget that time even existed. Tessa tried to steel herself, tried to prepare herself to tell him—
But then she finally looked into those blue eyes. They had not changed one bit. His black hair had a touch of gray now, but it did not make him look old. It gave him a dignified air—although, she supposed, only to those who did not know him. He smiled and breathing suddenly became difficult. "It has been years since we've talked, Tess. Do you have time for a walk with an old friend?"
Tessa stared up into Will's eyes for a moment, and then she realized something rather shocking.
His eyes had changed.
They were more serious now. They did not burn quite as brightly, as though someone had tossed a bucket of water on a raging bonfire, causing it to dim but not fully putting it out. They almost seemed sad.
"Of course, Mr. Herondale," she said before she could stop herself. Silently cursing her lack of self-control, she took his offered arm.
Something of her thoughts must have shown in her face. He glanced at her, curiosity shining in his eyes. "Unless you have somewhere else to be."
Tessa hesitated.
Urgent
"Jessamine, I'll need you to—"
"Whatever it is, Charlotte, I cannot do it."
Charlotte's hand paused, leaving a large drop of ink on her otherwise perfect letter to Consul Wayland. "Why not?" she asked without looking up.
"Because," the girl huffed, "I have somewhere to be and it is vital that I arrive in a timely manner."
Charlotte finally looked up in time to see Jessamine whirl away in a flurry of expensive silk. "Wherever you are going, Jessie, I daresay the Clave is more important."
Jessamine didn't answer.
"Jessie!" Charlotte cried, thinking quickly. "If you don't tell me where you are going, I shall throw this pen in my hand at your dress and it will be ruined beyond repair!"
The girl froze, her hand inches away from the doorknob.
A small smile of satisfaction rose to Charlotte's lips. "Now, answer me: Where are you going?"
Jessamine tossed her hair, jerked the door open, and flounced away, pausing just long enough to snarl, "A dress fitting, of course."
Charlotte suppressed the urge to howl in frustration.
Thank you so very much for reading and please review!