Flashback is in Italic.
He listens carefully to what's going on around him. He needs to be sure. He strains his ear.
Wind blows.
Snoring.
Shuffling under the blanket.
Cars driving along the road.
People talking in the other room. A door opening. Someone stepping out. A car door opens and slams closed. A car driving off.
He cracks his eyes open and looks around the room. He has to focus considerably because of the lack of lighting. Only the flickering of the Neon lights outside gives off some light. No one seems to be moving in the room. He slips out of the bed. He puts on his shoes before sneaking to the door and carefully opening it. As no sound is made, he slips through the door and carefully closes it again.
He slips through the motel and to the road. Once there, he looks around for the direction to take. At first, he does not see where he needs to go but when he looks up, he can see light in the sky. He smiles. He'll most likely find his destination there. Or it will be in the general direction.
He walks through the city while using what he has learned. It ensures no one pays him any mind. He's able to walk undisturbed and observe people's nastier quirks. Once he reaches a street with clubs, he begins to look around. He knows what he's been told to look for. Thanks to staying out of sight of the humans (mundanes), he doesn't get any strange looks. It allows him to stake out club after club. After he has checked six (fucking) clubs he finally finds the one he's been looking for. He looks around. Does he need to remove the glamour? Maybe? It would allow him to enter without causing confusion. But on the other hand, he would not be noticed by anyone. No one would be able to find him. And things might become more difficult for his upcoming meeting.
Knowing this, he decides to lift the glamour; he doesn't need it right now. To even be able to do it, he looks around for an alley. It's not as if he can do it out in the open. He's not about to cause problems now. Not when he needs to keep his family safe.
It does not take him long to find one. Right next to the club is an alley. It's reasonably dark enough that it won't be seen as strange once he steps out.
His mind made up, he steps into the alley until he's deep enough into the shadow. There he lifts the glamour before stepping back into the street. Quickly, he makes his way into the waiting line. It does not take him too long to reach the front of the line.
"What are you doing here, kid?"
"Wanting to enter the club, what do you think?"
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"How old are you anyway?"
"Old enough."
He waves his hand with the Voyance rune on it hoping someone will be able to see it. A security guard who stands a bit back looks at him with wide eyes. He must have seen it. The guard steps to them, pushes the other away, and mentions for him to move in. He smiles gratefully at the guard and enters the club.
The loud music he could hear outside now becomes deafening. Nevertheless, he sees an argument breaking out between the two security guards. One of the guards (the one who stopped him) looks at him with wide eyes. He smiles and shakes his head. This just makes his week. He's also sure the man is part of the shadow world. So…
He looks around the club. People are dancing on the floor. Lights flicker in the room. Up ahead, he can see stairs through the light. Barely. Those stairs need to lead somewhere. Could it be? Maybe? He's not sure but it's the first hint he's gotten. Shrugging, he walks (or more like dances) over the floor. A few times people bump into him but his trip is mostly uneventful.
He quickly finds his way to the stairs and walks up them to the balcony. There, he looks around. Multiple groups are loitering around tables. He cannot yet see who he's looking for so he walks along the balcony. Along the way, he is bothered by the groups around the tables who want him to join them. Something he thanks them for. He's got no interest in falling into their traps. It takes him a while until he sees a lone figure sitting at a table. A figure he recognizes immediately. A grin grows on his face. His steps quicken. Within seconds, he's at the table.
"Imogen, hi."
"Good night, Dean. I see you found me without a problem."
"Without a problem? The fucking security guard refused to let me enter. I had to wave my hand around for you know what before another let me in. And let's not start about the fuckers here who tried to get me to join them."
"The guards' reactions are no surprise considering your age. They must have doubted you'd be old enough."
"Mhh, then why were they afraid of me."
"Why do you think so?"
"No idea. It's not as if I'm out hunting."
"Do they know that?"
He frowns and tilts his head. No, they don't know. His eyes move back to Imogen. She's looking at him with a small smile. He growls at her for this. He's not here for her to make fun of him.
"Well, Dean? What is the answer?"
"Uhm, maybe, maybe not. I'm not sure."
"Then you can imagine what they're afraid of."
"Sort of but didn't they show the same thing to you?"
"No, as I was let in by the patron of this fine establishment."
"What! How?"
"Due to my position, I know a lot of people around here. People who can help me and who you can reach out to if you ever need anything."
"Good to know. Do I get a list? And also, what's this section even?"
"No, you do not get my list but after you finish your training you will get a smaller one. Then it will be your job to make your own connections."
He scowls at her. He knows what she means but doesn't like it. As for his connections, he'll be making those with Noah. So…well, they may be able to combine their existing connections. Yes, that will work. Despite his musing, he doesn't miss Imogen's next words.
"As for this section, it is for those with money and connections to have private conversations."
"Good to know. Maybe, I'll use it in the future."
"You'll only do so once you're an adult or you'll be in a lot of trouble."
He glares at her once more. She won't tell him what to do. He's back with his family and doesn't n…does he? He liked the time he spent with her and in the institute. She was strict but still gave him a lot of freedom. Maybe even more than he was used to. He shakes his head. He's imagining things. Besides, he needs her to keep his mundane family safe. So maybe…maybe he won't cause her too much trouble. His head moves down before he notices it.
"Well Dean, shall we move to the reason I asked to meet you here?"
"Yeah, that'd be nice. What first?"
"What would you like to discuss first? The conditions for you to stay with your family, the expectations I have of you, how you'll be selling your story, or your plans for the future."
"I already talked with them about my 'story' so why would we even need to discuss it?"
"Because you must get your story straight. What's the first rule for lying?"
"To keep it as close to the truth as possible."
"Good. So tell me: what have you told them so far?"
He suppresses a sigh and just repeats the story he's told Sammy and Dad. Afterward, Imogen walks him through a couple of explanations he can use to explain some things, fill in the gaps, or just deflect their attention away from what he's saying. They also talk about things he needs to work around if they ever come up. All in all, she ensures he's got a good story prepared which can survive questioning. Even if all he wants to do is tell them the truth. Something he knows he can't do if he's to keep them safe. And it's better than what he and Noah came up with (no matter how much he hates to admit it). In the end, they have worked out a story they are both satisfied with.
"Now that we've worked this out, we should discuss the conditions for you staying with your family."
"Yeah, and those are? Besides never telling them about the Shadow world, Nephilim, and things like that?"
"You're right, those are some of the conditions. As I'm sure you can imagine, there are more. I also want you to keep an eye on your family's hunts."
"You want me to fucking spy on them?"
"Not so much as spying as observing. I won't forbid you from joining in their activities so long as you don't break the Accords but would like to be apprised of them."
"Sure, I'll keep you in the loop. What else?"
"I want you to continue with your schooling and you will be putting in true effort. No slacking or anything like it. I expect similar results as you've been getting so far."
"Sure, that'll surprise Sammy and I'm not sure how to explain that away."
"Oh, I'm sure you can come up with something."
"Mhh."
Can he find something…some way to get Sammy off his back? It's not as if he can state that he missed school. He shakes his head with a wry smile on his face. That'll never work. Maybe he was bored or…could it work? Maybe? Possibly. It is not the best idea but the one Sammy won't make too much fuss about. At least he thinks. So…yeah, maybe?
"Dean?"
"What?"
She looks at him unimpressed. He stares back. Really? Imogen taps her fingers on her legs. He glares at her. He's had enough.
"I was just thinking about what I'll be using as the explanation for Sammy. What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing, it's good you were thinking about it."
"Yeah, sure. You don't want to know what I came up with?"
"Of course, I want to know but I won't force you to tell me."
"Yeah right."
"Now then, let's move to the next topic; what I expect from you."
"Haven't we fucking discussed it already?"
"Watch your tone, young man. And so you know, we've talked about some of it but not everything."
"Fine, then tell me."
"I also want you to keep up your training. In the same way, you did when you lived with me and in the institute. Furthermore, the same counts for your lessons and I expect you to write to me regularly about your life. And I don't mean concerning your observation of your family but of your life. I want to know how you're doing. Alright?"
"Fine, I can do that."
"Good that leaves only one thing left to discuss."
"I know; my plans for the future. What's there to even discuss about it?"
"Quite a lot actually, I would like to know where you see yourself in the future. Especially concerning your life amongst the Nephilim."
"You talk as if I'll be returning."
"Oh, I know you'll return to us even if you retain your duties concerning to the hunters to whom your mundane family belongs."
"Mhh."
"Yes, Dean, what are you thinking about?"
"There's not anything I can choose, right?"
"Of course, you can choose. So what would you like to do?"
He looks at her with wide eyes. Has he heard it right? It sure didn't sound like he had a choice for his future. So what can he even choose from? He bites his lips. He knows a few things but is there more? And what would he choose? He looks away.
"Dean?"
"I'm not sure. I'd like to hunt but that's… yeah, no matter what I choose that'll be something I'll do so…"
"And further? Do you have any ideas?"
"I'm not sure I'll be comfortable with always keeping an eye on my family if I'm being honest. I just want them safe."
"Understandable. They're your family after all."
"Do I have to make a decision now?"
"No, not yet. I just want you to start thinking about it at the very least."
"I'll do that."
He nods. That"ll be easy to do. And he can draw Noah into it as their duties will more likely interfere with each other. Imogen smiles at him as she responds.
"I know you will. Do some areas interest you or are there things you outright refuse to do?"
"You do not know when to fucking stop, do you?"
"I do know when to stop but still push as much as I can."
"And thus I've got to…"
He stops speaking as footsteps become louder by the second. He turns his head in the direction. A shadowhunter is quickly making his way to them. What's going on? He turns to Imogen who looks…resigned? It can't be, can it? Or does she know something? His eyes narrow. If she doesn't then she must suspect something but what?
"Inquisitor Herondale!"
"Yes, what's the problem?"
"The man you asked us to keep an eye out for; he's here. He's been stalking the dance floor and getting increasingly antsy. What do you want us to do with him?"
"Nothing, just keep an eye on him. I'll take care of him."
"Yes, ma'am."
He frowns as he doesn't understand what they're talking about. Nor who. He knows she glanced at him from time to time. Again, he's got no idea why. Is it … No it can't be. It's just impossible. Absolutely impossible.
"Imogen, who's this man you've been talking about?"
"Who do you think? Your father, of course."
"But…but…I was careful with sneaking out. He can't have seen me."
"Maybe but he did notice you're gone so he came looking. I can't say I'm surprised hence why I had people keeping an eye on him."
"So what now? You're going to 'take care of him'? How? What do you fucking planned to do with him?"
"Don't give me that tone. It just means it's time for you to be 'found' by him wandering this club. We can't be seen together."
He scowls at Imogen before springing up. He's about to leave when Imogen speaks up.
"Dean!"
"Yeah, yeah, goodbye. I'll be writing you."
He doesn't wait for her to say anything else. No, he just makes his way back to the stairs all the while keeping to the walls. Before he knows it he's back at the dancefloor. Now he's got to be 'found' as she so nicely said. Dean growls again. He fails to notice how the people around him jump a bit.
One week ago
Noah POV
Noah looks around his room with a heavy heart. This will be the first time he'll be leaving his home and the institute for longer than a few weeks if his feelings are right. He's got to make sure everything is in order here and more importantly that he's got everything he needs packed. Everything? No, not exactly. He's still got to collect weapons. He's been procrastinating because he's not looking forward to the questions he'll face if he goes alone. So, he's been waiting for his grandfather to show up. However, he can't wait for much longer. Hence he's biting his lips as he looks at the clock just when the door opens. He jumps around and barely refrains from smiling.
"I'd thought I'd find you here. How's your packing going?"
"Fine, I've got everything except the weapons. I was waiting for you to join me."
"To avoid facing too many questions, I'm sure. We'll get to that soon. I just want to talk with you about our plan to join your parabatai."
"Out plan?"
"You didn't really think I'd accompany you without knowing exactly how to find Dean again, did you? Hence why I said our plan."
"Of course, grandfather."
"So…what have you planned?"
"Not much, I'm afraid. I know where Dean's father will find him. I just plan to be there to follow them. That way…"
"Be there?"
"Yes, be there like in the shadow. I won't take any risk of being seen by his father."
"Your plan will only work so long as his father can't see past the glamour."
"I know that. I just doubt his father can. So I'm willing to take the risk. Besides, I'll have plenty of time to hide should he be able to see past it. Why do you ask?"
"Because I'll be going with you, remember."
"Yeah, I remember."
"So we'll just be waiting around? Do you know how his father travels?"
"By car, I assume."
"And how will we follow a car?"
His eyes widen. He hasn't thought about it. This'll complicate it immensely. Grandfather looks at him knowingly.
"You see my point now?"
"Yes, but how does that fix anything?"
"Because we can think about it and figure out a solution."
He nods. The next few minutes are spent discussing options on how to keep track of Dean while he's traveling with his Dad. At times, it's a strenuous conversation but in the end, they manage to find a good solution. One they both are satisfied with. Afterward, they make their way to the war room. There they collect the weapons they'll need. Noah knows they can get replacements if they need to but prefers to have everything at hand. As they put everything in the bags, he sees a familiar face roaming around the room. A smile grows instantly on his face.
"Dean! What are you doing here?"
"What do you think? Collecting things of course."
"Yeah, yeah, I know but really I thought you'd be preparing to get back to your family."
"And this isn't a part of it? I just need to get a few things and find a way to get them once I'm back with Sammy and Dad."
"Oh!"
"Yeah, idiot. Oh."
He grins sheepishly at Dean. It's not something he thought about but he's got a solution to Dean's problem. And maybe Dean will also be able to weigh in on the solution he and grandfather came up with. All in all, a win-win situation.
"Well, we could get it to you secretly. I don't think it's possible to collect it from inquisitor Imogen during or after your meeting with her."
"You're right, I can't exactly collect it from Imogen. Dad'll surely see it so, yeah…let's do it as you suggested."
"Good, there's also something you can help me with. If you want to."
"Alright? And that is?"
Noah quickly explains the solution they came up with to Dean who listens carefully. In the end, he learns a few useful things from Dean which means they'll need to change their solution. A teeny tiny bit. At the same time, he's also learning a lot about Dean's family. Things he didn't know before. It's highly interesting.
His mind moves back to the solution; he considers how best to adapt it. He frowns. He's got a few options but which one works the best? He turns his head and stares at the weapons rack without really seeing it. His mind is just too taken with his thoughts.
"Noah, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, I was just thinking about how we would follow you once your dad found you."
"You didn't figure that out before?"
"Well…uhm, we did kinda work something out but…well with what you just told me; it won't work as we intended it to."
"And you need to change it?"
"Yes, I was just thinking about the best way."
"Well then, let's hear what you came up with."
"Returning the favor?"
He grins at Dean who just laughs as he shakes his head. He quickly explains what they came up with. It results in a short discussion during which Dean helps him with hammering out some details he forgot. They only have so long before Dean's called away by one of the Shadowhunters. This one is wearing a gray coat over their clothing; an inquisitor aide. He shares a quick look with Dean. It confirms what he suspected. This aide's aware of their plan and has agreed to help. He nods before quickly collecting the last pieces of weapons before leaving the room.
He slips out of the War room without being seen and makes his way back to his room to finish packing. He walks in silence while vibrating with nerves. No one calls him out on it. Thankfully. He just steps into his room when the door is harshly closed behind him. He moves to one of his knives as he looks for whoever's in his room. His arms relax once he sees who's pacing in his room.
"Issy, what are you doing here? What's wrong?"
"What are you and Dean up to?"
"Why do you ask?
"I've seen you two packing and meeting with people. I'm not stupid; I know somethings up so you'd better start telling me what you've been up to."
"Mhh, we've got a duty to attend to and that's what we've been preparing for. That's all I can tell you."
"All? Come on, Noah! There must be more you can tell me."
"Well…I can't tell you much more. But maybe…maybe I can tell you this; the reason behind all this is our Consul who's trying to force Dean's hands."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Yeh well, you've got to figure that out on your own. I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore."
"But Dean could, right?"
"Yes, if he wants to I think so but can't promise you anything."
"Mhh, good to know. He never said anything to me."
"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to say to that."
Issy glares at him before she storms out of the room. He shakes his head as a small smile grows on his face. He pities Dean if he's got to deal with her soon. That'll be something he should seek to avoid; a sentiment everyone should hold to. But for right now, he's got to
A few hours later, he's hugging his dad as his mom and siblings look on. They all look excited and sad. All? Well, except for Issy who's glaring at them and the ground. It is as if the ground has personally offended her. Once his dad releases him, he looks him straight in the eyes.
"Noah, be careful, and good luck."
"I'll be careful, Dad. I promise."
All that's left to do now is say goodbye to the rest of his family.
Present time
Isobel POV
The door slams closed behind her. She hears her mom calling after her but ignores it. She still feels her heart beating loudly in her chest. She looks around the room for something.
Anything.
Anything at all.
She needs some way to vent her frustrations. It's just not right. Dean and she have been so close; she trusted him with things she never told anyone else. And now? Now, he just leaves without a word. He should have told her. She shouldn't have learned about it this way. She still remembers it clearly as if it happened just seconds ago.
"Hey Isobel, have you heard?"
"Heard what?"
"About Dean and Noah's new assignment. Those lucky bastards. Anyone of us would like to have this chance."
"What are you talking about?"
She is met with a frowning face. One of complete confusion. She feels the exact same thing. She's got no idea what he's talking about and wants an answer.
"Dean and Noah will be allowed to leave the institute for some sort of mission under your grandfather's supervision. You know that, right?"
"No, I haven't heard about it but that's not surprising. Everyone is given missions away from…you say leave. For how long?"
"No idea. I've not heard of them needing to be back by a certain date. So…"
"You're saying it's a mission for an undetermined amount of time?"
"Yes, you've really not heard about it? Like at all?"
"No, I haven't. What's so surprising about it?"
"Are you crazy? It's what everyone's been talking about ever since it got out. There was no escaping it, so…"
No matter how often she remembers the conversation or tries to forget it, she still feels the exact same white-hot fury she felt during the conversation.
It doesn't lessen.
No, with each instance it feels as if it grows.
Grows by small amounts.
Teeny, tiny small amounts. She thought Dean cared about her. Something she clearly misread. So her feelings… they're useless. She's better off finding her way in life alone. She sighs. She can return to pursuing the career she was interested in before she met him.
But their time together. It showed her another life she could have.
No! That life has left her since Dean's betrayal.
Betrayal?
Her eyes narrow. She knows what she'll do now. She wants to bang her head. Was it so difficult? It's a logical thing to do. Absolutely logical. Mind made up, she quickly makes her way to her desk and grabs what she needs.
She quickly writes a letter in which she pours all her grievances. All her feelings of pain and betrayal. All she blames him for; her feelings, the abandonment, his betrayal, and a lot more. She needs to make sure Dean knows what she accuses him of. Deep in her heart, she knows some of her accusations are false. Even if she refuses to acknowledge it. As she writes, she can feel her breathing increasing and tears stinging her eyes.
Having finished the letter, she takes a deep breath and sends it without further thought. She looks at her desk as her tears finally stream freely down her face. She tries to take a deep breath but each time she hiccups a few times. After it happens the third time, she pushes her chair back and runs to her bed. Within a few steps, she jumps and falls face-first on it. Her arms encircle her pillow which she presses into her face. She howls loudly from the pain she feels in her heart. She'll never be able to fully recover from it.