Dreams Can Be Dangerous Things

Leaning over, Tessa pressed a kiss to his forehead and smiled against it. “It is a fine place to stay until we have found another arrangement. I have to admit that I have not done much to make contact with Jace…it just seems…odd.” Though he did not look like Will or even Jamie, the golden eyes that had been passed onto him were that of Jamie’s. The only other Herondale to have gained the strange genetic. “It is amazing to see how the Lightwoods of changed,” she smiled. “It almost makes me want to smile that they’re son is dating not only another man but a Downworlder at that. I am sure that it has Maryse and Robert in a complete fit.” 

The New York Institute, like any other, was welcoming to Shadowhunters and held the same ornate and classic designs. Tessa, being part Nephilim, was still able to gain entry to such places without intervention and after she had unpacked, decided to explore. She had not yet been to this Institute and she was not surprised when she found that it held no further secrets. Eventually, she found herself in the library, smiling to herself as she scanned the titles, fingertips brushing the fragile spines. 

There was a sense of such contentment that settled in the pit of Tessa’s stomach and she wondered if she should feel guilty for that. Though it had been sixty years since Will had passed away, she’d never stopped loving her husband. But Woolsey Scott had been correct when he’d said that she was lucky to have found two great loves. Something in her heart told Tessa that Will would have wanted her to be happy. That he would want for her and Jem to be together if they could. He had said so many times that they were the two most important people in his life. She was grateful for that day on the bridge when Jem had returned to her, healthy and beautiful. It had only been a short time since then but it was a memory forever burned into her mind. 

When she could no longer find reason to wander about, Tessa returned to the room that she would be sharing with Jem. The old fashioned part of her had been unsure of such an arrangement but she also did not want to be away from him. The very idea of curling up against her love at night beneath the blankets was far too appealing. Entering the room quietly, she came to sit on the edge of the bed where Jem lay and took his hand. “Feeling more rested, my love?” she asked. 

The trip to New York had been swift, but exhausting. It seemed Jem wasn't entirely used to being completely human once more. So he was extremely thankful that Tessa had given him time to rest while she explored what would be their new home for some time. Jem had been to the New York Institute before, and met all of the inhabitants. Although it was as Zachariah not James Carstirs. It might be an adjustment for the Lightwoods and co. But he was sure they would adjust. He didn't think he had rest so comfortably in years. No he knew for certain he had not. 

Slowly he stretched, a soft yawn escaping him as dark doe eyes cracking open to peer up at Tessa. Slowly he took her hand in his. "Much more rested, my love. I haven't slept on an actually comfortable bed in hundreds of years. The silent brothers dwelling leave much to be desired." He said with a soft chuckle, lifting up his free hand to brush some hair from her face. "How do you like the new york institute?"

Gray eyes lifted to meet the beautiful brown of her love and she nodded. “I know, James,” she whispered. “For I have known all this time that you have loved me and that you will always love me. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that today would bring me such joy. That my heart would be open once more to love and happiness like I have missed for many years.” Her fingers had come to rest against his chest, tapping softly over his heart. “I have not dreamed of it because I did not wish to have a broke heart once more but you are here and so very real, my love.” It was as though she could not stop touching him. That if she did, he would disappear and never return to her. “Will you come to New York with me?”

Until now. Now he could give her anything and everything. He truly didn't know where to begin. Although a proposal seemed like an excellent place to begin. His expression softened considerably as she spoke. And gently he continued to stroke his fingers along her cheek, brushing away the remnants of tears, the slightest traces of it. His free hand came to rest atop hers on his heart. His fingers lacing with hers. "I did not know if you knew...knew how i felt. How i will always feel. After i became a silent brother.. But you never left my heart, Tessa. You never could." His eyes traced over her face a smile touching his lips once more "Silent brothers are not meant to dream. But i never would have let myself dream of this Tess...the thought would have broken me. To think i could never have it. But now.." He shook his head gently leaning in to brush his lips in a feather soft motion.