The Story Book Project

Infernal Devices AU (Tessa, Jem and Will) { Complete }

" James! Hey, James. Wait up! " shouted Will. Across the huge plaza, James ignored his shouts and continued walking to his destination. Curious looks and annoyed stares filled Will's peripherals as he ran to catch up with the silver streaked hair man.

" What is it?" asked James, barely sparing Will a glance.

" You didn't anwser my question! How do you organise a party in space?" said Will, pouting slightly.

" I didn't anwser it because your question isn't a question," started James, sighing loudly ," and the joke is overused." Offended, Will placed his hand over his chest and gave a dramatic gasp. Vaguely, James registered Will muttering something under his breath. Sounded a lot like 'humourless like his colouring'. James rolled his eyes and turned his back to his friend. He continued walking, wanting to get out of the cold, with Will promptly following suit.

The two of them were already late for their lunch appointment with a certain someone. Will had wanted to stop by the ice cream palour on the way and had ended up flirting with the cashier for a good fifteen minutes. And now here they were, brisk walking and wearing through the impenetrable forces of the crowded plaza.

Finally, the two reached their destination. A quaint little diner, somewhere off to the side of the plaza. A waitress, leaning against the counter, looked up at the sound of thr door opening and quicklly rushed to their side. A blush adorned her face as her eyes soaked in the two beautiful specimen.

" How...how can I help you two today?" she stammered, mouth still open in awe. Will grinned at her and stepped forward to brush fallen threads of her hair behind her ear.

" You can help me get your phone number." said Will. James pulled Will back from his coller and apologized to the flustered waitress.

" I'm sorry, but he recently broke up with his girlfriend. He is a bit desperate." James said, " But we are just meeting someone. She's over there." When James finished, a crestfallen look fell across her face as she stepped back to let the two walk over to the girl James has been pointing to. The girl was sitting down in a booth, a smile hidden behind her hands. She had tied her hair up in a messy bun and was sipping a vanilla milkshake.

" Real smooth, Casanova." she said to the indignant Will.

"Like butter. Hello Tessa." added James. Will grouchily slid into the booth before James. When a more composed waiter came over, the three of them ordered their lunch. Cheesburger for Tessa, pork chop for Will and a pizza for James. The three of them have spent hours in this diner. The old retro style of thedecor and food just seemed to call out to them. They would often bring their homework here to do. If they were not doing that, they wwere hanging out and enjoying each other's company.

Will was the flirt. His bright blue eyes and midnight black hair charmed every girl he has ever met. With the expection of Tessa, whom he had swore at the first time they met. Of course, he did try to make it up to her with his 'oh-so-humourous' witty comments. Heaven knows how sharp his tongue can be. The more beautiful a flower, the more poisonous it is.

James was the polar opposite of Will. He had the darkest eyes and the palest of hair. Most people ask him where did he go to get it dyed, but he always say that it is all natural. He is also most definitely more mild-mannered than Will. Although, compared Will, everyone is.

The two of them certainly are beautiful men and they have an ageless feel about them that makes them seem more mature then seventeen. Even for the playful Will. Maybe they have gone through some sort of tough time? No one may know, except maybe Tessa.

The trio seem unbreakable and conjoined at the hip. They live in the same apartment flat and go to the same school. Will and James are both in the basketball club while Tessa is in the Digital Media Club, although, she prefers taking photographs rather than touching the computer.

Tessa was a transferred student from America. Her parents believed London to be filled with opportunity after her brother, Nathaniel became quite successful. It was rough, her transition into her new school. She often found herself the focus of conversations. Maybe that was why she took up a camera, to put other people in focus, not just herself.

The three of them met at the school's carnival. The different sports club were allowing students to try out the sports. Tessa was in charge of taking pictures of the day's activities so they can be published in the school's magazine. She went to volleyball, floorball, rugby, handball, netball, badminton, tennis, track and field and football. Her final stop was the basketball club. As she was looking through her film, she noticed a certain silver head boy with a blue eyed boy in every picture. As she was contemplating this, someone suddenly shouted and an orange ball flew into her face.

Lying on the ground, a groan escaped her mouth as Tessa rubbed at her nose. A hand extended to her and she gratefully took it.

" Thank you-" Tessa stopped short. The silver haired man was infront of her. He was smiling sympathetically at her as he asked if she was alright. Shocked, Tessa dumblly nodded, and vaguely, she registered the yellings of a man behind the silver haired man.

" Jem! Don't hold us up, man! I've been waiting to play the entire day!" The blue eyed man was running towards the two. He slowed down as he caught sight of a battered Tessa and a helpful Jem.

" Will! You should apologise. Your ball hit..." Jem said.

" Tessa." said Tessa.

" Tessa. You could look or at least pretend to look sorry." finished Jem. Will blinked at his friend before bursting out in laughter. He even made a show of wiping away a tear or two. The more Will laughed, the angrier Tessa became. Suddenly, he stopped. He looked at Tessa straight in the eyes and spat out a cuss at her. Jem reached out to hit Will at the back of his head and apologized to Tessa. Tessa took out her camera and took a picture of Will, who was reufully rubbing his head. He glanced at the camera and sneered a bit.

"That a rendition of 'Take a picture, it'll last longer'?" Said Will." Because if that's the case, it's not that impressive."

It was now Tessa's turn to laugh as she showed them the picture she had just taken. " No, it;s the picture of the man I'm going to show the police for assault and battery."

" That's not a funny joke."

" It wasn't meant to be one." Tessa started walking away from the two men after giving Jem a little smile.

It was not long before James began dragging Will to apologise to Tessa and from there a strange but close bond formed around the trio. And now here they sit. Talking about who knows what, occasionally bursting out in laughter. Later, they would need to rush home and finish up their homework, or at least Jem and Will would need to, but for now, they enjoyed the little conversations and the light hearted atmosphere. Prehaphs in another life, the three had been plagued by endless worries and disasters. Maybe they would have preferred that life of strife. There are many things to learn from catastrophe.

" What do you guys say we go over to Tessa's apartment, pop some corn and relax to a marathon of disney movies?" Will suggested.

" Was that a hint at your favourite things, Disney movies?" Tessa said, a twinkle in her eyes. " Because just for the record, we are not getting you anything for your birthday."

WIll shrugged and said," It was worth a try.". To that, an amused tweak if the upper corner of Jame's mouth appeared on his face. The three of them decided a movie marathon was in order, just not a Disney one. They headed back to the flat and instead of going to Tessa's apartement, went to Jame's apartment. There they continued the rest of the day chilling and relaxing. A fitting end to the day.