Missing Mother (The Mortal Instruments Fanfic)

Chapter Five: Detour NYC

Esme was overwhelmed with food and love by the next afternoon; they had all gone down to a local breakfast bar that sold masses of American pancakes, waffles and salads. She had almost forgotten about the reason why they were even eating tremendous meals for breakfast in the first place; Esme was determined to see the Seelie Queen. The others couldn’t help but want to tour New York for all its glory and bright, bright lights. Esme sat in her Institute room and fiddled with her gear, she was told to take a day off from shadowhunting. In fact she was told by Tilly to

“Stop being a boy for today, dress normal.”

At first Esme was shocked that her best friend and avid feminist had said such a thing, but she hadn’t meant it in vain. Esme clawed through her suitcase of gear until she found plaid trousers and a black tank top which read ‘zombies are real’ which Simon had lent her once after a terrible case with a raging vampire. She had personalised it by cutting of the sleeves to make it into the shape it was, along with some holes that looked like zombie scratches. Pinching out a red lacy undershirt she marvelled at herself in the mirror. Nice job, still pretty black but… less ‘I’m going to go hunt some demons’. She tied up her average black trainers and took her hair down from its high pony letting it flow in all its wavy glory. The only time she ever dressed similar to this was shopping days with Tilly, of which she would normally just wear her gear but without the weapons and maybe some bright earrings. Of which was a rarity, Tilly preferred online shopping. Walking down the huge staircase that belonged in the institute she paused when she saw Tilly in her usual skirt plus tight shirt that shows slight mid-drift.

“You like nice, Till.” Esme mentioned, grinning at her parabatai.

“So do you, less shadowhunty.” Tilly complimented, grabbing the eldest Herondale’s hand and dragging her down the stairs with excitement.

“That’s what I thought.” Esme replied, struggling to keep up.

“Oh Essie, you’ll love New York. So many shops and musicals…” flaunted Tilly, flailing her legs and arms around as if she was pointing to Times Square and Broadway.

“And monsters, and the Seelie Queen.” Esme added politely as they reached the bottom of the staircase.  Esme had never seen any of the others out of gear, ever. It was a genuine surprise to see Con wearing a plaid shirt that almost matched her trousers and dark red skinny jeans paired with the usual converse.

“Well you can tell we’re siblings.” Con commented to Alec whilst he was busy fixing his tie. Nico looked adorable in his jeans and jumper that was [provided to him via Magnus Bane. Lastly her eyes drifted over to Raphael who caught her stare, he looked… hot? Esme thought he looked nearly the same but his hair was left in messy curls instead of styled to keep it out of his eyes when hunting demons. He looked more relaxed, less… uptight. “Can we leave now?” Con’s voice echoed in Esme’s head as Raph snapped his head around. She walked towards her brother, punching his arm.

“Patience is a virtue, that’s what dad says.” Esme joked lightly, still caught up in Raph’s eyes. Esme had thought Raphael as a brother figure, especially as she was working towards getting closer to Con. She had never though him as anything more. Her ears pricked up as she heard a voice say,

“She looks really different, but not… at the same time. Do you get me?”

Magnus and Alec had planned the day out perfectly, 10 am – 11:30 am they were to eat breakfast at an old fashioned diner, 12 pm – 3 pm they were to go to a downworlders friendly café and eat lunch whilst telling stories about New York and how Jace was adopted. During this time they would be allowed to wonder off and shop/sight see. Although they must be promptly back by 3:30 pm the latest. Then they are to visit Jocelyn and Luke in the Library for dinner until 7:30 pm when they will head out to see Wicked on Broadway. Magnus enjoyed seeing Alec surrounded by family; it made him feel younger again. Alec was struggling with the idea of seeing himself age and Magnus stay at the same stage he has always been in physical development.  Family was a distraction Alec was thankful for, something he hadn’t had for a while after Clary’s death. Clary always had a way of impacting Alec’s life, through life and death. It made him wonder, if she was the reason the children were even here in the first place. Finally, something good had come out of Clary’s existence in his own life. Other than Jace and his sister’s happiness, even the destruction of Valentine and Jonathan Morgenstern, and you cannot forget her part in Alec and Magnus’ love story. Okay, she has positively impacted me quite a lot then.