Fragile Hearts (TID - Will Herondale fanfic)

Chapter 27: Why?

Will was just about to head out of the Institute when he heard a familiar sound of musical laughter.

"So he really did send you out."

Nora dropped down in front of him. Will couldn't help the grin that had spread on his face. He couldn't help but feel glad that it was dark so she couldn't see him.

"I can't believe you waited until midnight just so you could interrupt my sleep."

"As if you were sleeping," She said, and Will could practically imagine her rolling her eyes in the dark.

There was a silence between them, and then Nora grabbed his arm and pulled him under the nearby witchlight.

"Liam? Are you alright?"

Liam. It had been so long since she had called him that. His thoughts went back to the moment he shared with Tessa in the library. The claw marks on his face had not yet been dealt with by an iratze.

But he knew that wasn't why she asked the question. The anguish he had been feeling since he left her at Magnus's place was only bearable then.

He had been stupid to open himself up to her again, go demon hunting, spend the whole afternoon together in her presence.

Now being away from her—detaching himself from her—it just wasn't bearable anymore.

"I'm never alright," Will said, so softly.

"Come on," Nora said, hooking her arm through his and leading him up the Institute's steps. "You need some sleep. And an iratze for those scratches. Jem's cat must really love you."

Will kept silent, his whole body springing with repressed energy, as it always was when he was around her.

Nora led him to his room in a comfortable silence.

  I don't care if you may actually hate me, but I didn't spend all those nights with you because I felt the need to repay you. I don't. Will, I care for you. You think I hate you? I don't. And you can hate me, I don't care. But I will never hate you. Never.

  He remembered the fear he felt then. All those who love you will die.

  But there was no way that Nora could love him. She loved Gabriel. Will was sure of it.

  They finally reached Will's room, and they entered, Will closing the door behind him as Nora sat on his bed.

  As usual, Will's room was in an orderly mess, bedsheets rumpled from nights of nightmares. Books everywhere he could find space for. Weapons on his bedside table.

  Will stood at the door as Nora took out a stele from his drawer.

  "Come here," Nora ordered, and Will sat himself next to her.

  Nora took his chin gently and Will could feel how hard his heart was beating against his chest. If your heartbeat could hurt you, Will was sure he would be dead.

  "You really should have taken care of this sooner," Nora chastised.

  "Couldn't be bothered with those small injuries," Will said, making sure his voice was even.

  "Well, I am," Nora said, bringing the stele down on his cheek. She carefully drew an iratze, and Will focused on the slight burn instead of Nora's let down hair tickling his other cheek as she bent forward in concentration.

  "Why, Nora?" Will couldn't help but say, as she leaned back after finishing the iratze. "Why would you ever care for me?"

Nora looked up at him, and it felt like there was nothing anymore except the two of them.