GDT10: Change, PG-13

[greenie]

Title: Change
Rating: PG-13
Prompt: #1, Feelings and Emotions
Category: 250 words and under
Words: 249
Summary: It's the hardest thing she's ever had to tell him.

WARNING: Minor (non-main-plot) spoilers for Bloodhound.


“I’m going to miss you.”
“You’ll see me every watch.”
“I know.” Mattes tightened his grip on Clary’s hand. “I’m still going to miss you, though. It’s the end of an era.”
Clary nodded, her throat tight. “I’ll miss you too,” she whispered. “It’s not because of you that I’m…”
“I know.” He grinned at her. “No matter what you’ve threatened in the past, you love me.”
Clary gave him a small crooked smile. “I just feel like it’s time.”
“It’s more than fair enough, when you look at the years you’ve been on the streets. People change.”
Clary nodded, relieved. “That might not be the only thing changing.” Mattes raised an eyebrow, and she swallowed hard. “I’m getting old, Mattes, and maybe it’s making me go soft, but…I want a baby. Before it’s too late.”
His eyes widened, and he touched her stomach gently. “How long…?”
Clary shook her head. “I’m not pregnant now.” Her hands covered his as though by instinct. “I was, though. But in Port Caynn…”
Mattes twisted his hand to grasp hers, and squeezed it. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too. I never realised how much I wanted a baby until it was gone. I hadn’t even been sure it was there.”
“Maybe...maybe it just wasn’t ready to be born yet.” He smiled at her. “It doesn't mean you'll never have one. And for what it's worth, I think you’ll be a good mother.”
“You’re a looby,” she told him, but she couldn’t help but smile.

[PeroxidePirate]

This is so intense. I love how Clary's full explanation just spins out during the conversation, without there being any kind of big announcement. I am so sad and hopeful all at once for her. And Mattes is such a good friend here.

[greenie]

Thanks! I reckon it would've been a surprise and not a surprise at the same time for Mattes...except I can't think how to explain that thought more.

[journeycat]

Aw, I'm sad that Clary ended up losing the baby in Port Caynn. But, at least, it's not keeping her down - and now she realizes it's exactly what she wants.

[greenie]

Yeah, I reckon it's a good way to explain what gave her the final push to make her decide to take the sergeant's job. And it also explains why she was so reluctant to go to Port Caynn in the first place, and why she was pale and stuff. Although the paleness was in the evening, so it can't have been morning sickness. :-\

But I also think she'd be fairly practical about losing the baby, even though she'd be a bit upset about it too.

[domluvr]

This is so bittersweet, with the sadness mixed with hope. She's always so brave, I love how Mattes is a good friend to her at the end when she's a little doubtful.

[greenie]

Yeah, I reckon that although he's a clown most of the time, he knows what to say when it's needed.

[Rowena]

Aw, I feel so bad for Clary, but it's good that she has Mattes to talk to.

I never realised how much I wanted a baby until it was gone. I hadn’t even been sure it was there.

I love the way you phrased this. Good job!

[greenie]

Thank you! And yeah, it would be so awesome to have a Mattes.

[Verasque]

“It’s more than fair enough, when you look at the years you’ve been on the streets. People change.”

I love the maturity in this. You expressed such a strong, missing scene so solidly that it was felt right down to the bones. We forget that they aren't that young anymore, and the hope for the next era of Goodwin and Tunstall's friendship was the most resounding part of the entire piece. Oh, but Clary! My heart goes out to her and her lost baby.