If Clary ever thought that a relationship with Jace would be easy, she was quickly finding out that she was dead wrong. All the things that made her love him - his cockiness, his protectiveness, his insane ability to always have the last word - they could all be vastly frustrating. His protectiveness often became over-protective and smothering. Because he had the amazing talent to spin things to go his way, she rarely ever was able to win an argument. Not that she didn't try. They argued often, and loudly. It was not unusual to hear slamming doors and stomping feet around the Institute.

Such was the occasion today. Clary was sure everyone heard when she shouted "Well, why don't you just go back to Aline then, if you love it there so much? I would hate for you to be stuck here in New York with me!"

"Sure, and we all know the only reason you want to stay in New York is so you can be close to Simon", Jace shot back furiously.

This was a common argument. It seemed ridiculous, that after all the struggles it took to finally be in a relationship, that they would be jealous. It didn't help that they were both so stubborn and unwilling to back down from a fight. To Clary, it seemed like Jace enjoyed fighting with her. The thought stopped her next comment from exiting her mouth. Jace did love to fight, who was to say that he didn't enjoy a verbal battle as much as a physical one? Clary decided to test her theory.

"You're right."

Jace's mouth hung open loosely. "Excuse me?" he sputtered.

"I said, you're right. It's all about Simon. Always has been. No use arguing about it anymore. I refuse to leave New York because, secretly, I never got over Simon." Clary wondered if Jace had noticed the twitch in her cheek where she was trying to keep from smiling.

Apparently he had, because his eyes narrowed and took on a mischievous gleam. "Is that so?" he said slowly, closing the distance between them. "It's Simon that you think about when I do this?" He raised an eyebrow, then lowered his head to place a feather light kiss on the corner of her lips.

"And this?" Jace's lips traveled down, towards her throat, trailing white hot kisses until he reached the curve between her neck and shoulder. He continued until he came to the sensitive skin behind her ear. He whispered, his breath tickling her skin and sending more waves of pleasure through her body, "still thinking of Simon?" His voice was thick, but still held a conceited tone.

Clary felt her knees go weak, but managed to mutter, "Yep, all Simon."

She watched through heavily lidded eyes as Jace lifted his head back up to look at her. "I find that very difficult to believe. However, I'm never one to back down from a challenge, and this, dear Clary, is definitely a challenge."

He lowered his mouth to hers and began exploring her mouth. He was teasing at first, light quick kisses that quickly developed into something deeper. She sighed and he took the opportunity to dart his tongue in to taste her more fully. She found herself taking a step backwards until she felt her back touch the wall behind her. Jace continued the assault on her mouth and his hands snaked under her shirt to rub his hands against the small of her back. He pulled her harder against him and all coherent thought left her. Clary raised her arms and tangled her hands in Jace's golden hair, pulling his mouth even closer to her own.

When Jace finally pulled back, his face looked slightly flushed. Clary would have enjoyed the sight had there not been a smirk on his lips. With a wink, he said "I think that'll do it." and turned down the hall. Clary slowed her breathing, straightened her clothes and began to walk down the hall. Suddenly she stopped as a thought crossed her mind. With a frustrated stomp of her foot, she realized he had still managed to get the last word.