Disclaimer- I don't own the characters in this story, but the plot is all mine!

I stared reached out to take his hand, the rough calluses making me flinch. He shrugged, as if they were normal.

"What will you do if the Premiers see them- they aren't allowed!"

He laughs, a wisp of air reaching out and caressing my cheek. "Our rules are different than yours. The Herondales are treated differently than the Morgensterns. Where I come from calluses aren't some awful scar. They're a part of life."

I shake my head, trying to get rid of the reminders of constant shocks from when I was young and got lines on my hands.

"Clarissa, the lines mark the poor. What would your father say if he saw your hands?" Hodge, my assigned Premier told me. "You know what has to be done, right?"

I looked away, already wincing at the impending electrical charge to charge through my nerves. I bit my lip, as over and over he hit the lines, until all was left was the soft smooth surface of my palm.

"Isn't that better? Now you know your place, and they know theirs. Now hurry along now, lessons begin in twelve minutes and thirty-eight seconds. Ms. Fray does not appreciate when you are late.

A hand touches my arm, and I jump, startled. I laugh shakily when I realize that it's just Jace. "Sorry, they just- come sometimes. I am deeply sorry for my actions." I rattle off the customary line, out of habit. The same shock system had instilled those values in me as well.

"Clary, you know you don't have to-"

"I can't help it okay! I can't change a whole part of my being for one night with you, okay? No matter how much we want to ignore it, the memories will be there, haunting me, and thoroughly annoying you."

He shakes his head in disbelief. "You seriously think I'm asking you to drop your values. Listen, I may not know all of what they do to you Morgensterns, but I've heard the stories. I was GOING to say that you don't have to come out here if it hurts you, and that I understand."

I look down. "Can we cut tonight short? I think I have some training that I have to get in before tomorrow, or else Ms. Fray will bring out the sticks again.

We both know it's a feeble attempt to get out of an awkward situation, but he takes the bait grudgingly.

"Sure, just, take it easy, okay? See you next week, my sweet Clarissa Adele Morgenstern." He says these words softly, as if I'm so fragile I may blow away.

I whisper, as he fades away into the endless night, "See you, my sweet Jonathon Christopher Herondale. I love you."

Those last words, words of poison and promises, will lead to my ruin I'm sure of it. But as long as it is only my secret, than none shall know. Even the one who I am uttering it toward.

I hope that wasn't too bad- it was an idea that popped into my head today. Review on whether or not you would like another chapter (that will definitely be longer)!

-unwrittenwonders