Hola, Mis Amigos! Okay, so currently, I am sitting in my backyard with my neighbors' dogs because they dug their way out of their yard. They also might dig their way out of my yard if I don't watch them, hence why I am braving the outdoors. I also have bronchitis, so yippee on that front. At least it means I get to write though! Still not fun, but- Okay now the dog is jumping around trying to eat a fly. That made my day. Anyways... ONTO THE STORY


"What took you so long?" Isabelle whined when I finally got to Simon's car, where both of my best friends were waiting. All I did was wave her question off, and she narrowed her eyes. I couldn't have spoken if I wanted to, still too freaked to say anything.

"Hey, Clare!" Simon said brightly, ever so oblivious to what had just transpired. I smiled slightly at him, but that was the only real greeting he got. Now, he looked suspicious too, but I honestly didn't care about it at the moment. Right now, I was worried about the fact that I had absolutely no idea what just happened. There were no words to describe how utterly astounded I was, because that had literally come out of nowhere. That was when my rational side kicked in.

He was just trying to mess with you. I told myself, And for once, he came out on top. It took me way too long to have that epiphany. Needless to say, I was mentally slapping myself. And Jace. Definitely Jace. I forced my grin to grow, clapping like I was excited and motioning to the car. Their wariness seemed to evaporate at my expression. Well, Isabelle's did fully, but Simon's wasn't all the way gone. I saw the silent question in his eyes, then shook my head minutely, indicating that I wasn't about to spill. He sighed, but turned away, walking over to the driver's side and sliding in.

"You can have the front seat today." Finally, my brain remembered how to talk, and Izzy squealed happily. She engulfed me in a hug, and I gripped her shoulders tightly as she rocked us from side to side. The second she began to let go, I drifted precariously to the left. Right as I teetered the tiniest bit too far, about to crash to the ground, she grabbed me. She held on until I regained my balance, but when she knew I was good, she bounded over to the car, hopping inside. I walked with a little bit more grace than before to the back, slipping into it and clicking my seatbelt. Right when my eyes landed on the two as they chattered, I knew that giving up shotgun was for the better. They both had idiotically huge smiles on their faces as Simon began to drive as I sat in the back, alone and forgotten. Not that I minded, because it gave me time to freak out.

What the actual hell happened?

Is that supposed to mean something?

No, Clarissa Adele Fray. My brain assured me, It meant nothing, and you need to stop thinking about it. Like, now.

Apparently, the few thoughts had been running through my head for a long time, because before I knew it, music was filtering through the windows. I snapped back to attention, taking a deep breath as Simon opened the door for me like a true gentleman. Sure, I had been to a party before, due to Isabelle's incessant pleading and forcible dragging, but never something as big as Magnus Bane's party. I had only heard stories, but those that had reached my ears were nothing but terrifying.

"You ready, Clare?" Izzy moved in front of our other best friend, offering me a hand. All I could do was nod, then scoot my way out until my feet hit the ground. With that, Iz and Simon were hauling me unwillingly onto the street. I was starting to majorly second guess myself, and I found myself trying to tug out of their grasps, retreating into the car. Surprisingly, Isabelle wasn't the one who yanked me into her chest. It was Simon.

"If I have to suffer, so do you, Fray." He growled through gritted teeth, too low for the raven haired girl to hear. I hissed a number of curses, but by then, he knew I'd given in. To my great pleasure, I didn't fall when he let go. I actually stood straight up.

Go Clary, My thoughts sang, Go Clary. Go, go, go Clary.

"Clarissa Adele Fray!" The shout, courtesy of Isabelle, drew me out of my head. I took a deep breath, pulling my shoulders back and walking purposefully toward the party. It wasn't hard to tell which one, considering it was the only house with music blaring. Honestly, I was surprised that the police hadn't been called yet, because, judging by the teenagers passed out on the lawn, this had been going on for a while. Then again, people were talking about Magnus' parties at least once a month, so the neighbors must've gotten used to it. I couldn't help but be a little disappointed at that, since that probably would've been my only escape considering my friends' behaviors in the past few minutes. It didn't take long for the other two to catch up with me, and soon, they were ahead. I struggled to keep up, but there was no way I would be able to walk that fast, so I reached out, grabbing their arms and screeching us to a halt.

"If you both leave me, I swear I will kill you slowly." I threatened meaningfully. Isabelle's eyes widened a fraction, but Simon's just rolled. That earned him a glare courtesy of yours truly.

"I'm not scared of you, Clare Bear." He stated proudly, and I stomped up to him surprisingly menacingly, my slight anger enough to defy my high heels. Fear flashed in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came. I still smirked, because even though he tried to hide it, it was there. Both of my eyebrows shot up. "Fine." He relented, "We won't leave you." I had the strongest feeling that wouldn't be true. Granted, it would probably be unintentional, but I would still be on my own.

"Let's go." Isabelle urged, not waiting for my nor Simon's responses as she began walking. I groaned, subtly eyeing the car, and I wondered if I would be able to get to the car first if I had the element of surprise on my side. Judging by the way Simon grabbed me and started to tug me along, the element wasn't so surprising. Then again, I probably would've broken my ankles if I tried to run, entirely defeating the purpose of the action. I didn't have a choice as I was taken hostage and dragged to the house.

When we opened the door, stepping inside, it was like we'd been transported to a new dimension. Music blared, vibrating the floor and pounding my heart along with the beat. People were everywhere, and I mean everywhere. It was like pushing through the crowded NYC sidewalk just to get passed the foyer. It wasn't the cleanest place I'd been in my life-both figuratively and literally-but there was something like a thrill that sparked in my veins, travelling from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Never had I been to a party this big, but it was like a rush had taken over me as a smile spread on my lips. I turned to find the same giddy look on Izzy's face, but Simon's expression was nowhere near elated. He looked wary and a slight bit disgusted.

"Oh lighten up." Isabelle nudged him with her elbow when she saw his expression, "Let loose for once." He opened his mouth, no doubt to protest, but that was when Iz grabbed his hand. His eyes flicked down, and I could see the pleasure in them at the simple gesture. To be honest, it was probably because she started tugging him through the people. I grabbed his arm in attempt to follow, stumbling as people bumped into me on both sides. All of a sudden, we stopped, and I peeked over to Simon's shoulder to see why. When I saw the reason we'd halted, my smile grew even wilder. I stepped out from behind Simon to be met with the sight of a very sparkly boy.

"Darlings!" Somehow, even as he had to raise it over the music, Magnus' voice was smooth as silk. He lightly hugged all of us, kissing our cheeks-including Simon, who looked pretty awkward in the process, "You look stunning." His catlike eyes sparkled, and I was surprised to find that they were trained on me, "I'm guessing this is Isabelle's work?" He phrased it as a question, and I nodded vigorously. Magnus looked me up and down appreciatively once more, but it wasn't in the hungry fashion that most guys would. He was truly admiring what Izzy had done.

"Thank you." I smiled, cheeks red hot, because getting a fashion compliment from Magnus Bane was rare. Then again, he'd become part of our group at the beginning of this year, so I had a feeling he might feel obligated. As if reading my mind, he tutted.

"I don't give praise unless I mean it." He assured me with a grin. We both turned to congratulate Iz, only to find that both she and Simon were gone. I cursed under my breath, causing Magnus to chuckle and shake his head. Like the mature seventeen year old I am, I made a face at him, which only made him laugh harder. Suddenly, the excitement drained out of me as I realized that, as soon as Magnus had to greet others, I was totally alone. There was no way I would be able to find either of my best friends in this place, so I was hopeless.

"Don't worry, Darling." Magnus spoke, and my attention snapped back to him, "I'll be your knight in sparkly armor. Just stay with me and try not to fall in those beautiful shoes." Of course he had to point out my inability to walk at the moment. I shot him a playful glare as he began to lead me to an unknown destination, "We're here." He announced, and I looked at him questioningly. He gestured to my right, and gaze flicked that way to find a bar.

"You know I don't drink..." I trailed off with raised eyebrows. Obviously, he hadn't brought me here for alcohol, "What dirty gossip are you dying to tell me?" My teasing was met with rolled eyes, and I smirked, knowing I was spot on.

"It's not exactly gossip." He moved closer to me so I could hear him without others doing the same, "I talked to him for the first time." My jaw dropped at his words, and for a second, I just stared at him in shock.

"Your ever present mystery of a crush 'him'?!" I questioned loudly, and the look he shot me clearly communicated that I needed to tone it down. He nodded shortly after, "What happened?" This time, I made sure to speak softer.

"Well." Magnus' eyes gleamed with mischief, "I told him he had pretty eyes, and he mumbled a 'Thank you'. Then, he walked away red faced, flustered, and frankly adorable." Magnus looked so proud of himself, and I couldn't help but snort. He didn't look offended in the least, but rather his expression brightened, "The look on his face? Absolutely priceless."

"Did you happen to say 'Hello' first?" I asked, already knowing the answer full and well. He turned to me, amusement clear on his face, "I'll take that as a no." He nodded affirmatively, and I shook my head with a smile. Of course he didn't. Magnus Bane would never pass up the chance to shock someone to the core, and saying 'Hello' would've softened the blow, making it less fun for him. It was pretty entertaining, but at times, it could get him into trouble. He never seemed to care though, "Are you ever going to tell any of us his name?" I questioned, "If you've already talked to the guy, then what's the point in hiding?"

"All in due time, Clarissa." He responded cryptically, "All in due time." I shoved him lightly, then whined for him to tell me some more. The answer was always the same though. Every single time. Even when I told him he was breaking the friend code, he just smirked, probably enjoying my relentless curiosity.

"Fine." I relented after what seemed like an eternity of begging and pleading, "Be that way." He ruffled my hair, and that just made me remember that it was down. Isabelle must've been too excited about the party to notice, and even I had forgotten. Now, it hit me full fledge, and I was just thankful that neither of my best friends were here to witness my brief internal panic. However, it didn't escape Magnus' radar.

"Is there something you need to tell me?" He crossed his arms in front of his chest, clearly pleased with the position he'd put me in. I waved him off with a dismissive hand, mumbling something incoherent, but he wasn't about to take that, "You shouldn't ask if you don't want to tell." He pointed out, and I groaned.

"Please don't make me do this, Mags." My voice was pleading, but he wasn't having it. All he had to do was stare for me to break. It was honestly pathetic, but the second the surprise had worn off, I'd wanted to tell someone, just to get it out. I couldn't tell Isabelle, because Jace was her brother, and she would probably castrate him for pulling a move on me. Then again, it probably couldn't be classified as a move. Or maybe it could. Anyways, I couldn't tell Simon, because he would totally freak then tell Isabelle, which would have the same result, "JaceandIhadamomentthingy." The words came out in a rush, smashed together in a way that couldn't be discerned.

"You and Jace had a 'Moment thingy'?" Leave it to Magnus to be able to understand exactly what I'd said, with air quotes to top it off. I nodded, and he motioned for me to explain. After taking a deep breath, I began.

"So Isabelle originally had my hair in an updo." Was what I started with, and Magnus' interest already seemed to be piqued, "I was walking to the door alone, because Iz and Simon had left me behind, and all of a sudden, someone's hand was on my shoulder. I got surprised, and I tripped, totally thinking I was about to faceplant. I twisted so that my back would hit the ground, but suddenly, Jace freaking Lightwood had his arm around my waist and was pulling me into his chest.

"I can't even remember what he said, but I was about to push him off. Then, he had to go brush my cheek all delicately and stuff. He ended up taking my hair down and running his fingers through it. At the end, when he finally stepped back, he was all 'Much better' and left." I panted after telling the long, fast story. When I looked to see what Magnus was thinking, his face betrayed nothing, save for the way his lips curled at the corners the tiniest bit. I waited for what seemed like forever, then got fed up with his silence, "Say something!" My voice was slightly shrill, because recounting the event made it all the more real. I really shouldn't have been freaking out this much. It wasn't that big of a deal, but it seemed like it was to me.

"I don't exactly remember saying 'Much better'." I whipped around at the voice, only to come face to face with my worst nightmare. Well, face to chest was more accurate, but that was not the thing to focus on at the moment. As soon as I realized who was standing there, I glanced back toward Magnus to give him a piece of my mind for not telling me, but the sparkly boy was gone. That forced me to face my doom. Well, that and my doom spinning me to look at himself.

"What are you doing here, Lightwood?" I hissed through a clenched jaw, and he raised an eyebrow.

"I wanted to come to a party." He shrugged, an evil gleam in his eyes.

"Bullshit." I called him out without hesitation. Then, it dawned on me, "You and Alec came to watch us, didn't you?" His smug silence was my answer, and I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. Why? Why couldn't I have one fun night away from the devil? "How long were you standing there?" I growled, not really wanting to know the answer. Judging by the look on his face, he'd heard from the very beginning.

"What's a 'Moment thingy'?" He fired back, and I huffed, a frown growing on my face. I didn't respond, but that obviously wasn't the right choice, because Jace Lightwood was a persistent person, and he was used to getting what he wanted, especially from girls. What was the one thing he used to get it? Every single time? His charm. Luckily, that was something I was immune to. Well, judging by earlier today, it could also freak me the hell out, but I would never fall for it. Not in a million years.

Jace seemed to forget that fact, because he slid closer to me. I started to take a step back, but he put a hand on my hip, something twinkling in those golden eyes of his. Yet again, tried to escape, but his other hand was on my other hip, effectively rendering any movement useless. He pulled me against him, and I hissed a number of profanities under my breath. This was not how I'd wanted this party to end up. I hadn't gone in with a bright outlook, and that was rightly so. I silently scolded myself for getting lost in the atmosphere for even a minute.

"Okay, what are you doing?" I asked flatly, passed weirded out and more at the 'Get the hell away from me' point. He didn't say a thing, just smirked. My toe tapped impatiently as I waited for him to reveal his motive, but nothing happened. I had the strongest feeling that he was waiting to make his move until I got pissed off and did something. In his eyes, the bigger the reaction, the better, so I wouldn't give him that satisfaction, "Jace." I spoke after a second of silence, voice low and dangerous, "Either leave, or tell me what you're doing."

"Dance with me." He murmured, looking straight into my eyes, and I snorted.

"What are you trying to do? Seduce me?" So few words, so much sarcasm. If I'm being totally honest, part of me thought Jace would give me a sultry 'Yes', but the bigger part expected the actual reaction. Him laughing. This time, it wasn't one of those hold-your-stomach kind of laughs though. It was more of a light, airy laugh, "Hey." I said indignantly, "It could happen."

"In your dreams, Shortcake." He shook his head with a smile, and I noticed that, while he said that, he was still holding onto me. And he'd still asked me to dance with him.

"What's your game, Lightwood?" I growled, my almost nonexistent patience dwindling fast.

"Less of a game." He tilted his head to the side, for once thinking about his words, "More of an experiment." My jaw dropped. Oh hell no. Most guys, if they were doing this exact same thing, would go about it in a more subtle way. It would be equally as bad, but not this insulting. I was honestly about to knee him in the family jewels when he leaned closer, and that was when it happened. I smelled it. There was the sweet tang of one of Magnus' special drinks on his breath. He was smashed without even realizing it.

If there was a rule of thumb at any Magnus Bane party, it was this: Do not drink the colorful mixes unless you wanted to get drunk. Seeing as Alec and Jace hadn't taken the time to really meet Mags in the first place, they had no idea about that rule. All things considered, I didn't feel bad for them. Actually, I was looking forward to the way Jace's head would hurt in the morning. Alec's state was to be determined. I had less of a vengence against him though, so I wasn't as bloodthirsty for his demise.

"Disprove my theory." Jace's voice drew me back to where I was supposed to be. I narrowed my eyes in question, slightly surprised that a drunk person could say those words and have them make sense, "I'm conducting an experiment." He clarified, "And I have a theory. We both know what it is, so disprove it, and I'll let you go on your merry way." I tried to yank myself free, fully ready to smack him in the face, but his grip on my waist tightened. My entire body deflated, because I knew he wouldn't release me unless I agreed and meant it. He had this freaky sixth sense that knew when I was lying, so it would do me no good to even try. The second he saw the resignation in me, a full blown smile spread across his face.

"Let's go." He whispered in my ear, breath hitting my skin. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath in order to keep myself from punching him. Then, I started putting one foot in front of the other, away from the bar, and toward the dancefloor. As he led me through the crowd, fingers now reluctantly intertwined with mine, a nervousness rose up inside me.

It was a nervousness whispering that this dance would start something far bigger than one little experiment, and oh how right I was.


So, it seems like a little Clace magic might happen, eh? *raises eyebrows* (because I, like our dear Clarissa, am incapable of raising only one) Or will it? Keep in mind that Jace is drunk and Clary's sober. If it was the other way around, then questionable actions might ensue, but let's put some faith in our Clary. She's a strong, independent woman who doesn't need a man! (yet).

Question of the chapter: Who's your celebrity crush? (Mine is probably either Alex Pettyfer or Chace Crawford)

UNTIL NEXT TIME, MY FAITHFULS

Sincerely,

Shadowhunter5801