HOLA! Guess who's back?! (The answer is me, btw - just in case you didn't get it ;P) I'm so sorry about not updating for a couple months… Hehe. I have an explanation! I swear! I'm writing a book - like an actual book - shocking, I know. Well, the first draft is my mother's Christmas present, so I've got 80 more pages to write by the beginning of December. Wish me luck! Anyways… Enough about me. I think I left you on a big enough cliff hanger to continue…

Kill. Me. Now.

Our eyes grew wide, then we seemed to gain our composure at the same time. I plastered on a fake smile, and he did the same, but the looks in our eyes were a different story. He appeared to want to murder me, and I bet I shared that same gaze. Then, my smirk turned genuine. He'd remembered me, but it wasn't a good way, something even better.

"Oh. My. Gosh." I forced a squeal, then acted like a collected myself as I walked over to him, "It's really you! It's really Jace Herondale!" I wrapped my arms lightly around him, and he tentatively returned the hug, both of us tense. We didn't part on good terms, and I was totally fine with that, but did he really have to be my mentor? Of all the people in the music industry, it was him. Now, I didn't know whether the contest was a blessing or a curse in disguise.

"Hey, Baby." He winked at me when I pulled back, and I resisted the urge to frown, "What's your name?"

"Clary. Clary Fray." I introduced myself for the first time, and he offered his lady killer smile. For a while, we were silent, neither of us knowing exactly what to say to each other. Then, Ryan stepped in, easing the tension.

"So, I'm guessing you're a fan." He smirked, and I pasted yet another grin on my face.

"You could say that." I laughed softly, hoping the cameras would stay on us forever so I wouldn't strangle the Golden Boy in front of me, "I have very strong feelings for his music and his personality." Were they good ones, no, but I still placed a dramatic hand on my forehead, "Oh my gosh. I must be having a dream."

More like a nightmare. I thought to myself, and I couldn't help but snicker. That earned me slight raised eyebrows from both men standing close enough to hear, but I just put an innocent look on my face. Jace seemed to know what I was thinking though, because I could see his eyes darken.

"Well, it's a privilege to mentor a pretty girl like you." He complimented, and, to the normal eye, it sounded sincere, but I could hear the sarcastic note, "Would you like to come inside?" He asked, making a grand gesture toward the house.

"That would be great." I replied, following him as he led me up the driveway and through the door. The second I crossed the threshold, my jaw dropped, because it was absolutely beautiful. When I looked up, my eyes landed on a chandelier that I would die for, and most of the interior was hardwood. I was jealous to say the least since this was basically my dream house already.

"Well," Ryan's voice startled me, and I whipped around, my trance broken. He wasn't facing me though, instead staring straight into the camera, "We'll allow these two to explore on their own, so tune in for more later. Finally, the cameras were put down, and both Jace and I turned away from the other people and toward each other. Our smiles immediately dropped.

"Well." Jace gritted his teeth, trying to sound happy for the sake of the others in the room, "Why don't we take a look around." I simply nodded so I wouldn't snap at him, and, to my surprise, he took my hand in his own. Contrary to when people probably would think, his grip wasn't light and gentle. No, he squeezed like he was trying to break my bones. I quickened my pace as he started to walk so he wasn't totally dragging me, and we ascended the grand stairwell.

Neither of us spoke for a while as he yanked me quickly down the halls, not giving me even a second to stop and admire what was around me. I honestly felt like a dog on a leash, so you can imagine my more-than-slight frustration. After what seemed like an eternity of awkwardly walk-jogging on my part, I was pulled into a room, and that started our glare-off. We stood there, eyes locked for the longest time, but it wasn't in a good way - not at all. I refused to be the one to break it, forcing me to observe my surroundings out of the corners of my eyes, which was pretty much impossible seeing as my vision was clouded with rage.

"You." I finally seethed, breaking the silence, "Of all the people that could've mentored me for my dream, it has to be you." His jaw clenched, and he honestly looked like a was about to punch me. Then, he closed his eyes for a second, collecting himself. When he opened them, they shined with something I didn't like, something evil.

"I like you." He stated, and I stepped back in shock, then I shuddered.

"Don't even think for a second that I'll-"

"You don't have to worry about that." He offered a cocky, dismissive wave of his hand, "Not after your little stunt, no. What I mean is that I like you for entertainment… A different kind." His smile resembled a shark baring its teeth, and I clenched my fists.

"And what, exactly, do you mean by entertainment?" I spat out the last word like it tasted bad in my mouth, which was frankly true.

"You're feisty." He started advancing on me, and I began taking unintentional steps backwards, "You don't worship me." I could tell that one was hard for him to say, so it was funny to see his face change. That is, until my back hit the wall, allowing him to cage me in with his arms. Did I feel tingles? No. Was I becoming breathless? No. Was I ready to smack off that stupid smirk that spread across his face once again? Hell yes, "But I know deep down inside…" Just when our noses were centimeters from colliding, he averted his path, instead bringing his lips to my ear, "You want me." My jaw dropped as I processed his words, but, before I could do anything, he'd tweaked my nose and was at the door, "Welcome to your new bedroom by the way." He winked, then he was gone.

Deep breaths, Clary. I reminded myself when everything had finally gotten through my thick skull, Take ten. I instructed myself, trying to relax my muscles, One… Two… Three… Screw it. I was done. I was going to put that boy in his place, because I was not ready to deal with an arrogant asshole for the entirety of this show. I stormed into the hall, out for blood, then I halted completely, looking from side to side. Before, I had been too focused on Jace to watch where we had gone, so now, I had absolutely no idea where I was.

There goes that plan.

I muttered curses to myself as I turned around, marching into my new room and making it a point to slam the door behind me. Pacing back and forth, I wondered what in the world to do about this thing. I could get over my little problem with Jace, suck it up, and deal with him, but I wasn't that rational. Or, I could make it a point to put him in his place whenever I was able to, possibly risking pissing of a very rich and very powerful musician who basically had my future in his hands. Of course, being me, I chose that option. The question was: How would I do it?

My mind was on overload, and I wasn't exactly ready to deal with that right now, so I walked over to the bed, flopping down on my back. I took a second just to let everything soak in. I was actually going to be working with a professional singer to get my music produced. Ignoring the fact that the singer was the one and only Jace Herondale, this was the opportunity of a lifetime. It was something I couldn't throw away for the sake of an arrogant, big-headed jerk, so I had to suck it up and deal with him.

I had a feeling that I wouldn't be so "entertaining" to him pretty soon though.

"It's Herondale." Was what I greeted Isabelle with when she picked up the phone, and I was met with absolute silence on the other end, "Hello?" I was wondering if I had lost her, that is, until I heard a slew of noises shrieked in my ear. I winced, pulling the phone away while she got it all out. It took what seemed like forever for her to quiet down, so when she did, I was extremely grateful, "You done?"

"You, Clary Fray, are working with the Jace Herondale?" Izzy sounded like she almost didn't believe me, "Can I come over, like, now?" I snorted, not even justifying her response with a reply. All of a sudden, she broke out laughing, but I didn't know why, so I waited for her fit to end. Finally, it stopped, "Oh my god." She was still giggling, but at least it was softly, "This is great. It's your dream opportunity, and now you have to work on it with the one artist you hate with a burning passion?"

"My thoughts exactly." I grumbled, "It could've been anyone else, but no. It had to be Herondale?" I let out a loud noise of frustration, but it was okay, because I was alone in my room, just like I had been since I'd gotten here. In my defense, I had no idea where everything was. Needless to say, Herondale's "tour" hadn't been very helpful, so I was basically stranded until someone came for me.

"Well I have some news for you that might cheer you up." Isabelle's voice was hopeful, and I waited for her to speak again, "Drumroll please…" I simply rolled my eyes, "All of us are renting an apartment and staying in LA while you're there!" My jaw dropped, and a jumbled response that even I couldn't understand escaped my mouth, "You alright there?" She chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction.

"Hell yes!" I yelled, literally jumping up and down. I wouldn't be alone! There would be someone to help me hide Herondale's body once I killed him. Very slowly. With a variety of weapons-

Okay, I really needed to stop the musings. It wasn't healthy to dream of fantasies that wouldn't come true. Then again, my dream as a musician had become real, so maybe, if I wished hard enough, murder would become legal. Then, I could murder him and take his fortune all for myself.

"What the actual hell, Clary?" Isabelle's voice brought me back to reality, "No, you will not kill Jace Herondale very slowly with a variety of weapons." I blushed at the fact that I'd actually spoken my thoughts, then I pouted when I realized she wasn't on board. Jonathan might be, but then, Simon and Izzy would make sure that we ended up six feet under if our plan was successful.

"Fine." I grumbled, "I won't hurt your precious Jace Herondale." Even though she couldn't see me, I stuck my tongue out, and I heard her snort.

"I've gotta go!" I frowned when I realized how quick our conversation had been. I'd definitely expected Iz to question be a lot more when she found out just who I was living with, but instead, she was leaving me. Alone and afraid to fend for myself against the beast that was Herondale. I voiced as much, and I could almost hear her roll her eyes, "We're on the plane, drama queen." She added, obviously entertained. Normally, I would've scoffed at Isabelle Lightwood calling me dramatic, but as of now, I was way too shocked.

"What?!" I yelled when I'd regained the ability to form words, then quickly realized that someone might hear me, "You guys are coming already?" I spoke considerably softer, trying to contain my excitement, but I felt just as amazing as I had when I'd met Brendon Urie… In my dream. I was pulled back to reality by the sound of an airport announcement leaking through the phone, and I squealed.

"Okay, I really have to hang up now." Isabelle whispered, "The flight attendant is glaring at me. Everyone says hi and we love you!"

"Hi and I love you guys too!" I exclaimed, then the line went dead. After making another noise too high-pitched to be human-like, I cradled my phone to my chest. They were coming. I fell back onto the bed, relief coursing through my veins. Comfort swelled my heart at the realization that I would have the biggest pieces of home just minutes away, that I wouldn't just be thrust in the middle of yet another big city, that I wouldn't be stuck with You-Know-Who without anyone by my side. At that moment, I honestly could've cried.

"Hey!" Someone yelled, scaring the daylights out of me. I sat up to be met with the sight of Jace Herondale in my doorway, his trademark smirk on his face, "Dinner is ready." As if on cue, my stomach growled, and I couldn't help the pink tint on my cheeks. Herondale snorted unattractively, and my lips tipped down at the corners, glancing behind him to make sure there were no cameras. When I determined I was safe, I flipped him off, offering a sarcastic smile, "Do you not want to eat?" He taunted, raising an eyebrow. A single eyebrow. My face fell into a frown once again, because for some reason, I wasn't physically capable of doing that. If one eyebrow went up, the other followed. They were horribly codependent.

"It's about time." I muttered, rising to my feet and pushing past him. I started walking purposefully down the hall, head held high. That was when I realized I had no idea where I was going, and I turned around to see Herondale biting his lip to contain his laughter. After a moment of silence, he couldn't keep it at bay anymore, doubling over and clutching his stomach. I stomped back over to him, and I crossed my arms indignantly as I waited for him to finish.

"The dining room is that way." He regained his composure and pointed in the opposite direction of where I'd gone. I mumbled curses under my breath as he started in the right direction, about to rip his head off when he turned to me with a self-righteous grin, "Just wanted to make sure you're going where you're actually supposed to." His voice and expression were innocent, but he was given away by a snicker that he couldn't hold in. Suddenly, his hand was pressed on my lower back, guiding me, and I was about to shove him away when he leaned down, placing his lips next to my ear, "Cameras." He whispered softly, making it seem like he'd said something sweet and sensual. I barely resisted the urge to crinkle my nose in disgust at his closeness, purely for the sake of the people who would be watching the show.

When my eyes landed on the long, wooden table in front of me, I gasped. It was covered in enough food to feed an army, and it wasn't stuff like the crappy microwave ramen noodles I was used to. No, there was steak and fish and chicken and god I had never seen so much good food at once in my life. My mouth watered at the sight, and I sucked in the wonderful smell.

"You're drooling." Herondale teased, and I wiped my face, only to find that he had - in fact - been kidding.

And you're ugly. I wanted to retort, even though I knew it wasn't true, but there were cameras everywhere, so I had to bite my tongue. I took a deep breath, shooting him a sickly sweet smile before I walked to a chair. He rushed over to it, arriving before me, and a part of me thought he would take it just to spite me. Instead, he pulled it out, gesturing for me to sit. I did as he motioned, surprised he was capable of being kind to me. Then again, it was probably instinct to charm girls until he got them in-

Bad Clarissa. I scolded myself, even though I wasn't picturing myself as one of them, Bad thoughts. I couldn't help but throw up a little in my mouth at the mere notion of having any sort of unnecessary contact with him. The thought made me shiver in horror.

"So." Herondale's voice pulled me out of my daze, and for once, I was glad he'd interrupted my thoughts, "Tell me about yourself." As I started to answer in the most vague way possible…

I had the strongest feeling that this would turn into the dinner from hell.

SO THAT WAS THAT. Okay, I have to admit that I seriously have no idea where I'm going with this story. I mean, I have a general idea, and I'm pretty psyched about that, but the details… Hehe… Let's just say that they're "To be determined". I also have to admit that it was the same way with The Bachelor. I just kinda rolled with the punches and it turned out pretty great, so trust me on this one!

Question of the Chapter: Would you rather go to a Broadway musical or a sports game? You have 10 seconds. Go.

Love you, my faithfuls!

Sincerely,

Shadowhunter5801

PS I would totally put a heart, but fanfiction deletes the "less than" sign for some reason *cries*

PPS We've already hit 95 followers in three chapters ohmygod…