"You want to take it into your mouth as far as it can go. Even when you're gagging and eyes are watering, keep going. Then you reach under and cup the balls and sensually massage them—" Isabelle explained while she demonstrated with her mouth and hands.

"Ew, Clary make her stop!" Tessa cringed and covered her ears.

Isabelle and Clary giggled at her. The girls sat at a small table by the coffee shop window, sipping at their lattes.

"What? You're the one who asked what I meant by 'giving head'. I was just explaining it for you." Isabelle defended as she laughed.

"I thought it would be a slang term for giving someone a headache or something! I'm too sheltered by my aunt for that kind of talk." Tessa said whining.

"And yet, you are friends with us." Clary humorously pointed out.

"Yes, and I'll just hide behind my books forever and live through you guys." Tessa stated, seeming perfectly fine with that plan.

"Awe, she's so cute." Isabelle said while Clary nodded in agreement and pinched Tessa's cheek.

Isabelle sat back in her chair and raised the cup to her lips. She peeked over the rim. "I bet Will wouldn't mind some head." She mumbled into her cup.

Tessa, who had been in the middle of drinking her one coffee, suddenly choked and it dribbled down her chin. Clary and Isabelle again chorused in laughter. Tessa smiled embarrassed as she wiped up her face.

"Uhm, well, I choose to believe that Sir William is more of a gentleman than that." She insisted.

"You are such a romantic, Tess. Never change." Clary replied with a loving smile.

Isabelle tipped back her coffee cup and drank the last of it. "Alright, ladies, I've got to get going. I need to be back to watch Max before my parents leave." She declared checking the time on her phone.

"Oh, that reminds me." Clary reached into her bag. "Simon and I picked this up for him." She said, handing Isabelle a Manga comic book.

"Awe, you nerds are so cute." Isabelle said with a sweet sarcastic voice. Clary just stuck out her tongue.

Tessa and Clary cleaned up with Isabelle and followed her out of the coffee shop. The girls hugged at the door and went their separate ways down the street walk. Tessa linked an arm around Clary's and they strolled on, still sipping at their drinks.

Casually looking at the shop windows that passed, Clary noticed a familiar face through the glass. "Wait! Let's stop in here." She jerked Tessa along behind her as she threw open the shop door.

"Luke! I totally forgot about your book store!" She declared to the scruffy-faced man at the back of the store.

Luke looked up surprised but smiled. He excused himself from the elderly man he was chatting with and walked over to the two girls.

Clary reached up and hugged him. "Please tell me my mom didn't forget to ever come by, too?" Clary asked, sticking a hand to rest in her back pocket. She was concerned that her mother, being caught up in her pitiful romance, had forgotten to tend to her friendships.

"Oh, no, she comes by for lunch a couple times a week." He assured.

It was Clary's turn to be surprised. Perhaps Jocelyn did still tend to her friendships. Perhaps more than a woman, with a daughter, shacking up with an old boyfriend and his son should…

"Holy shit!" Clary heard Tessa suddenly announce. She flinched to hear the girl's gentle voice pronouncing such a harsh word. In fact, she didn't even know it was in her vocabulary.

Clary turned to see Tessa a few steps away with a hand covered over her mouth. She was staring amazed at a long shelf of old books.

"Since when do you know how to curse?" Clary asked, incredulous.

"It felt necessary…" Tessa said in a dazed voice. "Clary, do you know what these are? All first editions of classic English literature." She answered before Clary even had a chance. "Do you know how much all of this is worth?!" She asked desperately.

"Uhm, no?" Clary weakly replied.

"Me neither… But, I know it's a lot!" Tessa quickly professed.

Luke smiled and walked over to Tessa at the bookshelf. "Ah, a book lover, I see." He observed and casually rested an elbow on the shelf end. "I've been building my collection for a while. Is there a certain one you would like to borrow?"

Tessa started. "You actually let people check these out?" She said disbelieving. She skimmed her finger tips along the book bindings. She pulled out one that read Jane Eyre on the cover.

Luke chuckled. "Well, kind of. I put my faith in the honor system."

"Jace actually comes here quite a bit." Luke added, directing his glance to Clary.

Clary's eyebrows shot up. She knew Jace was the scholarly type but, still. Well, actually, Jace was lots of types.

"He's a decent kid, you know." Luke smiled. Clary snorted and muttered a 'sure'.

He smirked at her knowing. "This stuff's not really his style though. He's usually just a tag along with Will."

There was an abrupt clatter as Tessa knocked into the book shelf, fumbling the novel in her hands. Clary and Luke both looked at her startled.

"He's more a fan of the language and history sections…" Luke trailed, finishing his previous thought.

"Sir William is an English literature buff, too?" Tessa blurted out excitedly, referring to his previous statement. Luke just looked at her confused.

Clary waved a hand dismissively. "'Sir William' is a pet name she has for him. One he doesn't know about at that. Just ignore her, she's been popping to many drama pills with Magnus."

Luke's look of confusion slowly morphed into a weary look of concern. This caused Clary to giggle. "Calm down Luke, it was just a joke. Drama pills are not an actual thing."

Luke let out an embarrassed sigh and relaxed his shoulders. He turned to rearrange some books on the shelf next to him. "Well, I don't know what you kids are dipping into these days."

Clary sauntered over to cash register area and pitched her empty cup into the trashcan. "Pot mostly. For me, at least." She told him with a quaint smile, as she hoisted herself to sit on top of the counter.

"I'm just going to pretend like I didn't hear that." Luke muttered trying to hide his amusement as he walked past her with a stack of books.

"Hmm, please." She replied with a slight grimace. The realization that this man was close to her mother had just come back to her. As Luke sorted through books and tapes behind the counter, Clary grabbed a dumdum sucker from the bowl beside her and popped it in her mouth.

"You look like the type to have a hidden stash anyway, Luke, so I know you feel me." She said smugly over her shoulder.

"I'm not going to respond to that." Luke told her without even looking up. Clary chuckled knowing that simply confirmed her theory.

"Do you have A Tale of Two Cities?" Tessa's voice interrupted.

Luke straightened with a crooked grin. "I did. Will actually has it checked out right now." He explained.

Tessa let out a soft gasp and clutched another novel to her chest. She looked to the ground and bit her lip trying to contain her smile. "Maybe, I'll have to borrow it from him. Along with his heart." She mumbled softly to herself.

"Like I said—Ignore her." Clary muttered to again write off her friend's goofy behavior. However, Clary was used to it. Tessa marched to her own drum.

"Hey, if you are that interested, I've been looking for some part-time help around here. If you would like a job?" Luke kindly offered.

"Of course!" Tessa immediately exclaimed but, then squeezed her eyes shut and cringed. "I wish I had time but, I already agreed to an internship downtown. I really need it for my college application." She explained with disappointment.

"Ooooh me!" Clary yelped with a raised hand. She turned over her shoulder to look back at Luke. "My dad has been encouraging me to get one and I could always add it to my college application, too."

"Deal." Luke nodded. "And for starters—" He made a gesture of pointing a thumb over his shoulder and clicked his tongue. Clary took that to mean he was finally telling her to get off his register counter.

She leapt up and skipped over to Tessa. Grabbing the sleeve of her jacket, she pulled her over to the exit. Tessa slid a book back into place before reluctantly following her.

"You start after school, on Wednesday!" Luke shouted after them.

"You got it Boss!" Clary replied with a wink and let the door shut with a ding of the bell behind her.

Clary finally got home a while later and dug around for inside her purse for a key. It didn't seem to be there. Someone had to be home. She rapped on the door several times and held down the buzzer. Clary sighed and dropped to her knees. In one swoop, she turned over her bag and dumped all the contents onto the step. She gave it couple shakes just make sure it was empty. Scattered across the steps were a few nail polish bottles along with random make-up pieces, her fake ID, wallet, sketchbook, a pack of gum, a few singles and change, candy wrappers… Ooh and that other earring she had been looking for! But, no key. She probably left without it again.

Clary let out a whine and threw herself against the door, futilely slamming her fists. It may be the beginning of spring but, it was starting to get dark and cold. Plus, she really had to pee. She did not want to be stuck out here all night. Isabelle would probably let her stay over… But that usually resulted in some sort of makeover. And she definitely wasn't staying at Tessa's house again. Not with her elderly aunt who insists on force feeding them nothing but potatoes and dumplings, while watching re-runs of The Golden Girls. Simon would probably love for her to come over, and that's exactly why she couldn't…

Clary lazily grabbed onto her sketchbook and pulled the pencil from her bun, which she had twisted up earlier. Her curls cascaded around her shoulders. She set to drawing the outline that had recently become habit for her. Clary let her mind wonder, simply zoning out into nothing while her hand worked.

"How long have you been sitting there?"

Clary's head popped up to see her mom trudging up the steps with several bags. It was typical of her mother to bring work home with her.

"Long enough!" She squeaked, eagerly relieved that her mom hadn't left on a last minute trip. Clary snapped her sketchbook shut not even inspecting her drawing. She knew what it would be. She scraped her belongings back up into her bag and stood, waiting for her Jocelyn to open the door.

As soon as it was unlocked, Clary slid passed her and up the stairs. Sloppily throwing her jacket and satchel off as she went. Hurrying down the hall towards the bathroom at the end, Clary came to an abrupt stop after she passed Jace's open door. Taking a couple slow steps backward, she stood in front of his door with her nostrils flaring.

"You've been here this whole time?!" She screeched to blonde boy sitting casually in his bed.

Jace lounged against his headboard. His eyes were furrowed as he studied a text book. He glanced up dully at her words. "Yeah." He muttered.

Clary was so confused. "Did you hear me knocking?" She wondered.

"Yeah." Jace answered without looking up at her.

"Soooooooo, why didn't you come unlock the door?" She said exasperated.

Jace rolled his eyes as if it was obvious. "I didn't want to get up."

Clary stared blankly at him for several moments in disbelief. With a loud growl, she stomped her way to the bathroom.

Jace had been trying to take notes for hours but, honestly, he just couldn't concentrate. He had been tense all day. The stress was getting to him. He had ACT testing soon, Baseball season was starting, and his dad, like usual, was uninterested in anything but his own life. On top of that, there were girls and friends who expected him to always be the collected person that he was known on as. Not making that any easier was one particular girl who seemed to make it a job to get under his skin.

Jace sighed and flipped the textbook closed. He set it aside and got out his headphones, letting the music drown out his over-thought brain.

Just a minute later, he could hear the bang of his bedroom door through the music. Jace opened his eyes and removed an ear bud. Clary stood in the entrance way, she had pushed the door open farther so that it slammed into the neighboring wall.

She had changed into a pair of sleep shorts and long-sleeved tunic top. The shirt had a couple of button at the top that were left undone. She had on her favorite fuzzy socks and her loose curls were all flipped over to one side. Oddly, she looked like she had just been thoroughly fucked...or like she needed to be. Jace quick squinted his eyes to keep that thought at bay.

"Get out." Jace told her in a bored tone, ignoring the attitude on her face.

Clary disregarded his words and waltz into his room, eyeing him, as she opened his closet. Jace simply watched her with uninterested eyes. She stood there for a moment thoughtful as she looked around.

Getting annoyed, Jace asked what exactly she was doing.

She tossed him her own look of annoyance. "Well, before your ass got here, this was an art studio. I need extra charcoal." She explained, climbing shelves to reach a plastic bin up top.

Jace almost offered to help but just closed his eyes and listened to his music instead. The next thing he knew his blanket was being ripped off of him. He instinctually reached out and grabbed onto it, opening his eyes as his earbuds fell out.

"Hey!" He shouted angrily.

"This is mine, jackass!" She yelled back. Clary struggled to pull against his strength.

"So? I'm using it, you five-year." Jace replied, easily holding onto the blanket.

Clary tried to turn the other way in order to pull harder, but in a flash, her feet slid right out from under her. Jace lessened his grip, seeing as she was now on the ground, groaning in pain.

He was trying not to laugh but wasn't feeling very sympathetic either. "I hear karma's a bitch." He told her, amused.

Clary rolled onto her back and massaged her sore elbow. She pulled herself up over the side of his bed with a huff, staring up at him. "You're in a bad mood today." She grimly stated.

Jace rolled his eyes and leaned back again, crossing his arms. "Yeah, which you should know all about."

Clary stood up and plopped herself on the end of his bed, lying on her stomach. "I'm not always in a bad mood, I'm just feisty." She defended. Clary pulled his textbook over her and started flipping through it, feeling comfortable.

Jace didn't reply.

Clary peeked her eyes up at him. He just stared at her blankly. He really did seem dismayed.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked a bit awkwardly, flipping another page.

Jace sighed. "No, I'm just stressed and being dramatic." He said, brushing it off.

Clary sat up abruptly and gave him a look of pity. She leaned forward and rested a tender hand on his outstretched calf.

"Be honest with me Jace…" She spoke softly. "Are the big kids at school picking on you, again?"

Jace just looked at her and could feel the smile growing on his face as she teased him. "Yep, you got me." He told her, playing along.

"Like I told you before, you're not a dork… You're just not cool." She continued, pretending to pity him.

Jace chuckled. "Oh, yeah, is that it?" Jace raised one of his long legs, and with his foot, gave her a push just hard enough to knock her off the bed.

She let out a high squeak of surprise and tumbled the short distance to the ground. Jace patiently waited for her to pop back up, like usual. A second later the red head's face appeared over the mattress edge. She flipped her curls back to give him a glare and reached a hand to swat at the foot that kicked her.

"With all seriousness, can I have this?" Clary said sweetly, quickly moving onto a new topic. She was gripping onto the blanket they had just fought over moments ago.

Jace sighed, admitting defeat. "I guess. I'm going to grab some food, anyway."

Clary smiled to herself and happily wadded the blanket up in her arms. Jace stood to follow her out and ran a hand through his hair. Clary, suddenly, bent at her waist to scoop up her box of charcoal. Jace, who wasn't paying attention bumped right into her protruding behind. He swiftly grasped her hips against his to steady them.

In quick afterthought, Jace retracted to hands from her like they were burned. But, once Clary was straightened she simply walked out of his room without another word.

As Clary was entering her door, she twisted around to tell him one more thing. "Don't forget, despite what they say, Jesus loves you." She batted her eyes.

Jace shook off his uncomfortable demeanor and playfully kicked out another foot at her. "Shut up, you brat." He said through a smile.

Right then, Jace noticed he had smiled more in the time since she got home, than he all day. But, that's how it had been lately. Good or bad, he couldn't help but find her entertaining.

"Oh wait." Jace paused, before heading downstairs.

Clary waited expectantly as he retrieved his phone from his pocket. After he typed on it a moment, Clary heard her own phone buzz on the nearby dresser.

She looked back at him confused. "You wanted me to wait so you could send me a text?" She questioned.

"Jessamine and Aline wanted me to forward you their numbers. Apparently you are invited to some annual sleepover." He explained.

"Wow… I guess this means that they officially want me to join their posse of groupies." Clary said, sounding anything but, excited. "All because I'm friends with Isabelle and she had to go and date Jonathan." Clary added, shaking her head.

Jace shrugged. "Maybe you did it all on your own." He suggested.

Clary frowned and pondered for a moment. "Interesting theory. I got popular all on my own. Who knew?" She laughed.

"Not me. I have no idea what they see in you." He teased and headed for the stairs.

Clary rolled her eyes. "I have no idea what you see in them!" She retorted.

"Big tits." He said mildly as he walked down the steps.

Clary glanced down and quickly examined her subtle chest. "Overrated." She grumbled and stepped in her room.

Jace, who had paused just out of sight, grinned to himself and then continued down the staircase.


For anyone that's wondering, its about 2 or 3 more chapters before things really escalate with them and the lemons get good ;) Until then, I hope everyone is still enjoying the subtle moments, banter, and growth of their relationship. I've got some good stuff planned for next chapter, so stayed tuned, lovelies! Review:)