Okay. Don't kill me. I know it's been awhile and I am so unbelievably sorry! I went down to Brisbane for a week to go wedding dress shopping and to see Panic! At The Disco and I was at a friend's place and she didn't have the internet hooked up so I couldn't upload(Plus I was so exhausted from shopping and Panic! That I didn't even have time to write!), and then when I finally got home our internet was down and I got swamped with work and catch up at home with housework, laundry, cleaning etc so I've barely even had time to scratch an itch. Plus then I found out that I've been having an allergic reaction to the Depo Provera needle so that's been fun-not. In any case, I wrote up a chapter and I was so big I decided to separate them into two chapters! So I hope that somewhat makes up for my lack of updating!
EXTRA BIG SHOUTOUTS AND CUDDLES AND LOVE to: catastrophicmind, clacelover2003, vimto474, LuciaRaven, , 249! You guys rock my non-existent socks off!
I also wanna say thanks to everyone who reads, follows, favourites, your support makes me keep writing! 3
It was homecoming. Clary could hardly believe it was here finally. She was at Isabelle's getting ready, she had pulled on what Izzy had called her 'two piece dress', basically a fancy way of saying 'skirt and top' and now Izzy and Magnus were here working on her make up and hair. Magnus was trying to convince Izzy to do something more dramatic but Izzy argued that it would pull attention away from her dress and Clary was just afraid that she was going to look like a clown.
Isabelle obviously won the argument as Magnus went back to working her hair, pulling it up and pinning it randomly. They had covered all the mirrors so she couldn't see until they were done so she had no idea what they were doing. Izzy kept brushing her make up brush over her eyes and face and drawing on her brows and eyelid.
Finally they decided they were done and Izzy handed her her shoes.
"You can look now," she said and uncovered the full length mirror.
Clary's eyes widened as she took in the girl before her. Magnus had pulled her hair up into an elegant bun on the back of her head, and braided around it, hiding the hair bands. He had also pulled a few choice locks of hair and managed to wind her curls into ringlets and the whole hairdo was completed with some diamonte hairpins that glittered in the light.
Izzy had evened out her whole face and somehow managed to make her face look thinner and her cheekbones higher. She'd tamed, plucked and defined her brows so they looked identical and elegant. She'd kept the eye make up light, adding a light pinky-nude colour over her lid, the inner corners of her eyes bright and shinning with a white shimmery shadow and the outer corner of her eye a black, and her water line was white. She had felt Izzy put fake eyelashes on and it gave her a whole new look. The effect was that her eyes looked bigger and brighter, her lashes fuller and longer. Her lips also painted in a light rosey-pinky-nudey shade. Izzy had also taken out her normal gold studs and replaced them with long dangly earrings that had little diamonte's on the ends.
All this, paired with her outfit and shoes, made her look and feel beautiful.
"Okay Izzy, you did it. You and Magnus both, I actually feel pretty," Clary admitted, smiling as she played with the hem of her skirt.
"That's because you are pretty, Biscuit," Magnus said, airily.
Clary gave him a look and he raised an eyebrow as if daring her to oppose him.
"Now it's time for us to get ready," Izzy said.
She had picked a tight black dress that stuck to her body like a second skin. It stopped mid thigh and accentuated every womanly feature she had. The straps were embellished with hundreds of little diamonds and the diamonds extended down and twisted down hugging the side of her chest, making her chest appear fuller. She was wearing her hair down and curled lightly so she full soft waves down her back. She had decided for a bold black and silver 'cut crease' she had called it and a bright red lip.
When she was done she looked like a supermodel ready to walk on the catwalk.
Magnus had decided on a black brocade suit with tiny treads of teal through it. His tie was a bright teal colour and he styled his hair up in his usual mohawk adding glitter just to the ends. He had kept his eye make up minimal only adding wing liner sharp enough to cut through paper.
The two had taken considerably less time to get ready than when they were getting her ready but Clary supposed they spent so much time practising on themselves that they had it down to fine art.
"Ready to steal some hearts?" Isabelle asked, linking her arms through their two.
"Of course," Magnus responded instantly.
"Let's go!"
Magnus went first, meeting up with Alec who, ever original, dressed up in a black suit. Though he did splash out and picked a teal tie to match Magnus. Izzy went next, going down to stand next to Simon whom was also wearing a black suit, but choosing a white tie.
Finally Clary made her way down and was greeted by a chorus of whistles.
"Wow, Clary… you look amazing," Sebastian said quietly to her when she had joined his side.
He gently slid his arm around the small of her back and she looked up at him with a smile.
He had indeed taken her advice and picked a black tie that was printed in the middle with red brocade. He looked amazing in his black suit and Clary couldn't keep the smile off her face.
"Thanks Seb, you look pretty amazing too," she complimented back.
Sebastian's chest rumbled as he laughed.
"I think you definitely steal the show," he informed her.
She just blushed and ducked her head, while he chuckled as her bashful expression.
It took them just ten minutes to arrive at the school and Clary felt nervous as Sebastian took her hand and led her in. She had never felt that way before entering a dance, but then again, she'd never had Sebastian by her side. She swallowed hard as she walked through the doors leading to the music. They stepped through and she could see that people were surprised to see her beside Sebastian. Girls started whispering to each other and guys started laughing. Clary felt her eyes start to burn but Sebastian gave her hand a squeeze.
"Don't think about them. They're not important. What's important is that I make sure your last—our last Homecoming is amazing. And on that note, would you like to dance?" he asked, bowing to her.
Clary flushed pink and smiled as the laughs died down and whispers grew.
"I would love to," she answered and Sebastian grinned.
"That's the answer I was hoping for."
Jace watched with a slight scowl as Sebastian lead Clary to the dance floor. She looked amazing, like a princess.
"What's wrong, baby," Kaelie purred in his ear.
He sighed and forced a smile.
"Nothing, just disappointed this is a sober affair," he lied.
Kaelie gave him a wicked grin.
"It doesn't have to be," she whispered, her eyes sparkling conspiratorially.
"You're speaking my language," he responded as she sneakily slid a flask in his jacket.
When the chaperones weren't looking he slid the flask out and took a big swig, enjoying the burn of the vodka down his throat.
"I've got a couple of friends spiking the punch too," Kaelie said mischievously.
Jace smiled down at her.
"Making this a party, huh?"
"It's our last, may as well."
"I like the way you think."
Clary smiled up at Sebastian as they laughed and danced goofily together. She started to feel more comfortable at the dance and she liked getting to see this side of Sebastian. He was really funny, always kidding, doing goofy things like 'wax on, wax off', and pulling out old disco moves that made her nearly collapse in laughter. After several songs and non stop dancing she had to stop.
"Seb, Seb! I have to stop!" she called to him, trying to make herself heard over the music.
He nodded and lead her away to a table in a quieter spot.
"I'll go get us some drinks," he said.
She nodded and watched as he disappeared. She stretched her ankles and legs out, enjoying the relaxed feeling she was getting and smiled. She liked being with Sebastian, he made her smile, and she would just feel this soothing, warm feeling through her when she was with him.
"Clary."
She looked up and saw Jace sliding into a seat opposite her. She tried her best not to react in anyway. He looked amazing, he was wearing a well tailored black suit with a grey vest underneath that accentuated all his features. His eyes looked like pools of molten gold and his hair was very carefully styled. She could see a small amount of product in his hair that kept it pushed back and away from his face, very Bradley Cooper, Clary mused.
"I just wanted to say, you look beautiful tonight," he said quietly, mistaking her silence for unfriendliness.
Not that he blamed her, he had avoided her at all costs, even going so far as to skip lessons he had with her. He wasn't sure he was able to face her after she had seen him so vulnerable, so… open. The liquid courage he had consumed was the only reason he had any confidence to come up to her and tell her she looked beautiful.
Clary smiled up at him, surprising him with the friendly gesture.
"Thank you, you look very handsome in that suit," she complimented back.
Jace's heart skipped as he heard her voice. He wanted to tell her he thought she was more than beautiful—that she was stunning. He wanted her to know that as nice as her hair looked up, it would look a million times better cascading down her back like a waterfall of fire. He wanted to tell her that he wanted to steal her away from Sebastian and keep her by his side the whole night.
"Save me a dance?" he asked, before he could stop himself.
Clary's smile widened as she nodded.
"Of course."
"Hey Clary, I'm back. Oh, hey, Jace, where's Kaelie?" Sebastian asked, being friendly.
Jace saw Clary look up at him affectionately and he wanted to be sick. He knew he didn't have any right to but he just wanted to pick up Kaelie and throw her at him so they would leave him and Clary alone, together.
"She went to the bathroom," Jace answered Sebastian.
Clary took a cup from Sebastian and greedily sucked it down. Jace noticed her face change. It went from bright and happy to revolted and horrified. Jace frowned in concern.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Sebastian asked her, sitting next to her.
Jace wanted to punch him as he slid his arm around her shoulder. He studied Clary and for a moment she could see a crushing darkness in her eyes. It was followed by a flicker and he could see Clary thinking about whether she wanted to tell the truth or not. It was all shoved aside as Clary smiled and shook her head.
"Nothing Seb, I just wasn't expecting it to be spiked with alcohol, that's all," she said casually, keeping her expression neutral.
Sebastian grinned down at her widely.
"Isn't it great? Someone's making this into a real party!"
"I'm glad you like my style, Seb," Kaelie announced, flopping herself into Jace's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Jace remained stoic at the affection, not really enjoying it. He wasn't a very touchy person unless it was in regards to bedroom affairs.
"I thought it would have been you," Sebastian laughed.
Clary wondered what was between Kaelie and Sebastian. They had always gone to Homecoming and any other event or parties together but they never seemed to be together unless they were in a janitors closet. It was an awkward situation to be in as they started sharing and swapping stories and laughing together.
She sat there quietly as Kaelie brought up some party they went to a couple of years ago and Sebastian nearly roared with laughter. Her eyes met Jace's and he looked bored. His eyes caught hers and flickered briefly to their counterparts before miming shooting himself in the head. Clary barely contained her giggle at his antics which brought Kaelie's attention to her.
"Was there something funny I said, Clare Bear?" she simpered.
"Sorry Kitty, I just saw someone slip on the dance floor," Clary lied.
Kaelie's face darkened somewhat at the old nickname and Clary could see that it took every muscle and ounce of self control for her not to lunge over the table at her.
"Will you excuse me one moment Seb?" Clary asked him softly.
His dark eyes softened at her and he smiled, nodding.
"Of course Clary, I'll be here waiting for you," he reassured her.
She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek, leaving a slight lipstick stain behind. He gave her a wide grin and tucked a loose strand away from her face.
"Oh, ew, get a room," Kaelie snarled.
Clary just smiled sweetly at her.
"We have a room, you're just in it," she responded with a sweet note in her voice.
Kaelie scoffed as Sebastian laughed. Clary's eyes flickered to Jace surprised to find his face as impassive as stone. Clary decided to ignore it and she took her drink, as she made her way back to the refreshment table.
She looked over to see about six massive bowls of punch, as well as two water coolers. She was relieved to see the water and threw her still full cup away and reached out for a fresh cup to get some water.
"Not a fan of the punch?"
Clary jumped as a low voice whispered in her ear. She whirled around to see Jace standing behind her.
"Jesus, Jace, you scared the crap outta me!" she exclaimed, clutching her hand to chest.
He just stared down at her and she gave him a slightly awkward smile.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
He raised and eyebrow and raised two red cups, she noted the cranberry colour of Kaelie's lipstick on one.
"Drinks," he answered shortly.
Clary's lips pressed together and she tried to peek over his shoulder to see Sebastian.
"Do you trust them alone together?" she asked him.
He shrugged.
"I don't particularly care to be honest," he answered, setting his cups down and ladling more punch into the cups.
Clary frowned and stepped over to the water cooler.
"How can you not care?" she asked him, while filling up her cup.
"I just don't. Kaelie's a whore and Sebastian just wants to get his dick wet, a pretty good combination for them if you ask me," Jace answered carelessly.
Clary stared at him, her jaw dropped.
"What?" she asked, horrified.
Jace looked up at her.
"I thought it was obvious. All that laughing and flirting at the table?"
"You're a douche, Jace. They've been going to Homecoming together since we all started school here! They're friends!" she scowled back at him.
He shrugged.
"And you expect me to believe they do that each year and never fuck and never grew any feelings for each other? Could you do that?" he asked her. "You don't think at all that this is some kind of twisted revenge plot? Like 'you brought someone else so I'll bring someone else to get back at you'?"
Clary stared at him, her green eyes wide with hurt and his a dull bronze sort of colour. She looked over at Sebastian and Kaelie to see her closer to Sebastian now and him leaning in towards her.
Clary felt hurt and confusion bloom in her chest and felt like throwing up. She could feel the bile rising in her throat and she looked back at Jace. He was as expressionless as ever and she glared at him.
"Why do you have to be so rude?" she growled and took her drink, shoving past him.
Jace stared perplexed after her, he was doing her a favour, letting her know that Sebastian was a dick; wasn't he?