Hey guys! Thank you so much to everyone for reading the last chapter. I'm sorry I haven't been able to get back to you all yet, I'll try my best in the next couple of days. The truth is, I've been pretty busy again. So for those of you who are also getting impatient about my updates: it's great to see how much you anticipate the next chapters, but please bear in mind, I am only human. I have to juggle writing two chapters a week, along with doing an ungodly amount of Maths since university has started up again, so my schedule is really packed. I no longer have time to write chapters in advance so whenever I post a new one, it is literally hot off the press. That's why if I do update a few hours late, or even a few days late as the case may be in the future, please just be patient with me. I'm doing my best, honestly. Half of my friends don't even have time to watch TV given all the work we have to do, so writing thousands of words a week isn't easy. I'm not complaining at all, because I really do love this fic and I'm glad so many of you are enjoying it, just please spare a thought for that when you're waiting. Plus, you all live in completely different timezones so I can't control when you get an update. To be on the safe side, I'd say just check every Monday and Thursday and the next chapters should be up.

Sorry, rant over.

Thank you again to all of you though. You guys are the reason I do this and even if I can't reply straight away, know that I do read every single of your comments and they are my primary source of motivation. Love you all!

Disclaimer: I do not own TMI or any of its characters, and my car is also still alive.

Chapter 21: Trying not to die of shame

You know those times when you wish a wormhole would suddenly appear right in front of you to transport you to another universe, or even just an endless void so you can implode into yourself and cease to exist? Well, this is how I feel every morning at registration. This is what I want when Mr Wayland calls out the register, his voice always lowering to an almost-whisper when he reads 'Err…Clarissa?' and tries to avoid my gaze. Sometimes he just coughs violently instead, my name coming out as something garbled beyond recognition. And other times, he doesn't need to say anything at all. I just notice the way his cheeks flush as he scans over the words, so I save him the trouble and answer in the affirmative anyway.

It's been a week since he caught us that evening, and it doesn't seem like things will blow over anytime soon. Luckily, it doesn't seem like he's told anyone else, so at least our secret's safe for the moment. At the time, he was so stunned that he didn't say much more to us. He just moved aside, allowing the two of us to run out of the class as swiftly as was physically possible. Jace seemed to find the whole ordeal a lot more amusing than I did, but then again, he's not the one who has to deal with seeing Mr Wayland every single day. I haven't even dared to ask Mr Aldertree if the detention was removed from our record, for fear of dredging up any more memories from that night.

Of course, it hasn't all been completely awful. The time alone definitely gave Jace and I an opportunity to reassess our relationship, and he really has started taking everything a little more seriously. In fact, tonight he's taking me out on our first real date, since I'd rather forget the last one ever happened. Apparently Jonathan's a little behind in his Physics project, so he's being kept back after school for a couple of hours with Mr Mortmain, giving Jace a chance to escape from him and spend some of the evening with me. The only downside to being with Jace, is that being my boyfriend – I still get a little dazed whenever I use that word – hasn't stopped him from being just as annoying as he always has been. If anything, he's gotten even worse.

I'm seriously considering changing my number, because ever since the day he got hold of it, he hasn't stopped texting me. It's not even in the cute, 'good morning, dear,' or 'miss you already' way. Oh no. Not with Jace Herondale. It's more in the I-want-to-repeatedly-crush-your-phone-and-destroy- it-in-a-mountain-of-lava sort of way. Let me give you an example. This is how our first conversation by text went, on the night of our 'date.'

Unknown Number: I watch you sleep.

Me: Who is this?

Unknown Number: I like to watch you sleep.

Me: Jace?

Unknown Number: I like to stand at the foot of your bed and watch you sleep.

At this point, I decided to check my history of recent calls. It turned out I had called this exact same number during my detention, so it was definitely Jace. I just hadn't saved the number to his name yet.

Me: Jace, I'm tired. Go to bed.

Jace: I like to stand at the foot of your bed, breathing heavily as I watch you sleep.

Me: Jace. Seriously.

Jace: I like to stand at the foot of your bed, breathing heavily, while resisting the urge to drink your blood as I watch you sleep.

Me: Did you just make a Twilight reference?

Jace: I like to stand at the foot of your bed, breathing heavily, while resisting the urge to drink your blood as a real vampire like Dracula would, as I watch you sleep.

Me: Jace. Please shut up.

Jace: I like to stand at the foot of your bed, breathing heavily, while resisting the urge to drink your blood as a real vampire like Dracula would, but also allowing myself to admire the decor as I watch you sleep.

Me: Jace, I will give my phone to Jonathan right now. I'm not even joking.

Jace: Goodnight, Clary. Sweet dreams.

Jace: They better all be about me.

Jace: Please don't tell Jonathan.

Jace: Okay, I'll stop now. Goodnight.

Jace: xxxxx

Jace: ;)

Me: Go to sleep.

Jace: You first. So I can watch you.

Me: That's it, I'm calling Jon.

Jace: N

Jace: O

Jace: wAIT

Jace: WAIT STOP

Jace: GOODNIGHT JACE OUT I PROMISE

Me: Good. Because if I get one more text, he's finding out.

Jace: Okay.

Jace: Shit.

Needless to say, I didn't actually tell Jonathan, but I was close. This wasn't even the worst of it. Once Jace realised I obviously wouldn't show my brother anything he sent to me, my threats became void. Sometimes, I'd just be sitting in class, trying to do my work when –

Jace: I saw this red leaf. It reminded me of you.

Or I'd be helping to set out the dining table and-

Jace: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is on TV. I miss you.

Then there was that time I was eating lunch with Isabelle and Simon, but half way through –

Jace: I wish I was your sandwich.

I almost spit it back out right there, then I looked up and noticed Jace walking past with Jonathan. He winked at me, before continuing along on his merry way, my brother none the wiser. Luckily, Simon and Isabelle were too engrossed in their own conversation to notice our little exchange.

Though, despite the fact that at times I really do have to resist the urge to strangle him, I wouldn't have it any other way. Somehow, I don't think I'd feel quite right if Jace suddenly became one of those sappy, overbearing boyfriends. Yes, he's ridiculous. Yes, he's irritating beyond belief. Yes, he's an idiot. But just like he said the other day, he's my idiot. His little nicknames for me have even become bearable; whereas before it was annoying, Midge has almost become a sort of term of endearment. That thought alone is enough to have me smiling away to myself while I wait for him after school.

For the purpose of discretion, I'm meeting him down one of the side roads outside our school. Even though Jonathan isn't around to see, we don't want to take any chances. Word travels fast.

I fumble with the strap of my backpack, glancing up and down the road to see if I can spot his car. It's strange, now that we're actually being given a proper chance to be alone and act like a couple, I'm kind of nervous. I know I shouldn't be. I mean, it's Jace for goodness' sake. Jace, the guy who sends me stupid texts at the most inappropriate of times. The guy who brought mangoes into English Lit, because Mr Aldertree claimed that his writing style wasn't exotic enough. The guy who is…about to run me over!?

I jump backwards as Jace's ancient car skids to a halt, just centimetres away from me. The exhaust puffs out a stream of toxic fumes as the engine dies down, wheezing as if it's taking its last breaths. I cough, holding my sleeve to my mouth as Jace jumps out of the driver's seat.

"Crap!" He flaps his jacket at the car, trying to disperse the smoke. "Are you okay, Clary?"

"If by okay, you really mean 'did you just have a near-death experience' then yes, Jace. I'm okay." I cough again, turning away from the offending vehicle.

"I'm so sorry," he walks up to me, patting my back none too gently. "The brakes are awful on that thing. I thought I had plenty of time to stop."

"Clearly not," I splutter. Then I turn back to face the smoking contraption. "So this is what you call transportation?"

He smiles at me sheepishly. "It's all I've got, sorry. My parents wouldn't let me spend too much money on a new car, since I only just passed this year. But then my cousin, Will, offered to give me his car for cheap because he was moving to London for university. I thought I was getting a good deal at the time."

"But where the hell did your cousin get it from? It looks like something that belongs in the 19th century."

"There's some guy he knows, Six-Fingered Nigel or something. I think he won it in some sort of bet."

"Right," I shake my head at him. "So you were going to entrust my life to something bought from a guy called Six-Fingered Nigel?"

"Won from a guy called Six-Fingered Nigel. Won." Jace bites his lip, eyeing the car.

"I'm not getting into that death trap, Jace." I cross my arms over my chest. "Not if you paid me."

"Fine," he sighs. "I doubt it'll start up again anyway, the engine has definitely never made that whining noise before. I guess I'll just have to improvise then."

"I guess you will."

"How about that coffee shop a couple of minutes from here? Java Jones. Taki's is having some special offer tonight, so the majority of people from school will be there insead."

"I don't know, Jace. What if someone sees us?"

"We could be waiting for Jonathan, for all they know." Jace nudges me. "Come on, Midge. Live on the edge a little."

"I already have done, thanks to you." I glare at him, gesturing to the car. He grabs my shoulders, turning me in the other direction.

"Then let me make it up to you. I'll keep it clean, I promise."

"Really?"

"Yep, no overly suggestive eye contact or anything."

"Fine, but if anyone catches us, I'm telling them you kidnapped me."

That's how, ten minutes later, I find myself sitting opposite Jace in a small booth in Java Jones. He brings two steaming cups of coffee to the table on a tray, then takes his seat. We stare at each other, both unsure of what to say. Now that we're here, things suddenly seem so much more intense. I sip at my coffee, wincing as the burning hot liquid passes down my throat. Jace does the same, almost simultaneously. Then he sets his shoulders, and appears to straighten up.

"So," he says. "Lovely weather we're having."

"Really?" I roll my eyes at him. "We're going to revert to talking about the weather?"

"I'm just trying to make conversation," he shrugs. "I want to do things the right way."

"I'm pretty sure most dates don't start with that discussion."

"Well, I wouldn't know." Jace looks down, swirling his coffee in its mug. My mouth drops open.

"You've never been on a date before?"

"What?" His eyes flick up. "Of course I have."

"Then what do you mean, you wouldn't know?"

"I just…" He hesitates, still avoiding my gaze. "I mean, well. I have been on dates as such. I've been to the cinema a few times, fast food restaurants, the opera. That was one time, mind," he stops me before I can comment. "I've been out with girls, but never for an extended amount of time. The dates I've been on before, well…they didn't matter. I only agreed to the majority of them so that the girls would stop bothering me. I've never actually cared before."

"Ah," I mumble. I would say more, but it's taking everything I've got not to just throw myself at him. If anyone's in danger of jeopardising our secret, it's definitely me right now.

"Yeah," Jace smirks. "That's actually what I was going to tell you last time, before we got err…carried away. I don't think you realise how long I've wanted this."

"How long?" Despite myself, I have to ask. His eyes bore into mine, the rest of the world seemingly insignificant in that moment.

"Honestly? Ever since…"

"Clary?"

We snap our heads to the side immediately. Isabelle and Simon stand a few feet away from us, confusion etched on both of their faces. What is my life?

"Jace!?" Simon looks like he's about to drop his own coffee mugs. "What are you two doing here?"

"Together, might I add?" Isabelle says, arching an eyebrow.

"We were…" I look to Jace for an explanation, but he's just as dumbfounded as I am. "We were…waiting for you two, of course!"

I move up, patting the space next to me.

"Yes!" Jace scoots up on his side. "Come on, Simon. I saved a seat just for you."

"But…" Simon eyes him warily. "You don't really even know me."

"Well, I think it's about time we both changed that, don't you?" Jace nods at him, waving him over again. Simon sets his coffee down, sitting down as far away from Jace as he can get, without falling off the seat.

"So…" Isabelle takes her place next to me, giving me a questioning look. I just smile in response. "How did you even know we were coming here?"

"I…well...Simon mentioned it."

"I did?" Simon looks up, adjusting his glasses.

"Yep," I continue, satisfied with this train of thought. "You mentioned it in biology, so since Jonathan's going to be late today, Jace and I thought we'd join you."

"You don't mind, do you?" Jace gazes down at him, grinning.

"N-no, well…of course not."

"It's just a bit of a surprise, that's all," Isabelle gives me a pointed look. "Actually, I just need to pop to the ladies room. Do you need to go, Clary?"

"No, I'm actually…"

"Come anyway." She links her arm with mine, pulling me out of the booth. "Just to be on the safe side."

My eyes widen at Jace as Isabelle leads me towards the washroom, her hold on me unrelenting. As soon as we're inside, she lets go and turns on her heel so we're facing each other. I try not to break eye contact with her as she stares down at me.

"I'm going to ask you some questions, Clary, and I expect for you to tell me the truth. Is that unreasonable?"

"A little…"

"Clary."

"What do you want to know?"

"You and Jace. How long has that been going on?"

"How long has what been going on?"

She just continues to glare at me.

"Was it that obvious?" I groan. Telling Isabelle won't hurt, especially since it's likely to be a while before we have the guts to come clean to Jonathan. I just hope she doesn't take it too badly.

"No, it wouldn't have been that obvious if I were blind," she shakes her head at me, placing her hands on her hips. "Do you really think I wouldn't have noticed the way you've been looking at him this year? It's like, every time he walks into the room, you're a complete goner. You practically drool over him. Why didn't you just tell me?"

"I didn't tell you because…well, I didn't want to admit it to myself, let alone anyone else," I sigh. I've needed to get this off of my chest for so long. "I didn't want to like him. I mean, he's Jace! He's the boy who threw me into the swimming pool while I was fully-clothed in Year 7, and he used to steal my paints with Jonathan when we were younger and he's just Jace. How could I possibly like Jace Herondale? I've hated him my entire life. It didn't make sense to me."

"It never does," Isabelle says, and now she's smirking at me. "It's not something you can just control, Clary. It just happens."

"I know," I whisper, my shoulders drooping.

"So when did it all change? When did you start liking him?"

"I'm not sure, to be honest. I had a little crush on him a few years back, but that didn't mean anything."

"I think everyone has had a crush on Jace at some point."

I raise my eyebrows at her, my mouth falling open.

"It was ages ago," she brushes me off. "When he started playing guitar. But then I saw him eat a worm as a dare and it completely put me off."

"Thanks, Izzy. That was a lovely mental image," I shudder.

"No problem. So when did you really start liking him?"

"A couple of months ago, I guess. Do you remember Meliorn?"

"Elf-dude?"

"Yep, that's the one." So I tell her about everything that happened with him, and the subsequent fight I had with Jace. It was that week I spent apart from him, when I realised how much he meant to me. It hurt not having him around to talk to or just argue with and, for the first time, I realised how much I needed him. I wanted Jace in my life. After that, everything else just spills out. I tell her what happened at the second gig, and she gasps when I get to the part in the storage room.

"Wow," her eyes bug wide. "I didn't think you had it in you, Clary. I'm impressed."

"Thanks," I smile, the blood rushing to my cheeks. "I don't know what came over me."

"Lust and uncontrollable desire," she winks, earning a smack across the shoulder. Then I tell her about what happened the next day, and she laughs when I explain my avoidance techniques to her. And finally, I tell her what happened with Mr Wayland, and how today was meant to be our first date.

"And Simon and I completely ruined it for you!" She brings her hand to her mouth. "I'm so sorry, Clary. If I'd have known…"

"It's okay," I shrug. "It's my fault. I should have just told you."

"Yes, you should have done. But then again, I've been in love with Simon for years and I kept that a secret from you, so I guess we're even."

"I guess we are."

We grin at each other for a while, completely blissful.

"So, Clarissa Morgenstern dating the Jace Herondale. Who'd have thought it?"

"Definitely not me."

"Definitely not Jonathan…"

"Oh no," I moan, burying my face in my hands.

"It's okay," she pats me on the head. "We'll figure it out. There's no rush to tell him just yet. There is however, one person you do need to tell, and I can't help you with it."

"Who is that?" I look up at her.

She gives me an apologetic look.

"Simon."

Simon.

Oh crap.

So the cat's out of the bag! Well, for Isabelle at least. I hope you all enjoyed that!

I've just got a question for you before I go. How many of you would be interested in me writing a spin-off of this fic, purely from Valentine's POV? It would probably be a series of one-shots or something, and it'd primarily be humour but I just love writing him so much, I thought it would be fun to dedicate a whole fic to him. So, it'll basically just be him going about doing his daily mundane activities, but obviously with good ol' Val it's never that simple. All in agreement, say aye!

Thank you again for taking the time to read this! Till the next time my lovelies...

smim xx