Clodge

When she first came to the Institute, I couldn't believe it. She looked so much like her mother had at that age, it was astounding. Back then, Jocelyn had been the coveted one of our Circle. Mind you they were all beautiful. But to watch Valentine and Luke posturing, you'd think she was Venus incarnate. Of course, with those two sweet on her, none of the rest of us ever stood a chance… but this one? Now this girl was the attainable, accessible, teachable, yet almost even more beautiful, younger version of the woman who raised her. And I knew the moment I saw Clarissa Fray that I wanted to possess her myself.

When Maryse asked that I tutor Clarissa along with the Lightwood children, I was elated because I knew that it would give me a chance to get close to her. She was easy to teach because despite her inexperience, she had a genuine desire to learn. I was impressed with how quickly she was able to pick things up, especially the runes. I waited until she seemed to depend on and look forward to our training sessions before I enacted my plan… reverse psychology.

"Clarissa, hello my Dear, come on in! Now, before we begin today, I need to tell you something. I'm sorry to have to do this because I know you have been enjoying our lessons, but I'm afraid I can't, in good conscience, teach you anymore." I sighed and sat back in my chair, as if defeated.

"But Hodge why not, did I do something, wrong? I can work harder, if I'm not meeting up to your expectations, I can do better, I promise!" She said sounding upset at the prospect.

My plan was working perfectly. "No, Clarissa, it isn't you, it's me. I'm afraid that a man of my age who has been stuck here as long as I have, never venturing out into the world, does not do so well in the presence of a beautiful young woman such as you. It is different of course, with Isabelle, because I watched her grown up through childhood. I'm afraid where you are concerned it's a bit of a different story. I thought as time progressed and I got to know you as a person, these inappropriate thoughts might subside. Sadly they have not. And so, I'm afraid I cannot, in good conscience, continue to tutor you any longer. I'm sorry, Clary." I said tiredly.

"Oh, I see. Well is it really so bad? I mean you haven't done or said anything inappropriate to me. Maybe you can just keep it under wraps? Isn't that what you've been doing anyways?" She asked hopefully.

"I have been, yes, though rather unsuccessfully, which is why I am dealing with it now, before it's too late. I don't want to do anything inappropriate. You deserve to be treated respectfully, Clarissa. I am just an old man with a dirty mind and I'm sure a better tutor can be found for you. I hope you understand." She looked bothered at that.

"Jace says there isn't any better tutor, that you're the best that there is, Hodge. I don't want to have to settle for second best when I'm already coming into my training so far behind everyone else! And as for your other comment, you're hardly an old man!" She said huffily.

"Well, that's nice of you to say Clarissa, on both counts. But we can find you a tutor that will be sufficient enough. Your natural talent will help you to catch up regardless of who winds up teaching you. It's… safer this way, for both of us." I said, casting my eyes to the floor. I could tell that it was working when she came up to me and lifted my gaze to meet hers.

"Hodge, shouldn't I be the one who gets to decide what is best for me?" She sighed. "I'd rather have the best tutor possible. I mean, what is really the worst that could happen?" She asked and I decided to take that opportunity to show her what my warnings were about. I wrapped her in my arms and began kissing her. Assuming she would try to pull away in disgust, I held her tightly so that wouldn't be an option. But instead, she kissed me back. And much to my own surprise, it was I, not she, who eventually ended the kiss.

When I pulled away, she grabbed the lapels of my jacket and tried to pull me back toward her. I grabbed her wrists and prevented her from doing so. "Clary, we can't." I sighed.

"But I want to. I don't care about age or any of the rest. I care about the fact that it feels good! I want you to keep tutoring me, and I also want more. Please, don't hold back. You don't have to. This is me, giving you my consent. I think I'm old enough to know what I want and to make my wishes understood, don't you?" She asked.

I hummed and hawed a little for effect. Then, after a brief pause I said "I, need to think about this. Before we go off half cocked, rushing into anything. You can come back at your training time tomorrow and I will let you know then, but no promises, alright?" I said, with a sort of reluctant half smile. She beamed at me and launched herself into my arms for a hug.

"Thank you Hodge! Even just for considering it. You won't regret it, I promise!" And with that she pranced out of the library, a smile on her face. Who ever said reverse psychology doesn't work?

AN: Okay… and so... Mystery Ship 3 from Chapter 30 was…

…drum roll please…

…Clary and…

…Emma!

Under the Starry Sky is supposed to take place after Emma and Julian's Parabatai ceremony, a ceremony which they only enter into so that they can't be separated, but probably shouldn't have entered into since they have feelings for one another. Hence Clary's qualms about young Emma's decision, Emma's desire stand up to the Clave and affect change, and their agreement that she 'needs a distraction' ;-) Sorry that one was so tough. I guess I am a bit biased because Emma is one of my favourite TMI characters :-P