Tootle-ooo everyone! I'm back with another chapter. My AP testing was last week so I didn't have a lot of time to update so it's a little late. I'm pretty proud of this chapter but I don't know why. Let me know if it's good or if it's a pile of shit. Thanks!

Ugh! He's so fucking aggravating! Why does he have to be the way that he is? The charming, funny, sweet, kind Jace I had a crush on ever since I met him.

I ran a hand through my hair and tried to clear my thoughts of anything Jace-related. But that was easier said than done.

After trying and failing to focus on my math homework, I pushed it to the side and grabbed my sketchbook, opening it to a blank page. I slipped my headphones on and let the music dictate my thoughts and the pencil in my hand slid across the page in smooth strokes.

By the time it was too late, I had realized, I was drawing him. His deep-set eyes boring holes into my soul and that laughing smirk on his lips that made my heart ache just by looking at it.

Overcome with emotion, I tossed it across my room, the motion letting me know just how sweaty I was. My B.O. was bad. I pursed my lips and hopped off my bed, skipping to my ensuite bathroom and shut the door behind me.

Shrugging off my clothes, I hopped in the shower and let the warm water wash over me. Without thinking, I reached over to my favorite shampoo bottle, a Christmas gift from Izzy, popped it open and let the smell of strawberries envelop my senses.

I squirted a generous amount into the palm of my hand and rubbed it into my hair to get a good lather going. By the time I had gotten out, both my fingers and toes were pruney.

Upon stepping out, I was hit with a sudden temperature change and quickly grabbed a fluffy green towel to wrap around myself.

Plopping down onto my bed in only my towel, my eyes wandered to the ceiling, and I noticed how blank it was. I itched to paint it and felt my hands twitch; reaching for some invisible pencil or paintbrush.

After much contemplation, I remembered that the ceiling was a ceiling and I couldn't just paint it like any old wall. It was above me and gravity doesn't work like that. Besides, I didn't have an eight-foot ladder just lying around my house somewhere.

Oh, well. I frowned.

Instantly thinking of something to do, I sat up and felt my towel shift and begin to fall off my body. I didn't care since I was the only one home and my door was locked and went over to my dresser to get some underclothes.

I slipped on a random bra and undies and contemplated what to do next. I couldn't eat anything here, and even if there were ingredients to make things, I wouldn't feel like putting in the effort.

I know, coffee! That's it! Coffee!

I sprung into action and threw on a random sweatshirt-jeans combo, ran down the stairs where my Vans were waiting and slipped them on. I grabbed my keys from the key bowl by the door and practically bolted out the door.

~.o.0.o.~

By the time I arrived, Simon was starting his shift. He was preoccupied with something underneath the counter, so he didn't notice I showed up until I made any noise.

"Hey, Si!" I exclaimed, getting his attention.

"Ouch!" he bumped his head on the way up.

"I'll have the usual: black like my soul." I grinned menacingly.

He rolled his brown eyes but wrote my order on a cup. I paid with cash and gave him a tip with the leftover change.

Just before I was about to leave, he pulled me in for a hug across the counter. "Don't look now, but Herondale's here, and he's been eyeing you the whole time you've been here," he whispered in my ear.

Biting my lip, I turned around and locked eyes with his golden ones. I appreshevisely looked back at Simon, but he just gave me a shrug. Yeah, big fucking help Si.

I tried my best to find a seat as far away from Jace as possible but to no avail. You know where I had to sit. On the couch next to him. Whatever being that was up there was really looking out for me today.

I jumped when my order was called and felt Jace's warmth disappear. Grabbing it, I made my way out of the cafe but was called back by a voice. His voice.

He huffed out of breath, "Clary! Wait, Clary."

I turned around and crossed my arms over my chest hotly, not saying anything. If anyone was going to make the first move, it was going to be him.

"I-I was just wondering if you wanted to go on a walk throughout the park," Did the great Jace Herondale just sutter? I must be hearing things.

He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked- if I dare say- nervous. I waited a few beats just to watch him squirm and finally spoke.

"And why - pray tell - would I want to go anywhere with you?" I placed my hands firmly on my hips. If this were any other situation, I'd be applauding myself for being able to handle everything so well. Go Clary, whoop whoop!

"Because I want to talk, and you don't really have a choice." His hand reached out and grabbed mine before I could pull it away, his grip firm but not constricting.

My eyes flitted down to our linked hands for a split second and then back up to his golden ones. Their intentions unidentifiable.

"Can we do this somewhere else please," he paused looking around the coffee shop. "Somewhere more private?"

I huffed and slipped my hand from his grip. "Fine, but make it quick."

Relief was bright in his eyes and the hand he used to grab me he shoved in his pocket.

I heard his footsteps as he followed me out the door and to my car. Placing my hand on the door handle, I turned around to see him give me quizzical look. "It either my way or the highway buddy. I'm not talking unless we get in the car."

He didn't protest and I took that as a small success.

Ooooh, what do you think they're gonna talk about in the car? Does Jace have something planned? Does Clary? I guess you'll just have to see. Please leave a review and I'll see you next time.

pEaCe

-BlueAries03