Fifth One Shot:
Kissing Booth
Clary POV:
"But Izzy, I don't want to be anywhere near the kissing booth." I say as my friend tries to rope me into the job.
"You don't have to kiss anyone Clare. Nobody is in line. I'm starving, and I've been sitting there for 3 hours kissing guys. I need a break." She pleads and I hate that I can't deny her.
"Fine, but if I have to kiss anyone I'm blaming you." She squeals and gives me a quick hug before running off to get food.
I sigh and take out my sketchbook and start drawing. I hated these stupid carnivals that our school and our brother school put on. Since I go to an all girl high school we have to put on these different events so our brother school and us can bond. I personally thought it was a waste of time, I mean I couldn't careless about our brother school, and I didn't really care to get to know any of the males that attended. I only knew one male who attended that school, and that was Izzy's brother Alec. He was nice, but I had only met him once.
While drawing, I can't help but think about how I got into this situation. You see, I'm not popular. I'm actually quite the opposite. I'm shy, and keep to myself. I met Izzy sophomore year in English class and despite how vastly different we are, we got along really well and we've been best friends ever since. You see, Izzy was the captain of the cheerleading team, she was the president of our class, and she was also extremely smart. She was constantly trying to get me out to do things with her, especially school functions, and me being the idiot I am, promised her that senior year I would go to everything she wanted me too. I don't know what I was high on when I promised that, but here I am, at a carnival, dreading that promise I made a year ago. All I could do was sit here, sketch and hope that Izzy would be back before any guys came up hoping for a kiss.
Jace POV:
"Alec, why are we here again? I mean not that I'm complaining about all the females' attention I'm getting, but a carnival seems pretty childish to be at." I said to my best friend Alec, who dragged me here promising that he'd buy me lunch, and who am I to deny free food.
"Izzy is working one of the stands here, and she asked if I would come and see her. It isn't that bad either Jace, we'll only be here for like half an hour and there are like 8 guys here from the football team, go mingle and I'll find you after I talk to Iz." I sigh but agree.
I start making my way around the carnival looking for any familiar faces, causally winking at the girls who are totally checking me out, until out of the corner of my eye I see a bright shade of red. I look up and see a beautiful, and petite redhead sitting at the kissing booth drawing. I stop dead in my tracks and stare. I was never one to find girls beautiful. Hot yes, sexy yes, but I've never called a girl beautiful but that seemed to be the only word that I could use to describe her.
It shocked me that there were no guys in line, but I was thankful for that. I didn't want to see her kissing any other guys. I wanted to kiss her, and I wanted to be the only one to kiss her. It was in that moment that I realized that I was completely infatuated with her. My heart was racing, and I was getting hot and I noticed that my hands were shaking. I've never felt like this before, I've never had feelings for anyone before. But with her it was different, and I didn't even know her name. I took a quick look at my surroundings and saw a ticket booth about 10 feet away. I made my way over to it, and when I got to the front there was a girl inside. She was staring, so I decided to use I to my advantage, I put on my signature smirk and did what I do best: flirt.
"What can I do for you?" She said and I could tell she was nervous; she couldn't be more than 15 years old.
"I would like to buy all the tickets to the kissing booth." I said and she looked surprised. She nodded and gave me all the tickets. I saw a couple of my buddies sitting at a table close to me and made my way over to them. "What's up guys?"
"Nothing much, just hanging out, bonding with our sister school." The one guy, Sebastian says, and I know exactly what he means by bonding. "What about you?"
"Alec dragged me here. His sister asked him to come." They nodded. "Look, I need a favor from you guys."
"What's up man?"
"See the redhead at the kissing booth?"
"Yea, I wouldn't mind getting to know her." One guy says and I let out a low growl.
"Well, I bought every ticket to the kissing booth, I don't want them selling anymore, at least until I convince her to go out with me."
"Don't worry dude, we'll make sure no more tickets are sold until you tell us other wise."
"Thanks." I say and make my way over to the kissing booth. Each step I take a notice myself getting more and more nervous. I'm Jace Herondale for goodness sake, I don't get nervous, but I can't help it. I want her to like me. When I finally get to the kissing booth she is in her own little world. I make my way up to the stage and sit in the chair right across from her. She still doesn't look up. I laugh to myself before clearing my throat. Her head snaps up and I'm met with the most mesmerizing pair of green eyes I've ever seen. "Hey."
"The girl who in charge of this booth isn't back yet." She says and it makes sense why no one was in line.
"Good, cause I came here for you." I smirked and she looked shocked.
"Me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I wanted to get to know you."
"Really?"
"It's it that hard to believe that I wanted to kiss a pretty girl?"
"You must be looking for another girl than, cause you aren't looking at one."
"Bullshit." I said and she looked surprised. "I'm Jace."
"Clary." She said and smiled and I couldn't help but like her even more. She looked back down at her drawing. I looked over and I saw all my buddies watching me.
"I know you aren't the one who is working the booth, but I bought every ticket, can you make an exception for me?" I ask and her head slowly looks up and our eyes meet again.
"You bought every ticket?"
"I told you. I wanted to get to know you." I said, and I can't even remember the last time I was so genuine but I wasn't going to be by normal cocky self with her. I wanted to her actually like me, and I knew that being the cocky asshole I normally am to girls wasn't going to make her like me.
"I guess." She said and I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face. She put her sketchbook down and when she looks back up at me I immediately put my lips on hers. The kiss can only be described as perfect. It felt like we were two souls reconnecting. It felt right, and I never wanted to stop. The cliché as it sounds, there were definitely fireworks on my end, but from the way she was kissing me I could tell she felt something too. Unfortunately for me, the kiss ended way to soon when we were interrupted.
"What the hell!" I heard from behind us and Clary tore herself away from me. "Clary, what the hell!" When I looked at her I instantly recognized her, it was Izzy, Alec's sister.
"I…uh….I." She was stuttering so I decided to step in.
"I bought a ticket Iz, and she was here." Izzy was still in a little shocked. After another moment Clary spoke.
"I have to go. I'll see you at school on Monday Iz." She grabbed her bag and ran off the stage, and I couldn't help but wish I would have ran after her.
"You have three seconds to explain why you were making out with my best friend Jace Herondale."
"I saw her sketching, and I had to kiss her. I can't explain it. But I needed to be close to her, to know her." I said and Izzy's jaw nearly dropped. "What?"
"Sounds like Jace is in love." Izzy said and she had a smile the size of her face on. I took a moment to think about it. I thought about the way I felt when I first saw her, and the way I felt when we were kissing, and the way I felt when she left. And I realized, Izzy was right.
"You're right." I said and I could tell that confused Izzy even more.
"Excuse me, did I hear you right? Did Jace just admit that he was in love? Jace doesn't fall in love."
"I know, but everything was different with her. The minute I saw her, something in me flipped."
"So? What are you going to do about it?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, how are you going to go about getting her to be your girlfriend?"
"I haven't even thought that far in advance." I admit as I look down at the ground. "Can you tell me a little bit about her?"
"Well she's really shy, she's the president of the art club at school, and she's really good at it. She's smart, and she's probably the nicest person I've ever met. She wants to go to an art school after we graduate, but I don't know where. Her home life isn't that great, but she never lets it get in the way. As much as I try to stop it, there is a group of girls at school whose soul mission is to make her life miserable. I have no idea why though. I think that's enough to work with for right now. I'll let her fill you in on everything else."
"How do you think I should go about it?" I ask Izzy, I've never needed any advice about girls but I didn't want to mess this up.
"Well, Clary promised me last year that I could take her to any school function that I wanted too this year. So, how about I drag her to the first football game and you can take over from there."
"Okay, sounds good." Izzy nodded and when I looked back there was a long line of guys waiting to kiss Izzy, I shuddered and Alec and I made our way out of the carnival. I couldn't wait to see Clary again, and I just hope that she feels at least something for me.
Clary POV:
After I got home from the carnival I couldn't help but think about that kiss I had with Jace. It was perfect, and it made me dizzy, and it made me feel worthy and I never wanted it to end. I had no idea if I was every going to see him again, but a girl can dream can't she? When I got home my mother wasn't there but my stepfather, Luke, was and I internally groaned. He wasn't abusive per say, but he didn't care about me at all. My parents divorced almost 8 years ago, and 4 years ago my mom remarried and I knew he didn't like me.
The rest of the weekend went by slowly and I couldn't be happier to be going back to school. I may be somewhat of a loner, and there may be the pack of popular girls after me but I got to spend the whole day with Izzy, and I loved spending time with her. I walked into homeroom and Izzy was sitting in her normal seat touching up her make-up. When she saw me she immediately perked up and smiled.
"Hey Iz."
"Hey. How was the rest of your weekend after lip locking with Jace?" She asked and my cheeks instantly flared up. I knew she noticed because she started laughing. "Oh my god, you were totally into it weren't you?"
"He's a good kisser." Was all I had to say on the comment.
"That's exciting! I've been trying to get you a boyfriend for years!" She said and I just laughed.
"Come on Iz, I'll probably never see him again."
"You never know. Come to the football game Friday night!"
"Izzy." I groaned and I heard her laugh.
"You promised me Clare! Come watch me cheer!"
"Okay, I'll go, but I won't be happy about it." Izzy mumbled something to herself that sounded a lot like 'oh yes you will' but I simply just let it go.
Friday came faster than I thought it would and here I was sitting in the bleachers watching a football game and watching Izzy cheer. I took my sketchbook out and started sketching moments from the game. I had no idea what was going on, but number 8 seemed to be playing the game of his life.
We scored a touchdown and everyone cheered. Our players made their way off the field and I watched 8 the whole time. I was waiting for him to take his helmet off to see if I knew him. He made it to the sidelines and he took his helmet off and I gasped. It was Jace, and I saw Izzy out of the corner of my eye smiling like a lunatic. He finished drinking his water and when he looked up our eyes locked. He smiled and laughed, probably at m facial expressions. I had no idea he went to the brother school, let alone be on the football team, and I couldn't believe this was happening.
After the football game I was waiting in the parking lot for Izzy. I was standing by my car when I heard he laughing, and when I looked over she was walking towards me with her brother and Jace. I mentally prepared myself for the interactions as they got close.
"Hey Clare."
"Hey."
"You remember Jace right?" She said and I could just hear the sarcasm in her voice.
"Vaguely." I said and Jace laughed.
"How quickly you dismiss our love." He says in a fake wounded voice and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh Alec, we have to be home. I promised mom we'd be home right after the game. I'm sorry Jace, but we can't take you home. I bet Clary wouldn't mind though. Right Clare? Great. See you at school on Monday!" She said as she grabbed Alec's arm and rushed away from us. Jace and I watched her and Alec walk away and I just shook my head.
"Well, she couldn't be any more obvious." I said and Jace just laughed.
"You don't have to take me home. I could just call my dad, or catch one of the guys and see if they could take me home."
"I don't mind. Anything that keeps me out later is worth it."
"Don't like being home?" He asks as we both got into the car.
"My mom is out of town for an art convention and I'm stuck at home with my stepfather."
"I take it you two don't get along? Make a right at the light." He says and I nod.
"They got married 4 years ago, and he's never liked me. I might as well be home alone when my mom leaves. The only time he really talks to me is when he's insulting me."
"That sucks. At the next stop sign, make a left."
"Yea, but it's not like I can do anything about it."
"Couldn't you go live with your dad?"
"No. He doesn't have a permanent home. He travels around the world consulting for businesses."
"That's unfortunate. Turn right at the next street and I live in the yellow house in the cul de sac."
"I barely leave my room when I'm home. I just sit on my bed and draw or read or do my homework. I live a very exciting life, if you couldn't tell." He laughs and I can't help but love the sound of it. When I pull into his driveway, he sighs.
"What's wrong?"
"My dad's home."
"And that's a bad thing?" I ask as I put the car in park.
"Not necessarily bad, but my parents haven't gotten along in a couple years, and they have been fighting lately. Mostly about money, or me." I look at him and than I look at the time, it's only about 9:30, and an idea pops in my head.
"You have a curfew?"
"On school nights I'm suppose to be home before midnight. Why?" I put the car in reverse and whip out of his driveway and start making my way to my favorite spot. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see." I smile at him and he smiles back. After about a 25 minute car ride I pull into the driveway of my fathers old abandoned house. He hasn't lived here in about 6 years, but he never sold it for some reason, and I liked to come here and be alone.
"Where are we?"
"This is my fathers old house. After my parents divorced he lived here for a couple years before he started traveling. For some reason he never sold it, but he never kept up with it either. This land belonged to his parents. I guess it was too sentimental to sell. I like to come here when things at home get too much to handle." We got out of the car and I started walking to the pond that was in the backyard. I could hear Jace behind me, but I didn't stop. I made my way out to the gazebo and leaned against the railing and looked out at the water. A moment later I felt Jace next to me. "I like to imagine what I would have been like to grow up here. What it would have been like to come out here and play with my dad, or sit in this gazebo with my mom and watch her draw or going swimming in this lake with my brother during the summer. Sometimes I wonder why I do it, all it does is bring back a lot of painful memories of what my life was like when I was a kid, but I can't help but do it every time I'm here."
"Why was your childhood bad? If you don't mind me asking."
"When I was about 3 we were all in a really bad car accident. I woke up in the hospital a week later. My mom had a couple broken bones, my dad had a broken leg and a cracked skull, but my brother, who was 9 at the time was in a coma, and he never woke up."
"Damn." He said as he reached over and rested his hand on top of mine.
"My family really drifted apart. And when I was 10 my parents finally decided to get a divorce. They couldn't cope with the loss of my brother even though he was still alive. About 6 months ago they finally pulled the plug. It's one of the reasons my mom has been out of town so much lately. She threw herself into work to avoid grieving."
"That must have been really hard."
"It was really hard. I barely remember my brother. But I knew it torn my parents apart."
"Yea, apparently before I was born my parents had another kid. She died in a freak accident when she was 2. My parents had me in hopes to get over her. I don't think it worked. My parents were always miserable." I simply nodded and we stood there in silence for a while. I checked my phone and realized that it was almost 11.
"We should probably head back. I don't know if Luke noticed I've been gone, but I should probably get home."
"Thank you. For bringing me here, and talking to me. It actually really helped." I smiled and gave his hand a little squeeze. "I'd like to take you out Clary."
"Really?"
"Yes. How about tomorrow night? 7 o'clock." He said and I looked at his golden eyes.
"I'd really love that." I said and I could just see the happiness in his eyes. "Come on, let's get you home." We walked back to my car hand in hand and it just felt so right and naturally. Like we've been doing it our whole lives. When I got him home he sat in my car for a minute before speaking.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Do you need me to pick you up?"
"No. My car was in the shop today, but I should be getting it back tomorrow afternoon. I'll pick you up." I look at him and than take my phone out and hand it to him.
"Give me your number, and I'll text you my address." He put his number in my phone and handed it back to me. I was about to say something when his lips were on mine. This kiss was even better than the first one we shared. This one was slow and full of passion, and dare I say it love. He broke away far too soon for my liking and he looked into my eyes and smiled.
"I'll see you tomorrow Clary." Before I could say another word he got out of my car and went inside. I sat there for moment processing what just happened before I started my drive home.
I walked up to my room in a little daze. I lay on my bed before I realized that I had a date with Jace tomorrow and I had idea what to wear. I pull out my phone and dial Izzy's number. After a few rings she answers.
"What's up Clare?"
"I have a date with Jace tomorrow night and I don't know what to wear." I say and I hear her scream on the other end of the phone.
"I'll be over at 2 o'clock tomorrow to help you get ready! This is so exciting! Get plenty of sleepy tonight Clare! See you tomorrow!" Before I could say anything else she hung up. I got ready for bed and fell asleep to the thoughts of Jace and honestly I couldn't get the smile off my face.
Jace POV:
Today seemed like the longest day of my life. Knowing that I was going out with Clary tonight was so nerve racking that I couldn't sit still for more than a few hours. Izzy had texted me off of Alec's phone asking me what my plans were so she could dress Clary appropriately for our date. So I knew that whatever Clary was wearing, Izzy would probably make her look sexy as hell but also stunning.
When it finally reached 6 o'clock I was thrilled, I took a shower and got dressed. Tonight was going to be extremely fancy. I didn't know how Clary would react but my parents were invited to a very elite party tonight and they sprung it on me this morning and I had to be in attendance. When I asked if I could bring a date they were thrilled, so even though I wasn't able to take Clary out in the way I wanted to take her out, I was still going to be spending the night with her. When I pulled up to Clary's house I knocked on the door and Izzy answered.
"You clean up nice Jace. Why is it so fancy tonight?"
"I wasn't planning on it to be, but my parents told me this morning that there was a business party for one of my fathers biggest clients and we all had to attend. I didn't want to cancel on Clary so I asked if I could bring a date, and my parents were thrilled."
"That sounds fun though."
"It will be a lot more bearable with Clary there." Just as I said her name she came down the stairs. She was wearing a beautiful floor length green dress that made her eyes even greener. Her hair was curled to perfection and her make up was just as perfect. "Wow. You look absolutely beautiful Clary."
"I've never worn a dress this fancy. Where are we going?"
"My parents told me this morning that we were attending my fathers biggest clients party. Like, the most elite party you'll ever attend. It's huge, and I really didn't want to cancel with you, so I asked if I could bring a date and my parents were thrilled. I promise I will make it up to you. I will take you on a real date, but I really wanted to see you tonight." I said and I hope she wasn't mad.
"Sounds like it could be fun!" She said with the biggest smile on her face and I couldn't tell you how relieved I was. "Oh, and you pull off a black suit very well."
"You think?" I said and she walked over to me and even in heels had to stand on her tiptoes until he mouth was at my ear.
"It's very sexy." She whispered in my ear and I think I could have died right there and been satisfied with my life. She backed away and I couldn't help but love the look on her face. I grabbed her hand, we said our goodbyes to Izzy and got into my car.
When we got to the house, or should I say mansion, I parked my car and helped Clary out. We walked in and her arm was holding onto my arm and she was looking around at the extravagant house. When we got inside I immediately started looking for my parents. I directed Clary over to them, and when they saw us my eyes immediately lit up.
"Jace, you didn't tell me your date was so beautiful." My mom said and I looked over at Clary and she blushed.
"Mom, dad, this is Clary. Clary, these are my parents."
"It's really nice to meet you both." Clary said and my mother brought her into a hug. We stood there and talked for a couple moments before my parents excused themselves to go talk to some clients.
"Would you like to dance?" I asked Clary as she looked at the other people dancing in the middle of the room. She looked back at me and looked nervous.
"I can't really dance." She said and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Lucky for you, I can." I said as I took her hand and led her out to the floor. Clary wasn't lying, she really couldn't dance, but I found it endearing. I took her under my wing and took charge and lead her around the dance floor. When the song was over we made our way out onto the balcony to get a bit of fresh air. "I'm going to get us some drinks." She nodded and I made my way back inside. When I got our drinks I was making my way back to Clary when I heard her talking. I peaked around the corner and saw some guy talking to her.
"Why don't we get out of here, and I can show you a good time?" He asked and I almost broke the glasses in my hands in anger.
"I'm sorry, but I'm here with someone." Clary said and I could hear the guy laugh.
"Ditch him, and we can have a little fun."
"No thanks." She said in a slightly frustrated tone.
"Come on babe." He said in a low voice.
"I really don't want to go anywhere with you. My boyfriend will be back any minute now. You should leave while you have the chance." When she called me her boyfriend a serge of happiness ran through my body and I couldn't help but be happy. I decided it was time to make my presence known.
"Clare?" I said and she looked at me and so did the guy. I recognized him immediately. It was William, he was the son of one of the big shots my father worked with. I never liked him. I walked over and gave her the drink and snaked my arm around her waist.
"Ah, Jace. It's so good to see you again. It's been way too long."
"Not long enough Will."
"You have a beautiful girlfriend." He said and he looked Clary up and down. "I never thought you were the type to settle down, at least, that's what your reputation insinuated."
"What can I say, I took one look at Clary, and it was love at first sight." I felt her tense but I gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head and she relaxed. "I knew it was only a matter of time before someone snatched her away, so I had to make my move, and it was the best decision I've ever made." I looked down at Clary and she had a big smile on her face and her eyes looks glossy. "Now if you'll excuse us Will, I'm gonna go show Clary around." Will nodded and I lead Clary down the hallway, when we were outside in the garden Clary turned and faced me.
"Did you mean all of that?"
"Yes. From the moment I laid eyes on you at that carnival I knew there was something different about you. Why do you think I bought all of the tickets to the kissing booth? If I wanted a simple kiss I would have just gone for a random girl, but I wanted it to be with you." She was speechless, and she looked completely shocked. "You don't have to say anything back Clary, but I would love for you to be my girlfriend. I know we haven't known each other long, but I know I want you to be mine." I said and after a moment of silence she smiled.
"I would love to be your girlfriend." She says and I couldn't help but smile as I pulled her into a kiss. "I couldn't stop thinking about our kiss that day you know. But I thought I'd never see you again."
"Really?"
"I didn't know anything about you except your name. For all I know, you were in town visiting your grandparents and you were on the next flight back to London."
"London?"
"You have a British accent, where else could you be from?" I laughed and so did she.
"Well, I've never been to London, I only have the accent because of my parents. They are from England."
"Good to know." She said and I couldn't help but pull her into a hug. The rest of the night went by rather slowly but it was so much better to have Clary by my side and to actually be able to hold her hand or rub her back without worrying if I was crossing a line with her. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and I couldn't wait to see what the future held for us.
Time Jump- Three Years Later
Clary POV:
Jace and I had been together for three years now and to say it was the best three years of my life would be an understatement. He was the most amazing person that I've ever known and he was all mine. After high school, I got back into contact with my father and he apologized for leaving me, but he had to go rediscover himself after everything that happened with Jonathan, and I just couldn't find it in me to be upset, I have no idea how hard that must have been on him. When he found out that I was going to NYU, he decided to give me his old abandoned house. When he told me that I screamed and threw myself at him. I was so excited to be able to fulfill my life long dream of living in that house. It took a couple months for it to be cleaned and fixed up, but by the time school started I was completely moved in. Jace had moved in with me as well, along with Izzy and her brother Alec. We were all going to NYU and it wasn't that far, only a 10-15 minute commute and I couldn't picture living any where else.
It was a normal Tuesday and I was on my way home from class. When I pulled into the driveway something was off. There weren't any cars there. Izzy didn't have class son Tuesday, and Alec only had one class and it was at night, so I was super confused. When I walked in, it was unnaturally quiet, but it smelled amazing. I made my way into the kitchen where the table was all set and Jace was standing there.
"What's all this?"
"Today is out three year anniversary, and I wanted to do something for you." Jace said and I couldn't help but smile. We sat down and ate dinner, and laughed and talked like we normally do. But towards the end of dinner I noticed that Jace looked on edge.
"Is something wrong Jace?"
"No. Why would you say that?"
"You look nervous." He got up from his chair and went into the other room but returned a moment later. He walked over to me and got down on one knee and I gasped.
"Clarissa, I have loved you since the day that I saw you. And I have loved you more and more everyday. You mean absolutely everything to me, and I can't picture my life without you. I know we're young, but there isn't anyone else in the world that I want to spend the rest of my life with. Would you Clarissa, do the honor of marrying me?" Tears were now running down my face and my hands were over my mouth as I took in everything he just said. I looked down and he was holding a box with the most beautiful ring inside. I look back up into Jace's eyes, and I don't trust my voice so I just nod. Jace gets the biggest smile on his face before he slips the ring on my finger and picks me up and pulls me into a kiss. "I love you Clary."
"I love you too Jace, and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together." I said and we stood there for a while lost in our own little world. I couldn't believe that I was going to marry my best friend and the love of my life. And to think that all of this wouldn't be possible if Izzy hadn't left me at that kissing booth all those years ago.
Authors Note:
This one shot was requested by oesteffel, and I really hope that you enjoy where I took your story idea! I tried to keep it close to what you suggested but I obviously put my own twist on it, and I hope you all enjoy it! Remember, if you want me to write something that you'd be interested in reading just send me a message, or review and I promise to get back to you as fast as I can! I'm sorry it took me so long to finish this story, I worked on it all day, and I really hope you all enjoy it, especially oesteffel! Thank you all for reading, and I promise to have the nest one shot up soon! :)
