Sixty Fifth One Shot:
Sugar Daddy
Clary POV:
It was a normal Monday, and I was standing in the bookstore sketching a simple landscape. There weren't a lot of customers that came through here on a normal day, and it is a rainy Monday, I doubt that I'll even see one, but I didn't mind. Being around books, and getting to sketch and get paid for it was my kind of job. It was very peaceful and I was humming while sketching when the ding of the bell scared me. I looked up and in walked the most beautiful man I've ever seen. My fingers started to twitch because all I wanted to do was draw him. Our eyes locked and he smiled and made his way over to me.
"How can I help you?" I asked when he got closer.
"My best friends birthday is coming up, and he's a professor at Columbia." He said and I nodded. "He's a bit of a book worm, so I wanted to get him something he didn't have, but I really don't know where to start." He said and I laughed.
"Well, what kind of literature is he into?" I asked.
"The classics." He said. "He's an English lit professor." He said and I nodded.
"Okay, does he have any favorite authors?" I asked.
"Mark Twain." He said.
"Good choice." I said and he smiled at me. "I'm not sure what we have in our inventory for Mark Twain." I said as I typed into the computer. "Give me a minute."
"Take your time." He said. I continued to search our inventory, and even though Mark Twain was a classic author, those didn't sell as much as the teenage romance novel, so we didn't have many in stock.
"Yea, selling classics is kinda hard, so we don't have any in stock currently." I said and he nodded.
"Well, there is one book that he's wanted since the day I met him, but I'm not really that great at tracking things down." He admitted.
"Okay, what book?" I asked.
"He's always wanted a first edition of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." He said. "But not just any copy. He wants the rare blue first copy."
"Those are hard to come by." I said and he laughed.
"That's what he said. Which is why he doesn't own one yet." He said. "I really suck at finding the best deal, and everything. I know it's probably not in your job description, but would you mind helping me out?" He asked and as much as it wasn't my job to do that for customers, I couldn't help but want to help him with this.
"Sure. I track down books for the owner of this place all the time. I have connections." I said with a wink and he laughed.
"He's my number." He said as he took a sticky note off the counter and wrote it down. "Call me when you find something. We can get lunch and discuss it." He said and I took the card and nodded. Not trusting my voice. Even though it was just to discuss a purchase, we were going to get lunch together. "Have a good day…..?"
"Clary." I said and he smiled.
"I'm Jace. Have a good day Clary." He said and than he left.
"You too Jace." I said, even though I knew he couldn't hear me. Maybe this abnormal Monday wasn't so bad after all.
Time Jump – One Week Later
Jace POV:
Clary had called me yesterday and said she had tracked down the book I was looking for and we were meeting for lunch today to talk details. I don't know I was so nervous to see her again, but I was. The minute I walked into that bookstore she took my breath away. She is incredibly beautiful, and talking to her was so incredibly easy. I got to the restaurant Clary had told me to meet her at. It was small diner, but it was charming. I looked in the window and spotted her red hair immediately. I walked over and took a seat in the booth. She was drawing something, and I couldn't help but notice how incredibly talented she was.
"You're really good." I said and she smiled.
"Thank you." She said as she closed the book.
"You two ready to order?" The waitress said as she batted her eyes at me.
"I think so." I said.
"I'll have the coconut pancakes." Clary said.
"I'll have what she's having." I said and the waitress nodded and walked away.
"Okay, so I tracked down that book you wanted, but I have to say, it's not cheap." She said.
"How much are we talking?" I asked. Money wasn't an issue for me. I was rich, and a CEO, but that didn't mean I wasn't curious.
"A little over 13,000 dollars. The owner of the book has kept in immaculate condition, and I don't think she's even opened it." Clary explained. "It was passed down from her grandfather. She got all his books, but she's never been a fan of that particular one. She's been looking to sell for awhile she's just never found the right person to sell it too."
"Tell her I'm in." I said and her jaw basically dropped.
"Did you not hear the price?" She asked and I laughed.
"I never cared about how much it cost." I admitted and she just nodded.
"This best friend must mean a lot to you." She said and I laughed.
"He's basically a brother to me." I said. "We went to boarding school together, and sometimes he would spend the summer with me, or I'd spend the summer with him."
"Must be nice to have someone mean so much to you." She said with a certain sadness in her voice.
"It came in handy when my parents weren't around." I said. She simply nodded, and I moved on from the subject. It seemed like a sensitive topic, and I didn't want to push her.
We sat at the diner for almost two hours just talking about random things, and discussing childhood stories. It felt like I've known this girl my whole life, not just a week, and when she said she had to go back to work, I was dreading her leaving. I didn't want the day to end I just wanted to spend more time with her. I walked her out of the restaurant and to her car.
"I was wondering." I started and she turned around. "Would you like to have dinner with me?"
"Really?" She asked in a surprised tone, which caused me to laugh.
"Is that so hard to believe?" I asked and she shrugged.
"A little. I mean, did you not see our waitress eyeing you up the whole time we were in there?" She asked and I laughed.
"I did, but the difference is I wasn't eyeing her back." I said and she nodded. "I had a great time today Clary, and I would really love to do this again."
"Okay. Let me know when." She said and I smiled.
"I'll call you tomorrow with the details." I said and she nodded. I leaned forward and pressed my lips to her cheek. "See you soon Clary."
"Bye Jace." She said and she got in her car and drove off. I couldn't wait to see Clary again, and continue to get to know her better.
Time Jump – Dinner
Clary POV:
Jace told me that he was taking me somewhere fancy for dinner tonight, and at first I was nervous, I didn't know how fancy we were talking. I mean, he spent 13 grand on a book, so for all I know, we were having dinner with the president. Thankfully my panic wore off when I remembered that I had a nice black dress that I got in high school for my senior banquet that I didn't even go too, and nice black heels that were still in the box. When I put them both on I instantly felt like I was worth more than I actually am, but tonight that was a good thing. I curled my hair, and applied light make up. When I was satisfied with the outcome, I grabbed my clutch and headed down the street to wait for Jace. I told him to meet me at the bookstore, so that he wasn't greeted with my shabby apartment building. It wasn't nice, but it was all that I could afford, so it had to do.
When Jace finally pulled up in his extremely expensive BMW, I knew that I wasn't possibly prepared for what this night was going to be like. He pulled up to the curb and got out and made his way over to me. He leaned down and kissed my cheek again, which sent my stomach into all type of loops and twirls.
"You look beautiful." He said and I couldn't help the blush that crept across my face. "You ready?" He asked and I nodded. He opened his car door and I got in. he quickly got in as well, and we were off.
"So, where are we going?" I asked after a moment.
"Eleven Madison Park." He said. "Ever heard of it?"
"No. But I feel like it's not the place I would normally eat at." I said and he laughed.
"Probably not. I know the owner, and I asked if he could squeeze us in." He said and I nodded.
"Am I dressed appropriately?" I asked and he laughed.
"You look stunning." He said and I blushed yet again.
We drove to the restaurant and when I got out of the car I was in awe at the building. It was absolutely gorgeous, and I totally didn't belong here. Jace walked over to me and took my hand in his. We walked into the restaurant and up to the hostess.
"Do you have a reservation?" She asked.
"Yes. Two for Herondale." Jace said and she nodded.
"Follow me." She said and we walked behind her to our table. Jace pulled my seat out like a gentleman and she placed the menus on the table. "Your waiter will be out momentarily." She said and we nodded and she left. I opened my menu and my eyes nearly fell out of my head when I saw the price.
"Jace, this place is way too expensive." I said and he laughed.
"Not for me. Get whatever you want. You have no limit." Jace said and I was about to protest when the waiter walked over.
"Welcome to Eleven Madison Park, my name is Paul, and I'll be your server tonight. May I start you off with something to drink?" He asked.
"May I see your wine list?" Jace asked and he nodded.
"Of course. I'll be right back." Paul said and he walked away. I guess it never occurred to me that Jace could be older than 21, but he certainly didn't know I wasn't.
"Jace, I'm not 21." I said and he looked up from the menu with a shocked expression on his face.
"You aren't?" He asked and I shook my head. "You are over 18 though, right?" He asked and I laughed and nodded.
"I'm 20. I'll be 21 in August." I said and he nodded. "Why? How old are you?"
"33." He said and now it was my turn for my eyes to nearly pop out of my head.
"Oh my god." I said. "You don't look 33 at all." I said and he laughed.
"I've been blessed with ageing." He said and I nodded. "Look, if this is too weird, we can just be friends after this dinner. Just think of this as me thanking you for finding that book for my friend." He said and I thought about it. I mean, sure he's 13 years older than me, but we're both adults, and I like him. A lot. I wasn't going to ruin that just because of our pretty big age gap.
"I mean it doesn't bother me." I said hesitantly avoiding eye contact.
"Really?" He asked and I looked up to see him with a smile on his face.
"We're both adults. There just happens to be 13 years in between us." I said and he laughed. "I like you." I admitted, which was something I didn't do often, but I just felt so comfortable around him that I didn't mind telling him how I really felt. "I don't think our age should determine if we continue to see where this goes or not."
"Age is but a number." He said and I laughed. "I like you too Clary. Walking into that bookstore was the best decision I've made in a long time." He said and I laughed. "So, if you're 20, does that mean you're in school?"
"No. I went to the local community college for two years, but I can't afford college." I said and at that moment Paul returned.
"Here you go. Would you like me to give you some time to look over that?" He asked.
"Actually Paul, I'm not in the mood for wine tonight. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Jace said and Paul smiled.
"It wasn't an inconvenience at all." Paul said as he took the wine menu back. "What can I get you two to drink?"
"I'll just have a water." Jace said. Paul nodded and wrote it down before looking at me.
"Iced tea please." I said and he nodded.
"I'll be right back with those for you." Paul said as he walked away.
"So, you aren't currently in school?" Jace asked and I shook my head. "Why don't your parents help you out?"
"My dad bailed when I was 8, and for lack of better words, my mother is a crack head." I said and he looked stunned.
"That's horrible." Jace said and I shrugged.
"It was hard growing up. She was either high or overdosing." I admitted. "I was lucky that I passed high school with how much I missed, or barely passed because I had to work in order to keep our house."
"That doesn't sound like a fun way to live." Jace said and I laughed.
"It wasn't." I said.
"So, if you were in college, what would you study?" He asked after a moment.
"I'd be a art major with a minor in English lit." I said and he nodded.
"Nice. I was never good at either of those." He said and I laughed.
"What do you do for a living?" I asked.
"I'm the CEO of Herondale Inc." He said and it was at that moment that I realized I was in over my head.
"That's impressive." I said and he shook his head.
"Not really. My father built the company over in England, and he wanted to expand. He brought it over here, and put me in charge of this branch." He explained. "So I guess you could say I'm the Co-CEO. Since my father is the CEO of the branch in England."
"Still, you must have worked hard for him to put you in charge." I said.
"I definitely busted my ass in college to make sure he saw me as a worthy partner." Jace said. "I spent most of my college days holed up in the library studying."
"That surprises me." I said and Jace laughed.
"Why?" He asked.
"I figured you'd be going to crazy parties, and living it up." I said and he laughed.
"I wish." He said. "I was more focused on proving to my father that I was the right fit for the job. I wanted him to see me as his business partner, not just his son."
"And you did." I said and he nodded.
"And I did." He said. At that moment Paul came back out with our drinks.
"Have you decided on what you want tonight?" Paul asked and I realized I didn't even look at the menu. Jace looked over at me and smiled.
"You trust me?" He asked and I nodded my head. "We'll both have the special." Jace said and Paul nodded. We handed over our menus and Paul walked away.
"What did you just order me?" I asked and Jace laughed.
"You'll have to wait and see." He said and I couldn't help but smile.
The rest of the night went by extremely well, and the age gap was completely forgotten. I liked Jace, and Jace liked me. Age didn't matter, and I wasn't going to let it affect how my relationship with Jace progressed. We were going to take a chance, and if it worked, than it worked, but if it didn't, at least I wouldn't have any regrets.
Time Jump – Two Months Later
Jace POV:
Clary's birthday was tomorrow, so I was taking her clubbing tonight in order to celebrate. I knew a couple of the local club owners, so we were going to be taken care of no matter where we went. I was looking forward to seeing Clary tonight. I wanted to give her her present, and just enjoy celebrating her tonight.
These past two months with Clary have been amazing. She is so incredibly kind, and caring, and sweet, and funny, and beautiful, and sarcastic. She was truly everything I've ever wanted in a woman, and I couldn't believe I found in one.
Alec and Izzy were currently at my place. I had convinced them to come out and celebrate with Clary and I, and to get to meet her. They were hesitant at first, but I think I begged enough that they finally gave into me. I walked out of my room and Izzy and Alec were standing in the living room talking.
"You two ready?" I asked.
"Ready to meet you 20 year old girlfriend? Can't wait." Izzy said with the usual bitchy tone in her voice.
"Please be nice to her Iz. She means a lot to me." I said and she rolled her eyes.
"I just don't like it Jace. You're 13 years older than her." Izzy said.
"I'm aware." I said and she rolled her eyes again.
"She's probably just some gold digging whore, and latched her claws into you." Izzy said.
"You don't know anything about our relationship Izzy. She isn't like that." I said and she crossed her arms over her chest.
"So this 20 year old just so happened to stumble into your life? Come on Jace." Izzy said. "That doesn't just happen."
"I actually stumbled into her life." I said and Izzy looked confused. "She works at a bookstore, and I was really stumped when it came to getting Alec a present for his birthday, so I asked her for some advice."
"She helped you find that first edition?" Alec asked and I nodded.
"She told me she tracks down books for the owner all the time, so she knew people who could help. And it worked." I said.
"So you're telling me, she isn't going to be jumping for joy when you give her that 14K white gold necklace?" Izzy asked.
"She'll actually probably tell me to take it back." I laughed knowing Clary hated when I spent money on her, but I just couldn't help it. I loved spoiling her.
"Really?" Izzy asked sounding kinda shocked.
"Clary isn't a material person. She hates when I spend money on her, but I do it anyway because I like too." I said. "Look, she isn't with me for my money. And to be fair, I had no idea she was only 20 when I asked her out, and she didn't know I was 33. We were both equally shocked when we found out."
"It just seems weird to me." Izzy said.
"I know. It's not normal, but we like each other, why should our age matter?" I asked. "And if it makes you feel any better, I don't pay for everything."
"Come on Jace, you're too controlling to not pay for everything." Alec said as we made our way out to my car. I just laughed.
"It's true. If we go out to lunch, she pays. If we go out for coffee, she pays. When we go out to dinner, I pay. When we go out to do something fun, like I took her to a fancy art class, I paid. Or when I brought her to a company business dinner, I bought her outfit." I explained. "She doesn't let me pay for everything. She told me that if she couldn't at least pay for lunch and coffee, I wasn't allowed to take her to fancy restaurants anymore."
"She seems sensible." Alec said.
"She's a great girl, and I really like her." I said. "I would like if you two liked her as well."
"I will be on my best behavior tonight." Izzy said.
"That's all I'm asking." I put the car in drive and started making my way towards the bookstore. Clary still refused to tell me where she lived. She was embarrassed about it, but I didn't care where she lived. When I arrived at the bookstore, Clary was standing there like she always was when I picked her up. Alec was about to get out of the front seat when Clary waved him off and got in the back. "You don't have to sit back there. Alec will move." I said and she laughed.
"Don't worry about it. He was already there." Clary said. "It's nice to meet you both finally." Clary said.
"You too. We've heard a lot about you. I'm Izzy." She said and Clary smiled.
"Thank you for picking me up." Clary said towards me.
"You know, if you just told me where you lived, you wouldn't have to wait outside the bookstore." I said and she laughed.
"I don't want you seeing where I live. It's so shitty." She said and I just shook my head.
"So, do you drive to the bookstore and wait for him?" Izzy asked.
"No, I walk." Clary said.
"Why?" Alec asked.
"I don't have a car." Clary said.
"Really? Why not?" Izzy asked.
"I can't afford one." Clary said and I opened my mouth but she cut me off. "And I swear to God if you offer to buy me a car one more time Jace, I'll ban you from taking me out for a month."
"He's seriously offered to buy you a car?" Izzy asked.
"Multiple times." Clary said. "He doesn't like that I walk places, or take the bus."
"It's dangerous out there." I said and she laughed.
"I've lived in New York my whole life. I grew up in the projects, and my mother was on crack." Clary said. "I think I've survived enough dangerous situations to know when I'm in one."
"Holy shit." Izzy and Alec said in unison.
"I would still buy you a car." I said and she just laughed.
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm okay." Clary said and I just shook my head.
We got to the club and were immediately let in. It as nearing 11, which meant that, in this club, Clary was allowed to drink. I went up to the bar and ordered a few shots. When I got back to the group I passed them out and everyone held them up.
"To Clary." I said and everyone smiled.
"To Clary." Alec and Izzy said before we all took the shot. I was impressed that Clary handled that shot like a pro.
The night progressed with more drinks, and dancing. I was the DD tonight, so I wasn't drinking anything but soda, but Clary was knocking back drink after drink, and she was just letting herself have fun, and it was amazing to see her like this. It was about 3 am when we finally decided to call it quits. I dropped Alec and Izzy off at home, and than decided that Clary was to drunk to tell me where she lived so I brought her back to my place. When I finally pulled up to my house though, Clary was passed out. I got out of the car and made my way over to her. I picked her up, and made my way into the house.
Izzy and Alec both seemed to really get along with Clary, and just seeing them all having fun together was more than I could ask for. I understood that Izzy and Alec were a little skeptical of Clary and I'd relationship, but I think tonight showed that Clary and I are together because we like each other, not because Clary wants my money. I brought Clary into my room and set her down on the bed. I started walking towards the dresser to change when I heard her.
"Jace." She said and I turned around and she was sitting up in the bed.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Can I change into something comfier?" She asked and I smiled.
"Of course." I said as I grabbed a shirt. I walked back over to her and handed it to her. "Here you go. I'm gonna go to the bathroom real quick. You can change while I'm in there." I said and she nodded. Once I was finished in the bathroom I walked back out in the room and Clary's dress was thrown on the floor and she was already asleep. I shook my head with a smile on my face and climbed in to bed with her. Before I knew it she was curling into my side. I know we've only been together for a few months, but this felt right.
Clary POV:
I woke up with a killer headache, and having no idea where I was. I sat up in bed and heard something coming from down the hallway. I got out of the bed and realized I was only in a shirt. I saw my dress on the floor, but decided to just stay in this shirt. I walked out of the room and followed the noise to be greeted with Jace in the kitchen cooking.
"You cook?" I said and Jace turned around. She was shirtless, and man was I appreciating the view.
"A man has to know how to feed himself." He said and I laughed.
"So what's the special occasion?" I asked and he looked at me like I was crazy.
"It is your birthday Clary." He said and I laughed.
"Sorry, I just didn't celebrate it when I was growing up, so to me it's just a normal day." I said as I took a seat at the bar.
"Well, it's not a normal day for me." He said as he walked over and pressed his lips to mine. I swear I could get lost in his kisses. When he pulled away he smiled and than pulled out a box. "Happy birthday."
"Jace, you shouldn't have." I said as I took the box.
"It's my girls birthday, of course I'm going to buy her a gift." He said and I laughed. I opened the box and I nearly had a heart attack.
"Oh my god." I said and Jace laughed.
"I know what you're going to say. But it wasn't too expensive, and you're worth it Clary." Jace said and tears filled my eyes.
"Wanna know a secret?" I asked after a moment.
"Is it that you secretly love your gift, and you don't want me to return it?" He asked and I laughed.
"No, because I absolutely love my gift." I said and he smiled. "This is the first present I've ever gotten."
"Seriously?" He asked and I nodded.
"My mom was hooked on drugs, and my father couldn't be bothered with me before he left. If my mom had extra money, it went to buy drugs, and if my dad had extra money, it was most likely spent on the whores he used to fuck." I admitted. "I was never their priority." Jace made his way over to me and cupped my cheek in his hand. I leaned into his embrace and closed my eyes.
"You will always be a priority of mine." He whispered and my skin tingled.
"Thank you for the necklace. It's absolutely beautiful." I said. Jace took it out of my hands and proceeded to put it on me. When he was finished, his hands slid down my arms and he kissed my neck.
"I will take care of you Clary." He whispered into my ear as he planted another kiss behind it. I involuntarily shivered and I could feel him smile against my skin. "You don't have to worry about anything anymore."
"Do you mean that?" I barely got out.
"Absolutely." He whispered against my skin and I accidently let out a soft moan. "Happy birthday love." He whispered and I think at that point I was putty in his hands. There wasn't a thing I wouldn't do for this man, and it had only been a couple months. I can only imagine how much deeper I was going to fall the more time we spent together.
Time Jump – Christmas
Clary POV:
Being with Jace was an absolutely dream. Of course we got some weird stares when I'd accompany him to his business diners. I was constantly being complimented on how young I looked, which was flattering in a sense, but I also knew that some women were simply saying it to point out the obvious age difference between us. You could see some of the women that work for him are completely in love with him, but he didn't give them the time of day. His eyes were always solely focused on me, and it made all the stares, and whispers worth it.
Trying to find something to get Jace for Christmas was the most impossible task I've ever had to deal with. He had everything, so what do you get the man who has everything? Your guess is as good as mine. I searched for about a month before Christmas just to see if I could even find anything that he'd be interested in, but I always fell short. That was, until one day, I passed by an art store and I saw the most beautiful canvas, and I just had to have it. Thankfully, it was in my price range, so I bought it and decided to paint Jace a picture of us. His phone background was a picture that Izzy had taken without either of our knowledge but Jace loved it because it showed just how invested we were in each other. I figured it was the perfect gift to get him. Something original, and something I knew he'd like.
Giving it to him was a whole other pile of nerves. I had no idea if he'd even like it, because it wasn't my best work in my eyes, so I was scared to see his reaction. But as I stood in front of the bookstore, waiting for Jace to pick me up, I realized that I couldn't go back now. I already finished it, and I was meeting his parents tonight at his house, so I was focusing on those nerves more than the ones about his present. When his car finally pulled up I opened the back door and put the canvas in there before getting in the front.
"Hey baby." Jace said as he leaned over and pressed his lips to mine. "What's that?"
"Your gift." I smiled.
"What is it?" He asked and I laughed.
"Now that would just spoil all the fun." I said and he pulled away from the curb. I guess he noticed my hands fidgeting, so he reached across the consul and grabbed my hand.
"They're going to love you." He said.
"I don't think they will Jace. I mean, Izzy thought I was gold digger before she met me, I can only imagine what your parents already think of me." I said.
"Izzy is very judgmental. My parents, although they can be distant, they've never had an opinion in the women I've dated before. I can't imagine that would start now." He said.
"I'm just worried they won't be able to look past the age gap." I said.
"Than we'll make them see past it." He said and I nodded. The rest of the car ride was silent, but neither of us minded. When we got to his house I took a deep breath before grabbing the canvas and heading inside.
"I'm going to put this upstairs." I said and he nodded. I walked up stairs and placed the canvas in his room. I too a few calming breaths before I started making my way downstairs. I was walking towards the living room when I heard voices. I normally wasn't one to eavesdrop, but they didn't sound happy.
"Honestly Jonathan, you couldn't have found a woman your age? You went for the child?" I heard a woman say, I can only assume it was his mom.
"She isn't a child mother, she's 21 years old." I heard Jace say.
"And you're 33. Think about how poorly that reflects on you." The woman said.
"You haven't even met her yet." Jace said.
"They're all the same Jonathan. They want you for your money, and the minute you buy them those heels they've always wanted, and that beautiful diamond necklace, they will go running for the hills." The woman said and my hand automatically went to the necklace he bought me for my birthday.
"Clary isn't like that mother. Se cares about me, and I care about her." Jace said.
"13 years Jonathan. She was 10 when you were 23. Doesn't that bother you?" His mother said.
"No, it doesn't, because she isn't 10 mom. She's 21." Jace said. "Look, I'd appreciate if you could at least be nice to her, instead of making her feel like she's committing a great sin." Jace said and I thought it was an appropriate time to make my presence known. I walked into the living room and Jace immediately smiled. I walked over to him and he pressed his lips to mine briefly. "Mom, dad, this is Clary. Clary these are my parents, Celine and Stephan."
"Mr. and Mrs. Herondale will do just fine." His mom said and I nodded.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Herondale." I said and the woman looked me up and down.
"Clary, that doesn't down like a normal name, is it short for something?" Mrs. Herondale asked.
"My full name is Clarissa." I said. I wasn't going to tell her how much I detested my full name, that wasn't going to get to her to like me.
"Well, dinner is almost ready, why don't we sit down." Mrs. Herondale said and they made their way into the dining room.
"I'm so sorry about them." Jace said and I smiled up at him.
"I knew I was entering the shark tank before I got here." I said trying to lighten the mood. "I have thick skin, I can handle them." I said and he nodded and we made our way into the dining room.
"Izzy and Alec should be here shortly." Jace said.
"They aren't spending Christmas with Maryse and Robert?" Mr. Herondale asked.
"No. They are traveling with Max this holiday, so I invited them over so they wouldn't have to spend it alone." Jace said and his parents nodded. A moment later the door opened and in walked Alec and Izzy.
Everyone said their hellos and dinner began. I was pretty much wallpaper the whole time. Jace rested his hand on my thigh to make me feel more comfortable, and I appreciated that, but I could tell his parents wanted nothing to do with me. I understood their reservations, but that didn't meant I liked them.
When dinner was done, we all made our way out in to the living room to exchange presents. I had gone off to get mine, and met everyone else in there. I took a seat next to Jace and Mrs. Herondale stood up and began handing a present over to Jace.
"I didn't know what to get you this year, so I figured I'd just play it safe." She said and Jace opened the present. It was a black and gold tie, one that matched his eyes perfectly.
"Thanks mom. I love it. You as well dad." Jace said and Mr. Herondale nodded. "I was in the same boat as you two. I had no idea what you two would possibly enjoy, but I was hanging out in the bookstore that Clary works in and I remembered that you used to read me poetry when I was young dad."
"You remember that?" He asked Jace and Jace nodded.
"Of course. It was something you used to do every night before I went to bed. I didn't understand any of it, but I knew it made you happy." Jace said. "I asked Clary to help me find something that I thought you'd be interested in, and I hope I didn't disappoint." Jace said as he handed his father the both. He gently opened it and looked at the book.
"Prufrock by T.S Elliot." Mr. Herondale read aloud. " You helped him pick this out?" He asked directing the question at me.
"Yea. It was something that a lot of men would come in asking for, but we never really had in stock because teenage romance novels sell better than poetry, but I looked it up one day, and it was recommended for every male to read, whether they liked poetry or not." I explained. "So when Jace told me you liked poetry, I thought it was a perfect idea."
"Thank you. I love it." Mr. Herondale said, and it made me feel a lot better knowing he appreciated his gift.
"And you mom, well I didn't want to be generic with getting you a piece of jewelry, but you are also a hard woman to shop for." Jace said and she laughed, which surprised me because she didn't seem like the type of woman who laughed at anything really. Jace handed her the box, and I watched her open it carefully. I was scared to see her reaction, but Jace told me that she had always loved thing like this, so I was hopeful.
"Oh my god, they're beautiful." Mrs. Herondale said as she took out the teacup and examined it.
"It's a 19th century Naples/Capo di Monte Boxed Tea or Coffee Service." Jace said. "Clary and I went antique shopping one day, and I saw a couple tea cups, and I knew you always liked collecting them, but I wanted to get you really nice ones, so Clary and I spent weeks searching for the perfect set."
"I love them. Thank you." Mrs. Herondale said.
"My turn!" Izzy said and I couldn't help but laugh. "Now, I know you really don't like fashion like me, so I decided to go in a totally different direction." Izzy said as she handed me an envelope. I opened it up and my eyes widened.
"No way!" I shouted and I looked at her and she was nodding enthusiastically. "You're the best!" I said as I got out of my seat and gave her a hug.
"What is it?" Jace asked.
"Two tickets to Panic! At the Disco!" Clary nearly shouted.
"The concert isn't until the summer, but I thought it was perfect!" Izzy said and I hugged her again.
"It is perfect, and I can't wait to go. We're going to have so much fun!" I said to Izzy.
"Whoa, I don't even get to go?" Jace asked and I laughed.
"The concert is July 18th." I said and he nodded.
"I purposely got them when I knew you'd be out of town so I could go with her." Izzy said and I laughed.
"I love it. Thank you Iz." I said and I hugged her again. "Okay, now for your gift." I said.
"You didn't have to get me anything." Izzy said and I smiled,
"Nonsense." I said as I handed her the box. "You's and Alec's are kind related." I said and Alec joined her and watched her open it. "I'm sorry it's not much, but it was all I could afford to do." I admitted embarrassingly. His parents already didn't like me, and admitting that I was pretty much poor wasn't helping my case.
"Are you kidding?" Izzy said. "It's perfect." Izzy said as tears came to her eyes.
"What is it?" Jace asked.
"You know how Alec has always wanted to publish a book, and I have always wanted to write for Elle?" Izzy asked and Jace nodded. "Well, Clary here just got Alec a meeting with one of the most well known publishing companies in New York, and she got me a meeting with the publisher of Elle."
"How the hell did you manage that?" Jace asked.
"The man who owns the bookstore is friends with the man who Alec has a meeting with." I explained.
"But how did you get the Elle gig for Iz?" Jace asked.
"That one was a little trickier." I said with a laugh. "I think I mailed her around 45 letters before she finally responded to one. It took a lot of time. I told her that I had this friend who really had an eye for fashion, and that she would be a great asset to the magazine. I think she finally got tired of me sending her letters because she asked me to give her a sample of her work."
"How did you manage that?" Izzy asked.
"I may have slightly stalked one of your professors at your college and asked for a sample of your writing." I admitted and she laughed.
"I don't care if you had to sleep with the man, this is a dream come true. Thank you so much Clary." She said as we hugged. Once we were finished Alec opened his arms up and I hugged him as well.
"It was my pleasure. Alec's was cheaper considering all I had to do was ask my boss, but you were worth ever penny of it Iz." I said and she laughed.
"What about my gift?" Jace asked and I laughed. I grabbed the canvas and stood in front of him.
"You were also impossible to shop for." I said and he laughed. "What could I possibly buy the man who already has everything?" I asked. "I was walking home from the bus stop when I passed the art store, and I just saw the most beautiful canvas, and decided to buy it. I figured I'd paint you something, since I'm not so bad at it." I said and he laughed. I turned the canvas around and his eyes nearly popped out of his head. The room was silent for a moment while everyone looked at my painting.
"Clary." Jace said and I held my breath. "This is the most breath taking piece of art I've ever seen, and I'm not just saying that because I'm in it." Jace said and I laughed. "You truly are so much more talented than I thought."
"I'm glad you like it." I said and he stood up and pressed his lips to mine.
"I love it." He said and I smiled. "Now, it's your turn." He said and I propped the canvas up against the wall and took my seat on the couch. "You might hate me for this, but I did it anyway." He said as he handed me a box. I opened it up expecting it to be a necklace, or a bracelet, but low and behold, inside the box was a key to a BMW.
"Jace, how many times did I tell you not to buy me a car?" I said with a laugh and he just smiled.
"Clary, you walk everywhere, and you take the bus." Jace said. "And I'm not saying those are horrible ways to get around, but I'm always nervous that something is going to happen to you." Jace says. "Ever since you told me that you couldn't afford a car, and that you took the bus I've wanted to buy you one, but you always told me no, and I respected that." Jace said. "But we've been together for 6 months. That's 6 months I respected your wishes and didn't buy you a car. But it's Christmas, and I love you, so I bought you one." He said and my eyes got even wider than they were before, and so did his at the realization of what he just said. "Oh shit." He said and I just laughed.
"You love me?" I asked and the horror and shock was replaced with one of those genuine Jace smiles.
"I do. I really do." He said and I smiled and pressed my lips to his.
"I love you too." I said and I just couldn't help but feel so giddy. "I appreciate the car, but you aren't allowed to buy me an expensive gift until my birthday, and I mean it." I said and he laughed.
"You really hate when I spend money on you don't you?" He asked and I nodded my head.
"I would have been satisfied if you gave me a piece of paper that said 'IOU a picnic in the park'." I said and he laughed.
"Thanks for the Valentine's Day gift idea." Jace said and I shook my head. After the gifts were exchanged Alec and Izzy decided to head home. We hugged them goodbye and that just left Jace's parents and us. "I'll be right back." Jace said as he got off the couch and exited the room. I felt extremely uncomfortable sitting there with his parents but the uncomfortable silence was broken when Mrs. Herondale spoke.
"You really love my son for exactly who he is don't you?" She asked and I looked at her. "You have no interest in his money?"
"None at all." I said honestly. "I was shocked when he spent 13 grand on a book for Alec. He was totally unbothered by the price. When he asked me out I don't even think I could properly comprehend that it was happening." I said with a laugh. "Than we went out, and had a great time, and found out what we both did for a living, and what we liked to do for fun. It was like I already knew him, and we were just catching up."
"And the age difference, that doesn't bother you?" Mr. Herondale asked.
"I was stunned when he told me he was 33." I admitted. "He doesn't look it at all." I said and they laughed. "When we first went out to dinner he asked to see the wine list, and it never even occurred to me that he could be over 21. When I told him that I was only 20 he was just as shocked. He gave me the option of just being friends if the age gap was too weird for me, but I liked him. He made me laugh, and he genuinely cared about what I was interested in." I admitted. "I told him that it didn't freak me out because we were both adults. If I was 30, and he was 43 it wouldn't be as big of a deal, but since I'm only 21, people think it's some huge sin for us to be together."
"We shouldn't have judged you so harshly." Mrs. Herondale said and I smiled.
"It's okay Mrs. Herondale. I completely understand." I sad and she smiled.
"Please, call me Celine." She said and I nodded. A moment later Jace walked back into the room and sat back down next to me.
"Sorry about that. What did I miss?" He asked.
"Celine and I were just talking." I said and he smiled and looked at his mom.
"So, you're letting her call her Celine now?" Jace asked and Celine laughed.
"She's a very bright girl." Celine said. "I can see why you're so taken with her."
"I told you you'd like her once you got to know her." Jace said as he pulled me into his side.
"I should listen to you more often." Celine said and I laughed. "It's been a long night. We're going to head off to bed. Merry Christmas you two."
"Merry Christmas." Jace and I both said as Stephan and Celine both left the room.
"Let's go to bed." Jace said as he got off the couch. He stuck out his hand and pulled me up. Before I knew what was happening he scooped me into his arms and carried me up the stairs and into his room. When he opened the door, his room was illuminated with candled and there were rose peddles all throughout his room.
"Wow." I said as he put me back on the ground and I soaked in all that was around me.
"Do you like it?" Jace asked from behind me. When I turned around I couldn't help but smile.
"I love it. But what's the occasion?" I asked.
"The car isn't my only gift for you." He said.
"Jace, you seriously spoil me too much." I said and he smiled. He walked over to the bedside table and picked up another box. He walked back over to me and held it in front of me.
"I hope you like it." He said and I took the box out of his hand. I opened it to find yet another key inside.
"If you bought me two cars Jace, we're seriously going to need to have a talk." I said and he laughed.
"That isn't a car key." He said and I looked more closely at it. "It's a house key." He said and I looked up at him." A key to this house."
"Jace." I said but I was at a loss for words.
"I know we've only been together for six months, but I can feel it in my bones just how right we are together." He said and my eyes started to pool. "I love you Clary. I love being around you. I love getting to know you. I love every little detail about who you are. And I hate dropping you off in front of that bookstore at night not knowing where you're going to be sleeping at night." He said and I laughed. "You don't need to give me an answer tonight. I don't mind if you need time to process it, but I want you to know, that I want it." He said and I just couldn't believe what was happening. He wanted me to live with him. He wanted me to live with him. It just seemed so surreal. But I already knew my answer.
"Do I have to take a couple days to think about it?" I asked.
"Not if you already know." He said and I smiled.
"I think." I said as I snaked my arms around his neck. "I'd really like it here." I said and his lips slammed down onto mine.
"You're serious?" He asked when we broke apart.
"Very." I said and he kissed me again.
"I love you." He said and I couldn't help but smile.
"I love you too." I said back. Tonight had turned into a pretty amazing night. It was without a doubt the best Christmas I've ever had, and I couldn't wait to experience many more with Jace.
Time Jump – One Year Later
Jace POV:
This past year with Clary by my side was absolutely amazing. After she moved in we became like the most domesticated couple you've ever seen. But I didn't even care, because spending time with Clary, was my favorite thing to do. I'd come home from work, and dinner would be ready, and than we'd talk about our days, than cuddle on the couch and watch TV until bed. It was easily the most amazing part of the day, and what I looked forward to the most.
Clary and I were currently sitting in bed. I was looking over some report that I was supposed to have finished yesterday, but didn't, and Clary was sketching. Clary was completely serious about me not buying her any more expensive gifts until her birthday, and I had been very good about it, but since I was finally allowed to get her something, I went all out.
"So I was thinking." I said and Clary laughed.
"That's never good." She said and I shook my head.
"I want to take you somewhere." I said.
"Oh really?" She asked and I nodded. "Where?"
"Anywhere you want." I said. "Somewhere you've always wanted to visit." I said and I could see her thinking about it.
"Australia." She said after a moment.
"Why Australia?" I asked.
"It just seems like the perfect place to go. It's warm, the people speak English, and they have koalas." She said and I laughed.
"Than Australia it is." I said as I pulled up flights on my ipad. I clicked around until I was finally done and I put it down. "We're booked. We leave on January 7th."
"That fast?" She asked and I smiled.
"Australia also happens to be warm. I am not fan of the cold, but I figured we'd let the New Year pass before we left." I said and she nodded.
"And let me guess, first class?" She asked and I smirked.
"Only the best for you." I said as I pulled her into my lap.
"You really do spoil me." She said and I pressed my lips to her.
"And I love doing it." I said and she smiled before pressing her lips back to mine. Clary and I had been together for almost 2 years. We lived together, we were in love, and there wasn't anything anyone could say that would split us apart. It didn't matter that I was 34 and she was 22. When we were together, we were just Clary and Jace. Some people refer to me as Clary's Sugar Daddy, and at first it annoyed me, but than I thought about it. If those people had a lot of money, wouldn't they want to spoil the shit out of their significant other as well? I knew the term was supposed to be offensive, but I've embraced it, and Clary and I knew that wasn't how our relationship worked, so we let people talk, and whisper about us as much as they wanted, because in the end it didn't matter that we were 13 years apart, it only mattered that we were in love. I felt Clary's breathing even out, and I turned out the light and sunk down into the bed. Clary rolled over and curled into my side.
"Goodnight." She mumbled and I kissed the top of her head.
"Goodnight love." I said and I felt her smile. She curled even closer to me, and I couldn't help but smile. "That's right, come to sugar daddy."
"Jace." Clary groaned and I just laughed and held her tight. I closed my eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep loving every minute of my life with Clary.
Authors Note:
I have no idea who requested one about Clary having a sugar daddy, but I had a blast writing this one, hence why it's almost 2:30 in the morning, and I'm updating now! I just couldn't stop until this one was finished! I hope that I lived up to your expectations! Also, the books, and the restaurants, and the tea set are all real, just look them up if you want to know what they look like! Also, I just want to make a little note here about the 13 year age gap. I know it seems like a lot, and hell it probably is, but I know people who do have a 13 year gap between them and their significant other, so it might be rare, but it isn't impossible! Just wanted to let everyone know that it can happen! Alright, let me know what you think and leave a review! :)
