Cassie Clare still owns the characters. I couldn't resist some sassy, COHF-style Alec in this chapter. I hope you enjoy! Also, remember as you read that the characters are out of character in this fic. Thanks for all of your reviews, they mean a lot to me.
To the people that have PMed me or reviewed about waiting too long… listen, I write when the inspiration strikes. I also have a life outside of FF. On the whole I am good about updating quickly – but you know, things happen in life and I've been busy. So have a little understanding.
I answered the door in a huff, pissed that my great epiphany had been interrupted by… Alec? "Hey Alec, I thought you were on vacation with Mags? What's up?" I greeted him, letting him into the apartment.
"I was on vacation– we got home a few hours ago – Magnus is out with Izzy right now. And what's up? Seriously? That's all you have to say? I come home to one of my best friends basically sinking into a massive depression, see a freaking post it note with sorry written on it in your handwriting and come here to have you ask me what's up! Jesus, Clary, get it together." He seemed angry. It was unfamiliar – Alec is usually the mellow man that blends into the background, so I was a bit taken aback by the whole situation. "Listen," he continued, with a sigh. "I'm the closest thing you have to a brother in New York – I've known you forever. So I consider myself as standing in Jon's place when I tell you to get your head out of your ass and stop being a bitch."
My mouth was hanging open, watching him pace the room as he ranted. I couldn't even speak, couldn't defend myself. I was too shocked. So I just let him keep ranting.
"Jace is my closest friend besides Jon. He deserves someone who cares about him. Did you know he's been in love with you for months? Ever since we went out all that time ago, he said there was just something about you… Why else do you think a successful attorney who comes from New York City royalty would pretend to be your boyfriend for a thousand dollars? Like seriously? Did you not even question it?" He huffed a final time before sitting down on the sofa, clearly exhausted from the lashing he just gave me.
"I…I…" Alec raised his hand to silence me. The shock must have registered on my face, since his face softened tremendously.
"God, you really are an idiot. I thought Izzy was exaggerating the situation. Listen, I'm meeting Magnus, Izzy, and Simon for dinner, so swing by my apartment and visit the moping man. He should be there, lurking in his bathrobe and boxers, eating his weight in cereal while pretending you didn't crush his heart because he's too much of a manly man to be upset. I've gotta go, before Magnus hits me with one of his shopping bags." He gave me a tight hug, which I returned. I realized after he'd already left that I didn't even get a word in with him. Magnus really was rubbing off on him.
As I dragged myself to Jace and Alec's apartment, the panic set in. Was I doing the right thing? What was I getting myself into? It was terrifying. After a couple of deep breaths, I knocked on the door. And a woman answered. A woman who looked a lot like Jace. Behind her, I saw Jace gasp and make his way over to the foyer quickly, ushering me in without a greeting.
"Clary, you have excellent timing. This is my mother, Celine Herondale. Mother, this is Clarissa Morgenstern, my girlfriend." He gave me an imploring look, silently begging me to play along. I figured it was the least I could do for the hell I caused him.
"Hello, Mrs. Herondale. I've heard so much about you. It's a pleasure to meet you." I offered her my hand, which she took briefly. The woman was dressed to the nines, including a grey pantsuit, pearls, and heels. On a Sunday evening. Whatever. It seemed like she was preparing to leave since she was holding her purse and standing next to the door.
"Jonathan, I'm terribly disappointed that you did not inform me about this girl," she said without further acknowledging my existence. What. A. Bitch. "She must come to dinner on Wednesday."
"We'll see, Mother. Clarissa is a business owner and is quite busy this time of year. I will let you know, though. It was a pleasure, as always. Give Father my well wishes and I will see you Wednesday." He leaned over, kissing his mother on the cheek and ushering her out of the apartment. He let out a deep breath as the door closed behind her. Clearly, it had been an uncomfortable visit. I couldn't blame him, I mean, at least my parents aren't robots.
"You're here." That was all he said. He didn't even try to say thank you for whatever the hell had just happened – not that I deserved it. I nodded.
"Yep, I'm here." And we just stood there, staring at each other. He was clearly waiting for me to speak and I was trying to muster up the courage to do so.
"Wanna sit?" I nodded, following him to the living room. I tried not to think about the last time I was in that room. After a few more minutes, Jace finally broke the silence. "You going to tell me why you're here?"
"I've been, uh, thinking." I couldn't even look at him, so I stood up, staring out the window at the Manhattan skyline. "And, I realized something. I can't imagine not being with you. And I care about you. And… I want to try." As soon as the words were out, it was like the wind blew out of me – I felt deflated. It had been a horrifyingly long, emotional day. And I was determined to stay stoic and unaffected. Who knew if Jace would even want me after everything I put him through.
But then I felt an arm around my waist, turning me around. And I came face to face with Jace, his eyes burning brightly with something that looked a lot like love. But it was way too soon to say those three words out loud. Before I knew what was happening, his lips were meeting mine in a flurry of passion. Far too soon for my liking, Jace pulled away, his forehead staying against mine and his arms still wrapped around my waist.
"Let me take you on a date." His voice was husky and soft.
"Okay," I whispered without a second thought. "Tonight?"
He chuckled. "How about tomorrow? It's a three day weekend for me, it turns out that the court's are closed because of some random holiday, it's like I was meant to have a day off of work tomorrow just for a date. Can you miss work?"
"Sure, sounds good – I just have to clear it with Iz, but I'm sure she won't mind. So… does this make you my boyfriend, for real?" His smile only widened, and I found myself smiling too.
"Well, that's up to you. I mean, I'm not really a relationship kind of guy, butttt I guess I could make an exception," he teased with a wink, leading me to slap his shoulder. His laughter rang through the room, filling me with a familiar sense of calm that I always had with him. "But you really should snap me up, I'm a hot commodity." I found myself running my hands through his silky hair and dragging his lips back to mine.
"Okay, okay, well in that case, I guess I'm gonna be stuck with you, cause I will cut a bitch," I murmured right before our lips met again.
Waking up with Jace this time was a very new experience. His bare chest rubbed against my back tantalizingly and his hand skimmed my stomach, but I could tell by his soft, slow breaths that he was still asleep. This time, instead of panicking, I sighed with contentment before sliding out of his arms to get a cup of coffee. I slid his tee shirt over myself and made my way to the kitchen, where I found Alec sitting at the breakfast bar, reading the newspaper.
"Where's Mags?" I asked. He jolted, slightly spilling his coffee.
"Shit, Clarissa. Could you not scare the crap out of me before ten am? And Mags is still sleeping – he needs his beauty sleep. I'm just getting ready to head into work."
"I thought you and Jace had the day off?"
"I'm in corporate. I don't get the day off just because court is closed unfortunately. Anyhow, I'm glad you two kissed and made up."
I smiled at him. "Me too. Thanks Alec. I'll make sure to tell Jon that you're a damn good substitute big brother." He got up and embraced me, hugging me close.
"No, don't do that. Wouldn't want him to be jealous." He kissed my forehead and disappeared into his room again.
I settled into the barstool with my cup of coffee and read the paper. I don't know how long I sat there, relaxing, before strong arms wrapped around me tightly and soft lips kissed my neck.
"I thought you'd left," Jace admitted against my neck. I turned in his arms.
"Not a chance." I smiled before leaning in to kiss him. The kiss got heated quickly, his hands roaming to my hips, dragging the tee shirt up.
"Children, please. It is too early in the morning to witness such blatant displays of mating. At least when my sexypants isn't here." I heard Jace groan against my neck before pulling away. "Good morning my dears. So glad you two have seen the light," Magnus said while maneuvering around us to get coffee. I turned to Jace, ignoring Magnus' antics.
"I have to get to work and talk to Izzy. What time do you want to pick me up?"
"How's 3 pm sound?"
"Perfect." I grabbed my purse off the counter before kissing him on the cheek. "See ya then." I started to make my way to the door when I felt Jace grab me. I turned around. "What's wrong – don't want me to leave?"
He smiled. "No I don't. But I know you have to. However, I would be a tiny pit pissed if you went walking through Brooklyn in nothing but my tee shirt. In January. Although I'm sure every straight man between here and your store would be immensely grateful."
I blushed. "Oh…right. Clothes." I heard Magnus chuckling from behind the refrigerator door as I ran to get dressed. Then whispering between Magnus and Jace. By the time I came out of Jace's bedroom again, they were silent. Jace was sitting on the sofa and Magnus was gone. I sat next to Jace and his arm immediately went around my shoulder. It felt… strange. Strange but also nice.
"I really do need to leave, Jace," I said, reluctantly giving up my place next to him. "I'll see you at 3." I kissed his lips briefly and left.
By the time I made it to Secondhand Serenade, I realized how comfortable and normal the morning with Jace had been. He made me relaxed, happy even. And that was strange. Entering the back office, I saw Izzy balancing the books in the back office.
"Hey Iz, I was wondering if I could leave early today?"
She smiled at me. "You never leave early. Usually, you're the one staying late. You're such a workaholic, btw. What's up?"
"I may or may not have a date with Jace at three o'clock." Her smile turned into a full on grin as she squealed and jumped out of her chair to hug me.
"Oh my god, Clary, what are you going to wear?!" Izzy screamed as she sat back down. Thank goodness we were in the back office and the door was closed. "I'll run home at lunch and pick something up for you. No worries.
Luckily, I was distracted all day by several difficult customers, a couple of special orders and antiquity searches, and Izzy's constant babbling. So when she forced me to change into a beautiful, pink sundress and silver flats I was shocked to find that it was already 1 pm. After fixing up my makeup and hair, I was left to sit in my chair shaking while waiting for Jace. I hadn't been nervous before a date… ever. Until now. At three, I was sitting on the sofa in the coffee shop, waiting for Jace, hesitantly optimistic about what was to come.
Well, they are officially together. Next chapter will be the first date, meeting the parents and (possibly) the next wedding event, I think. I just got a new job so, like I said in the top author's note, live is in the way of my writing right now. Hopefully the next chapter will be up sooner rather than later, but no promises.