CHAPTER 4

What could be the normal thing he could do for Clary? For two days Clary had been her usual self—as if her confession during their training last Saturday didn't matter. Well for Jace it did. She tried to act as if everything was fine. She had Simon over last night for their homework, but with Isabelle watching, Simon got easily distracted. Jace was just silently sitting somewhere in the corner of the library pretending to be reading but was really observing Clary deal with her issue. And a frown on his face kept coming back everytime she would glance back at him with a peculiar and sad smile.

But as Jace waited for Clary again in front of the school gates—newly showered this time—he couldn't help but still think over that "missing thing" in Clary's life. Jace, for the first time since Valentine, panicked as he suddenly heard the final bell. He still wasn't even sure where he would to take her to make her day feel normal; straight back at the Institute? Visit the new bookstore? Go to Central Park? But he knew Taki's was definitely out of the list. So where? ...or what can he do? Jace found this dilemma to be harder than fighting a demon. And to make matters worse...

"I knew I'd be seeing you again." It was the girl from Pandemonium. Jace restrained himself from groaning.

"So," the blonde girl continued, "What are you going to do after you bring Clary home?"

Jace knew she was definitely flirting with him and all that he was able to do was to chuckle because of her aggressiveness. And then he saw Clary walking slowly towards their direction. But Jace breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she was actually grinning foolishly—like it was already some kind of a joke for her to see Jace with her schoolmate.

"Actually," Jace said, grinning as he looked back at the girl. "I plan to spend the afternoon with her."

"Oh! Some cousin bonding time, huh? But what about--!"

"I've got to go." Jace left the blonde girl and walked over to Clary, still with a grin on her face.

"Some flirting there, Lightwood." He heard her say as he neared her. But he didn't want to do anymore talking. He was suddenly so full of adrenaline—and of himself—seeing her smile like that. All his worries just simply vanished. And as if they were back again on the hill where the Wayland mansion was once erected, with the fearful cry of Ithuriel and all its debris, Jace felt that irresistible urge in the pit of his stomach again. It was so tempting yet so sinful because they were inside Clary's prep school. But, God help him...

Jace didn't even have the time to fully appreciate the bewilderment on Clary's face when he grabbed her by the waist. All he knew was that he had to do it or else he might lose his senses. Then and there, in the middle of the busy walking and chattering of Prep School students, Jace wrapped his arms around Clary's waist and welcomed her with a passionate kiss. Jace felt that Clary's lips were first unwilling, but as he deepened the kiss, she gave in. He did it slowly and passionately to make everyone going outside see it. It was time to know who he really was in her life. They have this lesson to learn about, Jace thought. And as he reached for her neck, he felt the cold chain that still held Valentine's ring. How funny it was that she was the one wearing it now.

"Jace," He heard Clary as she broke their embrace.

But without even paying attention to Clary, he turned back towards the blonde girl who seemed to be flabbergasted as her mouth was hanging open. Jace gave her his best smile.

"Clary's my girlfriend. It doesn't really take long to figure that out." He winked at her and then held Clary's hand on his and led the way out of the school.

"Bye, Teresa." Jace heard Clary whispered sheepishly as they passed the blonde. When they were a few good meters away, he finally turned to Clary.

"So?" He asked.

"That was mean." She simply said, not looking at him.

"What was mean?" Jace asked. But he still couldn't help grinning at what he had done. To him, it felt good... nice in its own peculiar way.

"You embarrassed Teresa."

"I did not!" Jace kidded, "I was just telling the truth. But you had to admit, it was funny. Did you see the look on her face?"

Clary didn't speak.

"Oh, c'mon Fray. You know it was funny."

"Okay fine." Clary stomped her foot. "It was funny! But still it was mean. By tomorrow I'll have the whole school talking about me and my kissing escapades."

"Will it be bad?" said Jace, now concerned. That thought really didn't occur to him.

"Well, no. Not that bad. Not the way she was talking about you, anyway."

Jace grinned. "Now at least they know."

And for that, Clary smiled and tightened her grip on his hand.

They were just about to cross the street when they heard Simon call after them, running and pretending to pant.

"Whew!" He faked, and then lightly punched Jace on the shoulder. "That was some show you two had done there. Izzy would've liked that."

"Shut up, Simon." Clary mumbled, her cheeks reddening.

"You saw that, did you?" Jace groaned.

"Yep. And when I left, I think Teresa's still frozen in place. You did good teaching that bimbo, Lightwood." Simon continued as they altogether crossed the street. "Hmm, You Did Good Teaching That Bimbo... that's a good band name isn't it?"

"Oh, you're still into music blood-sucker? I thought I told you clearly that it wouldn't work for you." Jace chuckled.

"Isabelled doesn't really mind for as long as I don't bring her back next week on Eric's poetry reading." Simon pondered.

"You brought Izzy at the poetry reading? Honestly, Simon!" Clary was surprised.

"It wasn't that bad, Clary. At least she got to meet my band mates. But I swear, I think she wanted to hurl Eric when he started reading. She thought he was possessed or something."

"I thought he was possessed when you brought me there." Clary teased.

"So do you think Isabelle finds your dates normal?" Jace asked all of a sudden. Clary and Simon gave him questioning looks.

"I mean, is she missing something or wanting something more?" Jace explained. And then Clary groaned.

"Oh, Jace. If this is about last Saturday..."

"Wait a minute! What happened last Saturday?" Simon stopped in his tracks. "Oh, did you fight about the "thing" that happened at Pandemonium?" Simon teased and smiled viciously.

"It's none of your business, Simon. Now go away!" Clary pushed him and then tried to drag Jace away from Simon.

"Now, seriously guys! I want to help." Simon explained. "We could talk it all over at Taki's. I'm meeting Isabelle there."

Jace knew and admitted that he needed Simon's help. But he and Clary were not going anywhere near Taki's. Not today at least. But before he could even speak, Clary was dragging him back to Simon.

"Hey, no, no, no, no... We're not going to Taki's" Jace said as he now tried to pull Clary.

"Oh, c'mon, Jace. I want to see Isabelle." Clary pleaded.

"No, you'll see her later at the Institute." Jace said firmly.

"But," Clary tried to reason.

"We'll go somewhere else." Jace said to her. "Go on, Simon. We'll meet you later at the Institute." Simon eyed them warily but then shrugged.

"Well, suit yourself." Simon said. Jace and Clary watched as Simon walked away from them towards the next street where Taki's was billeted. Clary turned to him and frowned.

"Okay, Lightwood. What's your grand plan?" Clary said as she crossed her arms.

Jace clearly wasn't sure where to go. He had thought of a few places but none really clicked at all. So he went with his instincts--the only way he knew he would know what Clary wants.

"Forget about Taki's, Clary. Where's the best mundane fast-food in New York?"

Reviews will be appreciated. Sorry it took me so long to update. XD

Thanks to your reviews for the previous chapters! :)

Jace/Clary