Just Roomates
Chapter Ten: The Ball
Chapter songs
The Blue Dress ~ Wild Nothing
Chinese Fountain ~ The Growlers
Sleepwalk~ Santo & Johnny
Heehaw Stomp ~ The Growlers
..."Ugh!" I groaned for the hundredth time in the past half hour. I crumpled another sheet of paper and threw it to my side.
We were assigned a new project in art, and it wasn't due tomorrow but she wanted to see the progress we've made. Mrs. Penhallow had wanted us to draw a person in a comforting place- but not anything typical like the beach or a bed, some thing creative.
Creativity I couldn't muster up.
I wanted to give this a real try- not half ass it like I've been doing. I started to sketch a giant lily pad flowing in a stream. I started drawling more details and-
"Clary come on, we have to go" Jon walked into my room.
"Go where?" I didn't take my eyes off the sketch.
"Your preppy art school, like we do every morning" Jon said it like it was obvious.
"Morning? It's morning?" My eyebrows furrowed.
Jon suddenly zeroed in on my room, with a layer of crumbled papers and pencil shavings.
"Have you been up all night doing this?" He rose a strict brow.
"I guess so" I pursed my lips.
"Clary!-"
"Come on we need to go! No time to lose!" I pushed him out my room and ran a brush through my hair, snatched up the sketch and skipped out the room.
Jon grabbed his keys from the key tray. I felt a twinge of disappointment when I realized I wouldn't be driving Jace's car that had nice leather seats, a nice convert able top that I hadn't had a chance to use. The scent of lemons and mint that would fill the air instead of Jon's car that smelled like a freshly mowed lawn.
After a brief pause I sighed and ran out the door to catch up to Jon.
"It was his turn to set up the soccer goals today" Jon said casually.
"What?" I said dazed.
"Your new bestie, Jace, he ran out this morning, he was running late"
"Oh yeah like Jace has the qualifications to be my 'bestie'" I said, even though I felt myself zmissing my early dosage of sarcasm- maybe not missing but-
"It's okay to like him Clary, he's not half bad- despite of what Izzy may have told you" he unlocked the car.
"Mmhm" I rolled my eyes behind his back.
"I know when you roll your eyes Clary, though I might not see it, I have brother powers" he wiggled his fingers in my face.
"Sure you do"
"All I'm saying Jace is a good friend to have" Jon continued on the short drive.
"How was Seattle? Did you see McDreamy?" I asked.
"Mc who?" Jon asked bewildered.
"Never mind, gotta go. Thanks" I leaned over the seat to peck him on the cheek which he returned.
"See ya" he said through the window.
Then I was there again, absorbed in the art. Focusing on every last detail. I couldn't decide if I want the guy lying on the lily pad or slouching. The eraser on my pencil was wearing thin. I turned to grab my bigger eraser and almost jumped spotting Mrs. Penhallow by my side.
"Hmm" she hummed and walked along.
What?
I huffed and then continued my vigorous cycle of erasing and sketching.
Before I knew it everyone was packing up and heading out the door.
"We don't know a lot about each other" Maya hopped off her stool.
"No, that we don't" I agreed.
"What if we catch breakfast after school Monday?" She rose a brow.
"I would love to" I smiled.
"It's a date" she returned the smile and we parted ways.
After Jon drove me back I drew warm water for the bath and let the water soak my skin. I took a deep breath and relaxed, I needed a break from that project- I needed to come back with fresh eyes.
I needed to to relax.
Bang. Bang! Bang!
"Clary! Clary!" Jon rapped on the door.
I jumped in shock, snatching a towel right before Jon barged in.
"JONATHAN!" I screeched but he shoved the screaming telephone.
"Hello?" I asked hesitantly.
"CLARISSA ADELE MORGENSTERN! WHY HAVEN'T YOU PICKED UP YOUR PHONE ONCE!?" Izzy screamed.
"I am in the bath!" I said at both Izzy and Jon.
"Well get your pasty butt out and get your crew over here" then Izzy clicked the phone off, so it was just Jon and I in the bathroom.
"WHAT THE HELL!?"
"What?"
"'What?' WHAT!? I COULD'VE BEEN NAKED!" I exclaimed.
"Naked?" Jace walked into the bathroom and I hugged the towel closer to my self.
I saw Jace look me up and down. My long curls were soaked and hanging on either side of me head. My towel covered half of my chest and stopped in the middle of my thighs.
"Bro! Get out that's my sister!" Jon pushed at Jace and he threw his hands up in defense.
I could feel my cheeks swirling with a warm blush, I tried to pucker my lips.
"How about everyone just gets out!" I said.
They both mumbled their way out, shutting the door behind them.
"Boys" I muttered.
I rinsed the rest of my hair out and got dressed.
"Come on boys, let's get the show on the road" I grabbed my bag and snatched Jon's keys since Jace's were yet to be seen.
"Shower-"
"If you guys wanted a shower you should've taken one while I was getting ready, come on you know Izzy" I looked at each of them, both having a pout, but you could see the small smirk on Jace's lips.
"I like it when you're bossy" Jace winked as he walked closer to me.
"Sure you do, now let's go" I rolled my eyes, in a quick flash Jace's hand covered mine, subtly moving the key to his warm tingly ones.
"Hey!"
"No time, let's go" he skipped out the door with me an inch behind him.
"You have enough room back there?" I smirked as Jon had gotten thrown in the back seat.
"Yeah" he grumbled.
"Too bad" I had scooted my seat as far back as I could.
"This is my car! I didn't pay good money to sit in the back!"
"Stop being a baby" Jace said as he made another turn.
"Oh? And you wouldn't if you were in my shoes?"
"I wouldn't let myself be in ur shoes" Jace winked as he pulled into the crowded driveway. Many car lights illuminated the night sky.
"What the heck?" Jace scrunched his eyebrows as I walked into the door.
"Clary Morgenstern? Jace Herondale? Jonathan Morgenstern?" A women in an elegant suit and a Bluetooth in her ear called out.
"Yes?" We all said in unison.
"Come with me" other people came out and directed us to our own little beauty room.
"What's going on!?" I said frantically.
"Don't worry, we're just getting you ready for the ball" The man who came to my side and started to take the clip out of my hair.
"The ball!? What ball!?"
"Excuse me, this one's a fighter. Let me have a word with her… alone" Izzy came from the other side.
I turned to the other side to face her.
"Isabelle Lightwood, would you like to explain what in the world is happening?" My eyes widened. She was in a gorgeous dark blue- almost black dress. It matched her jet black hair and her fair skin.
"Well, since I knew it would take convincing to get you here if you knew the circumstances, I thought I would surprise you" she said.
"A ball?" I repeated.
"It's a charity event and one of the sponsors happened to be an owner of a very big brand" Izzy explained.
"A ball?"
"A ball"
"You can come back now" Izzy announced and she left before I could complain.
Half an hour later I was in a gown with half of my hair pinned up and make up that transformed my face look older- sharper, the colors complimented me. My dress hugged my torso than fell the rest of the way, with a slit running down my left side, that only opened when I walked. My matching heels had to be over seven inches because I was average height.
"Miss. Morgenstern? Can I have you walk into the hall way, your date is waiting" another lady asked.
"Date!?" I blanched but she had already walked out the room.
I walked slow and cautious steps, careful not to trip in my heels. I walked into a room and saw Jace drinking water. The soft clicking of the heels filled the room and alerted Jace.
He looked over with a mouth full of water and suddenly started choking.
My eyebrows darted up and I looked at him with an amused grin.
"Clary" he said breathlessly.
"You alright there?" I said with a smirk and a raise of eyebrows.
"Super" he said a bit huskily and it set my body to flames.
He coughed and cleared his throat.
I took advantage of his momentary distraction to look him up and down and wow. He looked as if he'd just walked out of catalog- but better. His hair was flipped to the side and he was wearing a black and white suit that fit him rather well. Their was a hitch in my breath and my breathing became morn sporadic.
My eyes had traveled back to his face and the dim light had created shadows against his cheek bones. The golden skin and dark shadows worked nicely together.
"You look nice" I tried to say without a crack in my tone.
"As do you"
This awkward tension flowed over us neither of us knowing what to say. The only sound filling the air was our breaths.
"Clary" A new voice entered the room and both our heads turned.
"Sebastian" He walked in from a different door.
"Sorry I had to take a call"
"Sorry for what- Oh, so you're my date?" I asked.
"It would seem so" he said with a smile.
"Or she could be mine" Jace interrupted.
"You're tie isn't red" Sebastian said.
"What?" I said with scrunched eyebrows.
"Your tie matches the dress of your date" he explained.
I took a moment to look at both of the handsome boys in front of me.
Where Jace was tan and gold, Sebastian was pale and dark. Jace had an inch on Sebastian and had slightly more muscle tones than Sebastian. But they were both beautiful boys.
"Well I guess it wouldn't be a problem switching ties?" Jace said with a raised brow, and I suddenly became curious of his motives.
"What's your deal Herondale?" Sebastian beat me to the punch.
"There's no way I'm letting you dance with her" he narrowed his eyes.
"Hey, hey. What's going on?" Jon jogged up to the two boys then looked at me and his jaw dropped.
"Clarissa Morgenstern, what in the world are you wearing?"
"There you are! Come on I want you to meet my friend" Izzy reappeared and latched her arm to mine.
We rushed out of the room and into the ball room.
I stopped in my tracks amazed and breathless. Every thing was lit up and it was different from when I had accidentally wandered in here with Max, now it felt like it had a 1920s decor to it. The more I looked around even the clothing had the golden ages touch.
My dress included. The small headpiece I had, was like the one from the past. It was beautiful.
"Come on" Izzy tugged on me, "You can revel in the art later"
I sighed and walked along with her.
"So who's your date?" I asked.
"Date- Oh Seb and Jace" She let out a laugh, "that was just an experiment"
"An experiment? What do you mean-"
"Ooh look I see her!" Izzy tapped a girl on the shoulder.
"Izzy!" The familiar voice said-
"Clary!?"
"Maya!?"
We all exchanged embraces and exchanged the details of our relationships.
"I never put two and two together" Izzy said, referring to the fact that we both went to an art school.
"Clary" a gentle voice said behind me.
"Sebastian" I said.
"May I dance with you?"
"I'm afraid I wasn't dancing, but-" I started
"She would love to" Izzy budded in.
"Well then" he offered an arm, I subtly declined by walking in front of him. Against my better judgment, I trusted Jace when he said I shouldn't hangout with Sebastian, but I was going to find out what's not to like.
So far all I know is that he goes out on phone calls a lot- well two times. But who calls anymore?
"I'm not all for dancing," I shook my head, "Wanna drink?" I rose a brow.
"Are you sure-"
"Positive" I smiled.
"Two reds please" Sebastian ordered for me.
Oooh don't like that.
"I'll have a Chardonnay, actually" I said in spite.
Sebastian didn't seem bothered.
"So you and Jace don't get along all that well"
"That we don't" he nodded as the bartender came back with the wines.
"Why is that?"
"I'll spare you the gory details" he smirked.
"Come on" I nudged with a smile.
"Just a feud- always battling for the best, which clearly doesn't have to be pointed out" he said with a wink.
Sebastian was cocky- and not in the cute way.
I took a sip of the white wine.
"So what are you majoring in at the moment?"
"I'm jumping between a few currently" he didn't speak further on the subject.
"Well then I suppose-"
Buzz buzz.
Three times.
"I'm so sorry" he gave an apologetic smile as he went to answer his phone and left the bar.
I stifled a yawn and took another sip of wine.
"And what did I say about hanging out with Sebastian?" Jace rose a brow.
"And what did I say about stalking me?" I inquired.
"You wish"
"Oh? And how do you know what I wish? If I could wish anything it would to be absent of your presence" I crossed my arm.
"Nuh-uh. None of that! Do you not remember our agreement?" He said with a small pout.
"That was for the week" I rolled my eyes.
"Well now it'll be for the rest of your stay" Jace said affirmatively, "Now dance with me"
"No"
"To which?"
"To both" I smirked.
"Come on" he smiled.
A real smile that lit his whole face up, a smile that sped my pulse, it made my breathing frantic and reminded me of all the sensations I got from a single touch.
"I have to finish my drink" I explained.
Jace quickly snatched the wine from my hands and downed the rest.
"Now come on"
"Jace!" I whisper screamed, not trying to catch anyone's attention.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor.
"Jace I can't dance" I raised my brows.
"Follow my lead" he said with a charming smirk that made my heart shutter.
The music was fast but not party music so people swayed side to side, or danced in small little twirls, but no one was touching.
Clink, clink.
Saved by the toast.
Servers passed out flutes of champagne Jace grabbed one for me.
Maryse stood on the stage where live music was now set up. And she made announcements about the charity and their thanks to the sponsors.
"Now, please enjoy the live music" she said with a smile and the band started the slow tune.
That was every bodies clue to latch with their partner and dance- slowly.
Jace offered me a hand, but I took a look around and then downed the champagne placing it on the tray. After all it is liquid courage.
I placed my hand in Jace's warm one and suddenly hoped my hands wouldn't get sweaty because of my nerves. I paced my other hand on Jace's shoulder, which was at head length with my heels. Jace's other hand attended to the small of my back and I quickly bit my lip not to let out a gasp.
I looked up at him through my lashes and I saw him gulp, we kept ourselves an appropriate length away from each other- not too close but not too far to be dancing in an awkward position.
"Just follow my lead" he said with a forced smile and looked away.
I scrunched my eyebrows.
Did he regent dancing with me?
Did I smear my lipstick?
"So, what are some of your pet peeves?" Jace asked.
"What?" I doubled.
"Well, if this 'friend' thing is going to work out, I'm thinking we need to know a few things about each other" he said with a ghost of a smile, still looking away from me.
"I'm a pretty accepting person, the only thing that bothers me are blonds" I said with a smirk.
"Oh well I'll be sure to tell Jon about that one" we spun in a circle.
"What about you?" I asked.
"Stubborn red heads- so pretty much all gingers" Jace smirked looking amongst the crowd.
"Looking for someone?"
"Nope" he popped the p and spun me in a circle.
My heel got caught on my dress and fell into Jace's chest. Both his hands wrapped around my back and my arms automatically wrapped around his neck.
Now there was not an inch of space between us, we were front to front.
Jace's eyes suddenly locked with mine and his breaths matched my labored ones.
"Smooth" he said breathlessly.
"Well, I think the blame is on you. You should no better not to trust me with onerous moved like that" I tutted.
"Oh yes spinning on the balls of your feet, how intricate" he said sarcastically.
We had started dancing again, with my arms wrapped around his neck and his around my waist. Our chests were still pressing against each other, his hard muscles against my soft chest.
I tried to pay attention to my breathing, making sure it wasn't too crazy. In order to do that I had to get away from Jace, far away. There was no way of doing it subtly so I relaxed. I tried to imagine it was Jon I was dancing with- not this stunningly attractive guy in front of me. To do that I rested my head on his chest, making it seem like a casual motion. I could feel the sporadic beat of his heart under my cheek. Was he affected by me? No it must be the alcohol.
The alcohol that hadn't kicked in.
"See this isn't bad" Jace said.
"Not for you anyway" I rolled my eyes.
"Just admit you're having a fun time, and you like me as a dancing partner"
"Well then I'd be lying" I frowned as I looked up.
Jace's eyes followed my pursed lips and he inhaled deeply but then he cleared his throat and looked away.
"Good thing you're good at it" He smirked.
"I don't know what you're talking about" I said.
Jace suddenly spun me around again and twirled me back into his arms and my arms grasped his shoulders.
"Do you mind giving me a little warning?" I said with a bite.
"I like to keep you on your toes… literally" Jace said a smile, proud of his stupid pun.
"You're so stupid" I laughed.
"Don't be jealous because you don't have this comedic gold"
"Oh yes, I envy your hilarious puns" I rolled my eyes and then he dipped me and my arms clenched around his neck.
My breathing was heavy as his eyes gleamed into mine, and as his lips parted.
This wasn't good, my body shouldn't react to him like this, my heart shouldn't be racing like I just ran a race on extase and did some cartwheels and backflips in between.
"I need to use the res- lady's room" I excused myself and fell from his embrace.
But of course it's never that easy with Jace. Being the "polite" gentleman he is, he escorted me to restroom.
With little time to spare I splashed cool water on my face forgetting about my makeup, but little damage was done. The consequence was letting my freckles peak through, but I suppose everything else was waterproof.
I looked at myself in the mirror and really evaluated my self. Sure i'm pretty, exotic with my red hair and green eyes- beautiful even. I think I have a shot with Jace- but that's the problem. I shouldn't be thinking this way about Jace, he's my mortal enemy and my brother's best friend. AND HE'S JACE HERONDALE!
The voice in my head screamed. And then it struck me.
I've had maybe two or three glasses of champaign! That explains everything! I don't have feelings for Jace, I'm just confused because I'm buzzed.
"And if you ever saw him, you'd even say it glows" A new voice entered the bathroom.
"Then one night Santa said, Rudolph with your nose so bright, won't you ride my sleigh tonight?"
"You do know it's the middle of June, right Iz?" I reminded as she wobbled back and forth. That suddenly brought me aware of her slurring words.
"Izzy, how much have you had to drink tonight?" I asked.
"Three maybee five"
"Three or five what?"
"Everything" She slumped down on the chair and laid her head down.
"Iz, you can't sleep here" I said as her eye fluttered shut.
"Mhmm"
"Come on" I lifted her arm and placed it around my shoulders.
I struggled picking her up due to the drastic height difference, but I managed to get her out of the bathroom.
"Iz!?" Jace said with more concern than I ever expected, sending a pang to the heart, shocking me.
"Some one drank out the bar" I informed.
"NOO! Who!? That doesn't seem healthy- or affordable" Izzy mumbled.
We both ignored her and before Izzy or I realized, Jace had scooped Izzy up into his harms and she gave a little giggle.
"I'm a princess! I'm a princess!" She chanted.
"Could you grab that door for me please?" Jace nodded to the door in the corner and I held it open for him and followed after.
I had walked in front of Jace up the many flights of stairs to open various doors.
My foot missed a step and I almost fell back, but I balanced myself on the handrail.
"Try not to get yourself hurt, I already got my hands full" Jace said even though I saw he had balanced Izzy on one arm holding his free one out to catch my fall. I rolled my eyes and continued my way up the stairs.
What seemed to be ten floors later, Jace, Izzy and I exited the stairs into the hallway.
"Could you-"
I cut him off and opened Izzy's door and entered her pink fluffy room.
Jace carefully lays her on her bed.
"I should drink more often" Iz said with a big grin slapped on her face.
"You won't be saying that come tomorrow morning" I reminded but she waved me off.
When Izzy made it clear she wasn't moving an inch off her bed, I grabbed a few cold cloths to place on her forehead.
Jace had placed a waste basket close to the bed.
When Iz rolled over I tied her hair in a bun and zipped down her dress.
"WOAH!" Jace announced to Izzy getting undressed.
"Well then I suggest turning around" I slid off her dress, "besides it's nothing you haven't seen before"
"Yeah but that's my sis- Izzy" he suddenly had a change in mood and I glanced over, but he was still facing the pretty pink wall.
I grabbed a big shirt from off the ground and shimmied Izzy in it and got her into the covers. Within seconds her soft snores filled the room.
"So, what do we do?" I asked Jace, giving him the signal to turn around.
"What do we do what?" He rose a brow.
"Do we keep our fingers crossed and hope she doesn't choke on her own vomit or do we stay and watch over her?" I asked.
"The likelihood of choking on your own vomit is pretty slim" He informed.
"It could be that rare one percent and we'd have to live with that on our shoulders. Are you okay with that?"
Jace slumped down in the chair and let out a big sigh.
"Stupid, stupid Izzy" Jace said.
"Heyyy" Izzy mumbled, waking from her sleep.
"This is all a dreaaaam, and you really looove Jace so you're going to get those new cleats he really wants. The ones mom and dad won't buy him… but the blue ones not the brown ones… size thirteen and a half"
Jace says in a sing-song voice.
"You really think that'll work?"
"Worth a shot" Jace shrugged off his tux jacket and I was reminded of my suffocating dress. I struggled to reach the zip but there was no use, but the more I thought about it the more discomforted I became.
"Are you okay over there?" Jace asked with a smirk. I had been twitching in my dress.
I heaved a sigh and walked over to him.
"Do you mind?" I asked and I saw his confused state and so I turned pointing to my zip.
"Oh- yeah" to my surprise he didn't make any sly comments or remarks.
Jace's hands gently set my hair aside and he shakily undid the clasp at the top of the dress. He absentmindedly put a hand on my waist to steady it and I did everything it took to keep my breathing even and pulse steady. But every nerve in my body was screaming for Jace's touch.
I really needed to get away from him.
I felt his warm breath fan across my back and shiver down my spine.
"Thank you" I nodded but my words came out breathy.
"No problem, I'm here anytime… maybe you need a hand with that black lacy bra?" He smirked and wiggled his eyebrows.
"This one?" I had gone into Izzy's bathroom to change, so I chucked the garnet at his face and hard as I could.
"Owe! The clasp hit my eye!" I heard from the cracked door.
"Good!"
"I'm keeping this!" he waved the bra in the air as I walked out in some of Izzy's shorts and a loose shirt.
"No you're not" I tried to swiftly grasp the bra from his hand but his hand darted up.
"Come on Clare, just get it" he egged.
The bra might as well have been on the Eiffel Tower, I would need a ladder to get to it, there was no point in jumping.
I walked closer to him so our bodies were almost touching, but not quite. I placed a hand on his chest and dragged it across his toned stomach, which tightened under my touch, to his hip.
From the corner of my eye I saw his hand lower but not quite enough. I took the final step so we were flesh against each other.
"What exactly do you think you think you're doing Red?" Jace said with glint in his eyes that I couldn't place, but I saw his hand lower again.
I moved my hand from his hip to his shoulder and stretched to the tips of my toes so my lips could graze his ear with every syllable.
"Distracting you"
I jumped to grab my bra but Jace flipped me over his shoulder but I turned my legs so I was in a piggy back position.
"Jace just give it back!"
"You know I had every intention to until you pulled this little stunt, no one likes a tease Red" even though I couldn't see the smirk on his face, but I could just feel it.
"Well no one likes and asshole either but here we are"
"Give it!" I stretched out again.
"Nope"
And we had gone into a constant turning and pulling battle. At the moment I had him in a head lock Still hanging from his back, but Jace had turned to the opening door.
"Well what do we have here?" Magnus walked in the room with Alec and Jon.
Jace dropped the bra instantly and me.
"Crap! Are you okay?" Jace offered a hand but I ignored it.
"Splendid" I dusted my clothes off.
They were all still looking at us with confused stares.
"Izzy got drunk" I blurted and they all nodded.
"Well I think we should hit the road" Jon said, "Early morning"
"Yep" Jace suddenly grasped my hand and was pushing me out the door.
"Just keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't choke on her own vomit! Okay bye!" Jace said and hurried out the door giving a quick salute to Magnus and Alec.
"Hey! I don't want to watch Iz-" But Alec's words got drowned in the distance.
Jace got us out in an inconspicuous way, he says it's from all his secret "Boy Scout" meetings.
You could hear both of Jon's and my snickers. Jace shrugged and continued his way.
Once we got outside the New York air bit my skin and goosebumps arose on my arms.
"Oh here" Jon shrugged off his jacket and in the corner of my I thought I saw Jace starting to flinch off his jacket but it must've been the lighting.
I was warm in the backseat of Jon's car and comfy even, Jon's jacket was a blanket and I was warm.
"Come on Clare"
"Clary wake up"
"You aren't five anymore I'm not carrying you up five hundred flights of stairs" Jon bickered to himself as I tried to feign sleep.
"Here I got it" I heard Jace's voice come up.
Wait did he just call me an it?
But then something warm and wet wiggled in my ear.
I shot straight up facing the problematic blond.
"JONATHAN CHRISTOPHER HERONDALE! DID YOU JUST GIVE ME A WET WILLIE!?"
...
Sorry this chapter is LONNNG over due.
But here it is I hope you like it.
And I'm sorry there were finals and I got really sick and it was just very problematic and so much writers block but hopefully I'll be able to post more because it's summer.
Kisses!