Chapter 3: Butterflies and Bees

Hey, guys! I know I haven't updated Rainbow Country in a while and this is why. I hope you guys don't mind that I focused on a different story for a while!

First, if you are into reading T, read Rebuild, Restart. It's under my favorites and it is awesome.

Second, I have the most fantastic Beta in the world, so say thank you to Jillessa Heronstairs!

Third, review!

Fourth, I do not own any characters in this chapter! They all go to Cassandra Clare!

Fifth, I will say it a million more times, my beta is too freaking fantabulous for her own good! Seriously, check her out! She made this story soooo much better!

Flashback: Jem 2 and a Half Years Ago

"Come on!" Cecily giggled, a rare occurrence for her, while pulling on both Isabelle and Gabe's arms. "They are getting the camera and I want to be in that spot before they take it." She gestured over to Will and I, where we were standing, amusement in her blue eyes but she turned her mouth down, into a scowl.

"Are you sure I should..." Gabe started, trying to pull his arm away from her, obviously uncomfortable in the situation.

"Be in the picture? Yeah, of course you should. Stop being a baby." She barked, placing Gabe in the 'perfect' spot, right behind Isabelle. Gabe was tall, so it didn't matter much but I knew how he felt. Like they wanted him in the background. I hadn't felt that way in ages.

"Will? Hey." I turned my attention to my best friend, glancing over at him from the side. Somehow, he had managed to dig up yet another book and was already a quarter of the way through. "Are you paying any attention at all?"

He looked up, suddenly startled. "Oh hey, James. How long have you been there?" He quirked his head, serious as a heart attack. Will and his books...

"God, William!" I groaned, exasperated. "You are lucky you're pretty." I paused, waiting for a witty comeback. When none came, I turned completely to taunt him. Instead, I felt a shock of electricity go through me. He was beautiful and it struck me every time I saw him.

My eyes raked over his face, taking in his familiar black hair and dancing blue eyes. Hidden in all of that haunting beauty was an emotion I had seen on Will so many times. It started when he was fourteen and now, at sixteen, I saw it shine in his again. I never had recognized it, never seen it on his features besides when he looked at me.

"Come on." He whispered in my ear softly, pulling me lightly by the elbow until we were standing on the edge of the trampoline, Alec and Ella below us on our right and Iz, Gabe, and Cecy on our left, sitting together. Will's parents were under a tree in the background, standing a safe distance away from the Lightwood dad but close enough to be in one group.

"Let's get this right the first time, kids!' Maryse yelled, popping out of the kitchen suddenly, but I barely noticed her. All I could notice is Will. He wasn't moving. Just staring ahead, watching the house with his warm hand still on my elbow. I was facing him, mostly, trying to see his face. His stone features reminded me of the time, for Halloween, we dressed as statues, freezing in the front lawn to scare people. It troubled me. Why was he acting like this?

"Three," Maryse shouted, running to join the other parents. Will was getting a strange look on his face, like he was breathing for the first time in ages. A little relieved. I saw the time he went swimming with me at the YMCA, where he dove underwater for as long as he could, coming up with a face of pure terror and then relaxation when he hit the surface and I was there, holding out my arms to him.

"Two," Maryse announced, and then, out of the blue, Will lifted both hands to my face, pulling me towards him. I yelped in surprise, but I went along with whatever he was going to do, because it was Will, and I trusted him with all my heart.

As Maryse cried the last digit, Will pressed his lips to mine. "I love you," he murmured, his breath hot and sweet on my lips. As the flash went off, and all I felt was Will holding my face as if it were the most precious item in the world, and perhaps, I was, like he was to me. His kiss was gentle, as if trying not to break me, but I would not, and I kissed him back harder.

I heard assorted 'awws' from Will's mom, Maryse, Izzy, Cecy, Ella, and even Max. Most of the guys (Jace, Alec, Will's dad) were cheering me on. I felt my face flush from all the attention, but I didn't even pause to give into the kiss. Alec's dad snorted and left for the house, tugging Maryse along with him. I closed my eyes and leaned into the kiss, feeling Will's calloused hands run down my arms and around my waist.

Lifting my arms, and threading then through his hair, I felt the soft, serpentine strands fall through my fingers. Pressing my whole body to his front, we embrace, so close together that we are almost one.

"Wǒ ài nǐ." I whispered back, pulling away once before crashing my lips back onto his. We pulled on each other, trying to get as close as possible once more. "I love you." I exclaimed just a little too loudly. "I love you." I murmur again, low into his ear as I collapsed into his neck breathing heavily, pressing my lips against the skin by his collarbone.

"I love you." I heard once more, not sure who said it this time, but it rang in my ears, echoing again and again until I felt a little dizzy, so I looked up, and took a breath of fresh air, then pressed my cheek to his shoulder, still holding onto him tightly.

I had found love in only sixteen years, and it was true love. I could feel that mix of butterflies and bees, sugar and honey, and that flutter in my heart as I hold him close.

I, James Carstairs, am in love with William Herondale.