This chapter isn't outrageously long or important, I just want the relationship to develop more before I add drama. I want to make Jace and Clary more sarcastic, but I want their jokes to come naturally as they become more and more comfortable with each other. The next chapter will have a lot of dialogue because Clary and Jace will start working on their project, so I decided to keep this one light and cute. I hope you like it.
Disclaimer: All rights for characters and concepts from The Mortal Instruments belong to Cassandra Clare.
Clary immediately regretted her decision when her best friend come charging through the door, bags upon bags of clothing, makeup and accessories held on her arms and shoulders. Izzy made her way to Clary's bedroom and through to the adjoining bathroom. She plugged in the curling iron and went to setting out things for Clary to try on. After about fifteen different outfits they finally agreed on a green chiffon shirt tucked into a black skirt at the waist, with black lace tights and black leather oxfords. Izzy carefully curled Clary's bright hair, making sure each ringlet was perfect. When she had finished, she turned the small girl away from the mirror and started on her makeup. She applied a some sort of liquid that made Clary's face shimmer slightly. She used deep green, black and grey eyeshadow to create a smoky effect. She added blush to the pale girls cheeks as well as reddish lip tint. When Clary turned around to look at herself, she gasped. Her eyes were bright and exotic, emerald green peeping from underneath her seemingly hooded eyelids. Her skin glowed and shone in all the right places, her jaw and cheekbones accentuated perfectly. Her lips looked full and inviting, and her crimson hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face, and she knew it would look even brighter against the green of her shirt. She grinned at Izzy over her shoulder and went to get dressed. The two girls gossiped about trivial things, Clary trying to keep her mind off of how nervous she was and Izzy doing her best to help distract her friend. Jace had texted her earlier, confirming that he could pick her up at 7:00. It was nearing 6:50 and Clary's stomach was churning. She had brushed her teeth three times and was now chewing mint gum in an attempt to keep her mind off the time and to make sure her breath smelled as pleasant as possible. She couldn't shake a feeling of dread, she wanted so badly for whatever she had with Jace to continue and she was terrified that it wouldn't. At 7:03 the doorbell rang and Clary sprang to her feet, rushing to open the door. When she neared the entryway she slowed, not wanting a repeat of the first time he had come to her door. Her first glimpse of him that day took her breath away, he looked incredible in a black button up shirt and dark jeans, making his eyes and hair look as if they were glowing. Her breath left her lungs in a whoosh as he spoke.
"You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."
With that, Clary's knees shook a little and Izzy giggled as she noticed it from where she was standing.
"I should probably leave you two to your date, but Clary, I'm expecting a full report afterwards alright?" said Izzy as she gathered her mass amount of bags and lugged them to get car. Jace smiled and offered his elbow, always the gentleman. Clary looped her arm through his and followed him to his car.
The local diner looked warm and inviting from the parking lot, the sound of laughing teenagers and the clang of forks on plates filled the air, and the smell of fries and burgers wafted through the open doors. The waitress at the door led Clary and Jace to their seats. A second waitress came to ask for their drinks and then left the two alone. Not sure of what to say, Clary looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers this way and that.
"What's your favorite song to listen to when your sad?" he asked, and she looked up in surprise.
"Um..Fairytale Lullaby, by Bombay Bicycle Club. It's so soft and pretty, it always makes me feel better." she replied
"And your favorite comfort food?"
"Macaroni and cheese. Or mashed potatoes. Where are all these questions coming from?"
He grinned before answering, "I told you I wanted to know everything about you, and this is how I plan to find out."
She smiled at him, again surprised by how sweet he was, despite his quiet, dark demeanor. The waitress returned with their drinks and Jace continued with his questions. When she asked him questions he told her that she could learn all his secrets another night, that tonight, he wanted to know about her. He asked her everything he could think of. Easier things like her favorite book (Jane Eyre), her favorite time of year (fall), her favorite flavor (mint), and the place she'd want to live if she could choose (England or New York). As well as deeper things, like the first thing she noticed about a person (hands and eyes) and her favorite thing about herself (her ability to draw). He made her think, made her laugh and made her feel comfortable. Jace made her feel like the most important person in the entire diner, just by looking at her.
"I really don't want this night to end"
He said, as the walke through the parking lot, bringing to Clary's mind the kiss they had shared after their first date.
"Well, there's a park just around the corner, we could go for a walk.." she replied, gesturing off to the right.
"Perfect." he ran off in the direction she had indicated, and she had no choice but to follow, though she wasn't complaining. She was out of breath by the time he slowed, and sank down onto the bench he had sat on. He looked down at her and grinned, his cheeks red and his hair mussed. Unable to contain herself, Clary reached up and pulled him down to her, their lips meeting softly. Jace kissed her like she was a porcelain doll and she reveled in the taste and smell of him, like mint and spice and something undeniably Jace. As their lips moved and their breath mingled, on that bench in the middle of the park, Clary couldn't think of any place she'd rather be.
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