A/N: This is the first chapter where they are kind of a couple. I'll have more to say at the end of the chapter, but for now please enjoy.
It was New Year's Eve, and Jace was taking me to a party. I protested because parties are not my scene, and our relationship is very complicated. Not only do we have to keep it a secret from our parents, but I don't really know what this is. We like each other, we have made out a few times, but I have no idea what we are. Why did I decide to go along with this? Jace is so needy, he is the most complicated person I could be with, but I like him so much. That's why I am here, letting him dress me for the dumb party he asked me to go to.
"Clary, you can't just wear your typical jeans and a t-shirt. We are going to a party." Jace exclaimed, shifting through her clothes.
"Jace, I don't want to wear something I'm uncomfortable in." I whined, collapsing back on his bed.
"Come on. It's not that bad." He rolled his eyes at me, tossing me a tank top and skirt. It was a skirt that was two sizes too small, and one of my shrunken tank tops. He can't expect me to wear this.
"Jace, seriously, I'm not wearing this. I'm not some hussy you're screwing. I actually have some self-respect." I snapped, throwing it back at him. "I am wearing pants. It's freezing outside." I crossed my arms at him.
"Fine. Sorry." He sighed, digging into the closet again. "Here. I like this sweater on you." He tossed the green cloth at her. I lifted the sweater up, and slipped the sweater over my head. This I approved of. It was warm and conservative. Just my style.
"See that wasn't hard." I grinned at him, climbing on the bed.
"Whatever." He shrugged it off, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"I am a modest person. You should know this by now." I held onto his waist, pushing myself up to peck his lips.
"I know." He blew out an exasperated breath. "It would have been cool to see you dressed like that." He shrugged his shoulders, pulling my hips against him.
"It has to be a really special event for me to dress like that." I smirked, drawing away from him. "Come on let's go." I grabbed my phone, walking out or bedroom door.
"Awe, Clary, you look cute." My mother grinned at us.
"Thanks." I felt my cheeks heat up, as I glanced over at Jace.
"That's what I told her, but someone didn't believe me." Jace lied, propping his arm over my shoulder. "She's self-conscious about going to her first party. I told her she would be fine. Right, Jocelyn." Jace raised an eyebrow at me, making me want to punch him in the side.
"Of course, you'll be fine." My mother got up, hugging me tightly. "My little girl is all grown up." She squeezed me tightly, kissing my temple. I rolled my eyes at Jace, knowing he didn't this on purpose.
OoOoO
We entered the party, and I immediately felt overwhelmed. There were so many people everywhere. Music was booming loudly in my ears, while the stench of alcohol filled my nostrils. I gulped nervously, feeling my heart pound unsteadily in my chest. I held onto Jace's arm, glancing around the packed room.
""You ok?" Jace put his arm around me, kissing my head gently.
"Yeah, there's just a lot of people." I chewed on my lip, knowing how this probably looked to others. I pushed it aside. If anyone asked we were just close step-siblings. Nothing else. It felt weird to be out of our safe bubble. This was a date, but if anyone asked it wasn't. It was weird.
"Stick with me you'll be fine." He assured me. I nodded, squeezing his arm lightly. He led me through the crowd into the kitchen. There were a few kegs set up along with a few jugs of high shelf alcohol. I chewed the inside of my cheek, shifting awkwardly on my feet. "Want something to drink?" He asked, grabbing a red solo cup.
"No, please don't drink. It makes me uncomfortable." I requested quietly, setting the cup down.
"Yeah, no problem." He grinned faintly, leaning in for a kiss. I took a sharp intake of breath, turning my head. He probably just forgot we are in public I told myself. I shook my head, snapping myself out of it. "Let's dance." He squeezed my hand, pulling me into the living room, where people were dancing. I moved around awkwardly in front of him, feeling like everyone was watching us. Not only do I never go to parties, but I am here with Jace. I'm dancing with Jace. He's holding my hands and touching me. My stomach churned, as I looked up at him. "Are you ok?" He whispered in my ear, and I nodded. I wasn't exactly telling the truth, but he really wanted to go out with me tonight. He wants to be a couple, which I want too, but I don't want people to judge me. Or us. I guess. Our parents are married. They would get so mad at us if they knew we were together, and I don't want to risk that. At the same time, I really want to be with Jace. It's just so confusing. Jace took my hand, leading me to the other room.
"Where are we going?" I questioned, as we slipped outside.
"You're not ok. What is it?" He leaned against the table, continuing to hold my hands.
"It feels weird to be hanging out with you in public now." I admitted quietly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Why? You never cared before." He sighed, crossing his arms.
"It's different now. We are together." My face flamed up, as my stomach dropped.
"I was going to invite you either way. This isn't about us being a couple. Let's just have some fun." He smirked teasingly at me. For some reason his words made me feel better. I smiled faintly at him, drifting back inside.
OoOoO
I had finally let loose a little bit. I danced freely, shaking my hips around. I realized no one was really looking at me. They were looking at Jace, and everyone knew that we had started to be friend. I was wearing beads and was covered in glitter from the confetti that was being thrown everywhere. I was actually having some fun.
"Hey, everybody! The countdown started!" A guy announced loudly. I smiled widely, as my dance movements stopped.
"10…" The crowd yelled. My heart buzzed with anticipation of the New Year. A lot of people were finding someone to kiss. Others were just screaming the countdown number"9… 8… 7…" Before I could do any, Jace pulled my body against his. "6… 5… 4…" I froze against him, feeling my stomach clinch nervously. "3… 2… 1…" His mouth was on mine. I didn't know what to do. I didn't kiss him back because I was too in shock. He agreed that we were going to keep this a secret, and now he's kissing me in front of all these people. I quickly broke away from him, feeling anger boil my chest. He was smiling. I gritted my teeth, grabbing his arm. I dragged him down the hall.
"Clary, what the crap?" He exclaimed, as I shoved him into the bathroom with me.
"What was that?!" I snapped, as he leaned against the sink.
"What was what?" He asked, furrowing his brow.
"You kissed me in public! What are you thinking?" I ran my hand through my hair, touching my fingers to my lips. I still felt the faint tingle of his mouth over mine.
"So what? It's New Year's no one will think anything of it." He shrugged his shoulders, bracing his hand on the porcelain.
"I think something of it. You said we would keep this a secret, and then you kiss me. What if someone did notice, and someone posted it online, and someone else saw it, and someone tells my mom. I can't-" My voice cracked. "My mom and I are so close. She asked if we were together on Christmas Eve, and I said no because we weren't together. She said that we looked at each other. She said she was making sure we weren't together. They won't be ok with this, and I don't want my mom to be disappointed in me." I stammered, feeling my voice croak.
"I hate hiding." Jace looked away from me, seeming very frustrated.
"You think I like it, but my mom and Luke will flip out if they know we are together. I hate how girls look at you." I groaned, pacing slightly. "I can't deal with you kissing me in public. I can get over the hugging, and the hand holding, and the arms around me. We've been doing that for months, but you can't kiss me."
"Fine." He blew out a breath, taking both of my hands. He pulled me closer against him, as I roll my eyes. "Come on. It isn't a big of a deal." He held me against him, making me huff.
"It is a big deal." I glared at him, crossing my arms. "I feel like you aren't taking this seriously." I grumbled.
"I am. Clary, I'm sorry. Please let's just move past this." He pleaded, bringing my hands to his lips. I glanced away from him, biting my lip, as I contemplated forgiving him. "Clary." He whined, wrapping his arms around my waist. "I didn't realize that it was that big a deal to you. I apologize truly. It will never happen again. Please forgive me?" He requested softly, pecking my nose.
"Ok, your forgiven, for now." I looked up at him, feeling a little better. A grin spread across his face, and he leaned down. Our lips mingled together slowly. He was smiling against my lips, making my stomach flip. It was weird that he got so happy about just kissing me. His hands spread across my back, holding me flat against him. I didn't realize I had stood on my tip-toes until I dropped down on my feet. Our lips broke apart, and I felt my chest swell at the look Jace was giving me. Mom was right we do look at each other differently. I felt my cheeks heat up under his gaze, and I tried to ignore it. I lazy smile spread across my face, when he pecked my lips again "Come on lets go before someone notices." I reached for the knob.
"I'll hang back for couple minutes so people aren't suspicious." He winked, as I slipped out the door. I walked towards the kitchen, and leaned against the table, waiting for him. He showed up at my sides minutes late, slinging his arm over my shoulders.
A/N: So I hoped you liked it. I know they were a little miffed with each other, but I think these are problems they would encounter. Jace is a more sexual person, and he is used to people he is dating to show more skin, dating Clary is an adjustment for him. They have to work out the kinks of their relationship before they are going to really enjoy it.
Please review!