okay, guys since your all just too awesome, EARLY UPDATE! Now this is why I made them have a fight, otherwise it this wouldn't happen the way I wanted.
I've also been working on another story, it's a bit different, but still a Clace story. And I think I'm going to post that after this story is finished.
Anyways, let's get on with it!
It was Thursday, a day after they had arrived. Clary, Jace, Jeremy and Chloe sat at the huge dining table for breakfast, where a large platter of food was set out. Clary wasn't particularly hungry, so she just picked at fruit. Jace looked worn, bags under his eyes. Clary wasn't sure where he had disappeared to last night, but he hadn't come back to the room.
"So. When did you two meet?" Jeremy asked.
"A few months ago. When I moved." Jace said, picking at his food.
"A few months ago? My god. It seems like you two have known each other for years." Chloe exclaimed.
"Well we've been through a lot together in the past few months." Jace mumbled, glancing up at Clary.
She bit her lip and looked down at her food again, setting her fork and knife down, her hunger gone.
Jeremy cleared his throat, "anyway. I have an announcement. I am having a ball tonight. You two, are obviously invited. But I doubt Clary bought anything suitable for a ball. Jace you have a tux that will fit you in your room. I was thinking Chloe and Clary could go shopping today and get really for the ball."
"No one calls it a ball. It's a party." Jace said blandly.
"It's much more exquisite and fancy than a party." Jeremy said, blinking at Jace.
"That would be lovely." Clary said, smiling at Chloe.
Soon enough Chloe and Clary where in some fancy, expensive dress shop, going through racks of clothing.
"Don't be touchy on price. I have plenty of money to spare." Chloe said.
Clary laughed, "I have plenty of money to spare. I can afford my own dress. It's much appreciated you would offer though." Clary said sliding through dresses.
"Oh. Ok. I wasn't aware you came from a wealthy family." Chloe said, strolling casually with Clary around the store.
"I wish I didn't." Clary said, before whisking a dress off the racks, "any particular colours?"
"No. Not particularly." Chloe said, calling after Clary as she whisked away to the dressing rooms.
Clary pulled on the dress, zipping it up. It swayed around her ankles at she turned in the mirror. It was a lovely green, nearly the same colour of her eyes. It had spaghetti arm straps, and was tight above the waist, showing off her bodies shape.
She took it off, hanging it carefully back on the hanger and walking back out to find Chloe. Clary had never been a big one for shopping. She hated sitting around waiting for people. It had always been a different story with Izzy and Emma, they where best friends. But with a complete stranger. Clary didn't think it could get any awkwarder. Finally Chloe decided on an elegant silvery dress
"Would you like to have some lunch before we head back? There a lovely little dinner near." Chloe suggested once they had climbed into the limo.
"Uh. Yeah, sure. Why not?" Clary said, smiling fakely.
They pulled up in front of a cute little store, that emerged into a small dinner, they were greeted by a couple of older woman behind the counter. Clary ordered a piece of triple chocolate cake. They took a seat in one of the far booths, away from people.
"So, how did you and Jace meet?" Chloe asked.
Clary sipped on her coffee, "well. Me and my friends were out shopping one day. Jace working in Hollstiers. But we met properly at school. I don't know what really happened. We just got along really well. First we were just friends, then best friends. Then-well that's not important. Then he kissed me," she laughed slightly, "and well, I just knew. You know?" Clary said, a smile hinting at her lips.
Chloe smiled around her tea cup, "I can tell you really care about him. That he does as well."
Clary's smile dropped immediately, she licked her teeth, "yeah, I do." She said.
Chloe frowned slightly, "he-"
"It doesn't matter. It's mine and Jace's problem to sort out." Clary said stiffly.
Chloe looked taken aback, but said no more. They sat in silence as they ate. Finally making their way back to the extravagant house. Clary navigated herself back to her room, finding Jace already inside. He sat on the bed, scrubbing his hair with a towel, a towel wrapped around his waist, leaving his chest bare.
"How'd you go, Angel?" Jace asked, his voice restricted.
She glanced over at him, "fine." She said, biting her lip, trying to hide the quiver.
Jace noticed this immediately, as he always did. He was up and in front of her in a matter of seconds.
"Angel. What's wrong?" He asked. His arms stretched out, but retreated before touching her.
She willed herself not to look him in the eyes. If she did, she would just crumble like she always did.
"Nothing." She answered, turning away and dropping the bag with the dress on the dresser.
Jace exhaled, "Angel. Please. Just listen to me. I swear-"
"No. No. Please, don't. Don't lie to me." She said, whipping around, not facing him.
"I wouldn't lie to you. You know that. I've told you everything. I've brought you here. To meet my fuck ass family. Why would I lie to you?" He said, his voice restrained.
He reached out and grabbed her arm softly, turning her around.
She looked him straight in the eye, "because. Anyone can lie about their intensions or feelings."
She ripped her arm out of his grip and headed for the bathroom. She took a deep breath, whipping away the silent tears, hoping she was wrong.
At 5pm a maid knocked on the door, instructing Clary to come with her and bring her dress, leaving Jace behind. She followed the maid, through the twist and wind of the long, near identical halls. They finally reached a large set of wooden double doors. The emerged into a type of beauty salon. Chloe sat with a mask on her face and feet in bubbling water.
"Clary! That's you I'm guessing. Come. Come. Let them take care of you." Chloe gestured with her hand.
She was whisked away too a message first. A very well needed message. Then she had face mask, after scrub put on her. Her feet and nails getting filled and trimmed. They did her long nails nicely, before painting them the beautiful green her dress was. Finally they slipped her into the dress, bringing out a pair of black heels.
"Mr. Jace Herondale, instructed us to give this to you before the party." One of the maids said, handing Clary a large, velvet box. She popped it open. Inside it laid a golden heart necklace, with small intricate designs of birds on the front. She flipped it over to find a message carved in cursive writing into the back of it, 'For my Angel. From your Jacey.' Clary blinked back the tears the threatened to spill. Beside the necklace sat two beautiful earrings, they were also hearts, smaller then the necklace.
She put the earrings on carefully, before gesturing one of the maids to help her with the necklace. It sat perfectly above the valley of her breasts. She touched it, feeling the carving into the back of it. She smiled to herself.
At around 7:30pm they led her out of the room and down towards the massive ball room. She found Jace standing outside it, playing with the cuffs of his tux. Jace in a tux. Somehow even a tux managed to show off his lean, muscled body, his golden hair and eyes standing out against the black. She took a death breath, refraining herself from throwing herself at him and walked over.
He smiled immediately as he saw her, but she bit her lip, making his smile drop. But he still reached out and touched the necklace lightly, his fingers brushing against her skin.
"You wore them." He said in a low voice.
"Of course I did." She said, not meeting his eyes.
Jace's hand dropped, then grabbed her elbow slightly, "ready to head in?"
Clary nodded, letting him lead her to the gigantic doors. Two butlers nodded at them and pushed open the doors, letting them enter. Clary caught her breath as they walked in. It was one of the most magnificent things she had ever seen. The ceiling high and a dome shape, all glass, looking out into the night sky. The floor was all marble except a stage at the far end of the room where a band played classical music. There were a lot of people. Had to be at least 100.
She clutched Jace's hand, lacing her fingers through his, not caring if they where fighting or not, she needed his reassurance as she always did. He squeezed her hand and led her around the room. He poured some punch for both of them, Clary sipped on it. It was sweet and delicious.
"You alright, Angel?" Jace asked.
She nodded, biting her lip, looking around the room.
"I have to go and speak to Jeremy quickly. Will you be alright?" Jace asked.
She looked up at him, into his trusting golden eyes, and nodded.
He squeezed her hand one more time before letting go and re treating into the crowd of bodies. Clary stood there awkwardly, waiting for Jace to come back. It was then she realised how much she depended on him. How much she needed him.
Clary didn't notice that a boy had appeared in front of her, she jumped slightly. He was probably around Jace's age, if not a few years older. He had them same black hair and broad shoulders of Jeremy. He had handsome features and gleaming white teeth.
He laughed slightly, "sorry to scare you." He said.
"It's-it's uh, fine." She said awkwardly.
"Are you, Clary?" He asked.
She was taken aback, but he must have seen it.
"I'm sorry. I should introduce myself. I'm Tyler. Jeremy's son." He introduced himself.
"Oh. I haven't seen you around." She said.
"I don't live here. I moved out last year." Tyler said.
"Oh, ok." She said, glancing around him, hoping Jace would appear again.
"Are you expecting someone?" Tyler asked.
"Yeah, actually. I'm waiting for Jace. He said he had to talk to your father quickly." Clary said, looking up into his pale green eyes.
"Ah, Jace. Of course." His voice was bitter.
"Yes, it's who I came here with." She said, eyeing Tyler.
"Right I forgot. Your Jace's girlfriend. Now tell me, how does he end up with someone so beautiful?" Tyler said, smiling seductively.
Clary raised her eyebrows at him, completely immune to him, "It must be his ego." She said sarcastically, setting her jaw.
"Well, if it helps, I have a big ego." Tyler said, raking his eyes over her body.
Clary crossed her arms over her chest, "what are you exactly trying to succeed?" She asked, disgusted.
"Well, we could go back to my place. Better yet, there a limo right outside. You look flexible." Tyler said, biting his lip.
That's when she slapped him. She didn't know how it happened, but it did. Her hand smashed against his face, leaving a big red mark across his cheek. He held his cheek and turned back to her.
"You disgusting, vial person!" She exclaimed.
She looked around her to see a crowd forming around them. All of them older then her, most around 25-30. They all stood there, mouths open or whispering to the person next to them.
"You dare slap me!" Tyler exclaimed loudly.
Clary laughed humourlessly, "after you say things like that! Yes! I am Jace's girlfriend, and I have absolutely no plans on cheating on him with you!" She said, looking at him as if he where a vial creature.
With that Clary stormed off, the crowd parting for her. She went through the large double doors that led out of the ball room. She stood there for a moment, catching her breath. She felt a hand close on her arm, she went to yank her arm away but she noticed Jace's ring. She turned around to find him smiling.
"Why are you smiling?" She asked.
"You just slapped my fuckass of a cousin, that's why." He said.
She could help but smile back, his smile was contagious.
"He deserved it." She said, grabbing Jace's hand, lacing her fingers with his, forgetting their fight.
"What exactly did he do?" He asked, running his hand through her curls.
"He suggested we go back to his house. But better yet, then suggested we go to his limo, because I look flexible." She said, raising her eyebrows.
His free hand closed around her shoulder, "I think, I need to go and talk to him." He said, his voice stiff.
"No. You will not go and 'talk' to him. I took care of him." She said, proudly.
He laughed, "yes you did, Angel." He said, "come on. Let's go for a walk."
She let Jace lead her up the spirals of stairs, story after story. Finally they reached the top level and Jace headed towards a last pair of hidden stairs, with a door in the ceiling. They emerged on the roof of the mansion. Clary clutched Jace's hand, scared to fall off. He led her near the edge and held her, his arms around her waist. The dress whipped around her ankles in the cool summer, night breeze.
"Angel." Jace said quietly.
"Yeah?" She asked, pulling back slightly and looking up at him.
"I want to talk about what happened on the plane. I didn't look that way because I though it was vial to love or marry you. I went white because I didn't want her to ruin it." He said, his eyes longing.
"Ruin what?" She asked in a small voice.
"Well, I planned to do something extravagant while we were here. But I knew you where never big on fancy things. So I just planned to do it when the time felt right." He took a deep breath, "from the first time I saw you, I didn't just think dirty thoughts about you. I was drawn to you. I needed to know you. Needed to be close. I needed to be the one to comfort you, not Simon or Izzy. When you spoke to me at school, for the first time, when we had that fight with paint, I knew that I wanted to be there. No matter what. I've made sure, I've opened up to you, told you things I never planned on speaking about, because it hurts. I expected when I told you, you'd tell me to get away, to never speak to you again. But you didn't. Instead, you opened up to me, you told me the things that hurt you in the past," he grabbed her left wrist, rubbing his finger over her scar, "that you hurt yourself in the past. All I could think about was if I was there I could have prevented it, or at least been there for you. But I know that's impossible. But, that's when I knew, I had to be there for you now and for the rest of your life, because I never want anything to happen to you. I never want anyone hurting you. I love you, Clary. I. Love. You. I wasn't sure when I realised this, but I do. I don't only love you, I'm in love with you. I never want you to leave me. I never want to hurt you. I used to think, 'to love is to destroy, and to be loved is to be the one destroyed,' that was until I met you."
Clary whipped the tears that fell down her cheeks, "oh, Jace. Jace." She said, her hand covering her mouth.
He reached into his jacket pocket and her eyes widened.
He smiled slightly, "I'm not proposing to you. Yet. But I want to give you this ring. I sort of promise ring, until we do get married." He said, popping the box open.
Inside sat a golden ring, with a diamond in the middle with smaller diamonds and rubies surrounding it.
"Ohmygod. Jace. I don't know what to say." She said, looking up into his glowing golden eyes.
"You don have to say anything. You can decline the ring if you want. I know it seems I'm moving-"
She cut him off by throwing her arms around his neck and burying her head in his chest. She wished she could kiss him, but she was to short, and couldn't jump in the dress. She leaned back, arms still around his neck and looked up into his glowing eyes.
"I love you too." She whispered.
"You what?" Jace asked slightly dazed.
She smiled, "I love you. I love you, Jace. I do. I'm not just saying it because I feel obliged. But I love you, and now that you've said it, I know it for certain. And when it come that day, and you do propose to me, I will accept. Because I'm hopelessly in love with you." She said, tears trembling down her cheeks.
Jace whipped the tears away, closing her lips with a kiss. A short but sweet kiss. He took her right hand and slipped the ring onto her middle finger. Then kissed it.
"I love you." He whispered.
"I love you." She whispered back, letting him pulled her towards him.
"I have to say something. You in the dress, makes me want to do many things to you." He whispered, kissing her neck.
"And you, in a tux, makes me want to do many things to you." She said, grabbing his tie.
Jace pulled back and looked at her, questioningly.
She smiled, "not tonight. But soon." She whispered.
His eyes darkened, "very soon." He whispered against her neck.
I feel very happy right now :D the next two chapters are going to be fun! Ahhhh, I hoped you guys liked it!
Read, review, favourite, follow!
See you in a week.