Jace took Clary's hand and led her to the centre of the marquis, where a large space had been left clear to act as a dance floor. With the guests congregated around the edge of the floor, all eyes on the newlyweds, the music began. Jace's gaze met Clary's; she blushed as she lifted her skirt and placed her hand in Jace's.
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help
Falling in love with you.
The pair started moving, slowly turning in a small circle. Their eyes met and locked, a shy smile playing on both their mouths. They had chosen this song because it had been one of Valentine's favourites, but was also a song Jace often played when Clary was away – a fact she had found out by accident when she came home a few days earlier than expected from a trip to Idris.
Shall I stay
Would it be a sin?
If I can't help
Falling in love with you.
Clary had wanted to surprise him with her early return, so upon arriving at the Institute had gone up to Jace's room, only to find music coming from behind the door. This in itself wasn't unusual, but the sheer emotion that was emanating from the sound made the notes feel as though they were coming alive.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be.
She had stood there in silence, instinctively knowing this was not something meant to be heard by anyone other than Jace. Her instinct, as usual when it came to Jace, was proven to be correct as he started singing. He never sang properly, which made this simple song that much more enchanting, his rough voice simply sketching out the melody at first, then warming up into something gorgeous.
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you.
Clary had leaned back against the wall, letting the slow notes wash over her in a soothing stream. Her heartbeat slowed to match the beat of the music, the rush of her blood becoming part of its rhythm. Her eyes closed of their own accord, allowing her to experience the music in some deep, hidden part of herself that was almost always locked away.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be.
Barely conscious of her actions, Clary had reached for the doorknob and opened the door silently. Jace, of course, noticed the movement, but didn't stop playing. Or singing. His eyes locked on hers; only then did she notice she had been crying. Her lips twitched into a half-smile as she took a deep breath and joined him, their two voices melding in harmony, hers soaring high above in a descant, his strong and sure in the simple but ageless melody.
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you.
Jace spun her round the dance floor, holding her carefully as though she were made of glass. Their eyes hadn't left each other's since the start of the song. After a final turn on themselves, the pair stayed on the spot and simply swayed to the music, Clary stepping closer to lean against Jace's chest. He rested his cheek on the top of her head, then started singing, barely loud enough for even Clary to hear.
For I can't help
Falling in love with you.
The song ended, but the newlyweds just stayed where they were. Clary lifted her head to look at Jace, who leaned down and kissed her softly. Both were smiling when the guests started clapping and cheering, with the occasional whistle thrown in for good measure.
As the next song began, couples started joining them on the dance floor, only one or two at first, then more as more people recognised the music and realised there were enough people shielding them from view that they felt less self-conscious. Soon almost everyone was on the floor, dancing and laughing. Even little Raphael and Valentina were twirling each other, hands clasped tightly and spinning round in a circle. Honestly it was closer to a competition to see who could make the other fall over than real dancing.
And you can tell everybody
This is your song
It may be quite simple but
Now that it's done
I hope you don't mind,
I hope you don't mind,
That I put down into words
How wonderful life is
While you're in the world.
Now that the attention was mostly off them, Jace and Clary felt free enough to talk. Jace drew his wife in closer, then whispered in her ear:
'What do you think?'
'About what?' Jace could hear Clary's smile in her voice. 'Several things have happened in not very much time. A lot of news. A lot of things to talk about. We got married. We're having a baby. We might have a new job. And that was just the last hour and a half. Who knows what'll happen in the rest of the night?'
'True. But at this particular moment in time I was asking about Maryse's offer. Should we take the job? I mean, it's a lot of responsibility, and although we've watched our parents manage Institutes most of our lives, that doesn't mean we're ready to do it ourselves…' Jace trailed off.
Clary stepped back slightly so she could see his face. What she saw there surprised her more than she thought it should, given that she already suspected it to be the case.
Jace was scared.
He could take on a pack of fully grown Moloch demons without batting an eyelid. He had been killed in the Battle of Brocelind Plain and yet was still unafraid of dying again. He could deal with Jonathan and Simon together when they were hungry and would appear unflappable (although standing between the pair of them and food was generally a very bad idea). But offer him a job and he no longer knew what to do with himself. Clary might have laughed if she herself hadn't been terrified.
'Jace, I don't think…' Clary began. Then she realised that she had no idea where that sentence was going, so started again. 'Look, Maryse wouldn't have offered us the job if she didn't think we were up to it. And it's not as though we're going to get another offer like this for years if we turn it down. And you're the one always saying it's best to learn on the job, where you don't get lulled into a false sense of security about how much pressure there is when it's a real situation-'
'Okay, okay, I get it!' Jace laughed quietly. 'What I'm hearing is… you think we should take it?'
Clary stopped short. Was that what she had been saying? She had been trying to convince Jace that they could do it if they wanted. But did that mean she wanted to? The answer came to her simply and suddenly, and she knew there had never really been another response.
'Yes. Yes, I think we should.'
Jace nodded slowly, then a smile spread across his face. 'In that case… let's enjoy tonight, because I think tomorrow is going to get a whole lot more stressful.' With that, he spun her under his arm and launched into a series of difficult steps as the music changed over a smooth bridge to a song that matched her thoughts aptly enough that Clary wondered if Jace hadn't somehow seen the future when he set up the playlist.
Dancing through life
Swaying and sweeping
And always keeping cool
Woes are fleeting
Blows are glancing
When you're dancing through life.
The songs used in this chapter (in order), were
Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
Your Song by Elton John
Dancing Through Life from Wicked.
Full credits to the songwriters and singers of all of the above.