"I wrote him a funny joke about a parrot," Alec said. "On the homework that is." It was only when Clary asked what joke that Jace bothered to listen. Alec couldn't remember the joke, but Jace wasn't too concerned. Alec was, after all, a bit of a teacher's pet and though Jace would never be one himself, he knew it never hurt to have a teacher's pet as a friend.
"So, Clary," Alec said changing the topic. "How were your morning classes?" Jace listened as his girlfriend replied, talking about her art history class. Magnus chimed in on the history part. It was a pleasant way to pass a lunch hour.
"Off to Econ I go," Alec sighed a quarter of an hour later, as he collected his tray and left the cafeteria.
"Parrot," Magnus said as he watched Alec's retreating back. "Alec doesn't make parrot jokes."
"What are you going on about?" Jace asked.
"Never mind," Magnus sighed. "I'll see you guys later."
"Bye Magnus," Clary said as Magnus too made his way to his afternoon classes.
"Do you think something's wrong?" Clary asked. "Magnus seemed distracted."
"I'm sure he's fine," Jace replied.
"Sorry," Clary sighed. "I really do have a meddling in my other people's lives problem, don't I?"
"Maybe," Jace smiled at her. "But you're awfully cute when you're worried about your friends." He kissed her forehead then added, "Actually you're just cute all the time."
"You're sweet," Clary replied smiling at him.
"Clary," Jace started. "Am I clingy?" Ever since he'd talked to Alec about it this morning he'd wanted to ask her this, just to make sure.
"A little," she laughed. "But I kinda like it."
"Great!" Jace exclaimed. He gathered up their trays and walked over to the trash, Clary following him.
"I'm worried about Simon," Clary said after a moment.
"Okay I liked it better when you were worrying about Magnus," Jace whined.
"Sorry," Clary said. "It's just that he's my friend too and he's hurting."
"He's also your ex," Jace added. "And I know I have no legs to stand on here, but could you not bring him up on Valentine's day."
"Fair enough," Clary said. "But you have probably slept with half the girls at this school."
"Low blow," Jace whined. "Can we talk about something else?" He turned to her and was glad to see her smiling. She leaned up on her toes to kiss him. Jace put his arms around her and savored the kiss.
"Happy Valentine's day," Clary whispered when they broke apart. "Sorry, it's just that I can't help thinking about it sometimes." It was moments like this Jace wished his past self hadn't been so stupid.
"I can't change the past," Jace whispered. Clary didn't reply and Jace got a weird feeling. Was she actually upset? He couldn't quite tell, though by the time he'd walked her to her next class, she seemed to be back to normal.
"See you tonight," Clary smiled.
"My place," Jace said. "Alec will be at Magnus' like always." He rolled his eyes and Clary laughed.
Jace didn't have class this afternoon, but rather wrestling practice. Their coach was very insistent on more and more practices now that they were within sight of actual matches. Jace didn't mind. It was nice to have the physical exercise. He didn't like going to the gym by himself and Sebastian wasn't around to go with him anymore. Jace managed to keep his mind on task for almost the whole practice, his thoughts only drifting to Clary once or twice.
After, when he was back at his dorm Jace showered and waited for Clary. He had no idea what boyfriends were supposed to do for their girlfriends on Valentine's day. Every Valentine's day previous to this one, Jace had spent with Sebastian at a bar praying on vulnerable women without a date. Jace might not be able to change the past but these days he sure as hell wished he could.
"Jace?" Clary's soft voice echoed through the quiet room as she entered.
"I'm here," Jace replied getting up from his desk to hug her.
"I-" Clary started. "I mean, do you have anything planned for tonight?"
"I thought we could snuggle up and watch a movie," Jace suggested. "I ordered dinner."
"Sounds great," Clary said, but she seemed nervous and Jace hadn't a clue why.
"You want to pick the movie?" Jace asked. Clary nodded and turned away from him to consult the app Netflix on Jace's laptop.
"You might not hate this," Clary said nervously after looking through the choices for a few minutes.
"Sounds perfect," Jace laughed without even checking which movie she'd picked. "I'm sure you'd hate any movie I choose." Jace put the laptop on the end of his bed and set up the pillows as a headboard.
"Sorry," Jace said. "We don't really have a couch. You know I totally get why Alec's never here." He laughed. "Magnus has a wide screen tv and a couch."
"This is fine," Clary replied as she clicked on the button that said 'The Fault in Our Stars.' The movie started and Jace put his arm around her, just happy to be near her. He was even starting to enjoy the movie when Clary suddenly turned around in his arms. She kissed him and Jace forgot about the movie. His hands moved to her waist as she pressed closer to him, her right leg moving to his other side so she was straddling him.
Jace was now working very hard to check his impulsive urges. Clary's legs on either side of his hips, her hands moving over his chest, her lips mingling with his, all together meant his blood supply no longer traveled in the direction of his brain. They were just making out, which they'd done before and Jace tried not to read too much into it. But then Clary started moving her hips forward and back over his lap, Jace moaned. Maybe he hadn't been reading too much into it.
"Clary?" Jace asked, but she didn't answer. Instead, her hands went to the buttons of his shirt. Gently, Jace held her hands still, and pulled back out of the kiss.
"Clary," Jace whispered. "What are you doing?"
"I thought it was obvious," Clary said.
"Is this why you've been so nervous tonight?" Jace asked.
"I-" Clary started. "I think I want- I mean it's you and-"
"Slow down," Jace said, gently.
"We could have sex," Clary said shyly.
"We could," Jace replied, calmly. "But Clary, have I once asked this of you? If sex was the reason I was interested, I wouldn't be with you."
"Oh great," Clary exclaimed, leaning slightly away from him, somewhere between angry and upset. "So, you don't want to have sex with me?"
"No, that isn't what I meant," Jace said, frustrated by his failure to communicate his thoughts. "I meant sex isn't the reason why I want you."
"So, you don't want me like that," Clary accused. "Is that what you're saying?"
"How can you ask me that?" Jace replied. The irony of her statement was lost on her, as she had no idea how uncomfortable Jace's pants were at the moment.
"I know I don't have any experience in this area," Clary said quickly. "But I could learn. I know- I mean you're you and a movie means-"
"A movie," Jace replied. "I did want to watch a movie."
"I just don't know what to do," Clary said, really upset now. "I've never felt like this before."
"And you think I have?" Jace replied softly. "Clary, these last two weeks with you is the longest relationship I've ever had. I have no idea what I'm doing here. I had to google activity ideas for tonight."
"No, not like that," Clary explained. "I mean I've never felt like this before." She moved closer to him, pressing her hips into his. "I've never wanted anyone like I want you, Jace." A deep moan escaped from Jace's throat. He pulled her close, resuming their passionate kiss until Clary's hands went for the buttons of his shirt again. He let her remove the shirt and run her hands over his chest. It felt amazing, but did nothing to lessen his desire for her.
"Clary," Jace whispered into their kiss. "You are beautiful and I want you more than I've ever wanted anyone but, running the risk of sounding like a cheesy movie, with you I want it to be special."
"It's Valentine's day," Clary told him.
"I know," Jace replied. "But we've only been going out for two weeks and I don't want to rush you."
"Are you sure this isn't about you not wanting me that way?" Clary asked. Jace laughed and gently taking her hand, he moved her hand down to feel just how much she'd turned him on.
"You can't fake that Clary," Jace said. The effect of her hand against him, even through his jeans, was making him dizzy with desire. This girl had no idea how irresistible she really was.
"Then, why not now?" Clary asked. "I'm sick of being a virgin Jace. It's embarrassing."
"It's funny," Jace said smiling at her, lifting his arms to tuck a strand of red hair behind her ear. "I don't understand why people give virginity such meaning. Trust me, it doesn't really matter."
"Seems to me like it does," Clary replied.
"It doesn't define you Clary," Jace said. "Being a virgin isn't a defining feature of a person. You are more than that and I think we should wait." Jace congratulated himself on saying exactly what he didn't want. If it had been anyone but Clary though!
"I'm sorry," Clary said. "I shouldn't define you by your experience either."
"It's okay," Jace said. "That defines me more than your virginity defines you." Just these two weeks with Clary had taught Jace that sex without affection was less meaningful than a kiss with love.
"Alright," Clary said. She hesitated then added, "But can I?" Her hands were held out and Jace knew what she was asking. He smiled at her to show her it was okay and her hands moved down to his pounding loins. Clary quickly got his pants undone. Jace sighed as his erection was freed from the confines of his jeans. Jace laid his head back as he felt her hands explore him. It was so different than anything he'd ever experienced. There was a curiosity about the way she touched him. It wasn't sex, but that didn't mean Jace didn't enjoy it.
"Thanks," Clary said when she took her hands away. Jace pulled her in and kissed her.
"Your turn," Clary replied. She leaned back and pulled off her top in one fluid movement. Then she undid her bra and leaned forward to kiss him again. Her bare chest pressed against his and Jace almost gave up his resolve. He wanted to be inside her. He wanted to kiss every inch of her skin. He wanted her so much and in every way.
The movie forgotten, Jace's hands moved over the skin of her chest, giving special attention to her nipples.
"Jace," Clary gasped, leaning back. Jace pressed his face into her chest, kissing the skin between her breasts. If he didn't stop, like right now, he wasn't going to but she was still straddling him, on top of him. How could he get away? Why was he even thinking about trying to!
"Clary," Jace said urgently. "We have to stop."
"I don't want to," Clary said as she kissed his neck. Jace could feel his heart pounding.
"We don't have any protection," Jace whispered but Clary reached into her back pocket and pulled out a condom. Wow, she was serious.
"You can't take this back Clary," Jace whispered. "After everything you've been through, are you sure?"
"I had a sex dream about you once," Clary told him.
"Really?" Jace asked. Clary nodded. "That's funny, because my dreams about you were always romantic." With a grin, Clary turned around, closed the laptop and placed it on the floor before returning to Jace's lap. Clary's hands went to work pulling Jace's jeans off, soon they were around his knees.
"I'm sure," Clary whispered and Jace finally surrendered. Who was he kidding? He had never stood a chance of resisting her in the first place, but at least he'd tried. Now he was determined to make this good for her. His hands moved over her still bare breasts, then over her stomach and to her jeans. Once they were undone, Clary helped pull them down and off.
Once she was naked before him, Jace found himself temporarily stunned by the sight. Her red hair was definitely natural. She was so beautiful and she was his. Jace had never felt possessive over anyone like this before.
"What are you smirking about?" Clary asked.
"You're mine, aren't you?" Jace asked her.
"Only if you're mine," Clary replied.
"I've been yours since you laid eyes on me," Jace whispered softly as he leaned forward, laying her on her back.
"What shall you do with me now that I'm yours?" Clary asked.
"Savour you," Jace replied. He leaned down to kiss her neck, while his hands traveled down her body. Holding up his weight on one arm, Jace moved down to kiss her breasts while his hand moved lower still. Clary gasped and her legs spread apart slightly as his hand reached its destination. She was so wet, Jace couldn't help but grin. He gently moved his fingers around and over her most sensitive area. His own desire was throbbing, but he didn't care as he watched the pleasure on her face. Jace ran his hand down her thigh and then back up over her stomach before he returned to her sweet point. This time slipping a finger inside her.
"Jace!" Clary exclaimed, as her back arched. The sight of her naked on her back in his bed was too much for Jace. He was so done with foreplay. Reaching for the condom she'd put on the bedside table, Jace slipped it on with an ease that came with years of practice.
"Are you sure, Clary?" Jace asked as he leaned over her. He looked into those perfect green eyes to make sure she really meant what she'd said, but he needn't have bothered. Clary smiled widely at him and then wrapped her legs around his waist, roughly shoving them together. Jace gasped as his erection made contact with her wetness, though without entering her.
"I'm sure," Clary giggled. Laughing during sex was new and wonderful to Jace. There was so much joy in her laughter. They were almost lined up now and it took only a small adjustment on his part to slide easily inside her.
"Oh," Clary gasped gently.
"You okay?" Jace asked. He'd actually never been with a virgin before and was suddenly worried he'd hurt her.
"That felt," Clary started, but she seemed unable to find words. Instead she pulled him down and seized his lips in a passionate kiss. Taking this as a sign she was fine, Jace started to move inside her.
"What should I do now?" Clary asked, innocently.
"What do you want to do?" Jace asked her. She smiled and Jace felt her muscles squeeze him. Finishing instantly, Jace collapsed beside her.
"Sorry," Jace mumbled.
"Why are you apologizing?" Clary giggled as she rolled over to face him on the bed.
"I couldn't hold on," Jace explained. He'd been so close even before he felt her warmth engulf him. Everything about Clary was so sexy.
"Is that a bad thing?" Clary asked. Jace smiled, stroking her face lovingly.
"Did you finish?" Jace asked her. "Because if not I can fix that."
"I have no idea," Clary laughed. "But I enjoyed that."
"Good," Jace said smiling. He kissed her sweetly, then made a silent promise to himself that the next time he'd take more time with her.
"Now I'm cold," Clary laughed as she got up to look for her clothes. Jace got out of bed as well, mostly to throw out the condom rather than because he was cold. Jace watching Clary get dressed, enjoying the view of her from every angle.
"Do you want to finish the movie?" Clary asked when she was dressed. Then she noticed his lack of dress and added, "Aren't you going to put clothes on?"
"I suppose," Jace smirked but he moved towards her and kissed her before going to find his pants.
They cuddled up on the bed again, putting the movie back on. Clary's head was resting on his shoulder. Jace wasn't watching the movie. He was enjoying the glowing feeling in his chest that was cuddling after sex, which he'd never done before. Trinity was the only woman he'd slept with more than once and they'd never come close to cuddling. Jace stroked Clary's hair, marveling at her presence in his life.
"That was so sad," Clary whined when the movie ended.
"Hey, you picked the movie," Jace reminded her.
"I'd heard good things," Clary said. "And it was great, but I wanted a happy ending."
"Do you want to sleep here tonight?" Jace asked. "I know this bed is small but…"
"I'd love to," Clary replied. Jace's face broke out in a truly joyful smile. Throughout the movie, he'd been thinking how peaceful he was and how he didn't want her to leave.
He listened to her talk about the movie he'd ignored for a while and then they talked of school and class. She nagged him again to work on his homework tomorrow, then they fell asleep in each other's arms. Despite the fact Jace couldn't roll over in the bed, he couldn't ever remember sleeping so well before. He woke up to the sound of Clary's voice.
"I have class," Clary whispered. Jace felt a kiss on his forehead then she spoke again. "I'll see you later."
"Don't go," Jace said reaching out for her.
"I'm already late," Clary laughed, but she let him pull her in and kiss her before she left. Jace must have fallen asleep again, because he woke up the second time to the sound of Alec's voice.
"It's after eleven," Alec said. "Get up."
Jace just groaned. He didn't have class till one o'clock today. What was Alec's problem?
"Wow you are so not a morning person," Alec sighed. "How was your Valentine's day?"
"Perfect," Jace said smiling. He sat up in bed, just the thought of his perfect Valentine's making him want to be awake.
"You're wearing a shirt," Alec remarked.
"Clary slept over," Jace grinned.
"Girlfriend slept in your bed and that means more clothes?" Alec laughed.
"Okay, yes I realize that doesn't make sense," Jace replied. "But it's too distracting being shirtless near her. I would never had slept."
"Oh," Alec said grinning. "And were you two distracted last night?" Jace knew exactly what Alec mean and decided it was none of Alec's business.
"How was your Valentine's day," Jace asked instead.
"Oh, don't ask," Alec whined as he laid down on his bed and covered his eyes with his hands. "I messed up."
"How so?" Jace asked.
"Well first I let him convince me it was a good idea to tell him my parents own half the country," Alec whined. "Then like an idiot I went and told Magnus I loved him."
"Wow," Jace said.
"Then I told him he didn't have to say it back," Alec continued.
"I didn't know your parents were rich," Jace replied. "Though it does explain you not working and not having a scholarship and all." After a pause in which Alec covered his face with a pillow, Jace added, "How did Magnus take it?"
"He said he was out of my league," Alec said miserably.
"Oh, that sucks," Jace sympathized.
"I can't lose him Jace," Alec said throwing the pillow aside and sitting up to look at Jace, a desperation in his eyes. Jace understood exactly what Alec meant. Now that he had Clary, losing her was incomprehensible.
"This sucks," Alec groaned. "Our Valentines was all awkward after that and I don't know how to fix it."
"Well do you think Magnus is acting weird because you said the L word early or because your parents are richer than god?"
"No idea," Alec sighed. "Either, both maybe." He laid back down on the bed, rather dramatically Jace thought.
"So, you're rich and you love your boyfriend," Jace told him. "I really don't see a problem here." Alec laughed humorlessly then offered to help Jace with his homework to take his mind off it. Jace was thrilled as finished homework meant more time with Clary later.
Only took me close to 40 chapters for a Clace lemon. LOL! I really do know how to drag a thing out don't I? ^_^
The reason I put a one night stand lemon in chapter one was so you can see the contrast between that and when Jace finally experiences sex in a loving relationship. I feel like Jace has really grown as a person over the course of this story! What do you think? I wanted Clary to be innocent while still enthusiastic.
I have the next few chapters well on the way to being done, but what I have learned this week is that it doesn't matter how fast you write, you can only update as fast as your betas can edit.
SNEAK PEEK Chapter 39
He knew that voice. He'd do anything for that voice but he knew he shouldn't turn to see her. He knew which blonde she'd be sitting next to. Nevertheless Simon turned and sure enough there was Clary.
"Come sit with us!" Clary called to him. Simon looked down at his lunch, seriously considering skipped a meal just to avoid a conversation with Clary and her boyfriend. He stood frozen holding his tray, torn between going to her and running for the hills. But with a sigh he started walking toward her. Could one be whipped and yet not in a relationship?
"Hey," Simon mumbled. "You don't have to do this Clary."
"Do what silly?" Clary asked. Jace was sitting beside her while Magnus and his boyfriend sat across from her. Simon couldn't quite remember the boyfriend's name though. "I want to eat lunch with my friend, who I haven't seen in a really long time." The word friend hurt but not as badly as he'd expected. Simon looked at Jace and found there the normal reaction to Clary's crazy. Jace didn't look happy that Clary wanted her ex to join them.
