Yay I finally updated! I'll spare you the overview of my hectic life and just get on with a few important notes.

This is took me forever and a day but unfortunately the wait for the next chapter won't be any shorter. I haven't even written it out yet- and I'm going to be very busy the next few weeks. I will try to get on here and post up some oneshots- maybe start up a drabble series.

As always I want to say thank you to all the readers/reviews/alerters and favoriters you guys are a big help to me and I really appreciate the feedback. I also tried to apply some of your critiques below. So thank you again.

I do have a favor to ask- yes a favor- it is small and it would immensely help with Chapter Four. If you could in a PM or a review -either one is fine- tell me the name of your favorite contemporary artist, or even any contemporary artist you know that would really help me write Chapter four.{Note: an artist as in someone who paints, not a singer} Normally I do all my research by myself and I'm going to but the extra names will really help me and if you have a fav painting by the artist as well i'll try to work that into the story.

Also I have been thinking of bumping up the rating on this fic to M. I really feel that my word choice is being a bit stifled by the rating but I wanted to get your opinion first. It would definately leave me free to describe more in detail. And those of you wondering, no this doesn't mean I'll be writing any sex scenes- at least not in this fic. Let me know what you think please.

One last tidbit- I will no longer be putting up a disclaimer on my stories- it's on my profile. So all those looking to sue can look there.(Please view as full screen doc. there are quite a few paragraphs)

This chapter is dedicated to a friend of mine whose father died recently. And Finally...without further ado...

Read, Enjoy!

It was hot and Clary's lashes were heavy; laden with the foggy condensation filling the tiny room. It was hard to keep them open, especially with Jace's hot breath teasing her sensitized skin. Each puff of breath tickled Clary's neck and filled her cheeks with a dark blush. Her heart vibrated happily, like a hummingbird in her chest as Jace's fingers moved without restraint on her skin. His touch was insatiably curious, lingering in places they shouldn't; teasing Clary's flesh with his gentle motions. Primal emotions Clary shouldn't feel pooled in her core, bubbling hotly and reminding her with every mild touch that she and Jace were standing very close, and they were also nude. Very nude.

This is wrong, Clary thought as she rested her head against the white tiled wall. There was virtually no space between her and Jace's bodies and she could feel every inch of his skin pressed against her own in a way that could only be described as deliciously wrong.

Jace's damp touch wound around Clary's waist and the girl smiled as his fingertips brushed against her naked thighs. Each press of his fingers against Clary's moist skin lit a small fire inside her that burst to life then quickly died out. But for the moment it flamed, it consumed Clary; filling her with painful longing and need. Her heart pitter pattered excitedly and she couldn't help the trill that swept up her spine.

This is dangerous, Clary's mind repeated but she made no effort to stop Jace when his lips gently kissed her neck. Her knees knocked together and she had to hastily reach down and stop them. They continued to tremble despite Clary's best efforts.

It took all her might to just stand there and breathe while Jace's hands travelled over her slick body. Each time his fingers ran down Clary's spine she shivered and gasped.

Clary felt dizzy and suddenly short of breath. Her eyes were squeezed shut and Clary was sure if she opened them the shower would spin endlessly. Her heart thundered in her chest like a storm. Her pink mouth opened to drag in a necessary lungful of air but it was difficult. The small space was dense with fog, making the air thick and hard to breathe. Not that the redhead could inhale much with her heart in her throat. Jace's touch didn't help the situation either. His hands took advantage of her bowed position and cupped her bottom igniting dozens of small fires on Clary's skin and a shameful ache between her legs.

Molten heat flashed in her middle as Jace's curious touch continued to freely explore her bare skin. His hands were everywhere all at once and Clary couldn't keep track. All she could do was succumb to the burning feeling as Jace left his mark all over her skin. It was perfect. His lips, his hands, his teeth, his tongue pressed to her skin creating sensations Clary could barely stand to feel let alone describe.

It was heaven; the only sour note spoiling the ecstasy were the large droplets of water balancing on Clary's lashes. Her eyes fluttered rapidly, trying to remove the irritation but they were persistent in their stay. Her fingers itched to wipe the droplets away, but Clary suppressed the feeling. She didn't want to move. Each second she stood motionless was another moment spent reveling in Jace's intoxicating touch. The Shadowhunter was completely silent behind her; but his hands lightly swirling patterns on her hips spoke thousands of words for him.

Dizzying emotions popped and exploded in Clary's body, transforming Jace's light gestures against her skin into euphorically sensual strokes. Red hot need clawed at her skin; scratching the ivory girl, so passion ran down her pale body like blood. A loud breathy sigh escaped Clary as Jace's whole hand swept up her stomach and chest, raising goosebumps on her flesh as he went. Clary's cheeks flamed and she was glad for the moment that her eyes were shut and her back was to Jace. She didn't have to see the self-satisfied grin dancing on his lips.

The droplets balancing on the tips of Clary's lashes were as big and heavy as real teardrops now. They frustrated her to no end and she finally had to blink them away. It was only an instant but when Clary's lashes parted Jace's touch was gone. His warming presence against her back disappeared, same for his hands that only seconds ago lay firmly on her waist. Clary wiped her eyes and turned around; the shower was empty. The only other thing present in the confined area was the whooshing water coming from the showerhead. Her lip surrendered to her teeth as she realized that Jace had been an illusion- a shattered one at that.

A tired groan brushed past her lips as twin droplets of water ran over her naked chest. The watery trail they left behind was a poor imitation of the real thing and Clary wondered how she'd deluded herself into thinking it was Jace in the shower with her. It was pathetic, she chastised herself. But it had felt so real, her body reminded her and she frowned. Her hand against her chest told her she'd also fooled her heart. It was still beating fiercely and even with deep breaths it was hard to slow the rapid pound.

Forceful torrents from the showerhead uncurled Clary's flaming locks, so they lay straight against her ivory back. She was ashamed to admit, even to herself that she would've imagined it as Jace's fingers running through her hair. Self pity tasted bitter in Clary's mouth and she shook her head. The wet strands slapped her face and the brief sting was enough to clear her scattered mind. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for her heart. The muscle was still racing, creating a steady vibration in Clary's chest and a reminder of her masochistic imagination.

This was all her fault. If she had just refused Jace last night none of this would be happening. Once again, Clary had denied her common sense much to her own detriment. Her small hands curled into tight fists. Her skin felt pruny from the hot water but she didn't turn it off. The longer she stayed in the shower, the longer she could avoid Jace. Deep down Clary knew that she did not really want to avoid the Shadowhunter, but the new face he'd be wearing.

Jace was the only person Clary knew who could place his emotions behind an iron mask, so thick and camouflaging it became him. Clary knew what she felt and knew that it was impossible to hide; that though she tried it shone through her tawdry mask.

The desperate girl fiddled with the tub spouts but still couldn't manage to turn the water off. Her skin was no longer pale ivory but a delicate pink and any second the hot water was going to run out. But every second in the shower was another second where she could feel. As soon as she stepped out of the shower and into her bedroom she'd be bound by her promise; she'd have to pretend. The nausea that thought created couldn't be burned away with heat.

I'm being selfish, Clary thought. This is hard for Jace too. Clary'd seen his face just before he'd escaped into the hall. The bitter controlled agony that he wanted to hide. Jace was clearly as tormented as her. But he's not hiding in the bathroom, Clary reminded herself. He wasn't buying time. If Clary wanted this, really wanted this, she couldn't complain each time morning came. Just one more minute, she argued with herself but it didn't matter. The water seized that moment to drop several degrees cooler in temperature and Clary's hand snaked out instantly to turn the rusty handle. The rush of water shuddered to a stop and she stood shivering in the shower; rubbing away the goosebumps on her arms. The room was silent save for her own noisy breaths. Clary glanced mournfully at the water slipping through the drain. She hated the shower's abrupt end, but had to reluctantly admit that it was time to stop hiding.

Pulling back the shower curtain revealed hazy clouds of steam. Clary fumbled blindly around in the heat for a moment, before finding her towel and vigorously drying off. The motion of the terrycloth against her skin was abrasive; as if she was trying to remove the stain of her impure thoughts, but they'd bled in too deep on her once innocent skin. With a last liberating breath Clary turned the handle on the bathroom door. The fogged metal knob didn't give. The door was jammed in its post. Clary rolled her eyes, remembering how she had told Jace last night that Luke loved his antiques. After the morning Clary had had she didn't want to exert any more patience, especially not with a stubborn door. She jiggled the knob expertly and simultaneously gave the door a firm kick.

It swung open and hot vapor rushed out of the bathroom like a sigh behind her. Steam licked at Clary's freshly cleansed skin like a hot finger down her back. The fog was thick and hot, enveloping Clary temporarily before she parted it with crisp waves. The rumpled bed covers were hidden by the steam and Clary waved away the clouds apprehensively. She didn't want to see the twin imprints on both pillows and feel that sudden surge of guilt pounce on her stomach as she remembered her sinful night with Jace. But when the fog cleared the guilt never came.

The bed was made. Perfectly made; with the sheets pulled tight on either side and probably even folded under the mattress like the redhead never did. Even the normally lumpy comforter seemed to have submitted to the controlled force. Clary's hands nervously fingered her powder blue tee. She knew only one person whose rigid control could tame something as feral as Luke's bedroom set.

Jace had made the bed. He knew as soon as he saw Clary's guilt and shame ridden face, that there was no way she could relive the fruits of her torment twice. All the small girl would see when reentering the room was the promise she shouldn't have made and the night she shouldn't have spent. The blond boy leaned against the kitchen counter, fingering the crumbs left from Luke's morning toast.

Maryse wouldn't have stood for a crummy counter. She would have cleaned it off until it gleamed with unearthly cleanliness. Jace's eyebrows furrowed, he didn't want to think of Maryse- the reason he was bumming on Luke's couch instead of sleeping in his own bed. Well was supposed to be bumming. When Jace had told Clary last night that the couch looked like it could swallow him, he hadn't been joking. Of course now it seemed the Shadowhunter would have to find out for himself. There was only so long he and Clary could skate past fate, and they'd already been caught today. The remembered look of shame on Clary's face stung a corrosive burn in Jace's chest. He understood the horrified expression on her face but wished greatly that Clary never had to feel that kind of guilt. That their connection did not have to include their last names.

Jace had killed many demons, had suffered the scars resulting from their touch, but none plagued him quite like his own inner fiends. The boy closed his eyes as he forced himself back under control. Unbidden the memory of Clary's body, pressed so undeservedly into his, disrupted his calm. Jace's jaw clenched with uncertainty. His mind told him how wrong he was, but his body reminded him otherwise; teasing him with images of Clary, recreating her sudden warmth only to mock him. Something that felt so right couldn't be wrong, his body told him. And Jace believed it because there was no doubt that waking to Clary nestled in his arms was right. Absolutely right.

"Hey," Clary's soft voice hesitantly reached Jace's ears. His face remained unsurprised as he turned to look at her. Clary's footfalls, though soft and careful on the abused wood floor, creaked just slightly enough to alert Jace to her presence beforehand. If only, Jace's mind chortled sardonically, you had been so alert this morning. Jace's jaw tightened again. He hated it when the voice was right and it was. The Shadowhunter should have been more careful, should have been paying more attention; but Jace found that whenever Clary was involved he was prone to slipping up.

Glancing at her he saw the petite girl had taken a shower. Her red hair fell in her face dripping water into her eyes. Jace's fingers twitched but he ignored the pointless desire to touch her hair. No need to worsen his suffering unnecessarily, standing in front of her was enough.

Clary pushed the dampened tendrils behind her ears obliviously and Jace averted his eyes. Maybe that's why they called it falling in love, Jace thought, because he must've fallen. Fallen and hit his head.

"Is Luke gone" Clary asked tentatively. A small pink blush dotted her cheeks as if she was secretly embarrassed about something. Her eyes kept attempting to meet his then fell halfway to the floor. Jace nodded but continued to look away from Clary. It helped his sanity if he didn't have to look at her too long. Each time he felt the desire to stare the reminder of their promise slapped him in the face. "Thanks for… well you know," she inserted awkwardly when Jace made no attempt to speak.

"I am your brother Clary," Jace replied tonelessly. Clary fidgeted where she stood, her fingers stroked the smooth ceramic of a half filled coffee mug. "Are you mad at me" she asked cautiously. Her voice was curious but also slightly hurt. After what she'd experienced this morning, first the discovery and then the shower- Clary didn't think she could handle anymore of the bad persuasion. The blond boy didn't answer right away. His silence caused a small lull in conversation. It lasted only a second but already in Clary's mind millions of different scenario Jace's were dumping her, leaving a million more heartbroken Clary's.

"Jace" the girl called to her brother when he still hadn't answered. A hint of fear crept into her voice and though it was only a trace Jace heard it. "No," he replied slowly, and then looked up carefully at the redhead. Her face was pink with heat Jace believed was irritation; but Clary knew was embarrassment. It was incredibly difficult standing this close to Jace after the vivid daydream she'd had. Each time she looked at him it was like they were in the shower all over again. The feeling was unnerving as it was desirable.

"I just forgot I'd be lying," Jace finally said. His tone was neither bitter nor angry, but it made Clary's stomach sag with guilt. Her teeth bit down on her bottom lip as her eyes lifted to reluctantly lock gaze with Jace. His golden irises were tumultuous, as if the flecks in his eyes were moving and rippling. The perceived motion made staring at him unsettling. Worse was the carefully cultivated mask he once again donned. The passive expression completely obscured his features; hiding any glimmer of the Jace Clary had experienced last night. Sharp pinpricks of pain stabbed her heart.

Jace saw the pain on his sister's face but did nothing to ease it. There was nothing he physically could do that would alleviate Clary's feelings. Touch her, hold her, kiss her- all those things were forbidden to him in the light. Even telling her it would be all right wasn't true and Jace could only handle so many lies at once. How ironic, Jace thought, that his life resembled one of those cheap romance novels Isabelle bought. Dashing hero falls in love with pretty damsel, but they can't be together due to some ridiculous circumstance, that is conveniently found false at just the right moment. The only thing missing in Jace's story was the voracious sex- and nick of time miracle. The blond boy doubted he'd ever be so lucky as to have both.

"What does that mean," Clary asked carefully. The step she took toward Jace was unconscious; almost as undecided as the immediate wave of electricity that suddenly reared and crackled to life between them. Clary struggled to push it back, to ask the question waiting on her lips but the feeling could not be held back. It shoved past her defenses and overwhelmed her. Both hot and intoxicating, it immediately burned away all other thoughts in Clary's mind until all she wanted was to feel the source of this pleasurable sensation within her grasp.

Jace felt it too. Felt that heady rush that consumed everything in a blazing inferno of heat. Felt how it burned through everything- thought, consciousness, obligation until the only thing he was aware of was Clary's mouth hovering just in front of him like the sinful temptation it was. This was impossible, Jace realized. He suddenly had new respect for Isabelle's doomed lovers. No matter how hard they tried, they kept falling back into the same self-destructive pit. Jace knew looking at Clary's hooded eyes and pouted lips, that even if someone gave him a shovel right now- he'd never be able to dig himself out.

Shallow breaths puffed out of Clary's mouth but her head continued to spin. She didn't need air- she needed Jace. As it was her body was leaning into him; her head tilting back as that intoxicating need once again cancelled out any rational thought. It burned the back of Clary's throat, pooled heat in her core and made her heart skip in her chest. This was better than her earlier fantasy. This was real.

Jace was so close to her, within her grasp and yet the binds of their promises both held them back. Clary wanted nothing more than to throw herself at Jace, to release her binds and cast off Jace's mask; watch it fall to a thousand little bits and reveal the glorious Jace she knew lay underneath, but Clary also knew she couldn't. She knew that, though she wanted it more than she could say, the repercussions would leave a more lasting impression than the fleeting joy she would feel. But I need this, Clary told herself. Just one last kiss before I have to pretend.

Jace's eyes were molten gold boring a hole straight through her. His passion filled eyes promised that if Clary moved any closer she'd be on the immediate receiving end. One moment was all Clary wanted; one moment when they didn't have to hide- not yet.

Her throat was too tight; her heart was beating a loud and melodious concerto behind her ribs that thankfully drowned out the guilty voice hissing in her ears. Clary's fingers trembled as she reached into the open air for Jace's hand. Nervousness and fear of rejection made her fingers shake even as the heat from their combined bodies wrapped her hands in warmth.

It was an eternity of time before Clary's fingers met Jace's gold touched skin. Popping fireworks in Clary's stomach exploded upon contact. Jace's skin was smooth, only a few silver white scars disrupting his beautiful gold skin. The caress was light and incredibly gentle but much like last night- this touch struck the match on the gasoline soaked tinder of their efforts and flames engulfed their fraying promise. Jace and Clary finally gave up trying.

The siblings reached for each other at the same time, hands searching desperately for the other's touch. Jace's arms wrapped around Clary's waist as her hands reached for his neck. The feeling was infinitely better than Clary could have imagined. Fiery and passionate, it set Clary's body aflame; kissing her ivory skin with crimson flames only Jace could put out. But Jace didn't put out the flames- he stoked them. His hands around Clary's waist pressed the girl's hips against his, his fingers crept up the fabric of her shirt puckering her skin with his touch.

Jace's body hummed. Clary's tingled. They were greedy with each other, never slowing down the moment like last night, but quickly enjoying what fleeting moments daylight would allow. Jace's scent wafted off his neck and Clary longed to nuzzle it, to kiss the spot and tease the flesh, so everyone could see and know that Jace was hers.

They were two halves of a whole meshing together in a perfect bodily union. Both their hearts swelled at the sense of fullness and completion. As if the universe agreed with their intention a cloud rolled over the sun, casting shadows into the previously lit kitchen and cloaking the pair. Clary's lips pouted, more than ready for the pressure of Jace's mouth. Better than I remembered, she numbly thought as her nose filled with the scent of Jace's minty breath and his lips came crashing down -"Clary you in here." The abrupt voice startled the siblings and Clary stumbled backwards, tripping over herself. Jace-graceful even in a calamity- was a lightning strike suddenly across the room. Without glancing back at Jace, Clary knew that their moment was over. Her heart stung but still she tossed a beseeching look to Jace, who pointedly ignored it. "The car wasn't out front," Simon's voice came from the hall.

"And I thought you might've forgot..." his voice dried up as Clary came into view. Her cheeks were visibly flushed, her eyes frantic, and her hands wrung unnaturally white. But that's not what bothered Simon- it was the obvious look of forgetfulness on her face and then that sudden recovery she put up to spare his feelings. Simon held in a sigh and wondered briefly, what it would be like to have a best friend that didn't forget about you.

"Simon" Clary's voice shot up an octave higher than normal. The brunette boy adjusted his glasses with a slight frown. "The gallery, remember" he said plainly. Clary nodded her head with exaggerated effort. "Yeah I remember," she agreed though it was very clear that she had, in fact, forgotten. Simon's eyebrows twitched but he didn't debate with Clary. He knew she had forgotten once again and he knew why. Jace leaned against the far kitchen wall, picking at his nails, a picture of absolute nonchalance and total arrogance. Simon knew with disgust that he was the reason for Clary's sudden mental lapse.

"What's he doing here" Simon asked uncharitably. Clary's anxious face transformed into an unhappy frown. "Jace needs a place to stay," she answered. "Needed" the arrogant boy put in from the corner. The sound of his voice visibly tensed Clary's shoulders Simon noted pleasantly. Maybe, he thought delightedly, they're finally acting like brother and sister. Not a moment too soon either, Simon decided. Today he was finally going to have that much needed conversation with Clary; the same one Jace had originally interrupted.

The redhead turned and shot Jace a sharp look, though what she was trying to communicate was lost on Simon. "So are we going or not" Simon asked. Clary glanced uncertainly at her brother again. Simon frowned. He'd been planning this day with Clary for weeks. He was the one who'd found the gallery featuring selections from her favorite artist. He was the one who'd suggested they go together. He had even managed to convince the gallery owner, with the aid of a few bills that featuring one Clary Fray original in his next exhibit would sufficiently bring in the new teen clientele he was failing to reach. There was no way in hell that Jace was about to ruin this for Simon. But when Simon caught the tail end of Clary's stern look directed at her brother; his stomach sank with unease.

The redhead turned from her brother and grasped Simon's sleeve, tugging him with surprising force into the hall. The small ivory hand should not have had so much strength, but of course Clary was a Shadowhunter- like Jace.

"I'm sorry Simon but I can't leave Jace alone," Clary said once they stood in the darkening hall. Simon blinked in confusion. She must have been joking- she had to have been. She'd been talking about this gallery opening for a week. There was no way Clary was trying to tell him she couldn't go.

Clary grimaced at Simon's irritated expression. The brunette boy knew as well as she did that it wasn't about leaving Jace alone. If Clary was honest with herself, then she would know that she was afraid Jace would be gone when she came back. No note, no nothing just that lingering feeling of emptiness that always seemed to inhabit her heart after she'd seen Jace. But Clary didn't want to be honest with herself.

"Clary this guy kills demons," Simon retorted dryly, "I think he'll be okay with cable television for a few hours." Clary bit her lip uneasily, "I know that, but he's my brother-"So what, you want to take him with us" Simon asked incredulously. Clary's face lit up and on any other occasion Simon would have found it endearing, but not today. "I knew you'd understand," she said with a quick smile then walked back into the kitchen. Simon stood blinking in awe. Had Clary really just invited Jace out with them? Simon frowned darkly as he loped slowly back into the kitchen. Clary had never missed his sarcasm before, he thought, but it seemed lately she was missing everything.

"You're coming with us," the redhead told Jace as she pulled on a hoodie that'd been left hanging on a wooden chair. The blond looked up from his fingernails, surprised. "What," Jace asked, then glanced at the hallway Simon was still sulking in.

"You run that by your event coordinator," he scoffed, "I thought there was only room enough for two." Clary pulled her damp hair out of her hood. "Don't be stupid it's an open gallery anyone can come," she said. Despite her words Clary's heart was beating far too fast in her chest. "And what if I don't want to come" Jace challenged. Clary blushed at his brusque tone and paused to speak- "Then don't," Simon interrupted.

The girl's head snapped up at the sudden intrusion. It was only a moment ago that she was talking to Simon but Clary found that he'd once again slipped her mind. Her friend simply could not compete with Jace's attention, not even in her thoughts. Clary's lip bowed under the pressure of her teeth and she had a feeling that by the end of the day her bottom lip would be scored with bite marks.

Jace's eyebrows carefully knit together as he watched his sister's woeful expression. Already seeds of guilt grew in Clary's chest, flowering bloody red blooms in the form of an S. Her expression teased something forgotten in Jace's chest. "I'll come," he conceded. He pretended not to notice how Clary's eyes suddenly lit up, but it didn't stop his heart throbbing painfully in his chest.

"But I get any modeling requests- "And that's likely to happen," Simon cut in with a raised brow. A real question was present in his tone but Jace could only think that he was becoming a little too adept at interrupting. "Stranger things have happened" Clary piped up, quickly diffusing the building argument. The twinkle was still in her eyes as Jace strode out of the kitchen past the glaring mundane.

Simon watched Clary's eyes follow Jace until all that was left was a memory of his blond hair. A soft wistful sigh escaped her mouth and Simon's eyes clouded. "Stranger things have happened" he muttered under his breath then followed the Shadowhunter into the hallway.

Clary flinched slightly at Simon's tone but otherwise pretended not to have heard and continued after him. The two boys were waiting for her by Luke's front door. Simon leaned against the doorframe crossing his arms, his mouth tight with frustration. Jace, on the other had, oozed calm; looking only just slightly, like he'd been dragged to his mother's book club. Polite and disinterested- but at the same time wondering how the hell he'd gotten here.

Simon's brown eyes took in the redhead approaching him and before she could come any closer, turned and slipped out the door without a backward glance. He didn't slam the door shut, but he didn't have to- the thought was there. Clary groaned internally- there was once a time when she and Simon never fought- Clary wished it was more than just a distant memory.

"Don't worry about him" Jace said from behind her, "he'll get over it."

"I guess" Clary replied reluctantly, but her mournful expression ebbed as she regarded Jace, obvious concern replacing it. Concern that Jace would no longer fulfill his promise after their second close call today.

Jace's body sagged slightly reading her expression rightly. If only Clary could read his mind. Then she'd know that however wrong he knew it to be, Jace could no longer rescind his offer. There was no backing out now.

"What you said earlier," Clary said slowly, "about how you forgot." Each word stirred an ache in her chest she was sure wouldn't fade. It was incredibly difficult for her to say these words. But if Jace couldn't do this, didn't want to; Clary couldn't force him. Her heart shuddered in her chest. "Forget what I said" Jace replied stepping in close. Clary blinked up in surprise.

"I want you Clary" Jace said in a low voice. His hand reached out and landed heavily on hers. To anyone watching it would appear that Jace was helping her close the door, but Clary could feel the way his thumb rubbed against her skin. How the warmth of his hand sent tingles coursing from the epicenter of her core out to her limbs. "But I'll wait until the sun goes down to have you," Jace promised. "All of you," he whispered into her hair. An echo of a shiver slipped down Clary spine.

She licked her lips nervously but her tongue was dry, there was no saliva in her mouth. "You said…" Nervousness made each word harder to speak. "The lying" Clary whispered. "We lie to live" Jace said, "not live to lie.

Relief was absolute as it flooded through Clary's chest and shone on her face. Joyful delight brightened her smile as Jace allowed his hard mask to slip and let her the tender side he reserved for the cover of night. Clary's mouth opened, possibly to return the sentiment dancing in Jace's eyes but a car horn interrupted before she could.

Clary and Jace's eyes swiveled to the beat up old van, where the agitated mundane sat tapping the wheel; displaying his overt impatience. Irritation twisted Jace's stomach; another moment ruined by the mundane.

"You better go," Jace said after a quick glance at the car stalling at the end of the driveway. Simon's hand lay suspended over the wheel in a silent threat. "Before he gives himself a premature aneurysm" Jace added wryly. Clary's hand trembled slightly as she retracted the key from the lock. The warmth of Jace's hand over hers was like a fitted glove. Breaking the connection was like suddenly dipping her fingers in cold water.

"Tonight" Clary asked softly. Her green eyes were wide and hopeful staring at Jace. The blond boy glanced past her at Simon waiting in the car. "Jace" Clary's anxious tone rang clear in the bright morning. Her eyes were round with worry and Jace wished he could kiss it away. He settled for a slight nod and Clary's tight shoulders relaxed. She pocketed her key and raced down the steps with one last look at Jace.

He was watching her. His posture casual, despite the topic of their conversation, his hands in his pockets; but his eyes- Jace's eyes promised Clary, that however long today was she was in for a much longer night.

A car horn went off cutting through the crisp morning air. Breaking off the stare, Clary turned and jogged toward Simon. She smiled as she ran- repeating Jace's words in her head. Yes, she thought, Tonight was going to be a long night. From behind her running figure Jace smiled in agreement.

Thanks for Reading! And seriously if you even have one measly name of an artist PM me. It would be a great help.[ Also did anyone notice the allusion to the Scarlet Letter. I'm reading it in my English Class. Kudos to anyone who guesses what the scarlet S is- not that much of a challenge but still.]

Thanks again for reading and reviewing.