Jace

I wake up to Clary peacefully sleeping on my side. Rather than moving, I stay still and observe. If Clary caught me, she'd probably think I'm creepy, but she's so mesmerizing. After a while, Clary stirs a little. "Good morning my love," I smile at Clary. Crap! I did it again! I....I just don't know what to call her as a term of affection. Everyone calls her Clary, so when we're alone, I want a special name for her. 'Love' just seems....natural.

"Good morning," Clary sleepily replies. She squeezes her arms around me. "Your such a comfy pillow. I must've fallen asleep."
Clary's smile radiates happiness.

"I'm glad to be of service love," I respond. Clary hits my chest lightly. "What do you want to do this morning?" I ask. Keep letting her decide. It'll (hopefully) help her feel more comfortable and safe with you.

"Okay, this may seen slightly unorthodox. How do you feel about......just sitting on the couch and listening to music together? I could play some of my favorites, and then you could play some of yours. It'd be like karaoke at home," Clary nervously offers.

Huh? That could be fun? "I'd like that. It'll be so much fun," I reply. Clary smiles at me, and goes to grab her IPod. I find my phone in my back pocket. What songs should I share with her? What if she doesn't like them? These are a part of me. What will I do? No! You have to pull it together and take this step. I'm sure she'll at the very least like the songs I pick. I find a piece of paper and write out a list.

Perfect- Ed Sheeran
Castle on the Hill- Ed Sheeran
Happier- Ed Sheeran
Fix you- Coldplay
Stand by you- Rachel Platten
Let Her Go- Passenger

I hear footsteps and shove the list into my pocket. Clary reclaims my side as her pillow. "You can go first love," I smile at her.

"Okay," Clary quietly replies. "So....how exactly does this work?"

"You're the one who came up with it, you decide," I respond. Keep the control and power with her. She needs this! If you end up listening solely to Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato break up songs, then so be it.

"Okay, we could just....take turns. I'll pick a song, then you pick a song," Clary explains. "We can just feel out the rest as it comes." I nod and she goes to her IPod to find her first choice. See Beneath Your Beautiful, by Labrinth feat. emeli sandè.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAdWBBOIYm0

I love this song! I can't believe she listens to this song too! Clary's eyes close as she leans into me, just soaking in the song. I close my eyes and we get tangled in the song.

Would you let me see beneath your beautiful?

Would you let me see beneath your perfect?

Take it off now girl, take it off now girl.

I wanna see inside.

Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight?

"Well, that was a great starter, " I smile at her.

"Really, you liked it?" Clary questions.

"Yes, are you kidding me. That song is amazing," I answer.

"Thanks, but I do believe it's your turn now," Clary comments. How do I even come close to that? What if she doesn't like it? "Jace, I know it's nerve racking, but I promise I won't judge."

I nod and find my playlist in my phone. "Okay, here it goes," I mumble. Stand By you, by Rachel Platten.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-urmcz2RSwI

What if this song is too girly? I....I like it, but what if Clary thinks I'm stupid for listening to it? Clary looks at me and I know I've messed up. Shit! Why didn't you pick something better?

Hands, put your empty hands in mine.

And scars, show me all the scars you hide.

And hey, if your wings are broken
Please take mine so yours can open too.

'Cause I'm gonna stand by you.

Oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes.

And hurt, I know you're hurting, but so am I.

And love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine so yours can open too.

'Cause I'm gonna stand by you.

The song has barely ended. "I'm sorry....that was a bad song. I....I'll try to......do be....better next....t.....time," I stutter.

"Jace.......that was beautiful. You picked perfectly," Clary begins. "I want you to feel safe expressing yourself around me. Whoever yourself is, I'm sure it's your best version; it's you and no one can ask for anything better. All I want from you is you." She's not mad! I didn't mess up! She just wants me?

"Thank you Clary, that means a lot to me," I reply. "Now it's your turn."

Clary smiles at me with a playful smile. She bites her bottom lip and her eyes soften. "Okay, as soon as I heard Stand By You, I knew exactly what I wanted to play next," Clary says. "I....I'm a little nervous....."
Then, I hear True Colors, by Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la0-5QFLr14

And I see your true colors
Shining through.

I see your true colors, and that's why I love you.

So don't be afraid (don't be afraid) to let them show.

Your true colors, true colors are beautiful. (you're beautiful, oh)

Like a rainbow.

Oh oh oh oh oh like a rainbow.
Mmm mmm

"What did you think?" Clary nervously asks me.

"I love it. This is so much easier than I thought it would be. I'm glad we're taking the time to really get to know eachother. We've found a new way to express ourselves," I explain. She smiles at me.

"I've got another idea," Clary suggests.

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I do not own any of the Mortal Instruments books, materials, etc. All credit belongs to Cassandra Clare.

Author's Note:
I hope you all like it! Please leave comments, votes, and feedback. I'm going to update, when I'm done and it'll be random.

Originally posted: 3/18/18