Author's Note: The beginning of the chapter is a bit...icky.

Clary

I wake up and run to the bathroom as the feeling of nausea sweeps over me. I hastily open the door and open the toilet lid just as I'm about to vomit. Not even a second later, I realize I didn't turn the lit light on and there's water running. Crap! Jace is in the shower! "Clary, is that you?" Jace calls from the shower.

"Yeah," I manage through breaths. Vomit travels to my mouth and I throw up in the toilet some more. I hear the water turn off. I know Jace said he didn't expect sexual favors, but what if he's mad? I entered his private space, accidently, but still. What if he's going to make me? My body trembles slightly. This was all going so well. I....I... Tears form in my eyes. Maybe this is punishment for entering the bathroom? "Clary, can you turn your head please?" Jace asks, still in the shower.

"Y...yeah," I whisper. I turn my head and wait. I hear the shower door open and then some shuffling.

"Okay, you can turn your head now," Jace instructs. My eyes stay on the toilet, so I can't see him. I can't believe this is happening again! I though it was over.

"Clary," Jace walks toward me. "Do you want me to hold your hair or is it better if you do this by yourself?" H....he's going to make me t....take him in my mouth? If he holds my hair, it'll hurt more. But....Sebastian never asked. Is this a trick? Like, if I choose the wrong answer, the punishment is worse. Maybe he likes holding the person down.......

"H....hold my hair p...please," I manage. Tears silently fall, but he can't seem them under my crazy morning hair. Suddenly, I feel the pads of his fingers slowly run through my hair to my scalp, collecting it. Why is he being gentle? Isn't this a punishment? Is he expecting me to do most of the work? I turn my head slighly to look at his...crotch area. He's wearing pants and a shirt.

Our eyes meet, and his mesmerizing eyes stare deep into mine. "Do you need something Clary?" Jace asks. I flick my eyes back to the toilet. My hands travel to his pants. His hands release my hair and grab my hands quickly.

"Do you need help up?" Jace asks irritated.

"N...no, I'll be able to.....satisfy you from here," I whisper, ashamed.

Jace releases my hands immediately. "Satisfy me?" Jace echoes. Why is he acting like he doesn't know? Is this part of it? Act like an innocent person?

"I....I'm sorry I came in here," I whimper. Maybe he wants me to admit fault, so he can punish me?

"It's okay. What else could you have done?" Jace asks chastising me. Maybe if I answer right, he won't be as rough on me?

"I could've knocked. I should've knocked. I could've tried to hold it in better. I could've....." think! You useless idiot! "I could've swallowed it. I should've done something else, I'm sorry," I whimper. Jace kneels down next to me. What is he doing? This doesn't make any sense......

"Clary, I'm not mad at you. I was defending you. You did the best you could in the situation. I asked if I could hold your hair because I didn't know if you were done vomiting. I'm not looking for satisfaction," Jace sighs. "I told you I sexual favors aren't a part of the deal." I thought he was punishing me. "So, what made you think I was expecting one now?" Jace asks gently.

Should I tell him? "I...I thought you were punishing me because I entered the bathroom while you were showering," I explain.

"Why?" Jace asks confused.

"When I did something Se-nevermind," I reply. Change the subject! Change the subject! "So, do you have any Halloween plans?" I ask randomly.

Jace seems confused. I know that was totally random, okay. It's the first thing my brain thought of. Sebastian and scary things go together in my head. "My work has a Halloween party on the October 27, the Saturday before," Jace responds.

"That sounds fun," Clary replies.

Jace has a light bulb moment. "I actually have a plus one. I haven't used it in past years because I've never had anyone, but if you're up for it, I'd appreciate the company," Jace offers. What? We just went from punishment to partying in seven seconds flat. My head gets dizzy. I sway a little.

"I'm sorry," Jace winces. "Let's get some warm tea and maybe some fruit in you."

"Thank you," I smile. Jace stands up and helps me up. Then, he guides us down the stairs. Once we reach the dining room, he sets me in a chair.

"Today is going to be a resting day for you," Jace announces. "I'll be doing paperwork in my room, so don't hesitate to call my name if you need me."

"Okay, thank you," I reply. Jace puts the kettle on the stove and gets some pineapple chunks, grapes, watermelon chunks, and strawberries from the refrigerator. Then, he puts a few of each in two bowls.

Ten minutes later, Jace sits with me. Then, he smiles mischievously. "What?" I giggle.

Suddenly, my face is sprayed with whip cream. Oh, that little butt head! I sit still and extend my lower lip, so I'm pouting. Jace grabs a strawberry, sprays it with whip cream, and eats it, ignoring me. I grab the whip cream and pretend to put it on a piece of watermelon, but as soon as Jace isn't looking, I plop it on his nose. Jace grabs my hand, with the spoon still in it, and makes eye contact. Crap! His eyes are still playful as he murmurs, "Big mistake." I grab my hand and run to the living room. He's going to get me. I should hide! A smile is glued on my face as I crouch behind the big chair in the living room. I haven't had this much fun in a long time.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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 do and it'll be random.

Originally posted: 1/8/19