Colliding Hearts #Wattys2017

Chapter 21- Down Time

"What, what are you doing?" The confused voice of Jace filtered through the air.

It was early morning and Jace had left his and Clary's room and headed towards the library. On his way there he found Emerson sleeping in front of the doors. She was curled up and had what he realized was Alec's blanket wrapped tightly around her.

Her head rested on a pillow Maryse had made for Alec when he had been younger; it being the only thing from his childhood he had kept. Jace had been shocked and curious as to why she was here and wondered when she had come back.

Jace had to all but force Clary to go to bed that night, her worrying over the still missing Emerson. Now here she was, sleeping in front of the library door as if she had never been taken. Jace crouched down and pulled the blanket back, revealing the rest of her face as he studied her.

Alec had told him there were many differences between her and Clary but Jace couldn't see it. When he looked at Emerson he saw Clary, the way she would sleep curled up and against him. The way she stared at him whenever he said something condescending or smart. Perhaps it was simply because everywhere Jace looked he saw Clary.

Maybe that was why Alec could see the differences, he wasn't in love with Clary but rather falling in love with Emerson. Jace grinned at the idea of Alec falling in love with a Fray and he wondered what moment it had been for Alec to realize he was falling.

"Stop staring." Emerson muttered in a sleepy voice as she slowly peeked her eyes open. Their eyes met and Jace grinned, not bothering to stand even as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"Why aren't you in your room?" Jace questioned as she yawned. Emerson gave him an odd look before standing and stretching.

"I don't have one," She said as she started to walk off, leaving the blanket and pillow. Jace groaned as he picked them up and followed the still sleepy looking girl.

"Why do you have Alec's blanket and pillow, I thought you were rooming with him?" Jace questioned as Emerson glanced at him before taking the blanket from him and wrapping it around her shoulders.

"I took them, how else would I have gotten them? Why are you up so earlier?" She muttered as Jace realized she was leading them to Alec's room.

"I always get up this early." Jace replied as they reached Alec's room.

Without knocking Emerson flung the door open and stepped in, flicking the light on and staring at the sleeping form of Alec. He lay on his side with his arm hanging off of the bed. His bare chest was visible and his head was flat on the mattress and he looked as if he had been sleeping without a blanket.

All he had own was a pair of black sweats and Jace could picture the fiery haired girl taking the pillow and blanket and leaving without saying anything. She seemed the type to just do things and not explain her actions until she felt like she needed too.

"He wouldn't share." Emerson said as she glanced to a smirking Jace.

"I've got an idea." Jace whispered as he gently laid the pillow on the floor and forced Emerson out of the blanket before pulling her out of the room and gently shutting the door.

Jace guided her towards the kitchen before filling up a pot of cold water. Emerson didn't say anything as she wondered next to Jace as they slowly went back to Alec's room. Emerson slowly opened the door and they both peeked inside. Seeing that Alec was still sleeping them both crept inside and Emerson motioned for Jace to wait for the count of three.

It was in that moment that Jace knew he was going to enjoy Emerson being there, no matter how odd or blunt she was. He could see a beautiful friendship blooming between them and he looked forward to spending days with her. When she held up three fingers Jace poured the water on Alec, jumping back as Alec shot up, swearing loudly.