Fourtris Meets Clace

Chapter 6 - Clary

CLARY

I set my suitcase and bags down on the double bed in Tris's spare room. The suitcase is pretty heavy. I didn't pack - Isabelle did, and that's why it's kinda weighty. She always packs double the amount of clothes, even though she barely wears anything. Isabelle likes to show off her runes and her pale, Marked skin, even though there are thousands of white scars and calluses from demon battles covering her entire body. Yeah. Like I need to change three times a day. I'm only staying for two weeks! And plus, I'm sure Tris will let me wash my clothes.

Jace carries a single suitcase and a backpack.

"Are you kidding me?" I ask. I'm serious. He laughs and says, "Yep."

"So I'm here, carrying an 'abnormal load' and three bags, and you have a light suitcase and a bag that is the same size as my school bag from elementary," I tell him. I'm actually kinda peeved off.

Jace walks towards me, serious now. "I don't need many clothes," he says quietly. "I have you. I can survive with you."

He kisses my cheek and puts his hands on my shoulders. I stare up, into his gorgeous golden eyes, and reach up to touch my lips with his, ever so lightly.

"That's really cheesy," I say.

"Well, don't you think this place is kinda cheesy?" he replies. I feel a bit shocked by that - I mean, it's a decent apartment. And Tris and Tobias didn't have to give up their spare room for us.

"Not really," I say.

"I think it is," Jace continues. "Look, the bed is tiny. And plus, it kinda smells in here."

What is wrong with him?

This annoys me a bit, so before I turn round and argue with him over his down-right rudeness, I take a deep breath, and go to look out the window. It's a nice view - there's a lot of houses behind this one. To the left of my view is a small allotment, and in three of the gardens I can spot a pool.

"Clary?" Jace says, uneasily. I don't answer, just in case I blow. I know I shouldn't get this annoyed at his opinion, but today has been quite hard. I hate flying, and Chicago is quite a long way away from New York. Also, I'm in a very bad mood. I really don't need this.

Suddenly I feel cool hands on my stomach. "I'm sorry," he says. He's wrapped his arms around me, and his head leans on my right shoulder. I can feel him breathing - his stomach touches the small of my back. "I need to keep my opinions to myself."

"It's okay," I say, truthfully. "I just wanted to make sure I didn't blow up. That would have been messy. I've had a tough day today."

"I know," he tells me quietly. "We'll eat something in a minute, and then you can get to bed."

With that, I hear a knock on the door. Jace takes his hands from around my waist and goes to sit on the bed.

"Come in," he calls.

Tris enters the room, holding a yellow leaflet. She holds it up, smiling awkwardly. "Takeout?" she says. "I know, it's not the best, but Tobias and I only just discovered it, and we love it. Here's the menu." She flings it at us. Jace catches it and opens it up. Lucky Dragon Chinese Cuisine, I read as I walk over and lean my chin on his shoulder, peering at the options. I put my hands lightly on his ribcage.

"Let me know what you want," Tris tells us. "I'll pay, as well. You are guests." With a smile, she leaves.

"She's nice," I say. It's true. I do like Tris. She's a bit awkward, like me, but she seems generally kind and hospitable. Tobias... I guess he's okay, but personally I think he's a bit aggressive. I don't say anything, just in case Tris is eavesdropping on our conversation.

"She's alright, I guess," Jace says. "Nice of her to lend us this room."

Trying to make up for earlier - that's what I love about him.