Safe Place | j.h

21: Wanna Dance?

Jace stared at his watch, he had said he would be at her door at 7:30, and he was. Jace didn't want to be early so he waited. He tugged on the collar of his suit, the tie nearly choking him or at least that's how it felt. Nervous was a good that could be used to describe him.

Emery opened the door. She wore a black two piece that showed a slice of her abdomen, peeking out was a single rune that Jace couldn't make out. Her hair fell over her shoulders, he was sure that she spent at least twenty minutes figuring out how to place it. The bottom half of her dress hugged her hips just enough to not fall down. She was also wearing heels, which was ma odd sight. Emery always had combat boots on, the only real difference of style between her and Izzy.

The small dagger necklace she always wore was replaced by a golden chain male that formed to her skin. Emery wanted her dagger necklace back. It was the dagger that each member of the Task Force had received. It was one of her most prized possession, and to not be wearing it made her feel out of place.

Jace's mouth hung slightly as he breathed threw it, "You look-" He paused trying to think of a word, "You look beautiful." Beautiful was the best word to describe her, it had been forever since Jace had seen her dressed for such an event. She looked like an angel, simply beautiful.

"Thank you." Emery said, "You look-" She tilted her head and made a face at him, "Alright." Jace laughed heartily, letting her brush passed him, before he chased after her and cornered her to the wall. Emery smiled at him, it was more of a smirk.

"I get all dress up for you and you say I look alright?" His tone was joking and a smile played on Jace's face. Emery's smile widened before she pressed her lips to his cheek and dragged him down the hall.

The lights in the hall were dimmed, just enough to make it look romantic. Emery looked at all the people and suddenly felt sick, she hadn't been in a room filled with this many people in years. She stopped, Jace continued to move only for a second. Jace turned back to look at her, the smirk that had been on his face was replaced with a slight frown that showed only concern.

When Jace looked back at her he saw her eyes glossed with fear, "Emery." Emery looked away from everyone else in the room. For a moment it was just her a Jace, standing on the stairwell. Jace didn't know what else to say, but when Emery started down the stairs again he knew he hadn't needed to do anything else. Just needed to be there.

Over by the back table they found Simon and Izzy, Alec and Magnus, and Clary. Clary was talking to them with a smile, not at all minding she was alone. She was enjoying being single, not being responsible for anyone but herself. There was a small pause when Emery and Jace joined the group.

"Emery," Clary said, "You look amazing." Clary smiled brightly before hugging Emery, Emery hugged and mumbled a compliment back.

The groups huddled and talked, about anything and everything. Jace and Emery spouting witty comments every few seconds, leaving everyone else with smiles on their face. Jace was happy to see Alec with his arm proudly wrapped around Magnus' shoulders. Jace was happy that Magnus allowed Alec to be proud of himself.

Jace stopped talking mid sentence, his face changed from a sly smirk to a smile. "Emery, wanna dance?" Jace said with the shrug of his shoulder. Emery smiled before legging Jace lead her to the floor.

Emery was sure they looked awkward, swaying back and forth with arms tossed around each other. Jace was looking at her, she was looking down at his chest. Jace would feel her pulse, it was elevated.

"I'm not going to bite you." Jace teased, as he whispered in her ear. "I mean not yet at least." She laughed, finally looking back up at him. Jace was smiling down at her, he was only a few inches taller then she was. So his nose brushed the top of her head.

"You know I thought that this would be more-"

"Climatic?" Jace said, smirking. Emery flicked the back of his head. His mouth hung open and he laughed for a solid minute at himself.

"Awkward." Emery finished, "I thought it would be more awkward."

Jace laughed again, "Emery I really don't think you and I have ever been awkward." His voice was smooth and steady. Sure he was nervous but not enough for him to throw up or run, Jace didn't run. He wasn't lying, he had never felt awkward with Emery. Jace always felt at home with her.

She thought for a moment, "You're right."

"I'm always right." Jace smirked. Emery laughed at him, then dropped her head onto his shoulder. Jace pulled her closer to him, then took a deep breath. She smelled like metal and sugar, he wasn't sure how those went well together but she wore them well. Jace snaked his arms over her shoulder blades, they were exposed and her skin was smooth.

Emery rose her head from his shoulder as the song ended. She licked her lips, Jace nearly threw his head badly, she was teasing him. She leaned her head towards his and pressed her lips to his. Jace smiled against her lips. The kiss was soft and quick before she pulled away from him.

"You're such a tease." Jace hissed thought his smile.

Emery nodded and began pulling them off the dance floor, "And you love it." Jace hung his head back in defeat. She was right, he did loved it. Emery wrapped her arms around him as they rejoined the group.

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A/N
Word Count: 1008

I'm thinning only a few more chapters....