Clace (Liberty High School) (Completed)

16. The Conversation

Jace

"Red......I don't like the way Sebastian looks at you, because it's degrading," I half-lie. Red.......I don't like the way he looks at you, because it's degrading and it disgusts me. I like you and seeing him look at you like that makes me want to punch his face. Maybe...I'm a little jealous too, I want to say, but I don't because she's just been through something with Sebastian. She only wants you to be her friend. You need to respect her decision.

"Jace.....I'm really tired. I appreciate your care for me, but can we talk about this later?" Red yawns.

"Yeah, no problem," I smile. I guess it'll have to wait for another time!

She snuggles closer to me. I rest my hands around her waist and her spine touches my chest.

Red tosses and turns restlessly during the night and I cannot fall asleep. I must doze off.

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I open my eyes and see red curls. I want to watch her sleep serene, but we have to get to school. "Hey, Red. We've got to go to school today. Plus, Izzy doesn't know you're here," I sensually whisper in her ear.

"I know, I know," Red replies. Then, my phone starts ringing.

"It's Izzy. Oh crap! She probably realized I'm not in my room. What am I gonna do? What is she gonna say? Oh, jeeze, what should I say?" I babble.

"You're with a girl named......Brittany Johnson...at her house. Hurry answer it, before you miss her call!" Red exclaims.

Jace: Hey, Izzy. What's up?

Izzy: Where are you?

Jace: I'm at a girls house. Ah....I think she said her name was Brittany Johnson.

Izzy: Ugh, whatever man-whore. I'll see you at school, that is if you decide to grace us with you're presence. *Hangs up

"Red, what do I do now?" I ask panicking.

"Okay, I think I may have left a shirt here. I can just change into that. As for you, wait in here...with me, until Simon picks Izzy up, then go get clothes quickly," Red replies.

"Oh no, I think I hear someone. Quick hide in the closet!" I whisper-yell as we bolt for the closet. Quietly, we get in, but there's barely enough room to get the door shut. Red is against the free wall and I'm pushed up next to her, trying to breathe normally as I feel myself getting excited. Really Jace Angel! You need to stop it, now! What if she realizes and you scare her! Awwwww you idiot! Okay, just breathe normally. Don't smile! Don't laugh! And Angel don't let her see your arousal!

"Jace are you okay?" Red whispers into my ear. Damn it Red!

"Y....yeah.....I'm fine" I manage.

"You seem really tense," Red observes. Awwwww.....crap! She knows! Come up with a reason!

"Well, I'm kinda squished in here with you, that's all," I defend.

"I.....I'm sorry," Red looks down. Damn it! You didn't say the right thing again! Make it better, you fool!

"Red......I didn't.....I didn't mean.....it....like that," I stutter.

"It's.....it's okay.....It's get it. I'm not exactly the best person to be stuck in a closet, let alone a small closet, where we have to be so close," Red chokes back tears.

"No, Red," I manage. "Ugh, I....I've got to go. I...just can't do this right now. I'm sorry," I deflect and walk out of the closet. Carefully, I make my way back to my room. Then I realize, I just left Red alone in a room she's not supposed to be in. Damn it! Go back and help her! I wall back into the room. "Red, I'm sorry," I begin, but the words catch in my throat, when I see Red cutting her arm in the bathroom. You did this to her, you did this! She's doing this because you're a weak, stupid, ass. "Oh, Red, please stop," I beg. I cannot stand the idea of holding the razor, so I reach down and grab it from her hand. "Ouch," I wince when I poke my finger. Scarlet blood seeps from my finger. "Red, I'm sooooooo sorry." I get down to the floor and grab towels to clot her arms. "Red, why?" I manage trying to remain tearless. Why would she hurt herself like that! I hate that she's hurting like that...ugh!

"I....I'm embarrassed. Why.....did you come in....here?" Red stutters, her cheeks radiating heat.

"I realized that I wasn't a good friend, just leaving you, especially since you totally misinterpreted what I was trying to say earlier," I explain.

"I.....it's okay," Red cries. "I understand. Yo....you've seen my scars and....you know.....how disgusting I am. People.....they always leave.....I....I get it......it's okay....I shouldn't have expected.....you.....to be anything for me.....I can't.....give you anything in return. You shouldn't waste your time on......me. There's......nothing for you to gain out of it.

"I want to help you.....because I........I care about you. I don't need to get anything "in return." I make quotes with my fingers. "You will NEVER be a waste of time. YOU HEAR ME!" I shout and shake her.

"Jace.....we've got to go to school," Red replies avoiding eye contact.

"Red, no," I decide. "We're not going to school today. One, we need to talk about this. Two, you've just cut your arm. I need to take a look at it, sterilize it, and bandage it properly. Three, after last night, it may do you some good to stay away from Sebastian for a day, so he can cool down. Four, you didn't get much sleep, I know for a fact."

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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:
This is my first fanfic. I hope you guys like it! Please leave comments, votes, and feedback. I'm going to update, when I'm done and it'll be random.

Originally posted: 1/10/18