Clace Best Friends (Slow Updates)

15. The Kingston General Store

Jace

"I'm sorry, I should've given you time to change. Angel! Your probably uncomfortable wearing that, I'm sorry," I apologize profusely. I'm such an idiot! That 5 minute activity would've saved Red a lot of uncomfortableness.

"Golden boy, it's okay. I'm not exactly comfortable in this now that some guy...........but before, I was okay. I didn't even realize," Red tries to make me feel better.

At the Pony Canyon Motel

"Red, what else is in your mom's bag?" I ask. Red dumps the backpack out on the bed.

"I think it's safe to call it my bag now, golden boy," Red replies. "Let's see. There's my mom's special necklace.......a sweatshirt for me, a sweatshirt for her, a shirt for me, a shirt for her, a pair of jeans for her, a pair of sweatpants for me, undergarments, a few pictures, my stuffed bear, my award for student of the month from 8th grade, and....200 dollars.

"Can you repack it, so I can fit more stuff in there?" I ask.

"There's already a lot of room, but sure. The pictures, award, and necklace can go in a hidden compartment. I could roll the clothes to make them take up less space, and put the cash in your car safe. Why?" Red asks.

"Red, my backpack has 3 pants, 5 shirts, 1 swearshirt, underwear, socks, hygiene things, a bunch of burner phones, a compass, a US map, a knife, a pencil, a pad of paper, a ruler, two water bottles, a thermos, and a little bit of money that's not in the safe."

"When did you pack that?" Red asks. That's all she has to ask me?

"Before your mom called me to come over and stay with you while she went to talk to her friend, detective Luke. I knew then that I wasn't going to leave you. Now, you can't live off of two outfits. We are going to stop at a store and get some supplies for you. It would be best if we go early, so not as many people are there. You up for some shopping?" Normally I hate shopping, but I want Red to have some fun with it.

"I....I've never really been shopping before. Valentine didn't give us much money, so 4 times a year, we just went to the store, quickly bought the cheapest clothes that could cover our bruses, and returned home, so He didn't get mad that we took too long," Red confesses. Izzy would go nuts if she didn't get to shop at least once a week, let alone 4 times a year. Ugh! They had to get clothes that covered their bruses! What kind of bastard does this to their family!

I quickly search on my phone for stores. "Well, we're going to the Kingston General Store. It's about a half hour from here, but it's the only store near here," I say.

"Okay, are you sure you want to go? Shopping doesn't seem like something you like doing," Red replies. Seriously? Do I want to go there? When will she just let me take care of her?!

"Yes, Red. We're going, so we've got to repack our bags then we'll go," I manage.

At the Kingston General Store

"Kelly, do you see anything you like?" I ask.

"Thomas, we really don't have to do this," Red replies. Nothing like Izzy.

"Nonsense, let's find some clothes," I reply. After a few minutes, Red has manged to find 3 shirts, which are modest to say the least. She also has a pair of black jeans. "Kelly, what about the....under clothes. You need more of those too," I awkwardly say.

Red's face blushes deep red. "How about I get a few things and meet you at the check out," Red quietly replies.

I nod and walk to the checkout with her other clothes. I find a little name tag that says Kelly and I have an idea. How cool would it be if I got a name tag of all of our names during out trip, just to make it less....blunt?

Red comes back with a white bra, a package of underwear, hygine things, and a 3-pack of socks. Her face is crimson as she places them on the counter with the other stuff. "Hello, thank you for shopping at Kingston General Store. Your total is $85.40," the clerk says. I grab my wallet.

Red looks at me like I'm an alien. "I'm paying for this Kelly," I smile at her.

"Thomas, really you don't have to. I'll still have 114 dollars and 60 cents," Red explains.

"Kelly, let me buy this for you, please," I plea. Never thought I'd be arguing to buy a girl clothes.

"You're sure," Red confirms. I nod and hand the cashier 86 dollars in 6 ten dollar bills, 5 five dollars bills, and 1 one dollar bill. The bank I kept my money in gave me my savings in small bills, to avoid any attention.

We silently walk out of the store. I think Red might be in shock. "Thank you Jace," Red says as soon as we're in the car and the doors are closed. "I should've said it earlier, but I wanted to be able to call you your real name, when I thanked you."

"It was nothing Red. I'm sorry your first real shopping experience had to be with me in a Kingston General Store in the middle of Nevada in blonde hair under a fake name," I respond.

Red takes my hand. "Jace, if it weren't for you, I might not even be alive. Our circumstances aren't ideal, but, for me, they're better than what I had," Red makes me feel better. She's really good at that, making me feel better. "I don't have to pretend anymore. I feel free."

"You don't have to pretend. I'll always be here, no matter what?" I reply encouragingly.

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Do you like clothes shopping, why or why not?

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'm done and it'll be random.

Originally posted: 4/5/18