Shadowhunters: Clace Fluff

Chapter 3: Oh, Mom!

Mom turned to Luke and kissed his cheek. I take the chance to kiss Jace, on the lips, he puts an arm around my shoulders, but we pull away just as mom does.

Jace's arm is still over my shoulders.

"You ready to go, Clary?" Mom asks me.

"Yes, mom." I nod. Jace lowers his arm to my hand, and I lay my hand on his.

She grabs my other hand from over the table. "Let's go!" She says. I know she is excited, but I honestly want to sleep, I didn't get much sleep last night...

"Okay, okay!" I say, smiling as we get out if the booth. "Bye, Luke!" I say, and my mom waves at Jace, who is smiling at us, widely. "Bye, Jace!" I say, and he waves at us.

"Bye, Jocelyn!" Luke says, and mom lets go of my hand to hug the now standing Luke, and they start to whisper.

"Later, baby..." Jace says, sliding in front of me. He grabs my hand, and kisses my fingers.

"Goodbye, love..." I say, and he smiles at me. I smile, and he lets my hand go.

"Okay, Clary, let's go!" Mom says, and takes my hand. I put the other hand to my chest, the hand Jace kissed, and look behind me at him. He puts his hand in his pockets and smiles at me. Luke walks over to Jace and starts talking to him. Jace talks back, but doesn't look away until I do.

***

"Mom, this is not what I thought you meant when you said, 'shopping'." I say, glaring down at the flowing pink dress around my body.

"Actually, I didn't tell you anything. I told Jace." She said, hands on her hips.

"Well, I was with him." I say, shrugging.

"So, Clary, which one was your  favorite?" She asks, and I go back in the changing room.

"The tee shirt with the flannel. I also liked the ripped jeans." I say, coming out of the changing room.

"Pick a dress, for tonight." Mom smiles.

"Ugh!" I say, and take another look at the dresses. "The teal one that is tight." I guess.

"That's the one that has the           v-neck?" Mom said, with a thin line of a mouth.

"Unless you wanna sew it yourself, mom." I shrug. She gives me a little frown and rolls her eyes.

"I'll buy it. So, what do you want to do next?"

"Mom! You've already bought me like 10 outfits! I don't know where to go," I smile at her. She smiles back.

"Anything for you, Clare Bear."

"Oh, Mom! I'm to old for Clare Bear!" I say, and I blush widely.

"What's wrong with the old Clare Bear?"

"Mom! It's embarrassing, and is the nickname for a two year old! I'm 16!"

"I'm just giving you a two year old nickname because your dress is a dress for a teenager." Mom says, and we are in the checkout line.

"Mom! I am a teenager! I'm turning seventeen in twenty days!" I whine. She looks at me with a sad expression.

"Seventeen? Whoa! No, no, no. You have grown up so fast." She says.

"Oooh! That's why you wanted a shopping spree. Because you wanted some time with me before I turn seventeen." I say, nodding and understanding.

"Well, I guess. Also, you act so adult. You used to be so fragile, and innocent. Now look at you. The marks... the training... the Institute... a boyfriend!" Mom says, and we walk out of the store with a bag.

"Mom, don't tell me we are right back where we started. I thought you were warming up to Jace! He-"

"I am, I am. Jace is fine, Clary. You just- oh, we never discussed boyfriends or anything, and here you are, learning it by yourself." I can tell her heart is thudding.

"Mom, I don't need you to tell me about boys. Much less Jace. I know Jace so well." I shake my head. She starts the car.

"That's what I'm sad about."

"That I know Jace?"

"That you don't need me to tell you about boys- including Jace." She sighs, and we are driving.

"A lot has happened, mom. We can't change it, only make the best out of it. I don't have a favorite part, I only know that I wouldn't change it. It strengthened our relationship, Mom. Not as many lies. Everyone is happier! Including Luke and yourself... And Jace and I." I smile, I can't help it. Just talking to my mom about my boyfriend is so cliche.

She sighs. "I guess your right."

We both sit in the car silently for a minute, and then, my mom slips her hand in mine. "Stop growing up." She whispers.

"I can't promise that." I smile, and she gives me a little grin.