Roommates & Soulmates

Ch169: Clary's Comfort

Despite him being his usual annoying self, Clary had a really great time on Sunday with Magnus. It was wonderful to catch up and enjoy each other's company. With everything that had happened to her since she'd gotten home from Paris Clary had come to appreciate her friends more and more.

Soon enough Monday came around and Magnus had to go back to work, which meant Clary had an interview to attend.

"What do you feel are your greatest strengths?" the intimidating lady sitting across from her asked.

"Strengths, right," Clary began nervously. "Well I'm punctual and hardworking. I have a pretty wide open schedule since I've only got three classes this coming semester, and it's my last semester."

"That's all very well and good," the lady replied. There was something about her voice that commanded respect, which was not helping Clary to be less nervous. "But what do you feel you, as an individual, can contribute to this business?"

Clary thought about that for a moment. If she was being honest there wasn't a single thing she could contribute, but job interviews were about finding something positive to say, even if you felt like dirt. "As I'm sure you read on my resume, I majored in design," Clary began. "All kinds from computer graphics to textiles." She paused, hoping this would sound as good out loud as it had in her head. "There is a design and art to everything, even the displays in a clothing store. The human eye is simple. It follows certain patterns like clockwork. I have a couple ideas for the displays that might draw in a few extra customers."

The lady smiled at her. "It is usually the manager who arranges the displays," she said. "But I like the initiative."

Clary just smiled, hoping that was a good thing rather making it sound like she wanted to run the place before she was even hired.

After a few easier to answer questions Clary was allowed to leave with the promise of a phone call. She breathed a sigh of relief as she left the room. There was just something so nerve racking about an interview. This wasn't her first job interview, but somehow - no matter how many she did - she was always nervous. Clary had been job hunting since June; it was now August and yet Clary still didn't have a job.

As Clary made her way home, she thought about how it was still strange that home now meant Malec's place. Either way it was definitely where her clothes were, and she so wanted to change out of this fancy pants interview outfit. Both Magnus and Alec were at work today, so the house would be empty unless Paige decided to grace them with her presence. Clary chuckled, but then remembered where she'd be if she wasn't home. Brother. Kissing her brother. Clary made a face.

"Only have yourself to blame," Clary mumbled, with a sigh as she got to the door. Putting the key in the lock Clary realized the door was already unlocked. Cautious, but mostly curious, Clary walked in and instantly needed her eyes washed out.

The sound of the door had startled them. Jon and Paige disentangled from each other to turn and face the door.

"Just Clary," Jon said easily, before turning back to kiss his girlfriend.

"Well who did you think it was?" Paige laughed, swerving out of the way of his kiss to address her friend. "I thought you were gonna be out this morning."

"I had a job interview," Clary said. "But now I want to change. This blouse is itchy."

"Fair enough," Paige laughed.

Clary was grateful to Paige for not continuing their make out session as she made it across the room and down the hall. Once her -- or rather Paige's -- bedroom door closed behind her, Clary put effort into not thinking about what was happening in the other room.