{"id":1855,"date":"2018-02-05T20:59:42","date_gmt":"2018-02-05T18:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/?p=1855"},"modified":"2018-02-05T20:59:42","modified_gmt":"2018-02-05T18:59:42","slug":"a-strange-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/a-strange-job\/","title":{"rendered":"A Strange Job"},"content":{"rendered":"
This entry is in the series Shadowhunter AUs<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Author's Note<\/strong>: I started this year full of good intentions, wanting to finish my WIPs instead of constantly starting new stuff. But this was really just waiting to happen, because it will never not be hilarious that Izzy asks Simon about strippers and ends up with Jace at Alec's bachelor party. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you up for something a bit strange?\u201d the female voice on the phone asks, and Jace rolls his eyes, suppressing an exasperated sigh.<\/p>\n

Instead he thinks of his rent and replies as civilly as possible, \u201cDepends on how strange. Anything that includes touching is out of the question, dressing up like the Hulk or pretending to be your first grade teacher or whatever fantasy floats your boat is okay with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you get requests like that often?\u201d His prospective customer sounds highly amused, but quickly adds more seriously, \u201cIt\u2019s kind of an emergency. My brother\u2019s getting married--\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations,\u201d Jace inserts, assuming he\u2019s discovered the root of the issue. \u201cThe gender of the recipient is of no importance, especially considering that I\u2019m bi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how I wish that was the problem,\u201d she says almost wistfully and repeats herself, \u201cMy brother\u2019s getting married to the daughter of a politically influential family, to save our parents\u2019 asses, and I need you to help him realize that he can\u2019t go through with it. Because I\u2019m pretty damn sure he\u2019s<\/em> not bi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace can\u2019t suppress a snort of disbelieving laughter. \u201cSeriously?! You want me stripping to to be the push he needs to come out of the closet? On the night before his wedding to a woman.\u201d It sounds even crazier now that he\u2019s said it out loud. \u201cI mean, I\u2019m pretty hard to resist, but that\u2019d have to be one hell of a dance, lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen your video on the website, I have faith in your abilities.\u201d Her easy confidence makes Jace think that he\u2019d like this woman if he ever met her, especially when she adds matter-of-factly, \u201cAnd I can pay you double your usual rate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Which is how Jace ends up fighting stage fright like he hasn\u2019t had to since he was new to the job. But he needs the money, and the sister - Isabelle Lightwood - has already paid him what he normally earns in one night. The family is filthy rich, as a quick google and the fact that she\u2019s rented out an entire club showed, and Jace takes a deep breath and enters.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s music playing, doubtlessly cued by Isabelle, but the space is empty, except for a tall, dark-haired man dressed all in black and currently in the process of removing a blindfold. \u201cReally, Izzy?\u201d<\/p>\n

His sister is nowhere to be seen, however, and Jace can\u2019t help but freeze when the man turns to face him. He\u2019d been good-looking in the photos Jace found, but damn, in person he\u2019s simply gorgeous, even scowling, his eyes a lovely shade of hazel, his body obviously in excellent shape, and his lips making Jace wish he could kiss them. Which is not at all what he\u2019s here for, and, reminding himself that he has a job to do, Jace puts on his game face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpecial delivery for Alec Lightwood,\u201d he announces, slowly sauntering up to the confused-looking groom-to-be and ignoring the heat pooling low in his stomach when those pretty eyes rake over him. \u201cYour sister sends her love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know who you are or what this is supposed to be--\u201d Alec half-growls, but even his annoyance is sexy, and Jace keeps approaching him, beginning to fall into the thumping rhythm of the music. \u201c--but stop it right now! I\u2019ll even pay you if Izzy won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec is still watching Jace\u2019s every move, however, and Jace is close enough now to see that his pupils have dilated and his breathing has sped up visibly. There\u2019s something ravenous hidden behind his facade, making it rather obvious that Isabelle Lightwood knows her brother well. Meeting Alec\u2019s stare in a clear challenge, Jace begins to unbutton his shirt, button by button, and Alec backs away until he hits the wall. <\/p>\n

Feeling more confident now, Jace smiles slowly and says, \u201cI\u2019m Jace, and I\u2019m here just for you. So, sit back and enjoy. It\u2019s your last night of freedom after all, and there\u2019s no one here to see.\u201d He has to actually get on his tiptoes to be on eye-level, another turn on, and he lets his breath waft over Alec\u2019s lips, whispering, \u201cI promise I won\u2019t tell.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that he puts a hand against Alec\u2019s chest, feeling his heart beat erratically under his palm, and pushes gently. At first he thinks Alec is going to resist, conflicting emotions racing over his handsome face, but then he goes limp and allows himself to be guided to a nearby chair. Letting his shirt fall to the ground, Jace grins and licks his lips before beginning to dance in earnest.<\/p>\n

This he can do, this is familiar, as is the hunger burning in Alec\u2019s eyes, although he still seems guarded, his hands gripping the sides of the chair tightly. Jace thrusts his hips toward him, then moves around him, trailing one hand over his chest, his shoulders and broad back, and Alec shivers<\/em> under his touch. Jace\u2019s breath catches, and he\u2019s glad he\u2019s out of Alec\u2019s line of sight, even as he crouches down and embraces him from behind. Under his palms he can feel Alec\u2019s nipple harden, and he scratches them lightly with his nails, making Alec inhale sharply.<\/p>\n

When he\u2019s regained his equilibrium somewhat, he moves to Alec\u2019s front again, straddling him, and once again he\u2019s struck with how stunning the other man is, especially now, with pupils blown, lips bitten red and cheeks flushed. He looks like someone who has to shave often to achieve this smooth look, and the part of Jace not busy gyrating against him wonders idly what it\u2019d feel like to feel his stubble against his skin.<\/p>\n

Against his will Jace\u2019s already tight leather pants get even tighter, and when he thrusts downwards he can feel Alec rock-hard in his black jeans. He\u2019s still clutching the chair, his entire body tense as he obviously stops himself from touching. Somehow this show of self-discipline turns Jace on even more, and when he takes a step back to rip off his pants in one practiced motion, he knows his arousal is clearly visible in his gold g-string.<\/p>\n

Alec groans, a low sound that almost gets lost in the thumping of the music, unless you\u2019re as close to him as Jace is, as completely focused on every little reaction he can tease out of this man. He barely remembers what this is supposed to be about when he takes Alec\u2019s hands and puts them on his chest, leaning in to whisper hotly into his ear, \u201cYou can touch\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Technically, this is allowed, even expected, although Jace only does it with clients he likes, but somehow in this context, with this client, it feels risky, as if they\u2019re teetering on the brink of something dangerous<\/em>. Still, when Alec hesitates, long fingers fluttering uncertainly over Jace\u2019s oiled skin, Jace firmly guides his hands down, barely holding back a moan when Alec gives himself a little shake and begins to explore Jace\u2019s chest, his hard abs. <\/p>\n

He stops his exploration before he reaches the tiny scrap of fabric barely containing Jace\u2019s erection, and Jace tamps down on a flicker of disappointment, instead beginning to grind and move again. The song changes, into something slower, more sensual. Jace barely notices, simply adapts his dancing accordingly, undulating slowly, teasingly against Alec, whose hands have stopped moving but are still resting on his waist. <\/p>\n

Jace knows he\u2019s a good dancer, has been told so countless times, yet it somehow strikes him as absolutely vital that Alec think so, too. The way he\u2019s watching him, with a laser focus that Jace can feel like trails of fire on his skin, seems to indicate that he\u2019s succeeding, as does that unabated hardness brushing against his ass when he grinds down. <\/p>\n

Jace has always been prone to follow his impulses, and when Alec\u2019s tongue darts out to wet his plush lips, Jace can almost hear his self-control snapping. Telling himself that professionalism can go fuck itself for the night, he wraps his arms around Alec\u2019s neck and whispers against that tempting mouth, \u201cI\u2019d like to kiss you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec\u2019s eyes widen before darting to Jace\u2019s lips, and it takes every last tatter of his frayed self-control not to kiss him right then and there. Instead he waits for Alec\u2019s answer with bated breath, no longer moving but still perched in his lap. When it comes, it\u2019s not what he expected or hoped for.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Izzy pay for that, too?\u201d <\/p>\n

Anger flashes through Jace, but then he looks closer, and there\u2019s a vulnerability hidden in the corners of Alec\u2019s sardonic smirk. Taking a calming breath, Jace trails gentle fingers down Alec\u2019s cheek, and shakes his head. <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she didn\u2019t. I\u2019m just a stripper, Alec, not an escort.\u201d For the first time this night Jace feels properly naked, and he opens his mouth to add something inane like This is the least professional thing I\u2019ve ever done<\/em> - only he\u2019s stopped from uttering another word by Alec\u2019s lips on his.<\/p>\n

There is no trace of the previous hesitation in Alec\u2019s kiss, his tongue demanding entrance into Jace\u2019s mouth, his fingers carding through Jace\u2019s hair, and Jace clings to Alec\u2019s well-muscled shoulders and gives back as good as he gets. The heat that has been simmering between them almost from the start bursts into open fire, and with shameless abandon Jace grinds down against Alec\u2019s erection. <\/p>\n

Moaning into Jace\u2019s mouth, Alec\u2019s hands slide down Jace\u2019s back, pulling him closer possessively until they\u2019re rocking back and forth, the friction almost maddening. The fact that Jace is pretty much naked while Alec is fully clothed only adds to the arousal coiling hot and tight in Jace\u2019s belly, but he nevertheless slips his fingers between their bodies and begins fumbling with Alec\u2019s buttons. <\/p>\n

They give way, revealing a strong chest covered in dark curls that disappear over rock-hard abs into Alec\u2019s jeans, and if Jace wasn\u2019t in such a hurry, he\u2019s sure he\u2019d appreciate the sight more. As it is, they\u2019re both loathe to stop kissing for even one moment, and Alec manages to awkwardly shrug out of his shirt without stopping his assault on Jace\u2019s mouth. <\/p>\n

However, when Jace turns his attention to the zipper barely containing Alec\u2019s straining cock, Alec freezes, looking like a deer in the headlights. Jace immediately stops moving, too, shaking his head slightly to get rid of some of the fog of arousal. He has to clear his throat before managing to ask, \u201cAlec? Something wrong? We don\u2019t have to\u2026 if you don\u2019t want\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He trails off, unsure what\u2019s going on behind Alec\u2019s conflicted frown and wondering if he should get up. Alec is still holding him, though, a blush creeping into his cheeks that Jace can\u2019t help but find adorable. Finally, with a deep inhale, Alec seems to push through his sudden embarrassment, and he says quickly, \u201cNo, I want to.\u201d Forcing himself to meet Jace\u2019s eyes, he explains in a half-mumble, \u201cIt\u2019s just that I never\u2026 There\u2019s been no one else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace knows he\u2019s gaping, and he quickly closes his mouth, not wanting to shame Alec for something that shouldn\u2019t be a big deal. He\u2019d known, after all, that Alec was deep in the closet, but he\u2019d just assumed that someone as sinfully hot as him would have had some<\/em> experience. <\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well,\u201d he stutters awkwardly, before catching himself and adding more coherently, \u201cThat\u2019s no problem. But are you sure this is what you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026 yes, it is.\u201d Alec sounds more certain now. \u201cI want you<\/em>, Jace.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the first time he\u2019s said Jace\u2019s name, and the way his tongue wraps around the word sends shivers down Jace\u2019s spine. Licking his lips, he cups Alec\u2019s face with both hands and says softly, \u201cThat\u2019s good, because I want you, too, Alec. Just tell me if I go to far and we\u2019ll be alright - more than alright, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n

The smile breaking out on Alec\u2019s face warms Jace all the way through, even before he nods and promises in a rough voice, \u201cI will.\u201d<\/p>\n

And then they\u2019re kissing again, only it\u2019s slow and sweet and more intimate than anything they\u2019ve done far, and Jace feels as if he\u2019s drowning. It scares him, the intensity of this thing<\/em> between them, and he distracts himself by unzipping Alec and freeing his cock. When he wraps his hand around it, Alec bucks into his touch and groans, a sound so low it vibrates through his chest, and Jace stops kissing him long enough to curse, \u201cFuck, this is so hot!\u201d<\/p>\n

Head thrown back, Alec appears to be too turned on to do more than blush bright red, and Jace jerks him off quickly, loving the way he responds to his every touch. After leaning in for another hungry kiss, Jace slides off Alec\u2019s lap, grinning when Alec\u2019s eyes widen, before wrapping his lips around his erection. Alec\u2019s cock is as gorgeous as the rest of him - and proportionate, too, and Jace is overcome with the need to be fucked, stretched and filled. Still, that might be a bit too much, and having Alec in his mouth is amazing, too, as is the heavy weight of Alec\u2019s hands on his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can hold me properly,\u201d he offers breathlessly, letting go off Alec\u2019s cock with a wet plop<\/em> before diving back in right away. He wishes Alec were naked, so he could play with his balls, but he also doesn\u2019t want to stop, so he uses one hand to play with Alec\u2019s chest hair and nipples instead, his other one being occupied jerking himself off. Alec\u2019s fingers are tighter in his hair now, although still not as tight as Jace enjoys most, but it\u2019s enough, and he\u2019s quickly approaching the point of no return.<\/p>\n

Before he gets there, however, Alec stops him, visibly fighting back embarrassment as he voices his desire in a wrecked voice, \u201cPlease, Jace, I want\u2026 can I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to be more specific,\u201d Jace laughs, but he makes sure to press a tender kiss against Alec\u2019s thigh, not wanting him to think that he\u2019s making fun of him. \u201cI gotta tell you, though, there\u2019s pretty much nothing I wouldn\u2019t do with you, barring varsity-level kinks. You really are ridiculously sexy.\u201d<\/p>\n

He kisses Alec for emphasis, already addicted to the way the other man blushes and sputters when complimented. Whatever his reasons for hiding himself away for so long, Jace is incredibly grateful that he\u2019s the one who gets to see Alec like this, and he ruthlessly suppresses the pang of regret at the thought that this necessarily has to be a one-time thing.<\/p>\n

Alec kisses him back fiercely, his hands pulling Jace back into his lap and settling on his hips. When they separate, they\u2019re both smiling kind of stupidly, and Alec\u2019s voice barely wavers when he says, \u201cCan I fuck I?\u201d He quickly amends, \u201cWe don\u2019t have to, I don\u2019t know if you even--\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHell yes!\u201d Jace stops him firmly, grinding down to make his point, and their bare cocks slide against each other, trapped between their stomachs. Jace barely manages not to get sidetracked. \u201cJust let me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

With that he gets to his feet, using the opportunity to step out of his g-string, appreciating the heat of Alec\u2019s eyes on his backside as he quickly goes to his bag, which he\u2019d left just outside the door. Glancing up and down the corridor, he grabs the condom and package of lube he always carries just in case. Depositing his bag inside the room, he firmly closes the door and even goes so far as to wedge a chair under the handle. There shouldn\u2019t be anyone around, but no use taking chances.<\/p>\n

When he redirects his attention to Alec again, he\u2019s met with the incredibly appealing sight of Alec sprawled over one of the low couches in a corner completely naked, one large hand wrapped loosely around his hard cock. Jace can\u2019t help but notice that he\u2019s sitting on his shirt, though, and he teases with a chuckle, \u201cAfraid you\u2019ll catch something? Or is your skin too delicate for cheap pleather?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFuck you, too,\u201d Alec shoots back, but there\u2019s no heat in it, and he quirks his mouth in a half-grin that Jace finds incredibly attractive. \u201cWe don\u2019t know what people get up here and how well they clean this place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomehow I think what we\u2019re about to do isn\u2019t quite what the owners had in mind,\u201d Jace laughs, approaching Alec in a slow saunter, moving his hips slightly to the rhythm of the still-going music. Luckily Isabelle Lightwood appears to have created a whole playlist of strip- and sex-compatible songs.<\/p>\n

All thought of music disappears from Jace\u2019s mind, however, when he reaches Alec and is pulled down on top of him in a quick, decisive movement. His grunt of surprise is soon swallowed by Alec\u2019s mouth, determination having apparently replaced any trepidation he might have felt. Not that Jace is complaining, enjoying the sensation of Alec\u2019s long limbs entwined with his as their mouths gets reacquainted and their hands begin wandering.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re both too keyed up for a long foreplay, though, so after some heavy-duty making out that includes Alec\u2019s long fingers around Jace\u2019s cock, Jace fumbles for the provisions he\u2019d lost at some point early on. He finds them on the floor, coming up brandishing the condom and lube package triumphantly, and slings one leg over Alec\u2019s narrow hips, straddling him. Alec is lying with his head against the conveniently high side of the couch, staring in wonder and obvious arousal when Jace reaches around himself with lube-slick fingers.<\/p>\n

Normally he\u2019d ask his lover to help out, but Alec\u2019s never done this before and he\u2019s kind of in a hurry. As it is, Jace barely makes it to three fingers before mumbling \u201cFuck it!\u201d and rolling the condom onto Alec\u2019s unabated erection. It twitches in his grasp, and Alec\u2019s fingers dig into the couch as he tries to control himself. The way he looking at Jace, utterly transfixed and as if he can\u2019t believe that this is really happening, is an incredible turn on for Jace, who\u2019s always had a bit of an exhibitionist streak. It\u2019s how he ended up stripping as a way to make ends meet until his music starts paying the bills, and he\u2019s now making a bit of a show out of lowering himself onto Alec\u2019s cock.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s both sensual and practical, because Alec isn\u2019t small by any means, and Jace should maybe have taken a bit more care prepping himself. Still, wild horses couldn\u2019t stop him now, not when Alec is breaching him, and Jace exhales deeply and relaxes around the intrusion as best he can. <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2026 can I help?\u201d Alec\u2019s voice is hoarse but sincere, and Jace leans down to kiss him, a surge of tenderness rushing through him.<\/p>\n

When he sits back up, Alec\u2019s cock slides in another inch or two, and he\u2019s now halfway in, pain slowly giving way to pleasure. Jace takes one of Alec\u2019s hands and tangles their fingers together for a moment, before putting it on his own erection, which has flagged somewhat. Alec reacts immediately, and under his ministrations Jace is soon distracted enough to take in the rest of Alec. It\u2019s as incredible as he\u2019d imagined, and for a while Jace just sits there, feeling full and stretched, while Alec jerks him off with an efficiency that tells Jace that Alec\u2019s inexperience didn\u2019t extend to masturbation.<\/p>\n

When he feels that he\u2019s gotten used to the sensation, Jace begins to slowly rock his hips, gasping when Alec\u2019s cock strokes over his prostate. Alec\u2019s eyes widen, and he asks with a mix of curiosity and wonder, \u201cDoes it feel good?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHell yeah, so good!\u201d Jace pants, now fucking himself properly, levering himself up and down so Alec\u2019s cock almost slides all the way out before slamming back down. He hits his prostate on almost every downstroke, and Alec makes things even better by timing twists of his wrists to Jace\u2019s rhythm. For a long time the slapping of skin against skin and their harsh panting are the only sounds echoing through the club, mingling with the beat of whatever song is currently playing.<\/p>\n

Then Alec lets go of Jace\u2019s cock, sitting up and pulling Jace into an embrace. His fingers are digging into the small of Jace\u2019s back, and Jace is kind of hoping he\u2019ll be wearing the marks of his fingers for days to come. He wants his body to remember this for as long as possible, and from the way Alec is clutching him and the edge of desperation with which he\u2019s now meeting Jace thrust for thrust, Jace suspects that the feeling is mutual. <\/p>\n

Instead of dwelling on it, he catches Alec in a kiss that is all hunger, rolling his hips as their bodies move as one with an ease that belies how little they actually know about each other. It doesn\u2019t last, can\u2019t, the tension between them ratcheting high and higher, until Alec cries out and stiffens, burying his face against Jace\u2019s neck as he comes. It means Jace can\u2019t watch his face, but Jace himself is so close to the edge now, it\u2019s hard to focus on anything except the whitehot pleasure racing through him. Before Alec\u2019s cock has begun to soften, the waves of his orgasm crash over him and Jace arches his back, holding onto Alec while he\u2019s taken apart from the inside out.<\/p>\n

They end up slumped against each other, and Jace mouths a kiss against the side of Alec\u2019s neck, wincing when he lifts himself up and their bodies separate. Alec\u2019s arms are still tight around him, and he makes a protesting noise, apparently unwilling to let Jace go just yet. Not that Jace is trying very hard, way too comfortable in Alec\u2019s embrace, and they stay like that, wrapped in each other.<\/p>\n

After a while the words they\u2019re very pointedly not saying start weighing the air between them, and Jace is beginning to feel cold and sticky, so he finally gets up with a heartfelt sigh. Leaning down, he kisses Alec gently before removing the condom and looking around for a trash can. Alec watches him from hooded eyes, then gets up, grabbing his hopelessly crumpled button-down. He doesn\u2019t put it on, however, instead walking around the bar and turning on the faucet.<\/p>\n

Despite appreciating the view of Alec\u2019s casual nudity, all strong muscles and sleek lines, Jace looks on it puzzlement. Catching his eyes, Alec gives him that funny little half-smile of his, the one that makes Jace think dangerous, non-sex related thoughts, and crosses the room with the same unconscious grace. He stops in front of Jace and offers him his wet shirt, explaining uncertainly, \u201cI thought you might want to clean up a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gesture is touching in its thoughtfulness, and without even thinking about it Jace accept it with a grateful smile and a quick kiss. It\u2019s completely instinctive, speaking of a comfort Jace most definitely shouldn\u2019t be feeling with a guy he\u2019s only known for an hour or so and who he\u2019s probably never going to see again. Jace clears his throat and tries not to let on how rattled he is, instead focusing on giving himself a quick clean. <\/p>\n

Alec keeps hovering near him, and the silence is starting to become uncomfortable, as they\u2019re both very obviously struggling for something casual to say. Instead Jace turns the shirt and uses it\u2019s not-yet-soiled side to clean Alec\u2019s chest, where a good part of his cum had ended up. Hard abs contract under his touch, and Jace can\u2019t help himself, he traces the lines of Alec\u2019s pelvic muscles to where his cock and balls are hanging heavy between muscular thighs. He looks up when Alec inhales sharply, and they share a rueful smile, both all too aware that time is running out.<\/p>\n

Finally, Jace tears himself away, collecting the work clothes he discarded earlier and getting his change of clothes from his bag. Forcing a laugh, he pulls them on and quips, \u201cReverse striptease, now that\u2019s something not a lot of my clients get!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019m special, then?\u201d It\u2019s meant to be a joke but comes out as a question, Alec seeming increasingly miserable as he follows Jace\u2019s example and gets dressed. The contrast to earlier is stark, and once again Jace wonders what the hell is keeping this guy in the closet. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s none of his business, or that\u2019s what he keeps telling himself. Still, when he replies it\u2019s much gentler than he intended. \u201cYeah, you are.\u201d Clearing his throat again, he adds with rare honesty, \u201cAlec, I\u2019ve never<\/em> done anything like this with a client.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Alec looks startled, and then he\u2019s back in Jace\u2019s space, kissing him like a man drowning. Jace flails for a moment, but as always he\u2019s swept away by Alec\u2019s intensity, his hands coming up to wrap around Alec\u2019s neck, pulling him even closer. Every little bit of space between them feels like too much, and for the first time he gets to properly experience how tall Alec actually is. He finds that he doesn\u2019t mind standing on his tiptoes a little, not when they seem to fit so perfectly, pressed together in the middle of an empty club, sexy music playing.<\/p>\n

Jace has kissed a lot of people in his time, yet it\u2019s never felt like this, as if they\u2019re connected by so much more than their mouths, as if their souls<\/em> are touching. And wow, Jace has got it bad. <\/p>\n

He\u2019s never sappy, and certainly not about a closeted groom-to-be who he knows nothing about. The thought shocks him out of the trance he\u2019s lost himself in, and he abruptly steps out of Alec\u2019s arms, ignoring how cold he immediately feels. Alec seems to catch on immediately, face falling, and he crosses his arms in front of his still-bare chest in a clearly protective gesture, mumbling, \u201cSorry, I shouldn\u2019t have done that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace finds it stupidly difficult to hold on to his anger, especially considering that it\u2019s himself he\u2019s most annoyed with, for letting himself get carried away. This is just sex, albeit rather excellent sex, can never be anything more, although the more time they spend together, the more Jace suspects he could really, really<\/em> like Alec. Which is of course the entire fucking problem. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay. We just\u2026 got carried away,\u201d he finally says wryly, figuring that was the understatement of the year. \u201cBut I guess it\u2019s time we got back to reality now. You\u2019ve got a big day tomorrow, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec flinches, and now Jace is the one crossing his arms, to stop himself from reaching out. Alec just nods, though, looking resigned and much smaller than a man of his stature has any right to. So Jace turns away, because if he doesn\u2019t leave now, he\u2019s not sure he\u2019ll ever do - at least not with his dignity intact. His bag feels heavy, and he\u2019s beginning to really hate Isabelle Lightwood\u2019s never-ending stripping playlist. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s dark outside, and he pauses to put on his leather jacket, checking the time on his phone. It\u2019s only been about two hours since he stepped foot in the place, intent on nothing more than a quick buck. He\u2019s sure in a few days, a few weeks max, he\u2019ll remember this night with its mind-blowing sex fondly. It\u2019ll be a story to tell Clary, a particularly juicy one-night stand in the life of Jace Herondale. Right now it just sucks, though, and he shoves his phone back into his pocket violently.<\/p>\n

Just then someone barrels into him from behind, and Jace curses and stumbles, only to be caught by arms he immediately recognizes, even before he hears Alec apologize breathlessly, \u201cShit, sorry! Jace - oh, thank fuck you\u2019re still here, I thought I\u2019d have to get Izzy\u2019s help to hunt you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHunt me down?\u201d Jace knows he should step away, reestablish his boundaries, but instead he just turns in the circle of Alec\u2019s arms and raises an eyebrow. \u201cThat sounds stalkerish - should I be worried? And what would your bride think of you running after male strippers?\u201d<\/p>\n

He expects Alec to bristle, not to laugh ruefully. \u201cI think Lydia won\u2019t be surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t<\/em> be?\u201d Jace asks, much more eagerly than he would have liked. <\/p>\n

Licking his lips nervously, Alec nods. \u201cYes, I\u2019ll tell her. She deserves to know why I\u2019m canceling our wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re what<\/em>?!\u201d Jace\u2019s mouth gapes open in pure shock. Forcing himself to close it, he adds more quietly, hating how his voice wavers, \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t. Alec, you can\u2019t<\/em>, not for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not doing it for you.\u201d As before, however, it seems that once Alec has made up his mind there\u2019s no stopping him, although he amends, \u201cWell, not entirely. Let\u2019s say you gave me a push I needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing this, Jace can\u2019t help himself, he bursts out laughing. Seeing the look of confusion on Alec\u2019s face, he manages to explain between fits of giggles, \u201cFucking hell, I can\u2019t believe your sister\u2019s plan actually worked!\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment Alec stares in consternation, then he, too, starts laughing, a full-belly laugh that transforms his entire face. Once again it strikes Jace how gorgeous he is, and he sees no reason not to say so out loud, cupping Alec\u2019s face in both hands and looking at him with a helplessly fond smile. \u201cFuck, you\u2019re beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

This brings Alec\u2019s laughter to an abrupt end, but Jace has not time to regret it, because Alec covers his hands with his own and pulls them down so they\u2019re trapped between their chests. He can feel Alec\u2019s heart beating rapidly, and he suspects his own is doing the same, even before Alec asks, with a sincerity that breaks open something deep inside of Jace, \u201cI know we don\u2019t really know each other, and that I\u2019m a mess - and one who might be disowned by this time tomorrow - but Jace, would you go on a date with me? A proper one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo yeah, we\u2019ve kind of been doing this backwards, but I tell you one thing about me, Alec Lightwood - I quite like messes, and I come with my fair share of baggage.\u201d Jace grins, feeling as if he might float away if Alec weren\u2019t still holding him. \u201cBut if that doesn\u2019t bother you, then yes, I\u2019ll absolutely go on a date with you. Don\u2019t expect me to put out, though - I\u2019m not that kind of girl!\u201d<\/p>\n

The look of utter delight on Alec\u2019s face is answer enough, even before he leans down so Jace can feel his breath against his lips, and teases with a really quite unfairly attractive smirk, \u201cWanna bet?\u201d<\/p>\n

He swallows Jace\u2019s surprised laugh with his mouth, and if a part of Jace was afraid that part of their attraction came from its illicit nature, his worries evaporate immediately as he melts into Alec\u2019s kiss. This might have been his strangest job, and he\u2019s definitely not going to accept the rest of his payment, but damn if it hadn\u2019t been worth it!<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

End Note<\/strong>:
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