City of Glass

"Love makes us liars. The Seelie Queen told me that. So don't judge me for lying about how I feel. You do it too."

"I think it's strawberry juice," Isabelle said. "Anyway, it's yummy. Jace?" She offered him the glass.

"I am a man," he told her, "and men do not consume pink beverages. Get thee gone, woman, and bring me something brown."

"Brown?" Isabelle made a face.

"Brown is a manly color."

"Or maybe she's trying to take the attention off you," Simon said, almost absently. "You know since your parents don't know you're gay and all."

Alec stopped in the middle of the road so suddenly that Simon almost crashed into him. "No," he said, "but apparently everyone else does."

"I know how you think you feel about me, you don't though. You just like me because I'm safe. There's no risk. And then you never have to try to have a real relationship because you can use me as an excuse."

"There is no pretending, I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then."