Hey guys, here's a new idea that I had for a story that I've been sitting on for a while now. And since I'm home from college for the summer, I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to write and catch up to all the ideas my brain is throwing at me.

Here's the first chapter of Picture Perfect; enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from the Mortal Instruments, only their OOC behavior and the plot :)

I stared at the casket with dry eyes, unable to tear my gaze from his body. I could barely feel the black shawl draped around my shoulders keeping me warm. I just felt cold. No, it was more like numb. I didn't feel anything at all.

I was vaguely aware of Father Starkweather standing at the front of the church talking about Sebastian's life and his love for his family and his friends. I could do nothing but stare at the open casket at the front of the church. With his eyes closed and his body at rest, he almost looked like he was asleep. His blond hair was perfectly combed, and his suit was crisply pressed and straight. The freckle that I knew he had below his right eye was covered under the powdery makeup used to make him look presentable. It just made him look unnaturally pale even in death.

Eventually I heard Father Starkweather begin a final prayer over the deceased, and I respectfully bowed my head. But I couldn't close my eyes or dwell on the words of the prayer that wished for Sebastian to be with his Maker and to be at peace. All I could do was stare at my black dress and run my fingers over the smooth fabric. When I heard the "amen" from Father Starkweather and the echo murmured by others behind me, I lifted my head and watched as the other funeral attendees stood to say their last goodbyes. I knew I was supposed to go up and stand by the casket, be the strong widow who greeted every well-wisher with a shared sad smile and a hug. But I just couldn't do it. I felt like all the energy and life had been sucked right out of me.

So instead I watched as people approached the casket in a line, some recognizable to me and some strangers. Many of the women were crying and discreetly dabbing at their makeup while their husbands put a comforting arm around their shoulders and squeezed Sebastian's limp arm one last time before allowing the next couple to do the same.

"Clary?"

I turned at the voice and saw my parents' concerned faces as they stood in the pew behind me. My mother looked beautiful, her deep red hair clipped back into a bun and red lipstick on her pursed mouth. My father seemed a little greyer than the last time I'd seen him, the silver on his beard and in his hair more prominent and betraying the youthful expression on his face.

Immediately I stood and threw my arms around my mother. She held me to her and murmured comforting words in my ear as I soaked in the sound of her voice and her presence. My eyes slid shut and I took in her familiar perfume. My mom was really here. I hadn't seen her for two years and it felt like coming home to hug her again. I felt tears prickle in my eyes, and I opened them to see my father place a comforting hand on my back, a small smile on his face. I stepped out of my mother's hold for a second and hugged my father. His strong arms came around my back and I felt the comfort one only gets from their family.

"I'm so glad you guys came," I whispered, my voice catching.

"Of course we came, sweetheart," my mom said. "We'll always be here for you."

I pulled away, looking at both of them. I can imagine what they saw: a weary woman with bags under her eyes and skin and bones under her dress. I hadn't eaten much in the past few weeks. Some of my friends said I should see a therapist to talk about Sebastian's death, but I couldn't do it. What could I possibly say?

I let my eyes leave my parents' faces and wander toward other people walking solemnly through the church. I recognized several of my friends, but when they saw me with my parents they simply smiled and waved, letting me have my space. Some men in suits were gathered in a corner, their arms folded across their chests and somberness written on their features. Maybe they were Sebastian's friends from work.

"We booked a hotel and we want to stay as long as you need us to," my father said, drawing my attention back to him.

"I'm okay," I replied automatically. "It's so good to see the both of you. I missed you so much."

My mom smiled and brought a hand up to my face. "We'll be in town. I don't want you to go through this alone. We don't expect any explanations. Just…call us if you need us, alright?"

I nodded and gave them both hugs again. My heart lurched in my chest. Why did every negative emotion between us fade away in the wake of Sebastian's death? I wanted to work through everything with my parents, but I didn't think I could handle that right now. I just wanted to be alone.

When I pulled away, I saw my mom's eyes flicker to something over my shoulder.

"I think there's someone who wants to speak with you," she whispered, squeezing my arm and giving me a knowing smile. "We love you. Call us later."

"Love you too," I said, watching them walk toward the church exit for a second before turning around.

"Oh my gosh," I said, my eyes widening and my hands flying to my mouth. Mussed curly hair, tan skin, hands shoved into his pockets, shy smile on his face. It was like my past wouldn't let me forget today.

"Jace?" I said, barely believing he was here.

"Hey, Fray," he replied.

I flew forward, my arms throwing themselves around his neck. I collapsed into him, terrified that if I let go and pulled away, he would be gone, and I would have imagined the whole thing.

A sob choked out any words I could have spoken, and I felt Jace's hands come around my back to hold me tightly. I buried my face in the crook of his neck, wanting nothing more than to stay in his arms until I felt better.

"I'm so sorry for your loss," he whispered, his muffled voice breaking for me.

I couldn't say anything as I continued to hug him. I didn't want to think about any of my emotions, except for the hope rising in my chest.

I pulled back slightly, looking him over. "God, Jace, it's so good to see you. I didn't even think you'd be here."

He gave me a lopsided smile. "Of course I'd be here for you. You and I were childhood best friends, not estranged cousins. Plus, I knew Sebastian when he worked at my company."

"You knew Sebastian?" I questioned, my brows furrowing. "He never mentioned you."

"Did he ever say he was meeting up with a 'Jonathan'?"

"Um…yeah?"

He gave me a pointed look.

I closed my eyes and looked down, letting out a little laugh as I felt my cheeks warm. "I keep forgetting that I'm the only one who calls you Jace. I feel like such an idiot."

Jace chuckled. "Don't. It's ok." He ran a hand through his hair and looked toward the casket, his face returning to stone. "I just wish I had been here when he died. I wasn't able to leave the company without tying up loose ends and finishing up with some clients. I'm just glad I made it for the funeral."

"Me too," I said, looking up into his eyes. Jace had changed so much since last I saw him. That was two years ago, right before Sebastian and I got married. I told him I was engaged, and he seemed really happy for me. But then he moved away for work and never reached out. I assumed it was because he was super busy, but I missed my best friend like crazy and some part of me always wondered if I had done something to offend him. Right now, though, I just wanted to enjoy seeing him again.

"How long are you in town?" I asked, stepping back to give him some space.

He shrugged. "I guess I didn't have a specific time frame. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

I smiled then, relieved to hear that he wasn't mad at me. Whatever made him stop talking to me clearly must not have been that serious if he wanted to help me.

I remembered then that I was at my husband's funeral, and there were other people present. My eyes darted around the church to see if anyone had seen my embarrassing leap at Jace a few minutes before. There were only a two people left in the sanctuary, and the husband seemed frantic as he tried to comfort his sobbing wife. Clearly, neither of them had seen anything. I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea and think that I was moving on at my husband's viewing. Jace and I weren't like that; we were like brother and sister, but no one else here would know that, and I wanted to avoid any sort of extra attention on me right now.

"Are you headed back home?" Jace asked, his eyes finding mine again.

"No," I replied, pulling my shawl tighter around my shoulders. "I'm going to the cemetery with some of the guys from the funeral home and Father Starkweather. I'll bury Sebastian and then I'll probably head home."

"Would you mind if I came to pay my respects?" he asked, shifting his weight as if worried I would be uncomfortable with his request. "I don't want to intrude if you would rather do it alone—"

"No, please do," I cut in hurriedly. "It would actually be nice to have someone there. My parents are going back to their hotel for the night, so it'll just be me."

Jace's dark eyes lit up. "How are the fabulous Luke and Jocelyn Garroway?"

My smile didn't quite reach my eyes. "I think they're doing well. I haven't really spoken to them in a while."

His brows furrowed. "Why not?"

"We kind of got in a fight because—"

A throat cleared to my left, and I stopped to see Father Starkweather standing a respectful distance away.

"Oh, Father, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting," I said, realizing how late it must've become. "I can get my coat now if you want to leave."

He smiled at me and shook his head. "No rush, Mrs. Verlac. Take your time. I just thought you might want to finish up." With that, he gave Jace a polite smile and shuffled away.

"I should get my stuff," I said to Jace, turning back to the front pew and reaching for my purse and my coat. It was a cold winter this year, and I wasn't looking forward to the snow and ice storms predicted. I had never told Sebastian, but I didn't particularly enjoy living where we chose to settle because of the weather.

Jace asked if I needed a hand with anything, but I assured him I was fine. I think he might've meant something more than simply help with my bag, but one look at Sebastian's casket and I shook that thought from my mind. I was fine, and I could process on my own.

We walked out of the church in silence and into the freezing cold afternoon. I wanted Sebastian's funeral to be at this church because I admired how beautiful it was. It was an old building that had outdated architecture, but I thought it was fascinating. I always would drag Sebastian to see building designs even though he didn't really want to, but I thought having his memorial at this church was an accurate tribute to his memory.

Jace didn't say a word as we made our way toward the parking lot, and I was grateful for his silence in a way. I didn't want to live up to anyone's expectations right now. My happiness at seeing him was giving way to weariness, and I didn't want to pretend around him. Thankfully, it seemed he knew my moods enough to leave me to my thoughts for a bit.

Jace walked me to my car and stood outside as I got in and rolled down the window.

"I'll meet you there?" he asked, his breath making white puffs in the air as he spoke.

"Yeah," I replied, starting my car. "You know where you're going?

"I'll just follow you."

I gave him a smile and rolled my window back up, waving at him as I did so. I made sure he walked away before I leaned back against my seat and let out a heaving breath.

I just lost my husband. I felt like there were so many broken pieces I had to pick up and I had no idea where to begin. And now Jace was here, and I had no idea how to answer any questions he would have. It felt good, so good, to see him again…but what could I really offer? I just wanted to clam up and never speak to anyone again. And knowing Jace, he wasn't one to let things go. He'd want to know about my life since we'd last spoken, but it seemed too painful to speak about. I felt a hot tear roll down my cold cheek and I viciously wiped it away.

No tears, Clary, I thought to myself. You're weak when you cry. And weakness is ugly.

As soon as the heater began blasting hot air, I put the car into gear and drove slowly out of the lot, allowing Jace to have time to follow. There would be no funeral procession since it was supposed to just be me, but at least I didn't have to follow behind the hearse.

I thought about how Sebastian would've reacted if Jace had come to visit before he died. Sebastian never really liked Jace, because he thought my childhood best friend harbored feelings for me. I insisted it wasn't true, that we cared about each other like family, but he always had a suspicion that Jace would come back and steal me away. I had to assure him frequently that he was the only man in my heart before he let it go. Seb could be a little insecure like that. He had been betrayed before by an ex and so he felt uncomfortable when men got too close to me. I understood the pain of betrayal, and I never wanted him to doubt me as a faithful wife. So I backed off from those friendships with other males. I was cordial, but never too friendly in case Seb got the wrong idea.

But now Jace was back. A small smile came to my face at the thought of Sebastian coming back from the grave to warn me that Jace would proclaim his undying love for me.

I felt my knuckles tighten on the steering wheel. No matter how Sebastian would've felt about it, it felt good to have a familiar caring face when I had cut out so many, including my parents.

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Much love, and a late Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms out there 3

Kat