Just a Fic I'm running on the Pandemonium Forums. A summary isn't really necessary- once you read the first chapter you will get the general gist. So... yeah... let me know what you think! Updates- like most of mine- should be pretty regular! =]

Disclaimer- all in the possession of the fantastic author that is Ms. Cassandra Clare... drat!

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To anyone in Taki's that day, the couple in the corner booth would seem to be exactly that- a couple. A startlingly handsome young man with golden hair and a petite girl with pretty looks and flaming copper hair sat across from each other, staring and holding hands. He was obviously a Shadowhunter, with black Marks etched on his skin and the very faint, smoky smell of them lingered in the air. Yet, had anyone taken enough interest to listen to their conversation they would be shocked to discover that the happy couple were far from a couple, and far from happy.

"I'll just be your brother from now on," he said as the girl's face fell for a split second in pain. "That's what you wanted, isn't it?"

Masking her feelings completely, it took her a long time to answer. "Yes," she finally replied. "That's what I wanted."

Jace, although his heart felt even more broken now then ever, thought that the confrontation in Taki's had gone as well as he could have hoped for. Clary had even hugged him before they went their separate ways. But it had been a brotherly hug- he thought bitterly, something shared between siblings.

Jace was primarily one of two things- silent or sarcastic. But Clary had rendered him utterly perplexed. She mixed him up and made him want to change his core beliefs- the belief that love was pain, that to love was to destroy. While he didn't want to believe in love, didn't want to admit to having anything to do with it- he wasn't sure if he was able to deny it. When he looked the stubborn, flaming haired siren that was Clary, he felt different. He suddenly didn't care only about himself or his duty as a Shadowhunter- he wanted to protect her, to keep her away from his world but never leave her side. It was a feeling he both loathed and loved. Somewhat like Clary herself- he though he might love her but hated what she was. His sister. A person he couldn't physically, emotionally or mentally bring himself to hate. No matter how hard he tried.

Although he felt that his lie-filled conversation with Clary had gone well, Jace had not heard from her at all during the two days that followed. He had been pondering this as he sharpened the weapons in the armoury when suddenly the phone rang, instantly shattering his peaceful shroud of muddled thoughts.

LUKE CALLING flashed up on the cracked screen. Jace gave a weary sigh- Luke was a nice guy, a Werewolf and a Downworlder but nonetheless a nice guy. However, Jace was not going to turn into Clary and suddenly start seeking some kind of paternal support from this man- Jace had a family of sorts in the Lightwoods, but he treasured his independence.

"Yes," he drawled, answering the incessant ringing.

Luke's voice crackled through the line. "Ah, Jace. Sorry to bother you but could you just hand Clary the phone for a sec? She won't answer hers. I know she is staying at the Institute- and don't get me wrong, I'm all for that- but she hasn't visited Jocelyn for the last few days and I thought maybe I could give her a lift. I'm going there now and I was thinking maybe you could come too? I just-"

"Whoa, hold up Wolf Man," the Shadowhunter interrupted, cutting short Luke's ramblings. He clearly wasn't a phone man- either that or the immense amounts of coffee he had been consuming to stay awake were really taking effect. "What do you mean Clary is staying at the Institute? She's with you."

"Yeah, nice one Jace: mess around with the lowly Downworlder. Pass the phone to Clary please," he chuckled humourlessly and it wasn't difficult to picture him rolling his tired eyes.

"Luke, I haven't seen Clarissa in two days." In that moment Jace felt his heart stop before quickly restarting at double speed. He almost let the rolling waves of nausea take him over as he realised the seriousness of the situation.

Luke's voice was frantic and he was jumping to spectacular conclusions. Once more, Jace cut in. "Hey, hey, Luke! Listen up- I was only messing. Clary is fine, Isabelle dragged her off to Taki's- something about wanting girl advice on some faerie that caught her fancy. They won't be long, Clary mentioned going to the hospital some time tomorrow."

A tangible sigh of relief spoke louder for Luke then words ever could. "Never shock me like that again Jace, you now how much I worry about Clary!" He laughed gruffly. "But seriously- I know this is hard for you but won't you just consider visiting Jocelyn? She is your mother too-"

"What's that Alec? Yeah I'm coming! Sorry Luke, have to help Alec… boil some spaghetti. Talk to you soon." The phone line went flat with a final beep and Jace allowed his fear to take him over.

What was she doing? What the hell was going through Fray's mind? He had done it! He told her what she wanted to hear, he drove a poison-tipped arrow through his already damaged heart just for her- what more did she want? Did she have any idea how much she made him suffer by pulling ridiculous stunts like this? Grabbing his stele, Jace forced himself to calm down. Nothing was certain yet. He knew what he had to do.

Jace had to pay a visit to the Mundane.

No, scratch that. Jace had to pay a visit to the Vampire.

He growled at the mere thought.