Alec walked down the halls of the Institue quickly, trying not to bump into the shadowhunters

that were leaving the funeral. As soon as it was over, Clary had gone back to her room. Jace had

said she had wanted to be alone, so Alec waited until everyone was occupied and had followed

Clary to her room. When he reached her room, he lifted his hand to knock on the door but, froze.

He realized he had no idea what to say. I mean what could he say. He had killed her mother. As

Jace and Izzy kept reminding him he was possessed, but it didn't matter. He still hated himself for it. Brushing away his nervousness, he knocked on Clary's

door. From inside, he heard a stifled cry then a slow,

quiet 'come in'. He opened the door and saw Clary sitting on her bed looking out the window, her

back towards him. Freezing yet again, Alec swallowed hard and then spoke. "Clary, I'm so sorry.

I wish I had suggested to put the Institute on lockdown. I wish I could have been stronger to with

stand the possession. I'm just so so…" Clary had crossed the room in and instant and silenced

Alec in a hug. Alec was first startled and then surprised at Clary's reaction. "Alec. Please I know

it wasn't your fault! I don't want you to beat yourself up about this. There wasn't anything you

could do." Alec pushed Clary away and held her at arms length. "But, I'm supposed to protect

you!" Clary looked at Alec with a slight smile. "Alec. Ever since I got here you have protected

me in your own way, even when you were suspicious of me. You've always protected me. I will

never blame you for my mother's death. I believe if you could have done something you would

have." No sooner than the words came out of Clary's mouth, Alec had pulled her close and

kissed her. Clary was startled at first but, then she melted into the kiss. She ran her hand through

Alec's thick, black hair as Alec's hands rested on her waist. After a few minutes, Clary broke the

kiss and started up into Alec's blue eyes. "What was that for?" Alec half smiled and brushed a

hair away from Clary's face. "I've wanted to do that since I found out Jace was your brother."

Clary smiled and reached down to hold Alec's hands. "Alec, just remember. You couldn't help

what you did to my mom and I will never hate you for it." Alec smiled. "Well, I should probably

go before Izzy and Jace realize I'm missing. Oh, and it would probably be best not to tell anyone

about this. Especially your brother." Alec turned to leave but before he could open the door, Clary gave him a kiss that

made his head spin before opening the door and pushing him outside. Before she closed the door,

she turned to him. "It'll be our little secret."