Hi, here's the next section! It's not very long, but it puts the story in context, as will the next. Thanks again for your support, and I hope you enjoy it.
"No, I'm not convinced. He was your friend, Jace, and he was practically Isabelle's boyfriend. And of course, he and Clary would probably want to be parabatai. I know this is just personal. I can find my own mundane to Ascend, if needs be."
"But Maryse…"
"What now, Jace?" Maryse said sharply, sounding exasperated.
"Whether he's our friend or not, he was important in the Mortal War, and Sebastian's defeat, wasn't he? And he killed a greater demon when he was still just a mundane. Plus he's loyal, and clever, and brave- " Jace shot her a winning smile -"oh, please!"
He was well aware that he sounded like a whiny six-year-old, and although he wasn't sure if he liked it, he hoped it would melt Maryse's hard heart. Each Institute had to provide at least one mundane ready for Ascension by the end of the year- which was just over six months away. Simon had said he would be more than willing to Ascend, so now, the only thing left to do was convince Maryse that he was suitable. Last night, in order to support this move, Izzy, Clary, Magnus and Jace had all signed a slip recommending him, which Jace was now waving rather fiercely in his adoptive mother's face. As of yet, she was putting their choice down to favouritism- which it was. Still, he'd done his best to conceal that. She was just being a lot smarter than he'd reckoned for.
Maryse sighed, and pushed the paper back over the table towards him. "So Izzy's already gone to get him?"
"Yeah. They should be here soon." Maryse gave him a resigned look.
"Well, I guess I'd better at least have a look at him, then."
Mission finally accomplished, Jace allowed himself a small smile. Maryse returned it, and he noticed that, during the conversation, their hands had crept together. He clasped hers tightly. Like himself and Simon, he and Maryse might have disagreements, but really, there was a friendship beneath it. Or more than friendship- she was his mother, the only mother he'd ever known. He supposed he really did love her.
"Thanks… mom?" he tried, for the first time ever.
Maryse grinned.
There we go, more nice positivity, hey? I hope you liked it, although constructive crit is very much appreciated. Thanks again, and I hope you'll continue to read. :)
