First Impressions
WritingIsLoveAndLife
AN: Hello again, everybody! Welcome back to our story. This is the second and final chapter of this piece, and in it, Jace has his turn meeting Elaine and Rebecca. I'm basing Elaine on the books look-wise, but she's a lot kinder to Simon in her actions because I already made Maryse behave awfully so I just couldn't bring myself to do it with Elaine, and while I haven't seen Rebecca in the show or in the books yet, I did some research to get her character as close to cannon as possible. I've also based some of my interpretation on my own sister, and the brother-sister dynamic between Simon and Rebecca will closely resemble our own brother-sister dynamic, except that we're twins as opposed to one of us being older and the other younger. We always say that she's my keeper and I'm her protector, so I hope you enjoy my take on it.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Mortal Instruments/Shadowhunters. The series was written by Cassandra Clare, and adapted for television by Ed Decter.
Enjoy the story!
Chapter 2
"You… want me to meet your family?" Jace asks, conflicted.
"Of course I do, Angel," Simon declares. "But only if you want to. No pressure, okay?"
"Can I think about it?" Jace questions.
"Of course you can," Simon says gently. "I didn't mean to spring this on you like that but I suppose I'm still riding a high on the count of being able to weather Hurricane Maryse, and live to tell the tale."
"It is a pretty big accomplishment," Jace smirks. "I wouldn't be surprised if she cursed you to hell and back the next time she saw you."
"I think it's pretty clear at this point that I can handle Maryse Lightwood, Angel," Simon laughs. "No matter what she tries, I'll be ready."
"I'm sure you will, Sunshine," Jace says fondly, laughing too. "Although we might want to get some more combat lessons in, just in case."
"I swear, you just like seeing me with my shirt off," Simon sighs.
"I like a whole lot more than that, and you know it, Si," Jace teases, with a wink.
"Angel, you know what it does to me when you get like this," Simon groans, eyes darkening.
"Exactly," Jace smirks smugly. "Now, the question is, what are you going to do about it?"
Simon growls, kissing Jace hungrily.
Jace raps his knuckles on the door to Magnus's loft, and waits.
"Jonathan!" Magnus exclaims. "What a pleasant surprise. Please come in."
"Sorry to just drop by, Magnus," Jace says sheepishly.
"Nonsense!" Magnus dismisses with a wave of his hand. "You know you're always welcome here, but if you're looking for Alexander, he left for the Institute just a short while ago."
Jace shakes his head. "I'm here to see you, actually. I need some advice."
Magnus looks surprised, but quickly smiles.
"Well, alright then, why don't we go sit down?" he questions. "Do you want a drink?"
"It's a bit early for alcohol, isn't it?" Jace asks dubiously.
"A bit of day-drinking never hurt anybody," Magnus laughs. "I'll even break out the good stuff, just don't tell Alexander."
"Your secret is safe with me," Jace assures him.
"Good," Magnus says, heading towards the liquor. "Whiskey, gin, scotch or vodka?"
"It's definitely too early to drink vodka," Jace laughs. "A nice whiskey would go over pretty well right now, though."
"Smooth and refined," Magnus says. "A very good choice."
He pours the amber liquid into a glass, and sets about making his own cocktail before returning to the couch and sliding the whiskey towards Jace.
"Thanks, Magnus," Jace says gratefully, sipping slowly.
"It's my pleasure, Jonathan," Magnus smiles. "Now, what can I help you with?"
Jace swallows nervously. "It's Simon."
"Is he okay?!" Magnus asks worriedly.
"He's fine," Jace assures him.
"Are you two having relationship issues, then?" Magnus questions.
"No," Jace says. "Absolutely not. In fact, things are going great."
"I'm glad," Magnus smiles. "What is it then?"
"He's… asked me to meet his family," Jace says quietly. "I've never done that before and I figured since you are by far the most experienced person as far as relationships are concerned, you might have some tips for me."
"Oh, your one-night-stands never required this of you, did they?" Magnus teases.
"That would defeat the purpose of a one-night stand, would it not?" Jace deadpans.
"Touche," Magnus acknowledges.
"Look," Jace interjects, "This is obviously really important to Simon, even if he's told me there's no pressure. He's closer with his family than I ever had the chance to be, so I just want to make sure this goes well for him."
"That's admirable, Jonathan," Magnus says. "Unfortunately, it's been several centuries since I've had to meet anyone's family. With Alexander, I already knew most of you before we started dating, so it was really just Max I had to worry about."
"Oh," Jace says, moving to get up. "I'm sorry to bother you, then. I'll go."
"Jonathan, sit," Magnus says gently. "You're not a bother. If anything, I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, but I do have some advice, if you'd like to hear it."
"Yes," Jace nods. "I wouldn't be here, if I didn't want your help."
"Just be yourself. Don't overthink everything and just enjoy yourself, okay?"
"Easier said than done," Jace sighs.
"I know," Magnus says gently. "Just forget everything for one day. Focus on Simon and leave everything else behind. Just be Jace. Do you understand, Jonathan?"
"I do,' Jace nods. "Thanks, Magnus."
Jace moves, surprisingly, to hug the High Warlock, who easily returns the friendly gesture before Jace can second-guess his decision. "You're welcome, Jonathan."
"You take care of my Parabatai for me, okay?" Jace whispers.
"Absolutely," Magnus smiles. "Good luck, Jonathan."
"I'll need it," Jace nods.
With that, the hug breaks, and Jace sees himself out to head to the Institute for the day.
That evening, as he cuddles with Simon in a canoe at the boathouse after a long day of hunting demons, Jace makes up his mind.
"Sunshine?" Jace asks into the darkness.
"Yes, Angel?" Simon says sleepily.
"I want to meet your family," Jace breathes out.
"Are you sure?" Simon questions, "You know I won't be mad if you don't want to, yet."
"I'm sure," Jace nods, and he can feel, if not see, Simon's smile in the darkness which makes all of his nerves worth it. Jace would walk through the fires of hell for Simon Lewis, if he asked.
"I love you, Angel," Simon says, and he places the most feather-light of kisses on Jace's lips.
When Jace walks into the boathouse about a week later, he hears Simon before he sees him.
"I can't wait for you to meet him either, Becks," he says cheerfully and Jace can hear the smile in his voice.
"I love you too, Becks," he continues. "See you soon!"
"Hey, Sunshine," Jace greets, pressing a kiss to his cheek as he hangs up the phone.
"Angel!" Simon greets happily. "You're off duty early today."
"Yeah," Jace nods. "Alec gave all of us the rest of the day off barring an emergency."
"That's great!" Simon beams. "Sorry that the place is a mess,"
"Si," Jace laughs. "I basically live here every night, it's okay. Who were you on the phone with?"
"Oh!" Simon exclaims. "That was my older sister, Rebecca. One of the two people you'll be meeting, along with my mother."
"What about your Dad?" Jace questions.
"My father died when I was younger, Angel," Simon admits. "He had a heart attack."
"Oh, Sunshine," Jace says, gathering his boyfriend into a hug. "I'm so sorry, babe. I didn't mean to…"
"It's okay, Angel," Simon soothes, cutting Jace off. "You didn't know."
"I bet he'd be so proud of you, you know?" Jace tells him. "How could he not be? You're amazing, Si."
"Thank you, Angel," Simon says, kissing Jace sweetly. "For the record, you're pretty amazing, yourself."
"Do you want to go lie down in a canoe and cuddle?" Jace asks. "I kind of want to hold you right now."
"I'd like that," Simon nods.
The next weekend, Simon rings the doorbell at his childhood home, and takes Jace's arm in his as he waits for his mother or sister to answer the door.
"You ready, Angel?" he asks Jace.
"As long as you're by my side, Sunshine, I'm ready for anything," Jace admits.
Simon leans up slightly, and kisses him, wrapping his arms around Jace's neck.
Neither hear the door swing wide.
"Well, well, well, little brother," Rebecca teases. "You're certainly not the kid I used to read stories to if you can kiss like that."
Simon jumps away from Jace as if he's been burned and blushes bright red. "Damn it, Becks! I didn't see you there."
"Clearly," she says, laughing. "I've missed you, little bro."
Simon's skin returns to his normal colour as he smiles, and embraces his sister. "I missed you too, Becks."
"And who might this be?" Rebecca says, pulling back.
"I'm Jace," Jace introduces himself, holding out his hand. "I'm your brother's boyfriend."
Rebecca looks Jace up and down with a considering glance.
"He's hot and polite," she winks at Simon. "You picked a good one, little bro."
Simon blushes again, embarrassed. Rebecca laughs.
"Please excuse my brother, Jace," she says, moving to hug him. "I'm assuming you already know how he gets when he's embarrassed but I feel the need to apologize anyways."
"I find it endearing when he's embarrassed, actually," Jace intones, hugging Rebecca back.
"Of course you do," she says, rolling her eyes.
"Thank you, Angel!" Simon smiles. "I find you quite endearing too."
"You should come in before you both get colds," Rebecca suddenly remembers. "It's cold today, right?"
"It usually is in December, Becks," Simon laughs. "I know you live in New Jersey, but New York isn't far enough away for you to forget that."
"I wish," Rebecca teases.
"Hey!" Simon exclaims.
"Ahem," a voice calls, causing the three in the entryway to turn.
Jace realizes this must be Simon's mother. She's a petite woman, with graying black hair that curls down to the middle of her back.
"Mom," Simon introduces. "This is my boyfriend Jace Herondale. Jace, this is my mother, Elaine Lewis. And you've already met my sister Rebecca, or as I call her, Becks."
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Lewis," Jace says, holding out his hand for another handshake only to be pulled yet again into a hug.
"It's nice to meet you, Jace," she says. "As you can tell, we hug in this family. You can call me Elaine."
"Thank you, Elaine," Jace nods. "You have a beautiful home."
"That's very kind of you to say, Jace," she smiles. "Would you and Simon like some hot chocolate to warm up?"
"That'd be great, Elaine," Jace says, and Elaine exits to the kitchen, with Rebecca following.
"Sunshine?" Jace asks. "What exactly is hot chocolate? It sounds bizarre."
"It's basically cocoa powder and some hot water with milk," Simon tells him, noticing the way Jace's face twists. "It's really good. Have I ever steered you wrong, Angel?"
"No," Jace admits.
"Just try it then, okay?" Simon asks. "If you don't like it, it's okay but at least try."
"Okay," Jace agrees, just as Elaine and Rebecca come in with 4 mugs, a kettle, a jug of milk, and a bag of miniature round things Jace doesn't recognize.
Elaine pours the hot water into the mugs, and adds a small amount of milk before Rebecca stirs the liquid in each mug with a spoon. As she does, Elaine tears open the bag of miniature round things.
Rebecca passes the mugs around, and Jace sips curiously but cautiously, only to find…
"This is amazing!" he exclaims.
"I told you," Simon whispers, smugly.
He takes the miniature round things, and adds them to his hot chocolate.
"What are those," Jace whispers, once Simon has taken his first sip.
"They're marshmellows, Angel," Simon whispers back. "Just put them in your hot chocolate and enjoy."
Jace grabs a handful and sprinkles them gently into the chocolatey goodness, before taking a sip.
"Oh, wow!" he whispers excitedly to Simon.
"Good, right?" Simon whispers back.
"So good," Jace agrees.
Meanwhile, Rebecca and Elaine are marvelling at the two in front of them. They've never seen Simon this happy.
"Jace?" Elaine asks, getting the pair's attention.
They startle, but quickly compose themselves.
"Yes, Elaine?" Jace replies.
"Simon is going to stay for dinner, tonight," she says. "I was wondering if I should set the table for 3, or 4."
Jace looks around, before looking back at Elaine.
"Set it for 4, Elaine," Jace says, nodding, before raising his mug. "And if it isn't a bother, I think I'm going to need a lot more of this."
"You've got it," she laughs.
AN #2: And there we have it! I hope you enjoyed the story! I'd love to hear your feedback.
Until next time,
WritingIsLoveAndLife