The Reunion Chapter 4, a mortal instruments fanfic

Hello again! I said in my last author's note that I would give you a preview if you reviewed but I got so many guest reviews and I couldn't PM you guys so I just decided to bang out the next chapter in its entirety. Hope you enjoy. The song used in this chapter is called Never Had by Oscar Isaac and the plot line of this story is loosely based of a sub plot from the movie 10 years. So ya watch that if you like.

Chapter 4

Clary warily looked around her; surely Jace wasn't staring at her. But there wasn't anyone behind her; the crowd had all shifted toward the entrance, leaving Clary, Magnus and Simon back near the stage.

Jace was pointedly ignoring everyone surrounding him, and the hoards of people began to back away and break of into their own groups again. Smaller conversations cropped up involving whispers about the musician in their midst.

Simon hadn't seemed to notice Jace's gaze, his eye's had been glued to another member of Jace's company. But Magnus looked down at Clary with a questioning look, "Is he staring at you Biscuit or have I inhaled too much hairspray?"

Clary was startled out of her reverie and broke her eye contact away from the golden boy. That act of peeling her eyes away was in and of itself a miracle, as he was even better looking five years later, Clary thought. He had filled out more and was much more broad across his shoulders than when she had last seen him, which was their grade twelve-graduation day. His hair was longer, just brushing the tops of his shoulders and was perfectly messy as if he had just woken up and ran his hands through it. Throw in his black leather jacket and ripped jeans and Clary knew at once she was a goner. Again. She'd never admit it out loud of course but he was without a doubt one of the most beautiful human beings she had ever seen. Maybe it was her artist's eye but there was something so captivating about him. He wasn't conventionally handsome, but he had a sort of rugged charm that made her heart beat marginally faster. And when he looked at her with that small smile she remembered oh so well, she couldn't think of anything in this world that she would rather be looking at.

"I think it's the hairspray Mags," she barely stuttered out. Magnus looked back towards Jace who had begun to make his way across the room. He chuckled, "Well the fumes must have given me some really vivid hallucinations because he's coming over here."

Clary whipped her head back around and Magnus was in fact correct. Jace was walking right over to the trio, while Alec and Isabelle followed behind, wearing matching expressions of, for lack of a better word, boredom.

Simon finally snapped out of his Isabelle induced haze and began freaking out like the 12-year-old schoolgirl he was at heart. "What do we do? Where do we go? What do I say? Are we sure they're coming towards us? What do they want? Did Isabelle see me staring at her? Are Jace and Alec coming to beat me up? Wow Isabelle looks great, should I tell her? Do you think she remembers who I am and how does my hair-"

Clary abruptly cut Simon off, fearing a full-blown panic attack on the horizon, "SIMON, chill out dude. You need to breathe, you're turning a lovely shade of purple."

Simon took a few deep, calming breathes, "I know, she just makes me so nervous. I can't think straight."

Clary was all too familiar with that feeling but she was determined to keep herself together, "Ok guys," she started addressing her two friends. Magnus had been surprisingly quiet during Simon's explosion but they both focused on Clary, "We just need to act natural. Someone think of a conversation topic so we look busy when they come over here." Also, to show that they totally weren't staring at them like they were comatose patients on the loose.

Magnus quickly jumped into action, "So last week at the office, we had someone coming in looking to redo a basement and they asked us to use a purple, orange and green colour palette. I was like, are you kidding me? What am I supposed to do with that? It's absolutely despicable. Karl Lagerfeld wouldn't even think about that colour combination and he can make practically anything work."

Clary simply laughed at his outburst and replied, "Not really the topic choice I was going for but good effort nonetheless."

Simon jumped in as well, "Ya I have no idea what just came out of your mouth Mags." His expression was one of confusion and Clary knew that he was still trying to puzzle out just who Karl Lagerfeld was and his relation to the story.

"Well we could always finish our discussion on how not wearing underwear should more socially acceptable." Magnus countered.

"Oh God not again," Simon groaned. "It's times like these when I'm so glad I live many miles away." A strange look crossed over Simon's face. It was like he was suddenly petrified. Clary would have thought it was comical in any other situation but at that very same moment someone tapped on her shoulder and spoke in the same whisper of a voice she had heard earlier, "Excuse me."

Clary slowly turned her body away from Simon and Magnus to address the mysterious whisperer and came face to face with Jace. She had feeling this was going to happen when she saw him walking over to them but she still had her doubts believing he was simply walking towards the bar or something. Plus the addition of Magnus' ridiculous conversation almost made her forget who was possibly coming up to them. But nope there he was, with his small smirk and golden eyes that continued to stare into Clary's green ones.

Jace seemed unfazed by Clary and Simon's stiff expressions and merely introduced himself and Alec and Isabelle. Magnus immediately smiled at Alec and asked if he would like to get a drink with him. Clary thought to herself, well that was fast. Alec blushed almost as if he was slightly embarrassed and quietly agreed.

Just then two girls that Clary was dreading to see approached the group. Kaelie and Seelie, the ringleaders of the former popular crowd, surrounded Jace.

Kaelie began speaking in the most annoying nasally voice that Clary had hoped she would never have to hear again, "Jace Wayland! OMG it's been wayyyy too long!"

Seelie, not to be outdone joined in too, "Yes I can't believe it! We must catch up, maybe in our old hiding spot yeah?" She smiled attempting to be seductive and throw him a wink but she ended up looking somewhat constipated with a bad eye twitch in Clary's opinion.

"Ya, maybe, um, ya I'll get back to you on that," he laughed nervously. Isabelle scoffed at the girl's miserably lame attempts and motioned to Simon, "Come on Lewis, buy me a drink." And she proceeded to stalk over to the bar with Simon following behind like a dutiful puppy. Clary could have sworn she even heard Simon say, "As you wish my lady."

Clary's attention was brought back to her current company when Kaelie said, "Come on Jace, lets get something to drink and you can tell me all about what being a rockstar is like." She then latched on to his arm and began stroking it in a somewhat possessive manner. Jace paled and desperately searched Clary's eyes for help.

Clary could almost see the light bulb go off above his head and quickly released himself from Kaelie's iron grip and stepping towards an amused Clary. "Actually", he began, "I need to speak with Clary about designing the cover for my new album so if you'll excuse us." Jace then proceeded to lightly place his hand on her lower back and lead her away to a table near the back corner of the room.

Clary was somewhat shocked at the turn of events and her lower back was tingling in the most exciting way where Jace's hand was placed. He sat down at the empty table and Clary followed, nervously sitting in the seat next to him, hyper aware of how close they were to each other.

Jace just sat there smiling at her and her nerves got the best of her when she blurted out, "I can't believe you even remember me."

Jace looked surpised at her sudden outburst, but responded simply, "How could I forget the best lab partner I ever had?" Clary looked up at him and slowly her nerves began to fade as she was reminded he was the same person he was five years ago. Just now a few more people knew who he was. He continued on, "I'm really glad you came Clare. I was really looking forward to seeing you again. Although, I am surprised that you aren't sporting your famous funny yellow chucks." He said smirking and looking down at her heels.

Clary looked at him in awe, I can't believe he remembers my shoes; she thought absentmindedly and began to laugh. "Ya, I kinda retired those bad boys after we graduated." Clary thought back to the time when she only wore yellow high top converse to school. She loved their unique vibe and practically wore them with everything. Rain, snow, and sun, those shoes had seen it all.

She was brought out of her thoughts by Jace, "Hey, I was actually serious about the cover art for my album back there though. My team tried to force me into some wack photo shoot but I totally want you to design something for me. I think you could do a really great job with it. You were always the best artist and from what I've heard you still are." He gave her the most encouraging smile that Clary couldn't help but return, "That would be incredible, I'd love to," she replied.

Just then, a very harried looking Maia interrupted them. "Jace, I know you said you didn't want to perform but we are in desperate need here. Mr. Starkweather's plane was delayed and we have no one to go on. I really need this event to be a success so could you please help us out?" She practically begged Jace and looking extremely desperate.

Clary noticed that a couple girls were looking in the direction of the interaction and they scurried over to add in, "Yes please!" and "Come on Jace!" She could tell he was semi reluctant so Clary whispered to him feeling a little brave, "Ya, come on Jace," with a teasing smirk on her face. Then she added as an after thought, "I've actually never heard you sing," she looked down slightly embarrassed.

Jace couldn't believe it. "Really? I'm wounded Clare" he asked feigning mock hurt as he clutched his chest. "Well, now I must." He then leaned closer to her and whispered, "Time to take away your Jace Wayland music virginity." Clary blushed as he laughed at his own joke.

Attempting to keep some form of dignity, Clary replied, "What makes you think I want it taken? Maybe I've been avoiding your music because I just knew I wouldn't like it." She joked back while raising her eyebrow. The sass was too real.

"Well, I guess were about to find out if that's true or not, come on then." He gestured to her standing up and as they began walking to the stage he placed his hand on her lower back and my lord she'd be lying if she said it didn't make her feel some type of way.

Jace left Clary at the front of the stage and hopped up along with Maia. The crowded gymnasium quickly caught on to what was happening and approached the stage.

"Class of 2010, it is my honor to introduce the most talented person I am grateful to say I know and someone who we all grew up with. Ladies and gentlemen put your hands together for Jace Wayland!" Maia announced and then promptly exited the stage to allow Jace to take over.

Jace then addressed the crowd, "Thanks for the intro Maia. I'm gonna perform my new single for you guys and it goes out to someone very special to me."

With that Jace grabbed a guitar that Maia held out to him and began strumming (How fortuitous that there was one just laying around Clary thought).

AN: Please read all lyrics to the song, they are crucial to the plot.

I've been gone for so long now

Chasing everything that's new

I have forgotten how I got here

I have not forgotten you

We were just children with our eyes opening

You were all that I could see

You came close enough to know my heart beat but

Still not close enough for me

Through the good times and the bad

You were the best I never had

The only chance I wish I had to take

There was no writing on the wall

No warning signs to follow

I know now and I just can't forget

You're the best I never had

Na na na

In this motel

Will pass midnight

When I'm bluer than a bruise

And you come drifting in through the half-light

In your funny yellow shoes

And I hope that's you standing at my doorway

That's the scratchin of your key

And I hope this song I'm singing

Someday finds you

My letter to Elise