Author's note: a slightly shorter chapter but it sets up what comes after.

Does anyone actually think I own these characters? I don't. Don't sue me for playing in the sand box with them.

Please read and review...they really do make me want to write more (wink, wink).

Part 4

The week after the dance, on a rainy Saturday, Clary and Jace were lying on his bed...left to their own devices as Alec and Izzy spent time with their significant others. Foreheads touching, knees kissing and Jace's hand on Clary's hip the silence between them was peaceful and comforting but sleep did not want to come.

"What's on your mind Clary?"

Clary titled her head away so she could see Jace's face.

"Next year...college. It's a lot of change and some pretty big decisions."

"Did you decide where you wanted to apply?"

"Yes and no. You know I was thinking of staying local..."

Jace shook his head in affirmation.

"Well my art teacher thinks I can get into Columbia's art program. Is one of the top art programs in the country, but it would mean being away from you and everyone..."

Jace stared at her for a minute and then began to laugh.

"What's so funny?"

Clary watched nervously as Jace got up and walked over to his desk. He grabbed a stack of papers and headed back to the bed, where Clary was now sitting up.

"Here. Read it."

"Dear Mr. Herondale. It is our pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted into New York University's prestigious physical therapy undergraduate program...Jace this is amazing. Why didn't you tell me you applied?"

"I didn't think I'd get in! I only applied because my coach suggested it. It's a great program but NYU is not easy to get in, my grades are borderline but coach said my SATs were more than good enough and I had excellent recommendations. I guess he was right. I just got it yesterday. Please don't think I was keeping it from you. I don't know that I'm definitely going to go yet."

Clary stared at the paper in her hands. How could one letter hold so much power? How could it effect so much change?

"God. I always pictured you and me going to college around here. This...this means we could both be in New York City."

"Clary you know I don't want you to pick a school based on where I go. Nothing changes who we are and what we feel...not distance, not time. I want you to go wherever you want to go."

"I think it's Columbia. I was looking at their course catalog the other day and it all sounds amazing but I want the same for you too. Go wherever you want."

"It could definitely be NYU. I don't know but I do know we don't need to decide today."

With that Jace wrapped his arm around Clary's shoulder, leaned back against the bed pillows and absentmindedly started to play with her hair.

"So Simon asked Izzy about us during the dance."

"Not surprised...he asked me about us when we were getting ready."

"Izzy said he was very confused. He was certain we had been dating forever."

"It's nothing new. People always assume stuff about me and you."

"True. We seem to be the only ones who understand us."

"Well we are the most important people when it comes to us. As long as you and I are happy with what we are nothing else really matters...are you happy?"

"Yes."

"Good. Me too."

The comfortable silence soon feel back over them. Clary loved days like this with Jace. They could just be without everyone around them watching...looking to see some kind of clue as to what they were to each other. On some level she understood their curiosity...what Jace and Clary had was not the norm...but they never tried to lie to people or hide how they felt. From the start they had been honest with those close to them about their fear of loosing each other...of getting together too young and ruining everything. It made sense to Jace and Clary why couldn't make sense to their friends and family?

"Are you going to tell Alec and Izzy about NYU?"

"Yeah I need to talk to my grandma too"

"You didn't tell Imogen yet?"

"No. I wanted to tell you first. You are always the person I want to tell things to first."

"You are that person for me too."

Clary snuggled further into Jace's arm...her head resting right over his heart.

"How do you think Imogen is going to take it?"

"I don't know? I think she will understand. She has always told me she wants what's best for me. It's a great school. There won't be any money issues...my parents left me plenty. The city isn't that far from here so she could come visit. I think once she sees what the program offers she will know it's the best fit for me."

"You sound like you made your mind up."

Jace thought for a moment and then smiled.

"Yeah I think I have. But remember nothing changes us. I'll always be here for you. No matter where we go to college."

"I know. I have never doubted that and I never will"

Jace squeezed her close to him as Clary loudly yawned...Jace soon followed suit and before they knew it they were both sleeping soundly. When Imogen found them hours later, still fast asleep, somewhere along the line their pinkies had found each other and interlocked...right over Jace's heart. Imogen smiled as she quietly closed the door and whispered to the universe.

"Those two need to get together already."