A/N So here I am again with a new chapter.

I hope you still like reading it and leave me some reviews!

Lots of love!

VII

Jace stood in his room, looking out of the open window.

The confrontation with Clary had left him rattled to the bone.

He knew she was right, but the fact that she had seen so completely through his facade when even Alec or Isabelle had never done that in all those years… He didn't know what to think off that.

His behaviour hadn't changed since she had come into his life, if anything, he thought he'd been even more careful around her.

But it seemed that just didn't do the trick and Clary had been far more perceptive than he had anticipated.

Over the past six years he had carefully constructed a strong wall around himself. Learning, even before that, to keep his face straight, not to show too much emotion, weakness or pain. He had learned how to conceal the obvious signs of the abuse and to keep his distance from people when coping got too difficult.

It had all worked so well, and now his whole world had been turned upside down.

He didn't resent Clary for it, but it did make the whole situation far more difficult, something he didn't like.

Finally he went to bed, popping down on his belly so as to avoid his battered back.

He didn't know how to go from here.

Should he tell Clary? But then, what could she do against Valentine? It would probably just put her in danger, he thought sadly.

Clary had cleaned the soup bowl and the counter top with shaking hands. Something was seriously off and she didn't have any idea what that might be. Jace was hurt, and not just a little bit judging by the bloody handprint he had left in the kitchen.

She was pretty sure that neither Alec or Izzy knew anything about it. But how was that even possible? They lived under the same roof and if Clary could see the changes in Jace's behavior, surely so could they.

Unless of course they had never seemed out of the ordinary for them. If this had been going on long enough, they might have put it down to the death of his father and disappearance of his mother.

Clary's stomach clenched at the idea of this kind of abuse going unnoticed for so long.

Just as she wanted to make her way back to the living room Alec appeared in the hallway.

"Clary?" he asked

"Are you ok?"

"Oh, yeah… I guess so."

"What do you mean? What happened?"

"I just had a very strange encounter with Jace, that's all. I think he went up to bed now."

"I guess so, yes. I heard his bedroom door close in any case. But what do you mean by a strange encounter?"

"I'm not really sure. He just acted really funny, distracted and he seemed to be in pain." Clary sighed.

She hadn't been planning on telling anyone, but with Alec turning up unexpected, she just blurted it out.

"Jace had always been a little withdrawn at times. You know, when his past catches up with him. He's been like that ever since he came to live with us. It used to be really frequent and we kind of learned to leave him be when he went into that mindset.

"I get why you are worried, but I'm not sure that's really necessary though."

"Oh…"

"But I'll keep an eye out, just in came something might be the matter after all. Thanks for telling me."

"No problem, and thanks for looking out for him. You really are the best brother he could have Alec."

So she had been right about one thing, the changes went so far back that to Alec and Isabelle it wasn't strange at all.

That meant that, whatever was going on here, had been happening for over five or six years. It made Clary want to throw up.

She felt so angry and confused at the thought, but most of all it made her feel very sorry and sad for Jace, who had to go through it all on his own.

She couldn't fathom how lonely and abandoned he must feel.

She wanted to go up to his room and comfort him, but she didn't.

Instead she went back to the living room where Simon and Izzy were waiting for her to pick a new movie.

The randomly picked a DVD out of the box and handed it to Simon. She wasn't in the mood for it, but felt she had to keep up appearances for Jace's sake.

At some point during the fifth movie of the night Clary had finally drifted off into an uneasy sleep. Simon and Isabelle had been asleep for a while already, but Clary's head had been spinning and sleep had eluded her.

Now however she had jerked awake, her mind apparently still on high alert even in sleep. She heard the soft padding of bare feet in the hallway and saw the light of the kitchen flip on.

Swaddling herself in her blanket Clary got up and went to the kitchen to have a look.

As she had expected, she found Jace there, rummaging through the fridge.

He turned around when he heard her coming through the door and smiled.

"Hey Clary, I didn't mean to wake you up."

"That's ok, I don't mind. How are you feeling now?"

"Better, thanks. And I'm sorry for storming out earlier. I just needed some time."

"That's ok, I guess. You gave me quite a scare though. Do you want to talk about it?"

Jace sighed and pulled a chair out from under the table. He plopped down on it, face in his hands and slowly shook his head.

"I don't know Clary. I'm sorry, I really don't."

"Jace," Clary said, sitting down next to him.

"You have to talk to someone, please."

"I can't." his voice came muffled from between his hands.

"Why not? Jace you are hurting, being hurt by someone I think, this isn't ok."

Jace didn't say anything, he just shook his head more vigorously as if trying to convince not just Clary, but also himself, that he couldn't speak.

"Oh for the love of God Jace, you left a bright, brilliant, blood red handprint on the countertop earlier this evening!" Clary said in desperation.

"I saw that, I cleaned it up after you left and before Alec came in."

"You need help and you need it quickly. There is no way you can't agree to that! Please, just let somebody help you."

Jace's head shot up and he looked at her through bloodshot eyes.

"Did you tell Alec?" he blurted out.

"About the blood?"

"No, I didn't. Didn't think you'd like that. But maybe I should have. Because then you'd have to get some help."

"Please don't tell him." Jace whispered, desperation in his voice.

"Please…"

There was so much pain in those few words that tears came to Clary's eyes.

She reached out and took Jace's hand in hers. His fingers closed automatically around hers, holding on for dear life.

He bowed his head until it rested on their enclosed hands and Clary could feel hot tears rolling off her fingers.

She tangled her free hand in his hair and pulled him closer to her. He obliged seeking refuge in her embrace.

"I won't tell them, I promise." she whispered, and she felt him relax a little.

"I'm sorry" he said softly

"I know this must seem insane to you, but I can't talk about it. I hope one day I can, but right now… there's just too much at stake. I can't explain it properly, but I promise Clary that if one day I'm able to talk about it, I'll tell you."

"Thank you Jace. I won't pry, and I won't tell anyone. But I want you to promise me one thing."

Jace looked up at her, eyes still bright with tears, but a little calmer now.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Promise that, if you ever have a time like tonight again, when you feel you can't cope on your own, that you'll come to me. I won't ask questions, you don't have to talk about it or say anything at all, but at least you don't have to be alone. Do you think you can do that? Either here or at my place, I don't care, alright?"

Jace nodded.

"I think I can do that." he said, before pulling her close to him again and whispering "Thank you." in her hair.

That night they slept side by side in the living room, close together and sharing a blanket.

The next morning they were woken by clattering in the kitchen and the smell of fresh brewing coffee.

Isabelle and Simon looked a little sheepish realising they had spend the night cuddled up next to each other.

Clary and Jace both stretched and yawned on the floor, teasing the other two.

A few minutes later Magnus walked through the door holding a try stuffed with breakfast. Coffee, tea, cereals, toast, and whatever else one could wish for.

He was promptly followed by Alec who held a similar tray in his hands.

They pushed all the rubbish off the table, settled the breakfast in it's place and then plopped down comfortably next to Clary, who smiled covertly to Alec.

He seemed to be following her advice and she was happy for him.

Magnus was a really nice guy and he and Alec fit together perfectly.

"So, how was movie night?" Magnus asked.

"It was nice." Clary smiled,

"Simon and Isabelle got along very well. Didn't you guys?"

Everyone laughed when both friends turned beetroot red and stumbled out some incoherent words.

"How was your night Magnus?" Clary asked in return.

"Oh it was very fun. Went out with Alec, met up with some other friends, you know." Magnus said and looked at Alec with a very special look in eyes.

Clary noticed how both Isabelle and Jace flashed looks at each other that were somehow far more understanding than Clary had expected. She looked over to Alec and saw a look of immense relief in his eyes. Clary quickly squeezed Alec's hand and then settled herself more comfortably next to Jace. She slipped her arm behind his back and pulled him a little closer, just for the sake of companionship and support. He leaned into her a little, silently acknowledging her intentions and showing his gratitude.

"Any plans for today?" Alec asked.

"I was going to show Simon around town and catch up a bit. We haven't seen each other for a long time. Maybe we can meet each other somewhere tonight?"

"Sounds like a plan. What did you have in mind?" Izzy asked

"Just dinner somewhere. Doesn't have to be fancy, and maybe a drink afterwards."

"Sure, I'm up for that. How about you Jace?"

"Yeah, sounds good. Alec, Magnus, will you join us?"

"Probably, text us where you're going and when. We'll let you know."

"That's a deal." Clary concluded and with that she and Simon got up and prepared to leave.

Just before she went out of the door, Clary quickly pressed a small kiss on Jace's cheek, smiled and pulled the door closed behind her.

"So, you and Izzy." Clary said to Simon when they were well on their way downtown.

Simon looked at her and blushed.

"Well…" he said.

"Well yes, I like her."

"You really really really like her." Clary traded, and they both laughed.

"Yeah, I do. Too bad I'll be going home in a week."

"That doesn't have to mean anything. I'm sure you can keep it up till the next holiday, and who knows what happens then. We'll be going to college then."

"We're going to the same college actually. I just got accepted to NYU." Simon said happily.

"Really? That's awesome Simon! I applied too but I didn't hear back yet. But Izzy did then?"

"Yeah, she got her letter last week she told me."

"Did she say anything about Jace? Did he apply? We never really discussed it before."

"No, she didn't say anything about him. Sorry. But then again, what's between the two of you?"

"Nothing really, we're friends."

"Yeah right." Simon said, rolling his eyes at Clary.

"The way you two were cuddled up this morning doesn't leave all that much to the imagination."

"I'm serious Simon." Clary said a little indignantly

"Me and Jace are just friends. Yes we are close and yes, when things got bad for me with the whole situation in the alley, he was there for me when the nightmares would be too hard to cope with. So whatever it is you think you're seeing here, get it out of your mind."

"Wow Fray, don't get your knickers in a twist. I was just teasing you know. I think that, if you had been dating Jace I'd have known by now. You're not the kind of person to keep that silent, not for me anyway."

"You've got a point there. Besides, I don't think Jace is at all interested in me that way and next to that he's having a really hard time, so I doubt there's time to spare for trivial things like a girlfriend right now."

"Maybe you can fool others here into believing what you just said, but you don't fool me Clary." Simon said.

They had arrived at a small cafe and each pulled out a chair.

"What do you mean?" Clary said, trying to sound off hand.

"You care about Jace a lot, but, you also really like him. I've seen you look at him and I saw your face just now. You don't want to care because you know that, right now at least, there is no chance at a relationship. But you do care, and you care a lot by the looks of it."

Clary sighed, looking down at her hands.

"I know. You're right Simon, I do care, a lot. But it's frustrating knowing nothing can come of it." Clary said sadly.

"It really hurts, but the thing is, I know he also needs a friend, especially now because he's having a really hard time. He won't talk about it but I know it anyway. And that hurts even more. It kills me to see him so unhappy and there is hardly anything I can do. I can't fix it, I can't make it better or make it go away."

"No, you can't." Simon said softly.

"But you can do something else."

"Like what?"

"Just be there for him. Let him know that, whenever he needs you, you'll be there, without question."

"I already told him that, yesterday when we talked."

"Good, and right now that's the only thing you can do, but also the only thing you have to do. He needs time. Just give him that and eventually he'll talk to you."

Simon took Clary's hand and squeezed it, trying to comfort her.

It was hard for him to see his friend hurting like this.

On the other hand, is was the first time that he had seen her so involved with someone else but himself. For years he had longed for something more than friendship with Clary, but at the same time he had known it would never work. It would be overly awkward to try and have a relationship with her. Something like kissing your sister. He shuddered a little at the thought.

The rest of the day went by amicably with talking, eating, drinking and just enjoying each other's company.

When eight o'clock rolled by Simon and Clary met up with the rest of their friends for dinner at a local diner. The evening flew by, as time typically does when you're having a good time.

It seemed that Alec had been talking to Jace and Isabelle during the day. He'd been honest with them about his relationship with Magnus and, just as I had told him, they'd taken him exactly the way he was. I could really feel the shift in the general emotions of our group now that this burden had been lifted from Alec's shoulders. He was more open and looked a lot happier and less stressed out. And to be fair, Magnus was an amazing asset to the group. He was fun, had a great sense of humor and could give Jace a run for his money when it came to sarcasm. It was wonderful.

When eleven o'clock rolled by it was time to pack up. Simon and Clary would head back to Clary's place for the night since they had promised breakfast with her mother and Luke. Magnus would drive the others home.

Just before they left Clary took Jace apart.

"Remember what you promised me. If you need me, please call. I have your number set in my phone so that, even when it's on silent mode, you'll still be able to reach me. So please, do as you promised." she said softly.

"I will." Jace said to her in a whisper.

"And thank you. I don't know why you do this, why this is so important to you, but I do appreciate it a lot."

"I'm doing nothing more than what you did for me when I was having a hard time. Now go, they are waiting for you."

Jace gave Clary a quick kiss before he jumped in the care and they drove off.

Simon put his arm around Clary's shoulder and together they walked away.

"You did great." Simon said to Clary.

"Thank you Simon. It's not easy, but I hope it works and that, at some point, he'll have the strength to talk about what is going on and to put a stop to it."

The rest of the holiday went by much like it had started. They met up almost every day and often they all slept over at Jace's place. The living room just remained a camping space with all the mattresses, pillows and blankets strewn around.

Clary and Jace often spend the evenings and night cuddled up close together, keeping each other's nightmares at bay.
Simon and Isabelle grew closer together, regularly spending the days just with the two of them. And even Magnus and Alec came by a few times, enjoying their company.

The holiday was almost over and Clary had gone with Simon to drop him off at the airport.

He had to go back for the last part of the semester and then would probably spend the entire summer at Clary's, which was great to look forward to.

Clary spent the rest of the day at home with her mother chatting and getting ready for school to start again in two days.

It was a fun afternoon. It had been a while since Jocelyn had been home for a longer while during the day. The evenings during the school year were mostly spent eating quickly and then doing homework or going over to Izzy's for assignments.

It was already after nine and Clary had gone to her room to read a bit, when her phone suddenly rang.

It was Jace.

"Jace, are you alright?" Clary said immediately when she picked up.

"Not really." Jace said in a whisper. By the sound of his voice it was obvious that he didn't feel ok at all and it seemed like he had been crying.

"Do you want me to come over?"

"Could you, please?" he said

"Sure, I'll leave here in a few minutes. See you soon."

"Mom, can I go over to Izzy's? She just called."

"Sure, will you be staying the night?"

"Probably, yes, if that's ok with you?"

"Yes honey, no problem. I'll see you tomorrow for dinner, ok?"

"Yeah mom, thanks a lot!"

And with that Clary took her car and left.

She pulled up in the driveway of Jace's house and got out of the car.
There was no light from the windows which worried her. It meant no one was home except for Jace, so that might be the reason for his breakdown.

He'd left the door unlocked so Clary got in quickly and flipped on the light.

"Jace?" she called out, but there came no reply.

"Jace? Where are you?" Clary said again, in the meantime looking through the living room and kitchen.

When she couldn't find him there she went straight up to his room.

With a soft knock on the door Clary pushed it open and went into the room. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the darkness inside and she stopped for a moment.

"Jace?" she whispered.

"Are you here?"

He didn't answer but a soft rustle behind her drew her attention.

She finally found Jace, backed away in a corner of his room between the wall and his desk.

He was shaking badly and his face was tear stained.

"Oh Jace!" Clary exclaimed and she rushed forward to hug him.

A few minutes later she managed to get him up and off to bed, where she tugged him under the blankets and snuggled up next to him. He hadn't said a word, but she had promised not to ask.

A/N And? What do you think? Still love the story?

Let me know via review or PM!

Kiss