Author's Notes: Hey boys and girls!

I hope this chapter strums a few heart strings!

Dedicated to all my favourite readers. (So, all of you!)

Cassandra Clare owns The Mortal Instruments Series

Also, I know I haven't done this in the past but I'm going to try and get into the habit of warning you guys when a chapter contains some explicit language.

So…. Warning!


Chapter Seven: Bruised Hearts

Jace tilted his head back as he downed his next shot. Alec sat beside him, his hands idly spinning his mobile on the bar counter.

"Dude, that's your sixth shot." Alec raised his eyebrows.

"Not now, Alec." Jace replied gruffly.

"You're acting as if you just got dumped." Alec shot back, "Does Clary mean that much to you?"

Jace let out an audible sigh before returning to his shot and quickly downing the liquid. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay, then let's talk about all those bruises you have tattooed on your face." Alec crossed his arms.

"It's nothing, Alec. I can take a hit. Please, just let me drink in peace." Jace reached for his next shot before Alec swiftly pulled it away from him.

"No more drinking. It's time to talk." Alec heaved.

"Fine! You want to talk? Let's talk. Let's talk about how I've managed to screw up a countless amount of relationships in the past, and how when I finally meet someone who I actually love being around, I screw that up as well and then find out she's now with the assiest guy in the whole planet!" Jace let out a breath before pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't know what to do, Alec."

Alec swivelled in his bar stool so he was now fully looking at Jace. "Do you care about her?"

"More than she'll ever know." He replied.

"Are you going to hurt her?"

"No, not anymore."

"Good, because if you do I will kill you, Jace."

"I don't doubt that." Because in all honesty, Jace really did believe him. Clary was just as easily Alec's little sister as well.

"Then what the hell are you doing in this sleazy bar, when you should be at her apartment telling her how you feel?"

"She's with Sebastian, and miraculously, she's happy with him." Jace groaned before resting his head in his hands.

"No. Way." Alec said slowly.

"I know, its crazy but-" Jace muffled from behind his hands before Alec interjected.

"THAT ASSHOLE!" Alec yelled as Jace looked up from his position. He saw Alec stride across the bar before pulling a couple making out apart. He didn't even hesitate before throwing a right hook square into the man's face.

"What the fuck?!" He cried out, holding his now bleeding nose.

"That's for Clary, you cheating son of a bitch!" Alec shouted before getting ready to punch him again.

"Clary? Who the fuck is that, Seb?!" The girl who had just been making out with Sebastian made her presence known. By now, Jace was already across the bar beside Alec, realisation dawning on him.

Alec had just punched Sebastian.

Sebastian who was Clary's boyfriend.

Sebastian who was just caught with his tongue down another girl's throat.

"She's no one, babe. You know I'm not like that." Sebastian quickly replied back to the girl.

"You fucking dick!" Jace started before Alec quickly held him back. "What are you doing?! Let me go!"

"I don't even know these guys. They clearly have me confused with someone else." Sebastian shot them a glare, still holding his bleeding nose.

"That makes sense. I mean, you did but me roses less than a few weeks ago." The girl replied back, a hint of a smile creeping on her lips at the mere thought.

"You?!" Jace and Alec called back to the girl simultaneously.

"What about me?" Her eyes went wide.

"You've been cheating on Clary from the moment you walked into that florist?" Jace turned back to Sebastian. His eyes were ablaze, a new anger burning within him. "I knew they weren't for your mum, you asshole!"

"I-" Sebastian began.

"I'm going to murder you!" Jace yelled, readying his fist before Alec held him back again.

"Trust me, I want to see this fucker on the ground too, but don't you think two fights in one night might just be pushing it?"

Jace let Alec's words sink in before dropping his arms. Alec slowly released Jace's shirt.

Almost instantly Jace's fist was flying, landing a swift punch to Sebastian's jaw.

Sebastian didn't hesitate either, immediately punching Jace with just as much force. Quickly, the two were once again delivering hits just as fast as the other.

It wasn't long before security was on the scene, ripping the two off of each other.

"I'm going to kill you!" Jace spat at Sebastian, his arms were still held tightly by a security guard. "I knew you didn't deserve Clary."

"And yet she still chose me over you." Sebastian maliciously smiled, his arms were also pinned behind his back. Jace was taken back, his words lost on his tongue. This only made Sebastian laugh more.

"You know, she would always talk about you." He shook his head, "About something funny you did, or a time you made her smile. I could already tell you wanted her just from hearing those stories, and all I had to see was you tonight at that party to be sure I was right."

Jace felt his heart race. Sebastian knew how he felt, he knew all along.

"You kept avoiding us. Dodging Clary all night, but I saw you. Your eyes were basically glued to her. Of course she didn't know that. Oh no, she was too obsessed with me to even register your existence." Sebastian let each word drip off his tongue, a sense of pride lighting up his eyes.

Jace felt his blood boil. He wanted to rip Sebastian apart, but he knew his words rung true.

"She doesn't even want you and yet you're here. Fighting her battles. It's sad, really." Sebastian let out a mock sigh, "Poor Jace, if only he was man enough."

Jace was just about ready to break out of the bouncer's iron grip before a soft voice greeted his senses.

"Is that true?" Clary piped up from behind the crowd. Sebastian's face dropped and everyone turned to face the source of the sweet voice.

"Baby, of course not! I was only messing around. I don't even know this girl!" Sebastian forced a laugh just as said girl began to fume.

"You seemed to last night!" She barked at him, "When all you kept calling out was my name!"

The crowd fell quiet, unsure of what reaction was best. Jace took this moment to shuffle out of the bouncer's hold and move towards Clary.

"Clary, he doesn't deserve you." Jace spoke softly, meaning those words only for her ears.

"This whole time…" Clary felt hot tears slide down her face, "You were right, Jace. About everything." She turned to look at up at him. "Why didn't I listen to you? Oh God, I'm such an idiot!"

Jace couldn't believe the words that were leaving her mouth. "Of course you're not! He's the idiot." He gestured to Sebastian, "Not you, you did nothing wrong."

"Yes I did." Clary shook her head, "I took his word for yours." Jace felt his heart contract and how badly he wanted to scoop her into his arms and walk her right out of that bar.

"It's okay Clary-"

"No! It's not. I-I'm sorry, but I can't do this." One last look at Jace and Clary was making a beeline for the exit.

Rushing out into the chilly Manhattan night instantly soothed her. She felt her hair fly up around her face, and her body begin to shake against the cold. Clary began to walk along the pavement, a million questions raced through her head.

Why had I woken up to go find Sebastian?

And why couldn't I be wrong about where he was?

Why did I have to walk in on that?

Why had I not picked up on his cheating sooner?

But most of all: Why had I not believed Jace?

Clary wasn't sure how long she'd been walking before she found herself on the steps of Izzy and Simon's apartment building. Her mind was rattling with so many thoughts, she hadn't even realised where her legs were taking her.

It wasn't long before Clary was buzzed up and seated behind the couple's kitchen counter, a steaming cup of milo in her hands.

"I can't believe that happened." Izzy repeated for maybe the 60th time after making Clary repeat her version of the night.

"I hate that guy." Simon said with disgust, "I promise you Clary, when I see him; I'm going to make him regret he ever hurt you." It was a generally sweet remark but Izzy and Clary both knew that Simon would never hurt a fly.

"Thanks, Si." Clary gave a tight-lipped smile.

"So, have you heard from him?" Izzy piped up.

"No, he hasn't even dared to reach me after I found out he was hooking up with other girls behind my back." Clary sighed.

"Not Sebastian." Izzy straightened up on her seat. "Jace."

"Oh." Clary bit her lip. She had been so focused on Sebastian's secrets spilling out she had barely registered the fact that Jace admittedly had feelings for her.

Barely.

"No, and I doubt he even wants to know me after how I treated him. I can't believe it, after everything he said I never believed him. I always defended Sebastian." Clary felt tears well in her eyes but she warned herself that no more tears would be shed on account of Sebastian.

At that moment, Izzy's phone sung out a quick tune, alerting her she had received a new text.

"It's Alec. He's taken Jace to the hospital to get some x-rays done." Izzy said, looking up from her screen, "He said that he's in pretty bad shape."

Clary wasn't surprised. He was involved in two fights in one night. Two fights that both had to do with her. Now Clary felt a new wave of guilt wash over her. Jace had defended her and she hadn't even thanked him or asked if he was okay.

"Which hospital?" Clary asked, standing up from her seat.

"Bellevue." Izzy responded.

"That's not far from here." Clary got out as she gathered her things, "Thank you both, but I have a few things I need to do." And then Clary was hauling ass out the door, once again into the chilly Manhattan night.

XXXX

After almost being run over by three cyclists and two delivery trucks, Clary had finally arrived at the Bellevue Hospital Center. She raced to the front desk, muttering out Jace's name before she was escorted to room 757.

She gently knocked on the door before it was pulled open, revealing Alec.

"Hey, you're here." He said before squeezing Clary in a tight embrace.

"How are you?" She eyed him over. His hair was tousled with sweat and his eyes did not shine with their usual spark. He looked upset.

"I'm fine. I wasn't the one who needed three x-rays and an overnight stay." Alec jerked his head towards the bed, where Clary allowed her eyes to rest on Jace.

Just like Alec, Jace's hair stuck out weirdly and a number of hideous, purple bruises flourished along his exposed neck.

"Oh my God, Jace!" Quickly, Clary bounded towards the bed, dropping her belongings and kneeling beside him.

"I can't believe you're here." Jace spoke gently, "Are you okay?"

"Am I okay? Look at you!" She exclaimed, "I shouldn't have left like that. Thank God you're alive."

"You should see the other guy." Jace tried to smile before he gritted his teeth in pain.

"What did the doctors say?" She asked Jace before realising Alec could probably give a more precise answer.

"Their keeping him overnight for observation, but he has a tonne of bruised ribs." Alec sighed, "It's not good."

Clary shook her head in disbelief, "Why did you fight him, Jace?" She furrowed her brows, "You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did." He spoke up, "I know you're hurting and he deserved to feel some of that pain!"

"Thank you, but you didn't have to." Her hands found their way into Jace's before she even realised they were intertwined.

"And if it wasn't clear already, you're fight club days are over." Jace cracked a smile at that. The two were interrupted by the shuffling of Alec.

"It's pretty late, I should get going. I have work early tomorrow." Alec explained as he shrugged on his leather jacket. Clary checked the clock above the bed side table; it read 1 o'clock.

"Thanks again, Alec." Clary gave a small smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Jace spoke up.

"Get some rest. Both of you, it's been a long night." Alec nodded at them both before leaving the room. Almost immediately the door jerked back open, Alec's head appearing only just behind it. "Also, I know you're in bad shape and all, but please, try to behave you two." Alec smiled again before gently shutting the door behind him.

Clary felt her cheeks redden and Jace stifled laughter. "How about that? He saves me from being beaten alive but then throws me in the deep end later."

Clary let out a soft laugh before refocusing her attention on Jace. Her eyes looked him over again; it seemed that with every glance, he appeared worse than before.

"Did I forget to mention that you're an idiot?" Clary suggested.

"You've said it once or twice." Jace smiled.

"Not funny." Clary murmured, her hands were still folded in Jace's. "You could have gotten seriously injured."

"If bruising my ribs means that you'll hold my hand, I'll make sure to do it more often." Jace suggested before straightening himself up against the head board of the bed. He winced at the movement but patted the spot beside him, gesturing Clary closer.

"All you have to do is ask." She bit her lip as she looked him in the eye.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" Jace spoke softly. "And I don't just mean your appearance, but your personality too. You're so incredible and caring. You could stop wars."

Clary felt that familiar heat creep back onto her face.

"Sebastian is an idiot." Jace spoke, "You have to be to give up someone as amazing as you."

Clary couldn't stop the smiling fighting its way across her face.

"I'm sorry for everything." She let out a breath, "If I only knew how you felt…"

"Don't, Clary." Jace closed his eyes before speaking again, "It doesn't change anything. I don't want you to like me just because of how I feel. I don't want you to think that it's something you owe me. You owe me nothing."

"That's not true. I owe this smile on my face to you." She inched closer.

"And it's a goddamn beautiful smile." Jace shook his head.

Clary bit her lip. "I can't believe it; we went to hating each other to…" She wasn't sure just how to end that sentence but somehow she knew that Jace understood her. "This." She softly spoke.

"Will you stay with me?" Jace looked pleadingly into her eyes. She was surprised at the topic change but it looked as if Jace hadn't even realised what he had said. "Just for the night?"

"Of course." Clary was surprised that her own voice had agreed to that. Jace scooted across the bed, allowing just enough space for Clary to nuzzle into his shoulder. She was surprised that the action didn't feel weird or foreign, it felt warm and reassuring. Almost as if Jace was watching over her, not the other way around. Which of course he had been doing for the past weeks.

"So, you'll only get in bed with a guy if he's practically disabled?" Jace joked.

"Only if he stands up for me the way you did." Clary laughed as she moved closer towards him. It was surprising that even with a busted body; Jace emitted an impeccable amount of body heat, which easily warmed Clary. Her arm lay over his, which was placed securely on her waist. She felt his body gyrate with laughter and instantly felt her heart swell for Jace.

She wasn't sure how long the two had stayed in that position before a wave of sleep washed over them, leaving the two in each other's embrace.


Author's Notes: How was it guys?!

You've all been asking for a little bit of Clace and trust me, I have been pleading with myself to write a chapter like this. This was all for you guys because you are the greatest bunch of readers in the world!

Bear in mind, they have not kissed because there's still a lot more to come in terms of their relationship and the story in general (also, kind of wanted a place more romantic than a hospital for them to share their first kiss together!).

But I mean come on; they've basically slept together now! (Kidding!)

Also, I know at the end of the previous chapter that Clary went to sleep, and I'm not sure if it was clear enough in this chapter – but she woke up to go find Sebastian and looked for him at his favourite bar. Just in case you're wondering!

Thanks again so much for all the support, I love you all so incredibly much. Please don't be afraid to leave a review, any comments are appreciated!

Bianca X

Guest Reviews:

Cfire27 – Updating just for you ;)

Guest – I know, right! Clary can be a little irrational at times. Jace definitely does need to grow a pair, hopefully that happened in this chapter! Thanks again for reviewing! X

Guest – Just for you

Guest – Aw, how sweet! I'm glad it did! I know what you're saying, and trust me when I say that you just need to hold out for that chapter, because it is coming! (Sooner than you may think)

Guest – Omg, love you!

Guest – Happy to hear it you're loving it!

Guest – Aw, melt my heart!

Guest – This chapter was for you, my friend! I heeded your advice and A) made Jace and Sebastian fight (again!) and B) had a little bit of Clace ;)

Guest – Clary definitely did make the wrong choice but we all know she's making up for that now!

P.S. I know there are a tonne of 'guest' reviews literally signed 'guest', so if you want to make it easier to pick out yours, don't forget to change your guest name! I also reply to every single signed review I get :)