A/N: I may be doing some edits in the first few chapters to make them better. I don't know yet, but I will let you know if there are any major changes… but for now- onward and upward!
This is a SUPER short chapter, but I felt so touched by the scene that I knew I wanted it to stand alone.
Chapter9:
With the details Clary had given them, they would move today. Clary had taken off her gear. She took her time drawing meticulous runes on her mother, Jace, Alec and Isabelle. She knew she didn't want to lose any of them. If today was D-day she wanted to make sure they survived.
It was like she was on the outside looking in. She knew she needed to heed the advice of Magnus. He was a wise fellow, but she hated being left behind. She never noticed how focused they got when preparing. She always felt a weird calm before a battle and maybe that was how everyone was. But now that she was on this side of things, she had nothing but nerves and shaking hands.
Jace was lacing up his boots and he looked up at her. He face told her that he could see how worried she was. He straightened up from his shoe and walked to her. He tucked her hair behind her ear. "Honey, I've died twice and I am here still, aren't I?" He was so arrogant.
He kissed her. But when he did so he gave himself away. He kissed her like tomorrow wouldn't exist. He would do anything to protect his family. Even if that meant that he wouldn't be returning himself, and Clary knew that.
Robert cleared his throat bringing everyone's attention to him. He wasn't usually one for pep talks but he had things he needed to say to this group of people. This weird mix that was now his family.
"I just have some things I need to say to all of you while we are gathered together. " He looked nervously from face to face. "I have been out of touch for far too long. There is no one to blame but myself. I didn't tell you all this before, but when I came home from Idris this time, I stepped down from my post. I feel like I don't know any of you like I should any more."
He shook his head. "Again, that is my entire fault. I lost my spirit when Max died and I let it control me. I looked for any excuse to distance myself from anyone who could hurt me by leaving. I have a lot of regrets." He turned his head and look directly at his son. "Alec, I regret not being supportive of you. I don't care who you love as long as he makes you happy. Magnus has been a friend to us as far back as I can remember and I never told you I accepted you. Keeping silent and not saying anything is not acceptance. I am sorry."
"Isabelle," he said zoning in on her. "The same goes for you. As long as Simon makes you happy, I could care less that he isn't a shadow hunter, or even human." He then turned to look at Jace. "You have always been a son to me no matter what your last name is. I regret not being here for you as you grow your family. I regret not being a better father for you when you have already been let down so many times."
Maryse moved to her husband's side and took his hand. Her eyes glistened with tears threatening to fall. He looked at her. "Maryse, I am sorry most for pain I have caused you. I have never loved another as I love you. I left you here when you needed me the most and, for that, I can never apologize enough. I am here for you from now and forever more. If you will have me, that is."
She just nodded at him and kissed him.
"Now let's go kick butt!" Magnus rallied. Alec laughed at his love. And everyone began moving out. Saying goodbye to Clary as they did so, Jocelyn left last. She just rested her hand on her daughter's cheek for a moment and let her eyes do the talking.
Over the past few years, they had butted heads more and more, but they loved one another and that was all that mattered in the moment. Clary held her tears back until she heard the door shut. Then she let them flow while no one was there to see.
