Yeah, it's like four in the morning.

Don't ask.

So, if my note in the last chapter was too cryptic, I don't know maybe I was in a cryptic mood, let me explain. For all of you guys having panic attacks (I am so sorry if this is a true reaction) this story is a Jace/OC. It was never even considered that this story would have any other relationship, not even Clace, but Nikki doesn't know that, and I need some sort of drama to keep things interesting. ;)

Anyways, that note was meant for a specific OC introduced in this chapter, who I hope you enjoy (and no, it's not a threat for Jace/Nikki, and while we are on this note, can we think of a ship name? I'm out of creative batteries.)

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Cassandra Clare is the proud owner of TMI, I only own Nikki and our new character. ;)

One demon.

Really, I lived in New York, the demonic capital of America in more ways than one. There has to be at least one demon in this Godforsaken city.

If there was one thing I knew that could make me feel better, it was slitting a demon's throat open, giving in to the adrenaline that was killing monsters.

And now I couldn't even do that?

I had a Sensor in my hand, though it was doing no good whatsoever, and my shoes were making an almost silent noise as I wandered back and forth down the faded sidewalk, surprisingly deserted for a street in New York.

It looked a little odd, a girl my age out alone at night, but if anyone noticed, they never made it obvious. I had been so eager to leave the Institute that I hadn't even bothered to apply a glamour first.

Had Jace been here, he would be laughing at me. He'd be telling me that I had no idea where to look for demons, and he'd probably add some annoying nickname about the color of my hair just for an ironic joke.

Jace. Usually the name was something I enjoyed hearing, a name that made me feel adrenalized, but now all it did was allow me to picture slapping said blond with all the force I could muster.

His history with girls wasn't something new to me. We'd both entered our fair share of relationships, Jace's more careless than mine, but separate relationships all the same. It was the fact that neither of us entered them looking for love or commitment that made me feel as if there was nothing jeopardizing my romantic infatuation with him after all.

And of course I had no right to feel wounded. Clary was a good person, the fact that she was a total liability to us set aside, and I'd be lying if I said she wasn't her own form of attractive. Jace had every right to find himself with some sort of attraction towards her, I had no claim on him that wouldn't allow that, but then why did I feel so…

Betrayed?

And now all this did was make my grip on the seraph blade at my waist tighten in anger. Were there no goddamn demons anymore? What use was a Shadowhunter then?

"You Shadowhunters sure do have some odd expressions on your faces when you're hunting demons," An unfamiliar voice drawled, "Is that normal?"

I whipped the blade out, praying that there was a demon speaking to me and that I could kill it, but then why wasn't the Sensor picking it up?

I recognized the shadow behind me with distaste.

Downworlder.

"Whatever you want, dog," I growled in annoyance, "I suggest you look for it elsewhere. I'm not in the mood."

The werewolf put up his hands in defense, and under the flickering streetlight I recognized him as the one from Pandemonium, the one that had thought I was attractive, with raven hair and emerald-colored eyes. "I don't want anything," He assured me, an odd smirk on his face, "You just looked like you could use a drink."

I snorted, not making any move to place my seraph blade back in my belt. "And you have one to offer, do you?"

"Not on me," He grinned, a white smile that was surprisingly youthful, "But I know where to find you one, if you'd like."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I definitely appreciate the offer," I told him in a tone that probably suggested otherwise, "But I'm afraid I'll have to decline."

The werewolf sighed, as if my answer were to be expected. "You look angry, more so than usual for a Shadowhunter," He observed, and I raised an eyebrow, "So let me guess. Relationship troubles? I guess the Nephilim have those, I don't know."

I lowered the blade slightly. "You could say that."

He chuckled. "I would shake your hand and introduce myself," He motioned towards the weapon hesitantly, "But I'd prefer not to."

I rolled my eyes, going against my inner judgment and placing it away. "You better introduce yourself now," I suggested blatantly, "Shadowhunters aren't really known for their patience."

The werewolf laughed, an easygoing sound. "Werewolves aren't really known for that either," He closed the distance between us, holding out a tanned limb, "I'm Jared."

I wrinkled my nose at his hand, before I threw caution to the wind and took it in my own, shaking it firmly. "Nikki. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," He pulled his hand back, stuffing it into the pocket of his jeans carelessly. "I met one of your kind once. Can't say I enjoyed him much."

Probably Jace. "We aren't the life of the party," I agreed, and Jared smirked, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Well you seem different," He bit his lip, his green eyes taking me in as if he were deciding something. "Speaking of parties, Nikki, there is one in particular that is sure to have the alcohol you're looking for. You in?"

Now, I was usually a pretty rational person. A good Shadowhunter would never even consider attending any sort of social occurrence where Downworlders were involved, especially unruly ones like werewolves that they met two minutes ago.

But, my rationality was slowing becoming questionable, and a nice drink sounded like something I could look forward to.

"Yeah, Jared," I grinned, "I think I am."

"Okay, so I don't know what you're going to have to do with that," Jared motioned towards the arsenal that was my weapons belt, "But attend a Downworlder party with it and you're surely going to be mugged."

I felt a smile tugging at my lips. "Well if I have it with me, any mugging of any kind would be surprisingly manageable."

Jared tsked, giving me a mocking look of disapproval. "Now, that is surely against the Accords."

I laughed bitterly. "I don't know if you've noticed," I reminded him, "But the Accords tend to be written more so in our favor than yours."

Usually a werewolf would be offended and angry towards a Nephilim saying such things, but us two teenagers walking together made everything feel less serious, as if our people weren't in a rocky alliance that used to be nonexistent whatsoever.

"So," Jared clapped his hands together from where he was walking beside me, a good amount of distance between the two of us, "Tell me, Child of the Nephilim, what kind of relationship troubles do Shadowhunters experience?"

I felt my expression fold into one that was less enthusiastic. "I don't know if werewolves have any egotistical bastards among them," I explained, "But us Nephilim, we have a lot of those."

Jared laughed. "Fair point. A boyfriend of yours?"

I shook my head. Why I was opening up to a stranger, and a Downworlder at that, baffled me beyond understanding, but I just continued anyways. "He's a friend," I said quietly, and Jared raised an eyebrow.

"But you feel otherwise, right?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Possibly."

Jared nodded. "So what did said egotistical bastard of a friend do?"

I laughed at his description, shaking my head. "He didn't do anything wrong. It appears that he is developing feelings for a certain girl-"

"And that girl isn't you." Jared finished, and I nodded. Had anyone else said this I would feel hurt at the blatantly hurtful truth, but the way Jared said it made me feel as if he somehow knew what it was like.

Jared sighed, breaking the silence. "I would say it gets better," He admitted finally, "But really, it doesn't."

I looked up at him, and when I say up I meant it because he was a few inches taller than Jace. "You know?"

Jared nodded. "The girl I had feelings for? Married. To my best friend."

I cringed. "Ouch."

He nodded in agreement. "You've got that right. But," He stretched his arms out in a carefree motion, as if the smell of the city air and the polluted wind was just the nicest thing in the world, "That was a long time ago. When I was young, and stupid, and eventually got turned into a werewolf so I had no chance with her anyways."

I raised an eyebrow skeptically at his story. "That glamorous, is it?"

"You bet."

I laughed. "Sometimes, our world sucks."

"I couldn't agree more. How does that drink sound?"

"Like liquid gold."

As if on cue, Jared stopped walking in front of a specific apartment building, so abruptly that I had to take a step backwards to remain at his side.

"Here we are," Jared grinned his pretty smile again, "Now just to let you know, there may be some faerie drinks, so I suggest you go with the subtly colored beverages and avoid the neon ones. At least for now anyways, I mean you seem like a pretty levelheaded woman, but if that's your kind of party-"

"No, no," I waved my hands quickly, "Not necessary. No faerie drinks."

Jared nodded in agreement, and I looked up at the apartment door with a wary expression. "You sure this is okay?"

"What, bringing a Shadowhunter? No. But if it's the party you're worried about," Jared grinned with a wink, "Don't worry. Magnus sure knows what he's doing."

…

"Magnus, babe," I shot Jared an odd look, but he just continued to speak over the intercom sweetly, "It's Jared."

There was a huff, before the voice that had asked us "what we wanted" replied shortly. "You're lucky," He spoke in what appeared to be a bored tone, "I usually don't invite dogs out of respect for the vampires. Tonight none are here."

Jared grinned. "That's good, because I brought a friend."

The voice, Magnus, spoke again. "Great," He sounded as if his feelings didn't match the word, "Just don't have sex on my furniture."

Jared raised an eyebrow at me. "That will not be a problem."

I rolled my eyes, and there was silence, before a minute later there were thudding footsteps from inside, which were followed by the door swinging open carelessly.

The man in front of us was…

Well, he was glimmering.

His dark hair was spiked upwards with flecks of glitter spattered about, and his face was adorned with sparkling cosmetics, his eyes a greenish-gold that had dark slits in the center, like a cat's.

"Yes, I'm beautiful," Magnus interrupted impatiently, and his already intimidating eyes narrowed at me curiously. "A Shadowhunter?" Magnus turned to the werewolf beside me, "Really, Jared?"

Jared beamed brightly. "She's a nice one."

Magnus raised an eyebrow, raking his eyes over me in a way that made me feel slightly uncomfortably. "Nice on the eyes, all you care about," He muttered, before he met my eyes finally. "Shadowhunter."

I faked a smile. "Warlock."

"Technically," Magnus raised his index finger, whose nail was slathered in glittery blue paint, "High Warlock. Of Brooklyn. Titles are everything, my dear."

I shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me. My loyalties are to the Clave, doesn't mean they give me a title other than 'disposable warrior'."

Magnus raised both eyebrows questioningly, and Jared shot me a surprised look. I supposed neither of them were used to hearing Shadowhunters talk somewhat negatively about the Clave, but it was no secret that my appreciation towards them was measured.

"Very well," The High Warlock sighed finally, stepping away from the door and motioning inside, "But my rule still stands."

Jared smirked, placing a hand on my back lightly and nudging me towards the door, "And that is still not a problem."

Magnus showed us to his apartment, and the party going inside was no disappointment. Downworlders of all kinds were crowded together, dancing along to music that was somehow blasting loudly, and yet there wasn't a speaker in sight.

All attention, at some point or another, was on me as people glanced up at me in random moments, but all my attention was placed on the multiple glass bottles placed at different increments around the room.

"I would say they're admiring your beauty," Magnus called over the music, leaning towards me, "But really, they're imagining strangling you and throwing your body in the dumpster outside."

I narrowed my eyes, looking up at an innocent Jared. "Great. Glad I'm here."

"You will be," Jared assured, pushing me lightly towards a table that had the beverages we seek, "Once you get a shot or two of those."

And that was how Jared the werewolf became my new best friend.

"It's not funny!" I snapped, burying my head in my hands, but I couldn't help but grin as Jared cackled loudly, hunched over and waking half of the city.

"You have to admit that it was," Jared sobered enough to reply, and I shook my head rapidly. "Oh come on! Aren't you flattered?"

"That a faerie's way of flirting with me is hitting me on the ass and leaving a green handprint in its place? No, no I am not flattered, let him slap you on the ass!"

Jared began cracking up again, probably because I was glaring down at the black pants that I needed to burn now, but I didn't let it bother me. Jared was a relief, like a numbing effect. He didn't fix wounds and he didn't fix my inner problems, but he relieved the pain.

"So," Jared shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans, looking kind of uneasy, "That's the Institute?"

As we were joking around I didn't realize that my feet had been stumbling towards what had become my home over the past four years, and the Institute loomed above us from down the street, looking dark and abandoned, even though the glamour didn't exist for my eyes or Jared's.

"Yeah," I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, "What do you think?"

Jared looked over at me warily. "The truth?"

I giggled. "Yes."

Jared huffed, looking up at the old church with a look that was clearly uncomfortable. "It looks cold and creepy and I don't know how someone as bright and golden as you lives there."

"Well," I sighed, looking at the building longingly, "I didn't always."

Jared's brow furrowed. "What happened?"

I looked at him evenly. "My dad died. I moved here."

Jared nodded thoughtfully, as if the news was what he had expected. I wasn't sure if I should be offended by the nonchalance, but for whatever reason it didn't matter to me. "I know how you feel," He shrugged, "I guess I do, anyways. When I was bitten I ran away from my parents. I don't know where they are now."

I looked away from him, biting my lip. He spoke as if it didn't bother him, but I knew better. His situation was so much worse than mine, in a way. I had the closure that my parents were gone and there was nothing I could do, but he had no way of knowing how they were, and they didn't either."

We were slightly in front of the Institute now, though still a good distance away, as I was sure the place screamed danger to him. Downworlders never stepped foot in the Institute.

"So," Jared still looked uncomfortable, not as carefree and enthusiastic as he was earlier, "I had a great time."

I grinned widely, a true smile I never would have thought would be brought out by a Downworlder of all people. "So did I. I really needed that drink."

Jared scoffed. "We all know it was a solid fifteen drinks, Nikki."

I burst out in laughter, and Jared followed, the sound bouncing off the tall buildings and echoing across the deserted street.

We sobered a second later, and Jared's face grew serious. "Well this friend of yours, the egotistical bastard that made you need those drinks," He paused, scratching the back of his neck, "He doesn't deserve you. You deserve the best, and I hope you find it."

I smiled. "Thanks. So do you, Jared, you really do."

He smiled back, and I suddenly realized just how awkward this situation was. I normally would have found a night like tonight a perfect chance for removing any thoughts of Jace, because I wasn't above Downworlders and it wouldn't be the first time I engaged in romantic activities with them, but tonight was different. I had no feelings for Jared now, and I didn't want to.

Jared seemed to be thinking the same thing I was, because his face was scrunched together, as if he were discussing something internally. "I don't plan on kissing you," He announced awkwardly, "You know that, right?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the statement. "I know. And I'm surprisingly not offended by that."

His eyes widened. "Not because I don't want to, because I'm sure you are a lovely kisser, but I don't feel-"

"Jared," I held up a hand, pausing his rant effectively, "I get it. We're on the same wavelength. Friends."

Jared smiled in relief, nodding vigorously. "Friends."

I nodded with a smile, my heels clicking as I began walking towards the rusty gate that locked the Institute out from the rest of the world.

"Does a friend get a hug?" Jared offered, holding his arms out with a goofy grin and a hopeful expression, and I laughed.

"Always." I closed the distance between us, standing on my toes in order to wrap my arms around his shoulders, and he placed his hands lightly on my waist, pulling me towards him tightly.

"I hope I see you again, Nikki," He whispered in my ear, his cheek pressed against my hair, and I nodded, though the movement was limited.

"I hope the same, Jared." I pulled away, and Jared inclined his head politely before he shoved his hands in his pockets, staring at his shoes as he began walking in the opposite direction.

I was about to push open the gate, but my paranoia got the better of me, and I turned back to the departing werewolf. "You sure you're okay walking back by yourself?"

Jared looked up in surprise, a silvery-white grin standing out brightly in the darkness. "Any mugging of any kind will be surprisingly manageable," He called, an easy laugh escaping his lips as he mocked me, and I chuckled, rolling my eyes once more before I locked the gate shut and disappeared into the welcoming darkness of the Institute.

"Nikki. Nikki. Get the hell up. Nikki. Nikki. Nikki-"

"What?" I hissed, opening one eye grumpily, and though my eyesight was limited, I could clearly see a grumpy and early-awoken Jace sitting at the edge of my bed, a cold look on his golden face.

"We're going to the Silent City," He announced flatly. "Get dressed."

I blinked, dragging a hand over my face tiredly. "We?"

Jace huffed. "If I have to go see the Silent Brothers with Clary," He snapped, "I'm dragging you with me."

I wanted to cry I was so tired, seeing as the clock beside me showed it was five in the morning and I had stumbled into bed at half past two, but somehow I got over it, because I was a committed Shadowhunter or I was just so hopelessly in love I don't know. "Okay. Get out."

Jace scoffed, and as my blurry vision cleared I realized that something wasn't right about him. Usually he'd be making a joke, because my makeup was smudged and I was wearing the same clothes from last night, but now he just looked like the Jace I hated, the one with the harsh comments and the icy expressions.

Before I could figure out why, he climbed to his feet, walking out of my room gracefully and slamming the door shut in a cool manner, but what really was a sign of anger.

I groaned, lugging myself to my feet, and I somehow managed to get dressed, making myself presentable, though why I tried I didn't know. The Silent Brothers didn't care, and I certainly wasn't in the mood for trying to impress Jace. I didn't feel like causing myself pain today.

Once I had my hair pinned up on top of my head and a seraph blade secured in my belt, I walked out into the hallway, where Jace was leaning against the wall casually. He glanced up at me once, before he adverted his eyes in what appeared to be…

Disgust.

"What stick is up your ass?" I questioned angrily, and he shook his head, an icy smirk on his face.

"The same one that was up yours, apparently. Tell me, did you have fun last night?" He asked coldly, and I froze, crossing my arms.

That was the problem.

"What are you talking about?" I asked him quietly, studying his expression carefully, and he snorted, looking up at me with narrowed eyes.

"A Downworlder, Nikki?" He spat, shaking his head and looking away, "I thought you had standards, but obviously-"

"How do you know I was with Jared?" I hissed, and I almost saw him cringe at the name. I was acting stupid, I knew better than to even respond to his stupid accusations, but I didn't understand. I got home at a time that I knew Jace would be asleep, I mean he was a night owl but he also loved his beauty rest. The elevator had been relatively quiet, and I hadn't made a sound when I closed the door. I was sure of it.

"Really, you must have made a real lasting impression on Jared," Jace sneered, "If he got so close to the Institute for you. Dogs don't like this place, in case you haven't noticed."

I scoffed, clenching my fist to avoid doing something stupid. Of course Jace would think that. As if he were one to say anything.

"Get your head out of your ass, Jace," I hissed, trying to keep my voice reasonable considering Isabelle and Alec were still long asleep, "I didn't sleep with him, I'm capable of making friends. And if you're jealous of me having a little fun, I'm sure Clary would have been more than willing. You certainly have been making her feel welcome, haven't you?"

"I did that for you!" Jace growled, jabbing his finger in my direction accusingly, "You really don't see anything, do you? You wanted me to be nice to her, to take care of her, so I did. Everything I do is for you, Nikki!"

Somehow he had closed the measurable distance that stood between the two of us, because I now had my back against the wall, Jace's face inches from my own, leaning his hands on the wall on either side of my head.

"What's with the- oh," Clary cut off instantly, and Jace shut his eyes tightly, as if bringing himself back to reality.

"Jace," I whispered, so quietly I didn't think he heard me, but he did, because his eyelids fluttered open, his golden eyes searching mine carefully.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Jace seemed to notice I wasn't going to do anything, because he pushed himself away, breathing heavily as he spoke, still watching me. "No, you're not."

Clary looked a little skeptical, but she didn't say anything. "Right. What's with the cat?"

I suddenly realized Church was there, almost pacing across the carpet, as if he were on a caffeine high and just couldn't sit still. "The Silent Brothers make him nervous."

Clary replied to that, but I didn't hear what she said, because all I could hear was a buzzing in my ears. Everything had changed just now. I wasn't sure how it had changed, but it did.

And I didn't know what to do.

So, how do you guys like Jared? I actually really hope you like him, because I want him to become an important character later in the story, and I know this chapter was mainly about him, but I hate when people introduce OCs and yet only ever mention their names and the fact that they're in the room, you know? I wanted him to have a role, a story.

Anyways, enjoy Jared, welcome him, and take relief in the fact he will not threaten Jace/Nikki, and neither with Clary.

Speaking of, we do need a ship name, I've realized. And while we are on the note of shipping them, how'd you like that little part at the end? ;)

Review on everything! Your thoughts on Jared, Jace/Nikki, what you think is going on in their minds, anything!

Until next time (Magnus and his party is coming up, but I introduced him in this chapter for a reason),

EasyIsTheDescent