**The characters names of The Mortal Instruments are owned by Cassandra Clare. The original content of this story are owned by Ms sweets, 2020. Please do not copy or reproduce my story without written permission.**

A/N In this chapter is a scene i have been wanting to write for a while. *hand rub* See if you can guess which part.

S/N Just want to say there is a reason to why I'm adding a lot of Sebastian and Clary moments, it does play a part to future chapters, so bare with please. I'm sorry if it's a bit much and the pace is too slow, but Clace is coming. I promise. 😊

Enjoy x

Chapter 11 – A Gift From Me

Jace had quickly left after his outburst, knowing he needed to get away and be free of the house, though he didn't mind the company of his parents, he did mind the house. He was not one for the over usage of the AI, especially now.

Most places he ventured had Aaida present, reminding him of the methodical routines of the school, no matter how much he would try to ignore the memories, they would flicker back. Blinding his sight and rendering him helpless, "Master Herondale it is time for you to wake up."

"Go away Aaida."

"Master Herondale, you have been instructed to be awaken at 5am, if you do not vacate your bed I will be forced into my default.

"Shut up." Jace turned, covering his ears with his pillows, preparing to drown out the noise that was surely to come. He knew in the long run it was pointless to not comply with the voice, but he did it anyway, and so he waited. The noise came, a blaring frequency that sent quivers through his flesh, piercing into his core. There was an inhumane quality to the noise that filled his space, one he hadn't heard in his room before, or anywhere else for that matter. But Jace had been warned of what would happen when he had moved to the Virtuoso ward, that it would be different, and there would be reactions to every decision he made.

He screamed, "I'm up, I'm up!" The sound continued to play, running to the door he tried to open it, but it didn't budge. Again, he tried to no avail, Jace tried to agito but found the noise was interfering with his ability, he attempted to push through the pain and agito again but found himself bouncing into the wall, "Please, please!" He cried out, "I'm awake, I'm up! Please!" Curling into a ball he covered his ears with his arms, waiting for the noise to seize when silence. Nothingness.

"Master Herondale, please prepare yourself for today's training. You are expected to be in the main hall at 6:15am, you have 30 minutes to get ready."

Scuttling for the door Jace exited, happy to be free of his confinement. Bringing his hand to his face he wiped away the tears that had ran down his cheeks. He had heard the whispers of what some of the punishments were, but never had he imagined anything to that extent, for as long as Jace would stay there, he swore he would never experience that again.

"Jace? Jace?" Jace was faintly aware that his name was being called, as he came to from his memory.

"Jace, where did your mind go?" Izzy was looking at him with worryingly.

"No place to concern yourself with." He had taken himself to the Lightwoods to be away from bleakness of his parents' house, and to see a little boy he was so fond of. Upon his arrival Max had greeted him with a big hug, jumping into his arms, essentially covering his upper body with his own. He was getting bigger now and though Jace could still carry his weight with ease he could feel the mass of the young boy begin to change, "Happy Birthday Jace. I got you card."

Putting Max down, he took the card from him, "A physical card."

"Alec, said you'd like that better."

Jace smirked, spotting Alec appear behind the boy, he knelt down, "Clever guy your brother."

Affectionately, he ran his fingers through Max's head of brown curls, it amazed him how he had watched this young boy grow, from a baby till now; nine years of age, almost in his double digits. Soon he would be a young man and soon they would know whether he was like his siblings, for Max's sake Jace hoped he was fortunate to have not received it.

"So, may we leave now? You have seen Max and our parents. Let us indulge in few adult beverages before the day is done." Getting up from the couch, Jace felt the shift of weight in the space, spying Izzy from his side view, he caught her stretching, releasing her hair from its tie, her long hair fell free. "Alec?"

Alec sat in the small chair on the left, rubbing his eyes Alec moved from his spot to stand by Izzy, "Jace come, we must commemorate your 22nd birthday." Alec said playfully, "We must drown our temples with liquid gold. Come brother," Holding out his hand towards him, "Away we will go."

Jace narrowed his eyes at him, "Are you sure you haven't indulged in some already?" Amused by Alec's sudden playfulness.

"Fairly sure. Just high off of life." For someone who did not seem to have any life in him a moment ago, his attitude had changed drastically taking Jace by surprise and he could not help but smile at it.

"Right." Jace answered, chuckling to himself, Alec continued to stand there, still holding his hand out, he shook it a little, prompting Jace to take it. Taking Alec's hand, he allowed for his friend to pull him.

"Where do you have in mind?"

"Variant." Izzy quickly answered, "It's the exclusive club for –"

"I know the one you speak of. You going like that?" Jace looked at Alec and Izzy's attire, Izzy wore a high neck black dress that fell just above her knees, though it wasn't short, her long legs made it seem as though it was, as with most her clothes. The seams of the dress ran along her body lining it with neon green, contouring the shape of it. Her waist was exposed on the right side due to style of the dress. Most of Izzy's body was fairly covered, her arms were hidden beneath the sleeves, adorned with the neon lines that ran down it.

Izzy always had a habit of dressing fashionable, whether it was in a casual setting or an occasion that called for it. Alec on the other hand, in comparison, was not the same.

He wore what made him feel comfortable, things that would not make him standout a considerable amount. Like in that moment, he wore blue trousers with a plain black top, this was the standard for him.

Izzy spun around looking at herself, "My attire is up to par. I dare say above it." Peering at her feet she spoke. "I'll be but a moment." And disappeared presumably to get some shoes.

Alec side glanced at Jace, "I am not changing."

"Very well." He smirked.

"Right." Izzy had returned to her spot beside Alec, her feet now in black strappy heels, "Shall we?"

All standing in a line they interlocked their arms together, lifting out their right leg slightly off the ground "Off we go." Izzy said and then they were gone, agitoing to their chosen place. They had done that many a times, from when they had all discovered they could Shadow, a tradition of sort. There was only a few times they wouldn't, one being if they wear racing one another to see who could get there first, and the second, was if they were shadowing through time, things could infinitely get more complicated doing that.

..

Music surrounded the trio, hearing it come from every direction of the building. Jace had never been in this club, being he hadn't taken a likening to places with many of his fellow Shadowers, but he thought he would for tonight give it a chance. The room was fairly dark, though it beared a blue hue throughout, it was only to set the atmosphere.

Even though Jace was not fond of the structural designs of his time, he found it suited the setting, with its obscure shapes that littered the club. In the middle of the dance floor was a glass beam that resembled on hourglass, Jace knew why it was there but still rolled his eyes at the insinuation. Many people were inside of the glass dancing, coming and going as they pleased, leaving a trace of their shadow as they went.

Luminescent lights trailed throughout the place aiding in the casting of the blue hue, but adding an element to it, illuminating the neon colours that prowled inside, making many glow. It was nice touch, making the place feel more enticing, he could see why many came to Variant.

Jace found himself dancing with a girl, swaying to the upbeat music. She had taken his hands and placed them on the sides of her legs, as they danced to the music she pressed her behind into his centre, grinding against him. Jace relished in the moment, closing his eyes and taking in the scent of the girl's neck – Jasmine and lavender, it was welcomed scent compared to rest of the nightclub, "This feels good." She said.

"Hmm." He answered in agreement, opening his eyes slightly he saw a flash of red, he froze momentarily, making the girl look at him. "Why did you stop?" Before he knew it, he was rushing through the crowd, following the trail of red. He knew it was ridiculous going after it, knowing that it couldn't be her, but his feet wouldn't stop moving not until they reached their destination.

The red came to a halt, stopping in front of some girls when he gotten to her, her back was towards him obscuring her face, though he knew deep down it wasn't Clary he couldn't help how he felt. The girls the redhead was talking to started to stare, noticing he was doing the very thing, once she had noticed her friends had stopped talking, she followed where their eyes were looking, spotting Jace."Hello?"

Jace saw the girl's blue eyes instead of the greens he wanted to see, "Sorry, I lost track of my bearings. My apologies." Leaving the set of eyes that were on him, he found himself in the midst of the crowd away from Izzy and Alec, quickly scanning the room he couldn't locate where they were and decided he needed some air. Teleporting, he stood outside in the vacant streets of the city, taking in the cool air.

The streets were well lit, that was to no surprise, the club was in the wealthier part of the city. Those that lived on that side were mostly people in power and those that possessed his stature of abilities, gifted houses for their service to the city.

Jace continued to take in the cool air capturing his reflection in the building across the road, he looked dazed. Maybe from his sheer idiocy of thinking that Clary would actually be there, how foolish of him. "Well if it isn't the infamous Jace."

Jace knew the voice that spoke, without having to look to confirm it, he was in mood to entertain them. "Have not seen your face in sometime."

"Blake." Jace kept his face forward, knowing this was not a friendly exchange, in most of his time at the school he hadn't gotten on a great deal with him and once Blake had found out he was leaving prematurely, his antics followed Jace home, intensify in their cruel nature.

"Last time I saw you, you were leaving school grounds, with dear daddy beside you."

"Has it been that long?" Jace was already growing tired of their forced interaction and sought a way to exit from it.

"How'd you do it?" Blake asked coming closer in proximity, Jace had yet to turn to face him, instead he continued to look at himself in the building as he saw Blake near in the reflection.

"Be direct with what you wish to ask. For I could mistake you question for another."

"How did you get out of Alicante? No one gets to leave."

Realising their conversation would not be ending soon enough he turned to look at Blake, he looked rough considering they were the same age. His blonde hair was short and unkept, looking at his face Jace noticed a scar ran across his right cheekbone, he hadn't had that whilst they were in school. His clothes were of the top kind, and outlandish, he wore the uniform of those that worked for the higher ups. He wasn't surprised Blake had gone that way in employment, he had always kissed ass in training.

"I guess I am simply lucky." Those words stung Jace to say, knowing this was the furthest from the truth.

"Luck is what you're calling it. That's not what I heard." Blake replied, an underlying of spite in his words. Jace was about to go, but spied Alec and Izzy behind him, seemingly realising he was not in the building. "I heard you couldn't take this pressure."

"Well, that's not true. I think you'd find it was you who did not carry it well."

This touched a nerve in Blake, making him get closer to Jace. "I'm pretty sure that was your friend."

Jace felt himself getting angry, "You'd do best to mind your words."

"Why? You can't outdo me. You should have stayed Jace, maybe it would be a fair fight then. Though I must say, it seemed you always came in packaged deal, you and your friend. I guessed that applied to the disappearing act, two for the price of one." Blake smirked at him.

"Jace?" It was Alec's voice, "Do not raise to his level. It will not be worth it." Jace did not care to listen to Alec's words, he only cared to do one thing, but he knew though he hated Blake, he was right. He was near as good in his abilities compared to him and it would be stupid to fight.

"Aw yes, listen to dear old Alec. His wise words will benefit you well."

Jace grabbed Blake by his jacket, gaining a menacing smile from him, "One day you will meet your match Blake, and you'll regret your actions."

Pulling Jace's hand off of him, "That's something you'll never be. Enjoy your birthday Jace." And with that he was gone, leaving a trail of black smoke behind.

"What in god's name was that about?" Izzy asked, coming to stand beside Jace and Alec on his other side.

"Blake, being Blake." He was trying to calm his anger, though Blake wasn't aware of the circumstances that resulted in Jace leaving, he was still a part of many of his training sessions. Closing his eyes, he started to count again, 10… 9… 8…

"Why are so many of the Virtuosos assholes?"

"It's hard to keep a good heart, in a place that wishes to torment those who possess it." Jace remarked offhandedly, Isabelle knew best not to say anything further, knowing it was not needed. She looked at Alec, who looked at her, screwing his mouth a bit they both knew the subject needed to be changed.

"Now that you have spent the adequate amount of time with your parents, ours and us, how do you plan on spending the remainder of the night?"

"I'm not sure."

"Come Jace, we could do something else. Maybe we should visit the 20th century, it could be amusing." Izzy was trying to leave the night on a happier note then it was currently on.

"Izzy I'm in no mood for flapper dresses or jazz music."

"It was mere suggestion." Izzy said defensively

"I know Izzy." Eyeing the girls that had appeared outside, "I know where I'll go."

"Where?" Alec asked. Jace didn't bother with answering Alec question, he chose to simply vanish, leaving behind his friends outside the club. He knew it was not the nicest thing to do, but he needed to go, he wanted to see someone and so he went.

..

Jace awoke in the institute, beneath the warm covers. He couldn't remember what time he had arrived at the institute but that it was still dark when he stood before the doors. Sensing the change in Jace's breathing Aaida spoke, "Morning, Master Herondale.

Uncovering himself, he sat up in the bed stretching his arms, feeling the sleep leave his body. "Aaida, time and date, abbreviated." He yawned; he was sure he had remembered the date correctly but needed to make sure before he left to go on his travels. "It is 10:45am and the date is, August 18th."

"What time did I enter this room?"

"You arrived at 2:18am, Master Herondale. You were assisted by Merrell.

Assisted? Why had he been assisted to his quarters? Not dwelling too much on what Aaida had said, he gave her another request. He was soon to see Clary and that was what mattered the most.

After his shower Jace quickly dressed in his day clothes, opting for same clothes he had worn the day prior. He had remembered that he did not pack for his impromptu trip, so he would be forced to wear the dirty clothes; thankful in that time he had not worn something overly reminiscent of his time period and that he could wear them seamlessly in that year.

Putting on his navy chinos and black top, Jace was nearly ready to go. Grabbing the final things, he put on his jacket and trainers and left.

As he waited in the elevator, he thought whether he should have called Clary, letting her know his was here like the other times, but he had intended on surprising her and so he didn't. He could picture her face when he surprised, her sweet smile and he rosy blush, spreading across her cheeks and down her chest. He missed her, he needed to find a way to stay here longer than four days every couple of months, he knew that institute provided him with additional aids, but he needed a way to without them.

The elevator came to a stop, opening their doors he stepped out and was meet by a voice, "Jace, how it's a pleasure to see you."

"Zachariah." Jace was shocked by his sudden presence, he was not expecting to see him. For once he was dressed more casually than his normal attire, wearing a blue linen shirt with loose fitting white trousers. It humanised him more, making him seem more approachable.

Jace couldn't explain why seeing him there was strange, after all, this was his institute. In the months Jace had been attending and Zachariah had not been present on the grounds, for whatever reason. It was just strange, Jace thought it was due to their last conversation and how cryptic it had been, not knowing where he stood with the overseer or how strange is was that none of the assisters knew where Zachariah had gone. On any other matter at least one of them would have heard something but there was nothing, and now he was back, in an unprofessional attire and so was Jace.

"You have returned."

"Indeed, I have." He smiled politely, his hands clasped behind his back, "Since we last spoke, I had wondered, whether you were able to find a solution to your problem."

"I never said it was a problem." In all the months he had a gone he remembered what they had spoken about, that was weird to Jace. Considering he had completely vanished.

"I have put words in your mouth, my apologies. I just recall it being a pressing matter."

"Pressing by the fact I was curious."

That smile that Jace did not particular like, appeared on Zachariah's face again, "In that case, I hope all is well and that I was I able to satisfy your curiosity. I must be off." He turned left not giving Jace a chance to say goodbye.

..

Reaching her place of work, he entered and was greeted was the smell of coffee and cakes, it wasn't as busy as he had seen it before, it was moderate. Looking around he couldn't see her and made for the counter, where he spied a girl with brown hair leaning on the countertop, idly playing with her pen, her boredom clearly evident.

"Hi."

"Hey." Glancing upwards the woman's face lit up, seeing who was now standing opposite her. She quickly straightened herself to her full height and fixed her hair into place, she smiled at him. "How can I help you sir?"

"I was hoping to find Clary."

"Clary?" The girl questioned, "Yes. By any chance is she here?" Hearing the name of Clary made her demeanour change slightly, not in a bad way but in a way of halting her advances.

"Erm no, she's got the day off for her birthday. Me and her will be here tomorrow though." Jace noticed she had mentioned she would be there, despite him not asking for the additional information about her.

"I thought as much, but I thought I'd try regardless. Could you possible tell her a message for me?" He put on his best smile knowing it would win over the young girl, "If that is no trouble for you."

"No that's fine, what's the message?" Leaning over the counter he came closer to the girl and told her the message. "Ok, and is there anything else I can do for you today?"

Peering over to the glass display he answered, "Why yes, I'll get the lemon cake."

..

Clary had felt so much love on her birthday, spending it with her family and friends. Maia had travelled down from Manchester to come see her which she was grateful for, knowing how long it took to travel to London from there. Sebastian and Jordan had arrived together not long after in the restaurant, Clary was already there with Simon, and Magnus on FaceTime, she had decided to do a more intimate dinner that year, with her friends in the night after spending the day with her parents.

And it was everything she wanted, chilling and drinking with her friends, though Magnus was doing it virtually, he was still involved eating and drinking through the phone with them. She couldn't think of a better way to have spent it.

Making her way through the back of the shop to the front, she was still on her high from the day before, knowing she didn't have to go on the shop floor yet she stopped in the doorway, leaning against the frame. "Hey Rose."

Quickly looking over at Clary she handed the customer their table number and replied, "Somebody is all smiles today. I'm guessing your birthday was good."

"Yeah it was. Definitely topped last year."

"You starting now?" Preparing the customer's order, she pressed the buttons on the coffee machine and let it get to work.

"Five minutes."

"Oh ok." Finishing of plating the slice of cake she made, she grabbed the drink and went to leave from behind the counter, "Oh yeah, some guy came in asking for you yesterday."

"A guy?" The only guys who came in for her was Sebastian and her dad, and both of them had known she wasn't going to be there yesterday, plus she had seen them in day. She didn't have a clue to who it could be.

"Yeah, a blonde guy, really good looking, got the weirdest eyes I've ever seen." Clary felt her heart skip, knowing it could only be one person, "He told me tell you this, "Awkward situations can make a field of great memories."" Rose shrugged at what she had said. "He also left an envelope for you." She handed Clary a white envelope that was a rectangular, she could only think of a few things it could be.

Clary smiled to herself, grabbing the envelope from Rose, "Thanks, I'll be back in a minute." Going back into the backroom Clary pulled out her phone and called Jace, waiting patiently for him to answer, she couldn't believe he had been there on her birthday and not told her. Hearing the line pick she heard his voice, "Hey." She could feel the butterflies in stomach flutter, "Hey." She answered all breathy, clearing her voice she spoke on. "Why didn't you tell me you were here?"

"I wanted to surprise you. For your birthday." Toying with the sealed envelope she put together what it was, she was eager to see what type of card he had gotten her but decided to leave it until the end of her shift, giving her something to look forward to.

Hearing this only intensified the feeling she had in her stomach, "I'm definitely surprised. I wished you had phoned yesterday."

"My apologies."

"It's fine." She breathed, though it would have been the icing on the top to hear from him on her birthday, she still enjoyed the surprise she had gotten today.

"Shall we do something today? In a way of me saying sorry." She never said anything, still reeling from the fact he had remembered her birthday. "What about the park? It is a lovely day."

Clary could feel a smile spreading across her face, she bit her lip to suppress it but failed, she answered, "I mean… It's the least you can do. I'll bring something."

"No, don't. I'll have it sorted." She could tell Jace was smiling too, "Hyde Park?"

She nodded, completely forgetting he couldn't see her actions, "I'll see you there at 4."

"Till then." The line went dead and Clary found herself running her hand across the back of her neck, smiling at the thought of seeing Jace. He had come to her workplace to surprise her, even though she wasn't there, he still came and left a message just for her. Noting the time on her phone she put it in her pocket and rushed to the front, getting to work.

A few hours had gone since she had spoken to Jace, though she knew checking the time constantly was not helpful, she'd found herself searching for anything that would show the time. She tended to do it more when she knew was going to be meeting Jace. Cleaning the tables, she wondered whereabout Jace was in the city, he had mentioned the institute was place he resided in when he came to visit, but not where it was based. She had just assumed it was somewhere in London hidden behind his world's technology.

"Hey Clary." Looking to who called her name she spotted Rose standing by the counter, nodding her head to the side she signalled for Clary to come over to her.

"What's up?"

"Could you do me a favour and do these drinks for me, it's table three.

"Yeah sure. One sec." Putting the cleaning products back, she quickly washing and drying her hands she came back to Rose, taking the tray from her hands.

"Thanks, I really gotta pee."

Watching Rose go, she looked over to the tables and spotted the number, walking over, "Hey, I've got a…" she quickly glanced at the cups and continued, "Caramel latte for Isabelle and a hot chocolate for Alexander. Enjoy your drinks." They thanked her, leaving, she noted how pretty they both looked, perhaps they were models she thought. The girl had the longest blackest hair she had ever seen in person and the boy, his eyes stood out the most with their piercing blue hue.

Settling behind the counter she saw Rose there, "You know those customers you served, do you think their models?"

She glanced over at them, "I mean they could be; they've got the face for it."

"Hmm… I guess." Taking one last look at them she studied how they both sat there, with an air of confidence, the way they held themselves up, not slouching but high, strong. Models, Clary said to herself, as she swiftly got back to her duties.

In the last hour leading up to her finishing, Lordy Lard had come in, taking his new seating by the toilets, again his attitude was different, no obnoxious behaviour, no crude remarks. Something was up with him and Clary needed – no, wanted to find out what it was before she left for Jace.

Gradually making her way over to where Lordy was, she sprayed the cleaning products by the table across from him watching how he slumped in his chair, moving his coffee with his stirrer, he had only taken a couple of small sips since he had gotten it.

Reaching his table, she put on her work smile and spoke, "Everything alright with you drink sir?"

He jumped, clearly startled by her sudden appearance, making her feel guilty. "It's fine, thank you for asking." Now seeing his face up close, she saw how his cheekbones protruded out and how his eyes had sunken in more, from his weight loss it didn't seem healthy.

"No worries." Picking up the spray bottle she turned to leave, ignoring the feeling she got to stay. After getting halfway across the shop she halted her movements, something about the way his was being, made her want to stay knowing there was something off, making her want to talk to him. Going back to where he sat, she stood in front of him, she opened her mouth to say something and stopped, noticing a white tan line around his left finger; his wedding finger.

"I said it was fine." He said softly, sensing she was back.

Clary thought about how she could speak without being disrespectful towards him, "I know sir. But… I've noticed the last couple times you've come in; you haven't been your usual self. Is everything fine?"

Lordy stirred in his chair, trying to sit up straight, "What's the meaning of your question?"

"It just, again, I'm not trying to be rude or pry, but I normally see your wedding band on and its… So, I was hoping everything is ok."

He glanced down, staring at the absentee finger. She could see he had gone to different place in that time, Clary followed his eyeline watching him move his fingers, flexing his wedding finger a little more than the rest, he looked up at her, finally coming back from the place he had gone. "Ah yes, swollen hands. Aging is ghastly thing." There was a sadness to his voice, the man's breathing had become heavy, "I'll sure to be wearing it soon. I must."

"Ok, sir." Feeling the conversation had come to close she began to withdraw, when she heard his voice, "You see, I have to wear it again, for my sweet Eleanor. I promised not to take it off, even in death. I've broken my promise…" His voice broke, Clary saw the tears pool in his eyes threatening to spill over, for once she didn't see the man she had despised for so long, but instead a sadden old man, that had lost someone. "I tried my hardest to keep it, she kept hers. She always did."

It was sad to hear him speak in such a way, many of their interactions had been shrouded in passive aggressiveness. Being polite but knowing one another was not really fond of the other but now, she didn't want to think of him as Lordy Lard, the obnoxious customer but the man before her, who was an actual person with feelings, she wanted to address him by his actually name.

"Sir may I ask, what your name is? I never did catch it."

Clearing his throat, a sombre smile settled on his face, "I'm not surprised by that. I do believe you called me by another." Clary was momentarily shocked that he knew of his nickname, she had always believed they had been careful when saying his name aloud, making sure his was out of earshot.

"She called me Benny, though my name is Benedict."

"Ben- Bened – " She stuttered.

"Benny is fine." He cut in, helping her with what name she should use.

"I think you should wear it on a chain… in the meantime. In my grandmother's last years, she couldn't wear her wedding rings, so she put them on a chain and made it a necklace. So, she could still have them close to her."

"It is not the same." He said sadly, closing his hands into fist.

"I know but, try to think of it as another way of keeping your promise, just a little closer to your heart. Until you fingers go back to normal."

..

Saying her goodbyes she left to meet Jace, all day she had been counting down the seconds even though she knew it wasn't the best thing to do. She just couldn't help it, he was here, and she was just looking forward to seeing him, from the moment she had been given the envelope and heard the description of the person who had left it, her stomach had had butterflies.

As she went to turn the corner onto the main street a frantic person ran to her, calling her name. Before she knew what was happening the man was in front of her, catching sight of the hair, she instantly recognised it, there was only one person she knew that had that blonde hair. "Jace?!" She saw what he had on, he looked great, but she thought a suit was a bit of an overkill for the park.

Bringing her eyes up to look at him, she was about to take the piss out of his outfit, when her eyes met his honey eyes and she saw how hysterical he was, making the jokes die on her tongue, "Jace? What's wrong? I thought I was meeting you at th —"

"I'm sorry." He placed his hands on the sides of her face, his eyes frantically darting across her face, "I'm so sorry."

She was confused, by his affection and his behaviour, "Jace, its fine. I said it was fine." She didn't remove his hands from her face, something about the way his was holding her made her leave them, she could feel a sense of urgency from him.

"But it's not." Clary could see the tears begin to form in his eyes, raising her hand up she rested it on top of his, "I said it wasn't a big –" She looked at him, properly taking in his face, seeing the pain evident in his eyes, she noticed his features were different too, ever so slightly, he looked older – stressed. Why did he look different from last? His jawline was more prominent, edged out by age, something was off.

"I need you to hear that. I need you to know that I mean it. Please?" He sounded desperate, realising the situation had nothing to do with him not saying happy birthday and something else more serious, she thought, who was she talking to? "Jace?" She was more serious now, trying to suss out what was happening. He kissed her forehead softly, lingering a little too long before pulling away, she was confused and didn't know what to think.

Jace looked back down at her, something flashing in his eyes, he eyes went wide, alarmed. He backed away from her. "I shouldn't have done this." Running his hands through his hair, tugging painfully, he faced away from her, Clary was worried, she stood in her spot not knowing what to do, "Jace, please talk to me."

He kept his back to her, not trying to look at her, Clary watched as his back rose and fell heavily, "Jace, please." She begged

Dropping his arms, he turned slowly, and she saw the turmoil on his face, he didn't move to come closer but instead kept the distance, "I shouldn't have done this, I'm sorry." He was still breathing hard, "I have to go."

"Jace wait." Clary moved to go to him, but she was too late, watching him disappear in the streets, right in the open in broad daylight. A small trail of black smoke was all that was left of him, before that too, evaporated. She was so confused at what just happened. How long had Jace been gone and what was his on about?

Continuing on in her confusion, she made her way, pulling out her phone, "Jace?"

"Hi Clary" He sounded happy, miles away from how he just sounded with her, "Where are you?"

"At the park, where we agreed to meet." She could hear screaming in the back, "I don't know if you heard that, but there are children playing."

Clary was fighting whether she should bring up what happened to him, "I did, I'll be there in five."

"Ok." She hung up the phone and picked up the pace, weaving in out of the people. Her mind went back to whatever it was that just happened, what the hell was wrong with Jace? And how could he be so panicked one minute and happy the next? Coming up to one of the many entrances to the park, she texted Jace, letting him know where she was.

Not long after, she saw Jace walk up to her, smiling. He looked so happy; he was dressed in something other than black that day. Light blue jeans, (she had never seen him in jeans before) and a short white sleeved fitted top, leaving his arms bare; lighter clothes suited him better, making his features softer. "Hey. Sorry I look a mess, work you know."

"You look beautiful as ever. Come." Embracing her in a one-armed hug, she hugged him back, feeling the difference between the two experiences she had with Jace at the shop. It wasn't as urgent and desperate, but instead warm and loving, like two friends. Separating from one another, Clary was curious to why Jace still had his hand behind his back. "What are you hiding?" Looking up at him a big smile emerged on his face, "Nothing much, just some supplies for our day."

Revealing his left hand, a picnic basket came into sight. A small laugh escaped Clary mouth, "You brought a picnic basket?"

"I did say it was a lovely day." Holding out his arm for Clary, she wrapped her arm on around it. Beginning their walk together, Clary considered mentioning the incident at the shop, telling him about how he acted and how strange the whole thing was, but she didn't want to disturb the flow of their conversations and vibe that surrounded them.

Coming up to the river, she watched the children on the water boating around, some struggling to move and other paddling with ease. She hadn't been on one them for a long time, being they were kind of expensive, but she still longed to go on it again.

"Is it Christopher?"

"Pardon?" Her gaze shifted from the river to Jace, "Your middle name, I'm guessing Christopher."

He rubbed his lips, "Christopher?"

"Yeah, well – I was thinking Christopher or Connor. There the most common c names for boys."

"Really? And so, you went them." He was being playful.

"Well it might've changed in your time and no; I was going with Christopher not Connor."

"But you mentioned both. That's two guesses."

"No, that's not true. Your picking –" she laughed, "Your picking at my words. I mentioned Connor, I guessed Christopher."

Jace opened his mouth to say something when a duck flew right in front of him out of nowhere, making him jump and vanish, "Jace? Jace?" She spun around trying to find where he had gone, when her eyes settled on a young boy standing with his mouth agape, staring at the spot Jace was just in.

Bringing her index finger to her mouth she made the shushing gesture towards the boy, picking up the basket that had fell and started to walk away. Carrying on her search for Jace she heard her name come from above, spying only a tree. "Clary." She heard it again, coming closer she started to see Jace through the branches.

Under the tree she saw him, Clary tried to suppress her laugh, "I'm afraid I don't quite like ducks."

A laugh slipped out, "Yeah, I can see that." Another chuckle escaped, Jace rolled his head, "Stop laughing."

"I'm really sorry. But you're in a tree Jace." She said in between her laughing, prompting him to came down, he stood tall again.

"You're afraid of ducks." Clary said, really trying not to giggle. Jace sighed heavily, letting his eyes close briefly, "That's it."

Opening his eyes, he grabbed Clary by her legs making her squeal, he threw her over his shoulders, making the laughter she had been holding come out. "Stop Jace!" He came out from beneath the tree, making the other people in the park see her, but she wasn't embarrassed. "Jace put me down or I'm getting a duck!"

"You wouldn't."

"I would! I know your weakness now." Stopping in his path, he placed Clary on the ground. She fixed her clothes, still reeling from the information she had learnt about Jace.

Clary breathed out loudly, trying to regulate her breathing, "Why the tree?"

Jace shook his head, "I honestly have no idea." He kicked the stones in their path, as they resumed with their walk.

"I've got a question. Do you think there's an effect on people, you've interacted with after a while?"

"I'm not sure." Jace narrowed his eyes at her, "Why do ask?"

Clary shrugged her shoulders, "Just curious."

"I'm not well versed with all that has to do with my abilities. There are many things I cannot do, that I should be able to do."

"What do you mean?" Jace had briefly mentioned he had gone to a school, but only small things here and there. Never really gone into any depth of his stay.

"Being a Virtuoso, you were pushed to learn other things they deemed more important. They just assumed; in your remaining years you'd learn the more rudimentary abilities. But I did not see through my stay."

She didn't press further, sensing the mood changing into something darker, "Can I tell Simon?"

Jace peered down at her, searching her eyes. She knew asking him was something big, but she needed someone who she could openly speak about Jace with, she couldn't keep this from Simon for another year.

"Yes." Clary was rendered silent, "Think of it as a small gift from me to you."

"You mean it?" Obviously shocked by his answer. He had said it was a small gift but she knew better than that, this was huge. She knew Jace had rules to follow by and she knew he had already broken a few of them. From the moment he had told her the truth, well some of it, he had continued to push at the rules for her. "It is only fair you have someone to talk about this and I believe… Simon already knows of my existence."

She hugged Jace, "Thank you, thank you, Jace."

"I've been meaning to tell you thank you as well, for the lovely gifts." Holding up his hand, he swirled the black ring around, and there, Clary saw her gift. "I'm not one for jewellery but this, I quite like."

"You're wearing it."

"Is that not the purpose?" Clary shoved him playfully, eliciting a chuckle from Jace. "I wasn't sure you would like it." She said, taking Jace's hand she inspected the ring, thinking back to when she had brought the ring, she wasn't sure if he would like it but thought it nice regardless. She had gotten him a ceramic ring, having a matte black on the outer sides whilst the inside had an onyx gemstone that throughout the middle of the ring. The onyx was mostly black, having few tiny streaks of white in it, but it was a nice touch, creating dimension to it.

As she was about to drop his hand, she realised where he had placed it, "It's on your wedding finger."

Jace looked down at his hand in Clary's, "I couldn't fit it on my other fingers, apart from the same one on my right hand. But I wasn't fond of how it looked."

Clary ignored the feeling she got from her realisation, trying not to make a big deal of the placement of the ring, but simply listening to his reasoning and running with it, "I didn't know your measurements."

"I'm aware of that." He said softly, "But I still found it home nevertheless." Clary smiled at his words.

They had settled into a peaceful quietness, taking seat in a vacant bench. The two ate from the basket Jace had brought and watched, taking in the people around them, from the kids who were playing, screaming their hearts out and giggling, to the adults who were enjoying the company of their friends and a glass of wine.

"How long are you here for?" Clary asked, finally breaking their silence.

"Two days." He turned to face her, "Then I must go. I've used up my stay."

"Maybe next time, you can stay a little longer." Clary saw the confusion on his face and pressed on, "I'm moving into a house in September."

"You've moved?"

"Yeah. I'm moving into a student house, with my friends you met last time. It'll be much bigger space; I'll have a bigger room and maybe you could stay there. I mean, if you want to."

Jace thought about it for a moment before he answered, "September 21st?" She shook her head in playful manner. "That's when school starts, we get all the keys on the 10th."

"Right. Ok. I'll keep that in mind." Slowly processing the information Clary had presented him, "I have a date for you. February 3rd."

"What's happening then?" She was a bit lost on the significance of the date.

"I'll be back, and if you really don't mind, I'll stay with you. If that is okay."