Chapter Five

Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Clary POV:
Being at my first baseball game was kinda like being a child learning how to ride a bike for the first time. I wanted to take everything in but knew that if I spent my time admiring everything around me, I'd miss what I was here for: Jace.
Getting to know him the past couple weeks has been interesting. There were moments where I felt like we were a little more than friends, and than sometimes I felt like we didn't know anything about each other. It was an odd relationship but it kept bringing me back. He was so different than anyone I'd ever met before and I found that incredibly intriguing, not to mention he was hot so that was a bonus.
Jace has gotten me tickets on the first base side of the field, and when I got there, they were pretty good seats. I had a direct view of him, and I liked the view very much. It was a little odd to be at the game by myself but I didn't have any friends or family in California so alone is how I mostly found myself. Thankfully there was an adorable little boy next to me, and it was his first game too. He had a Herondale Jersey on, and the biggest smile on his face.
"Daddy, do you think I'll catch a foul ball?" The little boy asked his father eagerly.
"Who knows son, possibly!" His dad said enthusiastically. It was so enjoyable to see someone loving out their dreams, even if the dream was just watching their favorite player on a field. It was a child's innocence and it was in its purest form today.
"Ladies and gentleman, please welcome your home team, the LA Angels!" The announcer said and the place went crazy. The players ran out onto the field and my eyes were glued to Jace. I wasn't lying about those pants, and today I have a great view.
Time Jump - 8th Inning
Clary POV:
I didn't realize how exciting and relaxing baseball games could be. There were moments where I was just enjoying the game, and there were moments I was on the edge of my seat. The Angels were winning 8-4, with Jace scoring 3 of those runs after he hit the ball out of the field, a homerun as I learned, and I couldn't be prouder of him. Although I will need to search how to understand baseball before the next game I attend. I wanted to know about the sport the guy I really liked played. And I had to admit, those games I watched, were normally on mute, so research was a must next time.
Jace was up to bat and he was about to strike out (I learned that the last time he was up to bat). So far I understood how different each at bat was, and how even though he hit a homerun before, doesn't mean he'll hit one every time. I could tell how frustrated he was when he struck out, but it was part of the game. The next pitch came in and hit swung and hit it, but instead of going into the outfield, it came my way. Terrified I put my hands up, but I heard the excitement of the little boy next to me wanting nothing more than to catch it.
"I thought I had that one dad." I heard him sigh once the ball was caught.
"There is always next time son. Maybe for their next game we'll get seats in the outfield so we have a better chance." The father said. I saw the boy nod, but I could tell he was still upset, and that's when an idea hit me.
"Excuse me." I said to the boy and his father. "I know you don't know me, but if it was alright with you sir, I'd like to do something special for your son." I explained and he looked at me kind of skeptical.
"Like what?" He asked kinda hesitantly.
"I want it to be a surprise, but if you follow me after the game, I promise it'll be worth it." I said vaguely. I knew I sounded like a creepy stalker who takes children, but I didn't want the boy to know.
"Normally I wouldn't trust a stranger, but for some reason, I trust you." He eventually said. I couldn't get the smile off my face. Making this boys dreams come true would be the most amazing feeling in the world.
Time Jump - After The Game
Jace POV:
Clary had texted me and told me she had a surprise for me. Naturally I was curious so I took as little time after the game to change as possible. I had told the staff that she would be allowed to wait after the game in the hallway outside the locker room before the game, so as I made my way out the door, I couldn't wait to find out what she was planning. I pushed the door opened, and there stood Clary, with an unknown man and little boy.
"Hey." She smiled at me as she gave me a hug. I pressed my lips to the top of her head as I held her in my arms. We had been getting physically closer since she's been in LA, and I was happy about that.
"Hey." I replied when she moved back slightly.
"This is Rick, and his son AJ, your biggest fan." Clary smiled. I looked at the little boy who's jaw was on the floor. "I sat next to them at the game, and after he didn't catch your foul ball, I had to do something." She explained and I couldn't help but smile. She was so kind.
"Hey AJ, I'm Jace." I said and the kid was unable to speak.
"I can't tell you how much this means to him." His father, Rick said. "We lost his mom about a year ago, and baseball, and you were the only thing that gave him joy." He explained and my heart broke for the little boy.
"It's my pleasure." I said honestly. "I'm sorry you didn't catch my foul ball, but I'll sign anything you want." I offered, and that seemed to snap him out of his daze. He immediately gave me his hat and jersey.
We stood there and talked for a little while until they had to go. I gave them tickets for the next couple games, anywhere they wanna sit, and with a very tight hug goodbye, AJ and Rick left. I turned to Clary and pulled her into me.
"That was really nice of you." I said and she smiled.
"He was so precious and he really wanted that foul ball." She explained. "I knew I could do something and I wanted too. It's so sad to hear about his mom though. He's so young." She sighed.
"Death doesn't care how young or old you are." I told her honestly. Knowing the brutal truth behind it. She leaned up and pressed her lips to mine, I was a little surprised but kissed her back quickly.
"You are something else Jace Herondale." She said and I pressed my lips to her forehead. "I'm going out of town at the end of this week." She said, but I heard a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Where too this time?" I asked curiously.
"Miami, Florida." She said. "But I'm not painting this time I'm going to be a consultant of sorts."
"Really?" I asked, not knowing that was part of her job.
"I don't get called often, but there is a particular style of painting that I'm very well studied in and I get a call from time to time to authenticate it." She explained.
"What style is that?" I asked. She amazed me every time I learned something new about her.
"Greek mythology." She said and I nodded. "I fell in love with it, and learned everything I possibly could about it."
"That's really impressive." He said and I shrugged.

"Your job is more impressive." I said and he shook his head.

"I've seen your work Clary. It's amazing. It should be in a museum." He said and I laughed.

"I'm not that great." I shrugged off.

"Look Clary, I know you're leaving soon, and I don't know when you'll be back in LA, but I can't let you leave without knowing something." He said and I nodded. Not knowing what to say. "I like you a lot, and I was wondering if you'd like to be my girlfriend." He said and my jaw dropped. After a few moments, a smile appeared on my lips and I did the only thing I knew would solidify how I felt towards him. I pressed myself against him, and put my lips on his. He started kissing me back very shortly, and before I knew it we were in the middle of a full blown makeout session, that I needed to stop. I pulled away, breathless, but couldn't get the smile off my face. When I opened my eyes, he had a smile on his face as well. "I think that answered my question." He said and I laughed.

"I can come back after I'm done consulting." I told him. "I shouldn't be there long."

"Are you sure?" He asked and I smiled.

"After that kiss? How can I stay away." I said and he laughed.

"Than I can't wait to see you." He said and he pulled my back into his arms. It felt right to be here with him. Something I never thought I'd find in a man, especially one like Jace, but I couldn't wait to see where it went.