Fourth One Shot:
Hockey
Clary POV:
There are two minutes left in the third quarter and we're down by one. I was pissed because I got ejected from the game for fighting this girl, but she totally deserved it. I was sitting in the locker room listening to the announcers and I was literally pacing because I was so nervous. The final buzzer went off and we lost. I slammed my fist into the wall, I was a competitive person, and I was even more competitive because being on the girls hockey team we never got any respect, especially from the boys hockey team. They were the golden sport of the school. They made it to playoffs every year, and for the past 3 years they have been undefeated. My brother Jonathan was on the team, but he graduated last year and got a scholarship to Boston College. He was the one who taught me how to play in the first place. I loved the sport, and I was excited to be playing, especially because they had just formed a women's league this past year, and I was determined to make it.
The rest of the team walked into the locker room looking equally as pissed. Our coach sat us down and gave us the talk and after about 30 minutes of yelling he let us go. I grabbed my stuff and made it out to the rink where my brother was waiting. He was waiting with the men's hockey team laughing and catching up. When I walked over towards him he stopped talking and smiled at me.
"Hey Clare. How are you?"
"How do you think I am? I got ejected for fighting and we lost. I'm pissed Jon."
"Well, maybe if you knew how to control that temper of yours you wouldn't have been ejected." I looked to the side to see where the voice was coming from and of course it was Jace Herondale. The captain of the men's team and the most arrogant person I've ever had the misfortune of meeting.
"Piss off Herondale. That girl deserved my skate to her throat, she's lucky all I did was break her nose."
"All she did was check you."
"You didn't hear her shit talking the whole game." I said and my brother laughed.
"Come on Clare, let's go home."
"I can't go home. Can we got to the spot Jon, I just I really can't face dad right now, and I need to cool off." My father played in the NHL for about 6 years so hockey is basically a staple in our house, and he wasn't going to be too pleased about my performance tonight, especially considering I saw him leave when I got ejected.
"Of course. Come on, I'll even let you drive my truck."
"Ah Jon, you are seriously the best." I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before looking back to the men's hockey team. "Later boys." Jon put his arm around my shoulders and we walked out of the rink.
When we got to our spot I put my stuff down and admired the view. Living in New York, there weren't many places where you could enjoy the peace and quiet, but Jon and I found a spot on the roof of an abandon house on a huge hill that looked over New York City. It was relaxing to go there and not have to worry about letting everyone down. We sat there for a little while until I looked at Jon and he gave me a sad smile.
"I'm gonna miss you Clare."
"I'm gonna miss you too, but I know you're going to kick ass up at Boston College."
"I really hope so."
"Come on Jon, you're an amazing athlete, and Boston is lucky to have you."
"I'm good Clare, but I wasn't the best on the team. Not by a long shot. If I'm being perfectly honest, I had Jace help me a lot last season just to be scouted by colleges."
"Really?" I said because I just couldn't believe that Jon needed that much help.
"Yea, that kid is a natural. He's the captain for a reason. He may be a cocky bastard but he's good. He's half the reason I'm going to Boston." Jon was silent for a minute. "I bet he could teach you a thing or two, maybe he could improve your skills and help you make it into the professional league." I scoffed but Jon was being so serious. "I'm not joking, you got talent kid, but you do need to learn how to control your temper, and your defense could use a little work."
"Jon!"
"Clary, I want you to be the best hockey player you can be. You're good, trust me, you got some skill, but adding more and improving the skills you have can only make you better."
"But I literally hate Jace."
"He isn't that bad once you get to know him."
"Easy for you to say, he doesn't pick on you."
"Just think about it okay? I'm not saying you have to like the kid, but having him help you could really help your game."
"I'll think about it Jon." I said but I still was skeptical with having Jace help me. Jon nudged my shoulder and stood up.
"Let's get home. Dad is probably asleep by now, and you have practice at 6 am tomorrow which means you'll wake up at 4 to be at the rink by 5 to get an extra hour in for god knows what reason." Jon said and I couldn't help but laugh. We made it home at by now it was 10 o'clock and I was exhausted. I passed out on my bed and before I knew it I was out like a light.
Time Jump-Clary's Next Game
Jace POV:
As part of how school's whole school spirit policy the men's hockey team had to attend the women's hockey games and the women's hockey team had to attend our games. I didn't mind, I loved watching hockey, and they weren't half bad but they could use some work. I was sitting in the bleachers next to Alec watching them play.
"They would be so much better if they just worked on their defense. I mean, they have great offense, but their defense is struggling." I say to Alec as the other team scored their second goal.
"I know, and it sucks that they put Clary back there when she is clearly better on offense but she's the only one willing to get physical when need be."
"I know. She just needs to work on her defense a little, and she'd be great." The other team is racing down the ice and they pass every person until it was just Clary and the goalie and I'm on the edge of my seat hoping that they don't score again otherwise they would be tied. The girl is close when Clary comes up and is ready to check her when suddenly the girls stick hits Clary in the throat and Clary goes down hard. She slams her head on the ice and stops moving. The whole rink is silent when the medics make their way out onto the ice to check her out. They remove her helmet and start to cut her jersey off. Everything is dead quiet until the medic starts shouting.
"Someone call an ambulance! We need to get her to the hospital stat." He yells and soon her father is running onto the ice only to be stopped by her coach.
"I have a right to be here!" He screams at the coach.
"This isn't going to help her Valentine. She needs to be seen by professionals." The ambulance get there within a couple minutes and a stretcher is brought out onto the ice, and when they get her onto the stretcher she finally stirs awake, but only for a second until there is more shouting.
"Clary? I need you to stay with me. Okay? Can you open your eyes? Come on Clary don't fall asleep. Let's get her to the hospital quickly." The medic shouts as they start rolling Clary off the ice. After they were gone the rink was still silent. The girl who hit Clary was ejected from the rink and the other coach looked mortified that his player would do that. After a few minutes the coaches started talking and they decided to just let the game end where it was, giving us the win, but I couldn't help but be worried about Clary. Alec and I got up and left, and when we were out of the rink I finally took a breath.
"Shit. That was ridiculous." Alec said and I looked at him.
"I can't believe that happened."
"I know, that girl just went after Clary for no reason. I hope she's alright." I just nod in agreement and we make our way home. I couldn't shake the feeling of hoping Clary was okay, I knew I didn't hate her, but I didn't necessarily like her either but something about her getting injured tonight really didn't sit well with me.
Time Jump- A Week Later
Clary POV:
I was released from the hospital last night and was allowed to go back to school. Although they wanted me to wait a week before I got back into playing hockey. Turns out I just had a concussion, and they wanted to make sure I was completely healed before going back out and getting hit. I was so pissed that that girl hit me in the throat, that the only thing I wanted to do was go to the rink. It was 5 am, the normal time I would be at the rink. I put my skates on and take one step on the ice and everything just melts away. After about 25 minutes I notice a figure standing over near where the penalty box is, I make my way over to see Jace standing there.
"What are you doing here?" I ask as I continue to make my way over to him.
"I remembered Jon saying something about how you come here at 5 am sometimes to practice. I figured you'd be here on your first day cleared to be back on the ice."
"Yea, well I can't play, I might as well skate." I say as I look down at my skates.
"How are you feeling?"
"Really Jace? Small talk? What do you want?" I ask, in no mood for his games today. I just wanted to skate in peace.
"I honestly came here to see how you were doing. You took a wicked hit, and a pretty nasty fall. I know how hard it is to get back on the ice after something like that happens." I look at him with a shocked expression, he seemed genuine and I go back to he conversation Jon and I had about him not being that bad once you get to know him.
"I'm alright. I've had the worst headache since last night though, and it woke me up this morning and I couldn't go back to bed, so I figured being here was the next best place."
"You're a natural out there." He says and I can't help but smile, maybe Jon was right. "But your defense could use a little work." He adds and quickly I feel my face turn red with anger but I quickly calm myself down as I notice it hurts my head, but he's also not the first person to tell me that.
"I've heard that before." I mutter under my breath.
"You're a great player Clary, and it sucks that your coach is putting you back there."
"I've been trying to tell him that. I'm so much better on offense but our defense sucks. No matter how much we practice, they just really don't get it."
"Yea, they just seem to let the other team pass them a lot."
"Yea, and I have to pick up the slack, and I hate it. I know my defense isn't the best but being his last resort really sucks." I look back up at him and he just nods. After a moment of silence I decide to let go of my stubbornness and take Jon's advice. "You know, Jon told me you really helped him last year with scouting."
"He's a great player, but he just needed to work on some areas. He asked, and who am I not to pass on my never ending knowledge of hockey."
"Are you always a cocky bastard?" I ask as I roll my eyes.
"I prefer the term confident, not cocky." He smirks at me, and it reminds me of why I don't like him. He thinks he's God's gift to the world. "Why do you bring it up?"
"Jon mentioned to me that my defense needs a little work, and I can't ask him, and he told me your pretty great at improving skills."
"Are you actually asking for my help Clary?"
"I think it's pretty obvious that's what I'm doing." I say with annoyance in my voice.
"I don't think I like your tone." He says and I can feel my anger rising.
"Jace."
"Clary."
"God, you're so frustrating. I told Jon I didn't want to ask you. I knew you'd find some way to be an asshole." I say and I skate away until he calls for me.
"Clary! Wait, I was just kidding. Come back here." Reluctantly I turn around and skate back over to him.
"What?" I say as I look into his eyes.
"I would be happy to help you. When can you actually start practicing again?"
"I'm allowed to skate, but they want me to stay away from physical contact for at least another week. I can practice just as long as I'm not being slammed around."
"Okay, we'll meet here, 5 am, for the rest of the week. And on Saturday, meet me at my house at 7 am."
"Why your house?" I ask because I'm honestly confused as to why I'd go to his house to practice hockey.
"It's all part of the process, don't worry. I think you'll enjoy it." He smiles at me, a genuine smile and I can't help but notice how different it is than his smirk, it's a nice change of pace.
"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow, 5 am."
"See you later Clary." He says and he exits the rink leaving me alone. I skate around for another 10 minutes before the team starts showing up. I may not be able to practice but as the assistant captain I have to attend. It was boring sitting on the sidelines but I wanted to get back out there as soon as I could, and that meant listening to the doctors orders.
Time Jump-Saturday
Clary POV:
Jace and I had been meeting every morning for the past week, and I hate to admit that Jon is right, because Jace really wasn't that bad of a guy. He was actually really funny, smart, and extremely talented. I couldn't help but feel slightly nervous when getting ready to meet Jace at his house today. He told me that I could dress normal, but I had to bring my skates. I loaded up my car and headed over to his house. When I got there I knocked on the door and Jace answered.
"Hey." He said and I really hated myself for actually liking this kid now.
"Hey. So, what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well first, we're going to eat breakfast because we will be gone for awhile." He says as he welcome me into the house. He leads me to the kitchen where there is a little bit of everything. "I didn't know what you liked, so I made a little bit of everything."
"You made all this?"
"Yea. I am quite the chef." He smirked at me as he handed me a fresh cup of coffee.
"I learn something new about you everyday." I smile and take a seat at the table.
"So, what will it be? Eggs or pancakes?"
"Pancakes. I absolutely hate eggs."
"Good to know." He says as he hands me a plate with some pancakes and he takes a seat with me and we have a nice breakfast. After everything is cleaned up he picks up his skates and I grab mine and he leads me outside.
"What are we doing today?"
"Today we're going to have fun."
"How is that going to help me?"
"When was the last time you skated or played hockey for fun Clary?" I stood there to think about it and when I couldn't remember I sighed. "Exactly. Hockey is supposed to be fun. It's a game, and when you lose sight of the fact that its' just a game you start to play worse. Trust me, it happens to almost every player on the team."
"And how do you prevent it?"
"Every week we have a practice that isn't about drills, or plays or anything that relates to the hockey we play on a competitive level. We just goof around and have fun playing the hockey that we would on a frozen lake in the park. Sometimes you have to strip it down to build it back up." I nod and we make our way outside and after about a 15 minute walk we reach a frozen lake. I walk over to it and look at it and realize that I never really played hockey not on a competitive level. It was always how my dad played.
"I've never actually played hockey for fun." I say and Jace looks at me.
"Really?"
"Really. My dad being in the NHL, he always took the game very seriously. We play to win, and my dad drilled that into our heads. It was never about fun, it was about winning."
"That's the problem, hockey is a game. People lose sight of that because you can make a living off of it now."
"I love the sport, don't get me wrong. I wouldn't want to be playing any other sport, but it's always been competitive for me."
"That's why I brought you here. My dad taught me out to skate out here. He would bring me here every single day while it was frozen. He'd teach my how to skate how to play. I enjoy it, it's fun for me, which is why I think I'm so good. Don't get me wrong, I'm a competitive person, I love to win, but I play because my father taught me how to love the game in the simplicity of it." He took a deep breath like he was about to say something important "when he died I didn't think I'd ever play again. I just couldn't get back on the ice because it felt wrong without him. But I came here one day, I put my skates on and I just skated. I didn't pick up a stick or anything. I just went for a nice skate, and I realized that I enjoyed it so much more because I simply loved the game my father taught me. I would hear stories from Jon about your dad. I couldn't even believe Jon was still playing, he sounded miserable. Which is why I started having practices that weren't about the game but about the fun. And it worked. I mean, we're undefeated and the reigning camps."
"I always wondered what changed in Jon. I remember being at one of your games and I could just see a difference in him. I didn't know that was you."
"What can I say Clary, I've a very persuasive person." I couldn't help but laugh as we finished tying out skates. I stepped out on the ice and almost fell. It wasn't like stepping on an ice rink, it was much different, before I lost my balance Jace grabbed my hand and I steadied myself, but to my surprise Jace didn't let go.
We skated for about 2 hours before we both laid flat on the ice catching our breath and laughing. We had been goofing off all afternoon and it felt great to just be here in this moment with Jace. I don't know when it started but I realized that I may have a tiny crush on him. He was just such a different person than the one I knew before. When his walls were down he was actually a very sweet guy, and he made me laugh. It was natural, and comforting.
When we made it back to his house it was around 4 o'clock and I knew that I had to be home for dinner. When we reached my car we both lingered for a little bit not saying anything but we both clearly didn't want the day to be over. After another couple minutes he spoke.
"So, practice, 5 am, next week. I know you're allowed to start practicing with the team, but I think we should still practice by ourselves."
"I completely agree. I'll see you Monday, 5 am." I smiled at him and he smiled back.
"See you Monday." He said and I got in my car and left. I took a deep breath not realizing how nervous I actually was in Jace's presence and I can only imagine it getting worse from here.
Time Jump- Jace's Next Game
Clary POV:
It has been a couple weeks since Jace and I have been working on my defense and I have to say, I have been getting better. My coach was still hesitant to letting me play; only playing me for a couple minutes a game. It was annoying but at least I was getting on the ice. I was currently sitting in the bleachers at Jace's hockey game watching him fly across the ice like an angel on a mission. I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard his fan club of screaming girls cheering for him. They came to every single game just to stare at Jace, and I never cared before but not it bothered me. I mean, I know I have no right to be jealous, he isn't mine, but I can't help it. I like Jace, a lot, and knowing that all those girls were throwing themselves at him, and knowing that he has most likely hooked up with all of them really got under my skin.
Jace was playing horribly. He wasn't focused and he normally scores at least one goal by now, and he was barely getting off the bench. He was shit today, and I didn't know why. He seemed fine earlier while we were practicing, but as soon as he stepped out onto the ice something was different. There wasn't much time left in the game and they were tied. Jace was skating down the ice with the puck leaving everyone in the dust behind him when a stick came out and tripped him. Jace went flying into the boards but thankfully Alec was there to continue the run and he shot the puck and it went in. The buzzer sounds and we won but I looked over at Jace and he ripped his helmet off and rushed off the ice and into the locker room.
I grabbed my stuff and waited by the exit, I waited for Jace to come out to talk, his fan club girls were standing outside as well waiting for him to come out so they can tell him how amazing he was, and try to come into contact. When he finally appeared he was in a foul mood, I could just sense it off of him. He passed all the screaming girls without so much as a look behind him and than flew by me. The girls started following him and telling him how amazing he played and how great he was, and how strong of a player he was. Jace stopped and turned around to say something but he was just frustrated, I could tell. I decided to speak up so that all the girls would stop complimenting him, cause I could tell I was bothering him.
"I personally think he played like absolute shit tonight." I said and they all turned to face me.
"What would you know about hockey anyway?" The one girl, Aline said. I don't even know why she was fawning over Jace, she was clearly a lesbian, whether she wanted to admit it or not.
"I am on the women's hockey team you know." Aline was about to come back with a snarky remark but Kealie beat her too it.
"What a bunch of dikes that team is." She said and I could see Aline tense, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She doesn't deserve to be secretly tormented by Kealie's remarks. "What are you doing here anyway? Jace doesn't even like you."
"And you think he likes you?" I hissed back.
"He liked me enough to take me to his…." She was about to say something that I didn't want to hear, so I put my hand over her mouth.
"I could careless about you and Jace's sex life, but I suggest you walk away now, can't you tell he really doesn't want to talk to you right now?" She shoved my hand away from her mouth and I took a step back.
"Jacey.." She started and I rolled my eyes.
"Leave me alone Kealie. I'm not in the mood."
"Give me a call when you are in the mood." She said in her most seductive voice. She gave me a death glare and than her and her posse walked away. Jace let out a low growl before turning around and walking away from me.
"Jace! Wait up, what's wrong?"
"Were you paying attention to the game at all?" He said in a harsh tone.
"Yea, and you were horrible. What was wrong? You were fine this morning."
"Bad day."
"Come on Jace, you played like it was your first game, you're way better than that."
"Leave it alone Clary."
"No. What's bothering you?"
"I don't want to talk about it Clary."
"Come on Jace."
"I said leave it alone Clarissa, I don't want to talk about it." He nearly yelled and I was taken aback by his tone. I could see how tense his body was. He was facing away from me, but he wasn't moving. I slowly walked over to him a put my hand on his arm. His body stiffened but relaxed a moment later. After another minute he spoke. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it."
"I didn't mean to snap at you."
"It's honestly okay Jace." I say and than I know exactly what he needs. "I want to take you somewhere. You have any plans tonight?"
"None. I'm all yours." He says in his normal sweet tone and I smile. I grab his hand and lead him towards my car. I start the car and start driving to the spot. When we get out I can see the confusion on his face. "What are we doing here?"
"You'll see." I grab his hand and lead him to the abandon building. When we get there I take my place on the bench that sits on the hillside and Jace sits next to me. "Jon and I found this place a couple years ago. My father screamed at me because I didn't play as well as he would have liked. I didn't know what else to do so I ran, and Jon followed and we ended up here. It's the only peaceful place I've been able to find in New York." Jace simply nodded but kept his gaze out on the city life that passed before us. We sat there for a while before Jace spoke.
"It's the anniversary of my parents death today. That's why I was playing like shit." Without a thought I reached out and grabbed his hands and laced our fingers together. "I thought if I just ignored it today, that I would be fine for the game, but clearly I was wrong."
"If you don't mind me asking, how did they die?"
"My father was murdered in a bank robbery. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"And your mother?"
"After she heard about my fathers death, she killed herself."
"Jace." My brain can't seem to comprehend the story and I scoot closer to Jace until I can't physically get any closer. I place my free hand on his back and start tracing circles in between his shoulder blades. "What happened to you?"
"I was sent to the Lightwoods. Maryse is my godmother, and if anything happened to my parents, she became my guardian." I was about to respond when there is a cold wind that comes and makes me shiver and before I know it Jace puts his arm around my shoulder and puts his hand under my knees so that my legs drape over his and pulls me closer. I let out a small shriek not expecting him to do this but I like the closeness. I look up and see that our faces are extremely close, and I can smell the sweat on his skin but I can always smell the peppermint on his lips. My eyes flicker up to his golden eyes and I stopped breathing. We were staring into each others eyes for awhile before his lips were on mine. To say I was shocked would be an understatement, and he pulled away when he realized that I wasn't responding. "I'm sorry. I just….I thought that….it was stupid…I thought you were…" He was clearly really confused and I couldn't help but laugh at his loss for words. He got up from the bench and started to walk away when I got up and followed him.
"Jace." I said and I grabbed his arm and turned him around before putting my hand on the back of his neck and lowering his lips to mine. His hands went around my waist and we stood there kissing for who knows how long before we pulled away and looked into each others eyes. "You surprised me. Trust me, I wanted you to kiss me as much as you wanted to kiss me." My arms were still around his neck as his hands rested on my hips. "Come on, it's getting late, and we have practice at 5 am tomorrow." I said and Jace smirked at me. He grabbed my hand and we made our way back to my car, and I couldn't get rid of the smile on my face for the rest of the night.
Time Jump-Clary's Final Playoff Game
Jace POV:
Clary's team had made it to the finals and I was siting on the edge of my seat. They were currently tied 3-3 and there was 4 minutes left in the third quarter. Clary had got the puck and she was flying down the ice and she took the shot and the horn went off. We were now winning 4-3, and we just had to keep up the defense for about 3 and a half minutes and they were be champions.
Coach had switched Clary from offense to defense, and I would finally see how our months of practice went. There was only 45 seconds left on the clock and we were still winning. We were currently defending an empty net and I honestly couldn't tell you how nervous that was making me feel. The others team top scorer was making her way down the ice with the puck and headed straight for the net. Clary was hot on her heels, she shot the puck and Clary flung herself down on the ground to stop the puck. She slid and right before the puck was about to cross the line it hit off of her stick and strayed away from the net. The girl than ran into Clary and flew over her and hit the boards. The buzzer went off and we had won. Clary got up threw her helmet and her stick on the ground and skated over to her team. I had made my way off the bleachers and ran over to the bench to meet her. She skated over to me with the biggest smile on her face.
"Jace! We won! We really won!" She yelled and I couldn't help but laugh at how excited she was.
"I saw. You scared me there Clare." I said as I brought my lips to hers.
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't think of anything else to do than just go for it." I laughed and I could see the happiness and the excitement in her eyes.
"I love you." I said and suddenly her happiness turned into surprise but than that was changed into even more happiness.
"I love you too." She said back and I felt like I was on cloud nine. "Come on, lets go celebrate." She said and I was more than happy to oblige.
Time Jump-Five Years Later
Clary POV:
I had been in the women's professional league for almost a year and a half now, and Jace was in the NHL. If someone told me that my life would be this way when I was going into my senior year of high school, I would have told you to quit dicking around, but I couldn't picture my life any other way now.
Jace and I were together for 3 years before he proposed and we got married a year ago. It was everything that I ever wanted, but I never thought it would happen with Jace. At the wedding Jon pulled me on the dance floor and bragged about how right he was for the entire dance. I couldn't help but laugh, because if I didn't take his advise I'm not sure Jace and I would be where we are today, and I was extremely happy where we were.
I was currently sitting in the bathroom holding a pregnancy test. I had a minute left before it was ready and I was so nervous. I knew that I wanted a family, but I also knew that if I was pregnant, it would be the end of my professional hockey career. My phone finally went off and I took a look at the pregnancy test. Positive. I take in a deep breath as I make my way out to the living room where Jace was sitting with a couple of his teammates.
"Hey Clare." Jace says as he looks at me and he can immediately tell something is off. "Are you okay?"
"Yea. I'm good." I say in a less convincing voice and he can totally tell that I'm full of shit right now.
"Clary, what's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong per say."
"Than why do you look so nervous?"
"Maybe because I'm pregnant?" I say it as a question and his eyes almost pop out of his head.
"You're serious?"
"Very." I say and I almost run away from him because he doesn't look the least bit thrilled until a giant smile appears on his face and he picks me up and swings me around.
"This is amazing Clary."
"You think so?"
"Absolutely. I love you."
"I love you too." I say and he pulls me into a kiss. When we finally break apart I can't help the smile that is on my face. I had gotten everything I ever wanted in life. I went to college on a hockey scholarship, I made it into the women's professional league, I married the love of my life and now I was having his kid. I couldn't help but be happy knowing that I have achieved everything I wanted, and now I was about to embark on another journey in life, and I was excited to be sharing it with Jace.
Authors Note:
So, this one shot was requested by smalls920, and I hope I lived up to your expectations! I don't know much about hockey so if some of the details are off I apologize! If anyone else has anymore suggestions remember you can always send me a message or leave a review! Thank you for everyone who has reviewed already! I appreciate all of your kind words! :)
