Twenty Fifth One Shot:

Accidentally In Love

Clary POV:

I've been in love with Simon for almost a year, but ever since Maia showed up he barely even gives me the time of day anymore. I don't even know what to do anymore, short of flat out telling him, but I can't do that. I'm not confident enough to lay my heart out on the line.

I walked into school on Monday feeling completely defeated. I had seen Maia and Simon hanging out all weekend, and of course, I was invisible again. He locked eyes with me in the coffee shop, and didn't even smile or wave, or say hi. But, I guess I'll survive.

Jace POV:

I'm sitting in the caf at a table in the corner staring at Izzy from across the room. I felt like a stalker, but I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She had beautiful black hair, and the sweetest laugh. The problem with her was, she wasn't a relationship kind of girl. She made out with a boy at a party, strung him along for a week or so, and than cut them loose. That's the way she works, and it sucked. I didn't just want a quick hook up, I wanted a relationship, but it wasn't in the cards for her. I was rolling around an apple when someone sat down. I looked up and Clary was sitting across from me.

"What's up?" I said and she gave me a small smile.

"You know, wallowing in my sadness." She said and I laughed. Clary and I had been friends for a couple years. We were paired together sophomore year on an English project and just enjoyed each other's company. She was one of the only girls who didn't completely lose it over me. She was sarcastic, and she she always had a witty come back to whatever I said. She was interesting to talk too. "What about you?"

"You know, wallowing in my sorrows as well." I said and she laughed. I gazed across the caf, and her eyes followed mine.

"Ah, still the same crush you've had for awhile huh?" She smiled and I nodded. "If it's any consolation, she's an idiot for not noticing."

"How's your crush going?" I said and she just shook her head. We had often vented to each other about the person we wanted to be with. It was easy to talk to someone who knew what it felt like.

"You ever feel like the most invisible person in the world?" She asked and I shrugged. "Well, that's how I feel when it comes to him."

"If it's any consolation, he's an idiot too." I said and she smiled. The lunch bell rang and we both got up and headed to class. I didn't have any classes with Izzy, so this would be the last time I saw her today.

The rest of the day dragged on and I was ready to get home when the last bell rang. I walked out into the parking lot and headed towards my car when I saw Clary sitting under a tree sketching. I walked over and stood in front of her but she was so lost in her sketch she didn't even notice. I cleared my throat and she looked up and smiled.

"What are you doing here?" She asked and I joined her on the ground.

"I was on my way to my car when I saw you."

"So?"

"You're always the first one gone after school Clare. Why are you still here?"

"My brother is home." She said and I nodded. Her brother and her have never had the best relationship. And when he comes home, it's never pretty.

"So you're hiding out under this tree?"

"Until they kick me off the grounds." She said and I laughed. I stood up and reached out my hand, and she looked confused.

"You look like you need some coffee, and I'm very good at distracting women." I said and she shook her head and took my hand. We walked to my car and headed to the coffee shop. We got a table and ordered our coffee.

We sat there for a couple hours, talking, laughing, joking, and insulting each other. We were basically the only two in the coffee shop, which didn't surprise me. I went to go grab some more coffee when the door rang and I looked up and saw Simon entering. I grabbed our coffee and headed back towards the table where Clary looked upset. Simon was alone which made Clary even more uneasy. He walked over to us, and I heard Clary suck in a breath.

"Hey Clary." He said and Clary smiled.

"Hey Simon, what's up?"

"My sister came back today and she asked me to pick her up some coffee."

"That's nice." Clary said and I could see he looked a little upset, but was trying to hide it.

"Simon!" The barista called and he looked back.

"It was nice talking to you Clary. See you around." He said and he got his coffee and left. I looked at Clary and she let out the air she was holding. Suddenly I had an idea.

"I have the perfect idea." I said and she looked at me but nodded. "You want Simon, and I want Izzy, why don't we try and make them jealous?"

"How would we do that?"

"We date." I said and her eyes widened.

"Excuse me?"

"We date. Simon was clearly upset to see you here with me, and maybe if Izzy sees us together she'll get upset too. Than if they decide to act on it, we break up and get with them." I said and I could tell she was thinking it over.

"I see where you're going with this, and I think it has the potential to work." She said and my smile widened. "But how are we going to pull it off? We don't like each other like that?"

"We act my sweet Clare." I said and she laughed.

"Okay. Let's do it." She said and I nodded. This might be a challenge, but if it worked, it would be worth it.

Time Jump - The Next Day

Clary POV:

Pretending to date Jace was going to be weird. I have never had a boyfriend before, and I knew Jace has had his fair share of relationships. I got to school and to my surprise Jace was waiting at the entrance of the building. When I started getting closer, he spotted me, smiled, and made his way over to me. He got to me, leaned down and gave me a kiss on the cheek, and grabbed my hand. I was a little shocked but quickly shook it off and grabbed his hand back and we walked into school.

We got a lot of stares, but soon everyone decided we weren't all that exciting and went back to whatever they were doing. Jace walked me to my locker, gave me a kiss on the forehead, and walked away. I don't know what was going on, but this was easier than I thought, and hopefully it worked.

Time Jump - After School

Jace POV:

I was standing by my car after school waiting to catch that flash of red. I had saw her speaking with the art teacher after school so I know she didn't leave yet. I was looking at something on my phone when a throat cleared. Thinking it was Clary I looked up but was shocked when Izzy was standing in front of me.

"Hey Jace." She said and I gave her a warm smile.

"What's up?" I said.

"I was wondering if I could borrow your history notes? I was late today and missed class." She said and I nodded. I reached into my bag and grabbed my notebook.

"Here you go." I said and just as she was about to speak Clary walked up and kissed me on the cheek. "Hey." I smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Hey. Sorry that took so long."

"It's not a problem." I said and we both looked back at Izzy. "Just give it back to me in bio tomorrow." I said and she gave me what I think was a sad smile before walking off. When she was in her car I looked at Clary and smiled. "Think it worked?"

"I think it got her thinking. Now come on Romeo, my mom told me I had to come home tonight." She said and I laughed and we got into my car. I dropped get off and started making my way home thinking about Izzy's reaction. This was a good plan, and hopefully it worked.

Time Jump - Two Months Later

Clary POV:

These last two months have been weird. Jace and I were still 'pretending' to date but a part of me was starting to wish it was real. I had never ever thought of dating anyone but Simon, but the way Jace and I were together, sometimes it just made sense. We were always laughing, and joking, and I was so comfortable with his affection in public that it was almost second nature to kiss him when I left for class. It was weird, and confusing but there is no way in hell I'd ever tell him that.

Jace POV:

To say these last two months have been weird would be an understatement. Everything with Clary just felt so natural. I noticed I was reaching for her hand automatically when we're together. Even when it's just us, I'm always holding her hand, or my hand is resting on her thigh, or our shoulders are touching. It's weird. She made me laugh, and when we parted way I automatically kissed her. It was like automatic for me. I didn't think about it. It just happened. I was confused but I sure as hell wasn't going to bring any of that put to her.

Time Jump - Two Months Later

Clary POV:

"So, we've been doing this for four months, should we see if it's worked?" I asked as Jace handed me my coffee.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, should be 'break up' and see if it's changed their minds. See if they approach us, or if they are interested." I say and I see a flash of sadness cross his face before he nods.

"Sure. And if nothing happens, I guess we have our answer." He says and I nod. He looked a little upset but I figured I just a imagined it. He drove me home and I leaned over to kiss him before I pulled back.

"Uh, see you tomorrow?" I said and he shook his head.

"We should probably not see each other tomorrow. Make it more believable that we aren't 'together' anymore." He said and I nodded.

"Well, I guess I'll see you around." I said and he nodded. I got out of his car, and walked into my house. I didn't pay attention to anyone, I just went straight to my room and closed my door. I could finally breath. Telling Jace that we should see if our experiment worked was a lot harder than I thought. I took a deep breath and started sketching.

Time Jump - Next Day

Clary POV:

I got to school and I was sad that Jace wasn't waiting for me. I walked to my locker, grabbed my books and when I turned I ran into someone. When I looked up I was greeted with those beautiful golden eyes. I opened my mouth to talk but immediately closed it. Jace bent down and grabbed the book I dropped and handed it back to me.

"Thanks." I said and I practically ran away from him. When I got to my class I took a deep breath. That was a lot harder than I thought it would be. A minute later Simon walked in and sat next to me.

"You okay?" He asked and I was about to nod when I decided to tell him.

"Actually, no. Jace and I kinda broke up yesterday. And I just a ran into him in the hallway." I said and he almost smiled but stopped immediately.

"That sucks. Why?"

"We just felt like we were stuck. I don't know. It was mutual, but doesn't make it any easier." I said and he nodded.

"Well, if you would like some cheering up, my friend Eric is doing this poetry slam tonight. I know you might have better things to do on a Friday night, but it could be fun." He said, and even though this was exactly what I wanted four months ago, I'm not so sure but I thought I'd give it a try.

"Sure. Sounds fun."

"Cool. Java Jones, 8 o'clock." He said and I nodded and the teacher started talking. This was what I wanted, but why didn't it feel as good as I thought it would?

Jace POV:

I was sitting at lunch and it was weird not spending time with Clary. She didn't even come to lunch today. Bumping into her in the hallway was awkward. I wanted to grab her hand and walk her to her class, but we had decided to see where we stood with Izzy and Simon. I was pulled out of my thoughts when Izzy took a seat at my table.

"Hey." She says.

"Hey. What's up?"

"Where is Clary?" She asks and I feel another wave of sadness that she isn't here.

"We broke up yesterday."

"Why?"

"It just felt like the right move I guess. It was mutual." She nodded and than smiled.

"My friend is throwing a party tonight, and maybe you'd like to come with me? You know, get your mind off Clary?" She asks as she bats her eyelashes.

"Sure. Sounds fun." I said and she takes it a piece of paper and starts writing.

"This is the address. Party starts at 9." She said and I nodded. She got up and walked away. I looked at the piece of paper and sighed. This is what I wanted. Izzy finally noticed me, but why wasn't I happier about it?

Time Jump - Later That Night

Clary POV:

I got to Java Jones, and I looked through the window and saw Simon sitting on a couch. I made my way inside and over to him. He smiled as I took my seat.

"Hey, I'm glad you came." He said and I nodded. I was about to speak when someone else began and I turned and faced the stage, and the first reader got on and started speaking. He was talking about foot fungus, and I was resisting the urge to laugh at him, and when I turned to make a joke to Simon he seemed really into it, and I just couldn't burst his buddle.

When he was finally done everyone was clapping. I had no idea why though, his poem was annoying, and didn't have a purpose. I shook my head and turned towards Simon.

"I'm going to grab some coffee, you want anything?" I ask and he nods.

"Sure, just get me a regular coffee with cream and sugar." He said and I nodded. I walked over ordered our coffee and returned to my seat. He thanked me and than the next person got up and started speaking.

After 4 people I thought my head was going to explode. Clearly this was amateur hour, because none of these poems were worth listening too. The next guy got up and Simon leaned over to me.

"This is my friend Eric, he's pretty much a genius when it comes to poetry." Simon said and I nodded. All I could think about was finally we were going to hear something good. He got up and cleared his throat and started. I was very wrong with my assumption. His poem was about lint, and it's effects on your mind. I had no idea what he was talking about, and when I looked at Simon, he was completely enjoying it. If Jace were here we would have a good two months worth of jokes that came out of this night, but I heard he was going to a party with Izzy tonight, and I shouldn't be jealous, but I am.

Simon was a good guy. He was kind, and thoughtful, and respectful, but not at all how I envisioned. I thought he'd be the type of guy who would sweep me off my feet, someone who made me laugh at the dumbest things, and always brought a smile to my face. I was completely blocking out the awful poetry and realized that the kind of person I was thinking of was Jace. He had been a great friend over the past couple of years, and those four months we were pretending to date were amazing. He was funny, and kind, and sarcastic, and cocky, and sometime egotistical, but he was also so sweet, and charming. I sighed. I sat there listening to awful poetry thinking about the guy I'd rather be with, and how I threw it all away.

Jace POV:

I pulled up to the house Izzy told me to meet her at and I could hear the music from outside. I walked inside and there was a hazy atmosphere, and people dancing, and kids drinking everywhere. I made my way through the house until I found Izzy. She spotted me and ran towards me and threw her arms around my neck. I always pictured what it would be like when our bodies were pressed against each other, and now that it was happening, I didn't feel the way I thought I was going too.

"Glad you made it. Want a drink?" She asks and I nod. She handed me a cup and I took a sip. I saw a flash of red and my head immediately checked to see if it was Clary, but it wasn't. Izzy grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the dance floor. She started grinding on me, and she wrapped my free arm around her waist and rested my hand on her upper thigh. I quickly finished my drink, hoping it would get my mind off Clary and in the moment with Izzy. This is what I wanted, right?

Time Jump – A Few Hours Later

Clary POV:

I had made up and excuse to leave Java Jones. I told Simon my mom wanted me home. He understood, and told me he'd see me at school Monday, and I nodded and walked out. I found myself at a pond in Central Park looking out on the water. I grabbed my sketchbook and started drawing it. There was only one person that I wanted to be with right now, but I knew it was never going to happen. He was probably making out with Izzy in a bedroom at that party, and enjoying it more than anything. I was just his cover, and for the first time I knew that I was never going to be the girl that Jace wanted. I was forever going to be his 'ex-girlfriend' to the rest of the school, and I can't even begin to describe how awful that felt.

Jace POV:

I was working on my 7th beer, trying anything to get Clary off my mind. She was never going to reciprocate my feelings, and I guess I had to live with that. It sucked, but she wanted Simon, and I knew going into this that this was always how it was going to end. I was pulled out of my thoughts when Izzy grabbed my arm and led me into an empty bedroom. She locked the door and slammed her lips against mine.

Izzy was a great girl. She was spunky, and energetic, friendly, and very pretty, but she wasn't the one I wanted to be making out with right now. I always imagined being with her, and how I would feel when we were together, but being so close to Clary these last four months, was everything I didn't know I wanted. She was funny, and caring, and beautiful, and she made me feel so many different things. 'Dating' her for the past four months made me happy, and she made me laugh, and smile. She knew my favorite food, and my coffee order, and she just got me. I was pulled out of my thoughts when Izzy tried to take off my shirt. I immediately grabbed her hands and stopped her. She broke away from me and looked confused.

"I can't do this." I said and she nodded and stepped back.

"You're in love with her aren't you?" Izzy asked and I couldn't deny it anymore.

"I am. I really am." I said and she smiled.

"You guys made a great couple. I was always jealous when I'd see you around." She said.

"Why?"

"Because I've always wanted a guy who looked at me the way you look at Clary. You look at her like she's the only one in the world that matters. Like she's everything. No guy has ever looked at me like that."

"Someone is out there for you Izzy. Someone who will make you question everything you thought you wanted." I said and she smiled.

"Go get her. And don't let her go again." She said and I walked over and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thanks for inviting me tonight. It put things in perspective." I said and she laughed. I made my way out to the car, I was almost sober and thought I'd be okay to drive. I had no idea where Clary would be. It was almost midnight, and her curfew was 2 am on weekends and I knew she wouldn't be home.

I drove around for an hour looking at all her normal spots but she wasn't anywhere. I parked my car and put my head on the steering wheel. I needed to find her, and tell her how I felt. I needed her to hear what I felt, and I needed to at least hear her out too. Suddenly a thought hits me. She told me a month ago there was a pond she liked to go to and draw. It was in Central Park, past the big oak tree. I immediately drove to Central Park and got out looking for this pond. After 30 minutes of searching I finally found the oak tree and when I walked closer I saw a figure sitting on a bench. I silently thank the angel that she was here. I walked over and sat down next to her and she nearly jumped.

"Jesus Jace, you know I'm jumpy." She said and I laughed.

"I know. What are you doing here at this hour?" I asked and she shrugged.

"I was out with Simon tonight, and I needed to get away." She said and I silently let out a sigh. "What about you? Weren't you invited to that party tonight?"

"How did you know?"

"I may not have many friends, but I have ears. It's all anyone talked about at school today, and word got out that Izzy invited you."

"Yea, I was there. But I needed to leave."

"Why?"

"Well, I was making out with Izzy, and I realized she wasn't the one I wanted to be kissing." I said and she looked at me with those beautiful green eyes. I scooted closer to her and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "I don't know what happened, but I can't get you out of my head Clare."

"Really?"

"I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. I wanted to be with Izzy, and that was it. But when we started getting closer, I realized that everything changed. Suddenly, you were the girl I was looking for in the crowded hallway, you were the girl who I wanted everyone to know was mine, you were the girl I wanted to be dancing with and kissing. It hit me tonight, I am in love with you Clary, and I can't stand the thought of you with someone else." I said and I could see the tears pooling in her eyes. I was expecting her to say something back but instead she put her hand behind my head and pulled my lips to hers. It took me all of one second to realize that she was kissing me and I grabbed her and put her on my lap and kissed her back. After a couple minutes she pulled away.

"I love you too." She said and my eyes widened. "Suggesting that we break up was the hardest thing in the world. It was in that moment that I realized I didn't want you to belong to anyone else. I wanted you all to myself. I wanted you to rest your hand on my thigh all the time, or rub circles on my back when I get anxious, or get out of school and meet you in the parking lot and kiss you like we had been doing for months. It seemed so right, and so natural." I pulled her into another kiss and I could feel her smile into it. After a couple more minutes we pulled apart again.

"I think our experiment failed." I said and she laughed. "So Clare, would you do the honor of being my girlfriend? For real?" I asked and she laughed again before nodding. I brought her lips to mine again, and this time I was smiling. "How was your date with Simon?" I asked when we pulled apart and with a hint of jealously in my voice.

"It was awful. I don't really think it was a date, he just asked me to go to his friends poetry reading, but all I could the whole time was imagine us making fun of everyone. I made up an excuse at like 10:15 to leave, and came here. I was dying in there." She said and I couldn't help but laugh. We sat there for a while before she checked her phone and sighed. "My curfew is in 20 minutes. I should get home." She said and we stood up.

"I'll give you a ride." I said and she grabbed her sketchbook and my hand and we made our way to my car. We got in and I drove her home. We sat there for a moment before she turned and spoke.

"I'll see you Monday?" She asked and I shook my head.

"I'm taking you out tomorrow. On our first official date." I said and she smiled and nodded. "I'll pick you up, 7 o'clock." I said and she leaned over and pressed a sweet kiss on my lips.

"Sounds perfect. See you tomorrow." She said and she opened the door.

"Clare." I said and she turned around and I smiled. "I love you." I said and she smiled even more.

"I love you too." She said and it made my heart skip a beat. "Now, I can smell the alcohol on you, get home safely."

"Of course."

"Text me when you get home?" She asked and I nodded. She got out and shut the door and turned back and smiled back at me before she waved and entered her house. I put the car and drive and made my way home. It wasn't the outcome I had imagined, but I couldn't picture a better person to be with than Clary, and I was excited to see where our relationship went.

Authors Note:

This one shot was requested but a guest, so whoever you are, I hope you are pleased with where I took your idea. I actually really love how this story turned out. Let me know what you all think! Shot me a message or leave a review with your thoughts or suggestions! :)