Forty Third One Shot:
Running
Clary POV:
"Clary, its 4 in the morning, why are you calling me?" My brother said on the other end of the phone.
"Jon…" I tried to say but my voice cracked.
"Clary, what's wrong?" He said sounding extremely alert.
"Sebastian, I need to get away." I said trying not to cry.
"What did that bastard do?" Jon asked sounding extremely pissed off.
"I don't want to talk about it." I said. "I need to leave but I don't have anywhere to go." I said truthfully.
"Get to a train station, get a one way ticket using cash to Idris, Pennsylvania. Someone will meet you there." He said and I wasn't looking forward to going back to my hometown, but I never told anyone where I was from, so nobody knew to look for me there.
"I'm scared Jon." I said and my tears started flowing.
"I know, but you'll be safe soon." He said and he hung up. I grabbed a small bag of clothes and things I'd need because I was never coming back here. When I got to the station I did exactly what Jon told me to do. When I got on the bus and it pulled out I felt an odd sense of comfort. Knowing that I wasn't going to see him again. The man at the station told me it would be about a 4 hour bus ride, so I leaned back a little and closed my eyes, trying to forget the horrors I just left behind.
Jon POV:
After Clary called I only knew one person that I would trust her safety in. Clary might hate me for this, but I'm constantly traveling, and she needed a stable place, especially with how scared she sounded. I dialed the number and after a few rings he picked up.
"Hello?" I heard a groggy voice say.
"Jace. I need a favor." I said and I heard him groan.
"This couldn't have waited until a decent hour Jon? It's 4:30 in the morning." He said.
"It's Clary." I said and I heard him take a breath. I knew that would interest him. Despite their rocky past I knew he still cared about her.
"What happened?" He asked.
"I don't know. She called me half an hour ago, she sounded scared, I think she was crying. She told me she needed to leave. I told her to get a one way bus ticket to Idris. She should be there at some point."
"Do you know where she has been living?" Jace asked.
"Not a clue. I travel so much its hard to keep in touch, but I know she has been living with her long term boyfriend. Something must have happened because you know how tough she is, and she sounded broken." I said.
"Okay. I'll just go to the bus station and wait until I see her." Jace said and I felt relieved.
"Thank you Jace. I know you two have a rocky past, but this means a lot to me. You know I'd do anything to keep her safe."
"You know I'd do anything to keep her safe as well." Jace said and I believed him. Nobody besides Jace and Clary know what happened between them. They both refused to talk about it after they broke up, but I knew Jace cared about her, and her safety.
Jace POV:
After I hung up with Jon I got dressed and made my way to the bus station. The bus station was pretty quiet. I stopped and got some coffee for both Clary and I, even though I had no idea when she was getting here, I figured that it wouldn't hurt if it was hot or cold. It was pretty chilly out and I took a seat inside and pulled out my old copy of A Tale of Two Cities and started reading.
After a couple hours I decided to get up and stretch my legs. I didn't go far, because I didn't want my stuff to be taken even though there wasn't anyone really in the station. I was nervous about seeing Clary again. It had been almost 13 years since we last saw each other and we didn't end on good terms.
Flashback:
"God Jace, why do you have to be such a jackass?" Clary shouted at me.
"I have no idea what you're talking about Clary." I said but that didn't calm her down.
"You seriously have no idea what I'm talking about?" She said and I shook my head. "We went to a party on Friday." She said.
"I know that Clary. I was there." I said.
"Yes, you were. But unlike most boyfriends, who you know, make out with their girlfriends at parties, you weren't making out with me." Clary said and I was confused.
"That's not true. We were dancing, and than I went to get us something to drink, and you grabbed my hand and took me into the hallway and we started making out." I retorted. I was not going to be accused of cheating.
"That wasn't me." She said and my eyes widened.
"What do you mean it wasn't you?" I said back. "I remember your red hair, and that ring you always wear on your left middle finger." I said.
"This who 'playing dumb' act isn't working Jace. Just admit you cheated on me." She said and I just shook my head.
"I didn't though Clary. I didn't cheat on you." I said and she laughed.
"If you can't even admit to it Jace, than we're over." She said and I started walking towards her.
"You don't believe me?" I asked.
"I saw you Jace. I watched you make out with her and I watched you run your hands all over her body." She said and I was appalled.
"Who was it?" I asked.
"Seriously Jace?" She asked and I nodded. "It was Kaelie." She said and I couldn't believe it.
"I didn't cheat on you Clary." I said again and she shook her head.
"I can't do this Jace, I just can't." She said and that pissed me off.
"You know what, fine. If you don't believe me, fine. I'm not going to keep defending myself to you when you obviously don't believe me."
"I SAW YOU JACE!" She screamed at me.
"FINE! I CHEATED ON YOU! ARE YOU HAPPY?" I yelled back.
"Of course I'm not happy. My boyfriend cheated on me, is that supposed to make me feel giddy?"
"I don't know what else you want from me Clary, you don't believe me, and you clearly have already made your mind up about ending this relationship."
"I hate you Jace Herondale." She said and I sighed. She stormed out of my house and I watched her leave.
"And I'll always love you Clary." I said to myself as I watched the best thing to ever happened to me walk away.
Flashback Ends
When I pull myself out of my memory and sit back down on the bench. I look at my phone and it's almost 8, and I still didn't see her. I grabbed the notebook that I always carry with me and start writing a song that I can pitch to the songwriters at the studio that I work for. After about 15 minutes I see a flash of red. I look up and see Clary standing there looking frightened. I put my stuff down and walk over to her and take a deep breath.
"Its been a while Sage." I said and her head slowly turned around. I knew using her nickname would get her attention and know that it was me. When out eyes locked it seemed like we were back in high school and so many old feelings surfaced.
"Jace." She simply said but it made every ounce of my being want to wrap my arms around her and never let her go. "This was my brothers big plan?"
"He needed someone he trusted with you, and he trusts me." I said and she scoffed.
"That's because he doesn't know how truly rotten you are." She said and I shook my head.
"Look, Jon asked me to do him this favor, I'm here to pick you up and take you back to my house. You can call Jon and talk to him." I said and I went back and grabbed my stuff. She reluctantly followed. "I bought you coffee. Black, just like you like it. It might be cold, but I figured that it was early, so you might need the caffeine." I said and she took my cup out of my hand. We got into my car and a minute into the ride she fell asleep. I glanced at her than focused back on the road. This was going to be a nightmare, but Clary clearly still hated me for that night, and despite the truths that I now know, maybe once she warms up to me again I can tell her what really happened and we could rekindle our friendship.
Clary POV:
I woke up when I was being lifted out of the car. I opened my eyes to see Jace carrying my into a house. I was so exhausted that I didn't care that he was touching me, but once he put me on the couch I was happy. I took a look around his house and felt like I had just entered a house that would be on MTV's Cribs. This house was massive, and I felt like I would probably get lost in it. When Jace returned he had hot coffee and he took a seat on the chair.
"Your room is upstairs, and it's the third one on the left. You have your own bathroom, and everything. If you need anything, just use my card and get it. It's not even 10 yet, so if you want to go back to sleep go head. I have a meeting with my boss at 1, and I'll be gone for most of the day. I'll let you know if I'm not coming home for dinner. Cook, or order whatever you want." He said and I nodded. He got up and left me alone. I didn't realize how angry I was with him until seeing him again. The fact that he was so casual about seeing me didn't help my feelings either. It had been 13 years, and Jace Herondale still gets under my skin.
Time Jump – Two Days Later
Jace POV:
Clary had been here for two days, and she's mostly just slept. She tried to call Jon but I'm assuming that he was busy with work, but he would call eventually. I noticed that she didn't have a sketchbook with her, which was strange for Clary, so I decided to grab her one on my way home from work.
I had been busy for the past couple months helping an up and coming band get their new album ready. I was lucky to get this job right out of college, and I loved creating music for other people. It was awesome knowing that my music was being listened too, and sung all over the country. It was definitely something that made me truly happy.
When I got home I smelled food and when I walked into the kitchen Clary was standing there cooking. I smiled to myself because this is how I would come home every night when we were together. I wanted everything with Clary, and when it was taken away from me, I never really moved on. I cleared my throat and she turned around and smiled. I knew she was still unhappy that she was sharing the same air as me, but clearly she needed to be here more than she wanted to be anywhere else, and I'd take what I can get.
"I got sick of eating take out, so I decided to cook." She said and I nodded.
"That works for me. What did you make?" I asked.
"I made chicken, pasta, and green beans." She said and I nodded again. I grabbed the sketchbook and the pencils out of my back and set them on the counter. "What are those?"
"I noticed you didn't have a sketchbook with you, and I've never seen you without one, so I bought you one." I said and she walked over and picked it up.
"I haven't sketched in years." She said as she took him the new book.
"Why?" I asked and she stopped looking at the book and locked eyes with me.
"Life gets busy, people change." She said and I shook my head.
"Not you Clary. Since the day I met you, you've always had a sketchbook on you. And if you didn't you were sketching on a napkin, or a cup, or pretty much anything you could get your hands on." I said and she sighed.
"A lot has happened in the last 13 years Jace." She said an I couldn't agree more.
"I just thought you'd like to have one." I said after a moment of silence.
"Thank you." She said and put the book back down. "For everything. It's not ideal, but I appreciate you helping me out."
"It's no problem Sage." I said and I could tell she wanted to smile but she stopped herself. "I'm not going to be around this weekend. I have to fly to Georgia to meet with a artist and discuss a song I wrote for him."
"Okay." She said and I got up and left the kitchen. I wanted so badly to just confess to Clary that whatever happened between us was just a huge misunderstanding, but she still doesn't like me, and I need her to be in a place where she at least acknowledges me as a friend before I drop the bomb on her, and completely blow up the way she's viewed me for the past 13 years.
Time Jump – One Month Later
Clary POV:
Jon was coming over today and I was super excited. I hadn't seen him in years, and we talk every now and than but he has enough vacation built up that he can come and visit. It would be nice to not be surrounded by Jace all the time. Although I was really thankful for everything he's done, I still don't trust him and I don't know if I ever can. Jace was at work today so it would just be Jon and I and I was excited to be hanging out with him alone. When the doorbell rang I ran to it and when it opened I flung myself at Jon, he caught me and hugged me back.
"It's so good to see you Clare." He said as he walked into the house.
"It's good to see you too. I'm starting to go crazy just being around him again." I said and we took a seat on the couch.
"It can't be that bad." Jon said and I rolled my eyes. "He took you in, and if you two were truly enemies he wouldn't have done that."
"You don't understand Jon." I said.
"Than just tell me what happened, and I can understand." Jon asked and I shook my head.
"I don't want to ruin him for you." I said.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"You two are still really good friends. If I tell you, than you'll look at him differently and I don't want to ruin your friendship." I explained further. "Our relationship might be ruined forever, but that doesn't mean yours has too."
"You're my little sister Clary, if he hurt you in the past I want to beat the shit out of him for you." He said and I laughed.
"I appreciate the offer Jon, but I'm not going to tell you." I said and he nodded. We sat there and talked for while before I noticed that it was almost dinnertime. "Want to order something? Jace gave me unlimited access to his money, so its all on him." I said ad Jon laughed.
"Sure, does he have any alcohol in here?" He asked and I laughed.
"Yea, beer is in the fridge and wine is in the basement." I said and Jon left. I picked up the phone and ordered Chinese. It was always something Jon and I did we were together.
We sat down and talked for what felt like hours. I had had almost the whole bottle of wine and Jon was working on his 5th beer. I didn't realize how much I missed Jon until this moment. We lost contact after college and he travels a lot so these occasions are rare but I love them.
"Remember that time junior year when Jace rigged the principles doors to drop water balloons filled with paint when they opened?" Jon laughed and I couldn't help but laugh along. He got suspended for a week but it was totally worth it.
"That was one of the funniest things I've ever saw. And him getting it on camera was even better." I said remembering that day. "I miss the old days."
"You could have them back Clare." Jon said and I shook my head.
"We can't go back to where we were in high school. Not after I caught him cheating." I said and than I realized it slipped out and Jon looked pissed.
"He cheated on you?" He practically yelled.
"Remember Mark's party during the summer before I started college?" I asked and he nodded. "I caught him making out with Kaelie in a hallway."
"Did you confront him?" Jon asked.
"Of course I did. He denied it. He tried to play dumb but I knew his history with Kaelie, and I knew how much of a player he was before we started dating."
"Doesn't make it right Clary." Jon said and a tear slipped out of my eye. I was about to say something when I heard the front door open. My eyes widened because I saw Jon planning something. When Jace came into sight he looked at us and Jon lunged and punched him in the face.
"Jonathan!" I yelled and he looked back at me. "What the hell?"
"He cheated on you Clary. I'm not going to let him get away with it. Even if it has been 13 years." Jon said and Jace stood back up and whipped the blood off his lips.
"I guess I have to come clean now." Jace said.
"Yea you do. How could you cheat on Clary?" Jon asked.
"Lets all take a seat." Jace said and we took a seat. Jon and I were sobering up due to all the adrenaline and Jace looked very serious. "I did cheat on you Clary."
"Finally, you couldn't have admitted that 13 years ago? I could have been able to forgive you for that, but lying about it was pushing it." I said and he shook his head.
"That's the thing, I wasn't lying. I truly thought I was making out with you at that party." He said. "After our fight, I immediately started looking for Kaelie's number. I had to know what the hell happened for me to do that Clary." He looked down at his hands. "It took some convincing but I finally got Izzy to give me her number."
"Izzy still talks to her?" I asked.
"No. But Simon is very handy when it comes to hacking some things, and she got it and gave it to me."
"What did you have to promise Izzy in return?" I asked because I knew Izzy didn't do anything just because.
"She wanted to be to go out on a date with her friend." He said. "You remember Aline?" He asked and I nodded. "Well, she's a lesbian, and she'd been trying to get the attention of this other girl, and the other girl wasn't giving her any signs that she was interested, so I went out on a date with her to the club where the other girl worked to see if she got jealous when she saw us together. She did, they are together, problem solved." He said and I nodded.
"So what happened when you called Kaelie?" Jon asked.
"She refused to talk to me unless we went out, and I needed answers so we went out. I am truly ashamed that I ever socialized with her."
"You did more than socialize." I muttered but he heard and nodded his head.
"We went out to dinner one night and I got a few drinks in her and asked her about that night." He said. "She was apparently really jealous of our relationship. She wanted nothing more than to break us up. At some point during that party she slipped something into my drink." He said and my eyes widened. "It wasn't strong enough to knock me out, but I could feel it, but at the time I just thought it was the alcohol." He admitted. "She dyed her hair red, and started wearing rings like you to throw off my perception. I truly thought it was you Clary. Her hair smelled like strawberries, and she wasn't wearing heels so she was short and she tricked me." He said as he looked up at me. "I truly am sorry that happened. I would have never done that to you, and you have to believe me."
"How do we know that's the truth?" Jon asked. "You could be lying out of your ass."
"I recorded our conversation that night. I hoped that if I ever got the chance to apologize to you Clary I wanted you to hear her say it."
"Can I hear it?" I asked and he nodded and got up. A moment later he was back with a tape recorder. He put it down on the table and hit the play button.
Recording:
"I'm glad we did this Jacey." I heard Kaelie giggle and I wanted to gag. "I've missed you so much." She said and I heard Jace scoff in the background.
"I have a question for you Kaelie." I heard Jace say.
"Ask away baby." She said.
"You remember the night of Mark Blackthorn's part summer before we all left for college?" Jace asked, and she giggled again.
"Of course I do. It was a fun night." She said and giggled yet again.
"I'm a little hazy on one part of the night. I remember dancing with Clary, and than going to get drinks but from there on it's a little murky. Did we see each other at that point of the party?" Jace asked.
"We did a little more than see each other." She said in a seductive voice.
"Did you initiate it?" Jace asked.
"Of course. You were too caught up in little virgin Mary to even notice me." Her voice was laced with malice.
"What did we do?" Jace asked.
"Well, while you were dancing I slipped a little something into your drink. It took some time but you finally felt it and when you were getting another drink I grabbed her hand and lead you into the nearest hallway and we started making out." She admitted and my jaw practically dropped.
"Why would you do that Kaelie?" Jace asked.
"We are meant to be Jace. That stupid ginger bitch didn't deserve you." She said in an angry voice.
"Who I chose to date isn't up to you Kaelie." Jace said.
"Maybe not, but you're single aren't you? Even if I don't have you, neither dose she, and that's all I care about." She said and than hiccupped. She was clearly under the influence of alcohol. I doubt anyone sober person would admit to drugging someone flat out. "I can't tell you how many times you called me Clary while we were making out. I got you good. You really thought I was her. Do you know how many times I had to wash my hair in order for it to small like that all the time?"
"You ruined my relationship Kaelie." Jace said and I could hear the hurt in his voice.
"And your broke my heart Jace. I loved you, and you threw me away the minute you saw Clary." Kaelie said and it sounded like she was crying.
"You didn't love me, you loved the idea of having me. You didn't care about anything I cared about. You didn't support me in anything I did. You just liked the idea that you were somehow better than everyone else because we hooked up every now and than." Jace said and you could hear a sob in the background.
"It doesn't matter anymore. I've moved on from you. I have an amazing man at my school who is so much hotter than you." Kaelie said and I could just hear the smile on her face.
"I truly don't care who you're hooking up with. You ruined my relationship with Clary, and I can't fix it. She won't talk to me, and she doesn't believe me. You may have gotten exactly what you wanted, and that makes you happy, but I am the farthest thing from happy Kaelie, and I can't see that changing anytime soon." Jace said and I felt like such a fucking idiot. He was telling the truth all those years ago, and I blew up.
"Well, this was wonderful Jacey, but I have to go. My man is waiting for me. We should do this again sometime." She said and Jace scoffed.
"Yea, I never want to see you again Kaelie." Jace said and than the recording stopped.
I took a deep breath and looked at Jace. I felt awful but I also thought I acted the right way back than. I had information and proof, and he was denying it. After a few moment of silence Jace spoke up.
"I don't expect you to forgive me or anything like that, but I wanted you to know the truth. I would never cheat on you Clary. You were the best thing in my life back than, and when you walked out of that house I was devastated."
"You can't blame me for reacting the way I did." I said eventually and he shook his head.
"I don't blame you at all. I would have been just as pissed if the roles were reversed. It took me a while to understand that and accept that." He admitted. "I just really needed you to hear the truth. No matter what happens, or if we become friends again or not. For my own sanity, I needed you to know." I nodded and it was quiet. "How long at you staying Jon?"
"A couple days. I figured I might as well get the use of my vacation days, and who knows the next time I'll be able to see Clary." Jon said and I smiled.
"Sounds good. I have to be in California tonight for a couple days. If you aren't here when I get back it was good seeing you again, and nice right hook." He said and we all laughed. Jace walked out of the room and that left Jon and I. We were quiet for a while before Jon spoke up.
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I just found out my ex-boyfriend was drugged and tricked into making out with his ex at a party we were at, and I accused him of lying and I should have known better. Jace doesn't lie, at least he never lied to me. I ended us, and if there was one thing I was certain of in high school was that we would never end." I admitted and Jon pulled me into a hug.
"Like he said Clare, he understands why you freaked out and why you did what you did." Jon reassured me.
"That doesn't make me feel like less of a bitch." I said and he laughed.
"You have a couple days with just us before he comes back and that should be enough time to let the news sink in." Jon said and I nodded. After about 15 minutes Jace reappeared with a bag.
"Alright, you know the drill. Order, cook, or whatever. I'll be back in three or four days." He started walking towards the door and I got up and ran after him.
"Jace." I said and he turned around. "Thank you for explaining that night." I said and he smiled. "And I am truly sorry for how it happened and ignoring you and yelling at you and pretty much everything."
"It's okay Clary. I understand, and it sucked. So much, but you had every right to be pissed at me." He said and I smiled.
"Have a safe trip." I said and he opened the door.
"See you when I get back." He said and than he left. I went back to the couch and sat down with Jon. I was thankful that Jace was going away for a few days because it gave me the opportunity to let the news sink in.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Clary POV:
I was woken up when my phone started buzzing like crazy. I blindly grabbed it and answered.
"Hello?"
"My dear sweet Clarissa, I've been looking for you." I heard and I was immediately awake.
"How did you get this number?" I asked frightened.
"I have my ways baby." He said and I cringed.
"Don't call me that." I hissed back. "You lost that right the moment you decided to hit me."
"You can't escape me Clarissa." He said in a deadly tone.
"Watch me." I said and I hung up and chucked my phone at the wall. It cracked and I went over and started stomping on it as hard as I could. I'm not very powerful and I had no idea how long I was doing it but the next thing I know I'm being lifted up and moved. When I finally looked up I saw Jace sitting next to me on the bed.
"What the hell are you doing Clary?" He asked.
"My ex called. I don't know how he got my number but I didn't want him calling me again."
"You could have just shut the phone off. You didn't need to break it."
"He found me, if he still had that number I'd never hear the end of it." I said and Jace nodded.
"Why can't you just file a restraining order?" Jace asked after a minute.
"Cause than he'll know where I am." I said.
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened between you two?" Jace asked and I sighed. I guess it was time he knows why I fled.
"About 7 months ago I was almost 3 months pregnant." I said and I saw Jace tense. "We were really excited. We had been trying for a couple years but it had been really hard. The day I found out I cried for an hour." I said as I looked down at my hands. "I miscarried the week before I was three months. It broke me. Sebastian didn't speak to me for about 2 weeks, and when he finally did he was different."
"What happened?" Jace asked.
"We got into an argument, and he hit me." I said and Jace grabbed my hands. "I thought it was a one time thing, and I was going to give him the benefit of the doubt and see if it was the heat of the moment thing, or what."
"I'm guessing it wasn't." Jace said and I shook my head.
"He blamed me for losing the baby, and he called me every name in the book. He got physical but it wasn't as often as the verbal attacks here." I said and I looked at Jace. "The night I called Jon he pushed me down a flight of stairs, and I just knew that was the last straw. I couldn't keep making excuses for him and I needed to leave."
"I'm so sorry Clary. You know that wasn't your fault." Jace said and I smiled.
"It didn't matter to Sebastian. I was the one who lost our baby, and I could have done everything in my power to save him or her."
"That's not true. Sometimes things happen and we have no control over them." Jace said and the tears started to flow. "Hey, you don't need to cry. Everything is going to be okay. I can talk to one of my buddies down at the police station, and we can figure something out. I'm not going to let him hurt you."
"Why are you being so nice to me?" I asked. "I was a total bitch to you, and broke up with you. You should hate me."
"Clary, I have never in my life hated you. What happened in high school sucked. A lot. And I have been spending the last 13 years of my life waiting for the day that I could apologize to you, and now I have. It's water under the bridge. I want to move past that incident, and just move forward."
"How can you not hate me?" I asked as a sob escaped my throat. "Ever since you played that recording I have hated myself for what I did back than."
"You were hurt, and you felt like I was lying to you, and I know how you feel about people who lie. You felt replaceable, and you felt used, and I can't blame you for that because what Kaelie did was messed up, and she knew exactly what to do to break us up." Jace explained and it didn't make me feel any better.
"After 13 years you're still the same patient and understanding man I've always known." I said and he laughed.
"I had a lot of time to reflect on myself and grow." He said and I nodded.
"I really am sorry Jace." I said and he smiled. "I could probably tell you until I am blue in the face how incredibly sorry I am for that night, but it wouldn't be enough."
"Clary." Jace started but I cut him off.
"No Jace, I thought in high school that we were going to be together forever. I was so sure of it. We were together for almost 3 years, and we knew college would be hard but we were both determined to make it work." I said. "We had it all figured out and than everything changed."
"Outside variables got in our way Sage. We can't control everything, but I hope that we can build our friendship back up." He said and I laughed.
"We never had a normal friendship Jace." I said and he smiled.
"I know, but we're both older now, and wiser." He said.
"I'd like to start over." I said and he smiled.
"That we can do." Jace said and I don't know what force lead me to do it, but I moved closer and hugged him and I could tell he was a little shocked because he tensed but soon he hugged me back. It felt right to be in Jace's arms again, and maybe now with our relationship can mend and build from here.
Time Jump – One Year Later
Clary POV:
This last year had been extremely eventful. After a couple months I moved out and got a job. Sebastian hadn't been a problem for me since and I was really grateful. Jon had been coming home more frequently, but it still wasn't enough for me. I wanted to see my brother more than just once or twice every couple months. Jace and I were friends again and I liked it but after 13 years apart, I remember every single reason why we were together. He was funny, and handsome, and extremely sweet. It was everything any woman wanted in a man, and here I was, just a friend again, and as the days go by I feel like even more like a loser than I did before. We've got out for coffee, and lunch, and the amount of stares he gets from women is impressive. He called me yesterday and asked if I would meet him for coffee today, and here I am, waiting in the coffee shop for him and I've never been more nervous. I didn't know what else to do so I brought out my sketchbook Jace bought me and started sketching. I was so lost that I didn't even know that he sat down across from me, when I looked up he smiled.
"You're even better than you were in high school Sage." He said and I smiled.
"I've been getting back into the swing of sketching ever since you got me this book." I said as I held it up. "I didn't realize how much I missed it until I started doing it again."
"You never did tell me why you stopped." He said and I closed the book and looked at him.
"I studied art in college. I really wanted to open my own gallery." I said and he smiled.
"I remember. You wanted to name is Freaky Fray's Modern Art." He said and I laughed.
"That I did." I answered. "I met Sebastian in college and everything was perfect. After college we moved in together, and art just wasn't enough to live off of. I had to get a practical job and that's what I did."
"What did you do?" He asked and my face turned red.
"It's embarrassing." I said and he smiled even more.
"Come on Sage, you know you can tell me anything." He said and I covered my face with my hands.
"I had a couple jobs. On weekends I worked as a Disney princess at children's birthday parties, and on the week days, I worked at the coffee shop and nights I worked at the local night club as a bartender."
"A woman of many talents." He said and I sighed.
"I did what I did to get by." I said and he smiled. "What did you exactly study in college?" I asked. It was strange that we never talked about this, but it just never really came up in conversation.
"I studied music." He said. "Mostly how to compose. I really wanted to write symphonies, and all that stuff."
"Why don't you?" I asked.
"Doesn't pay as well. I met this girl in a bar one night, and she was a singer, and she was really good, and I took a shot and gave her one of my songs. She loved it."
"That's amazing." I said and he nodded.
"A couple weeks later her label called and asked me to work for them. I've been there ever since."
"I still think you could write symphonies." I said and he smiled. "You're amazing on the piano Jace, if anything you've probably only gotten better."
"I don't play as much as I would like, but I make sure that I play at least once a week." He said and I nodded.
We got coffee and sat there and talked for an hour and I just loved how amazing it felt to be with him again. It felt natural, and he was truly the only one who made me smile. His phone started ringing and he paused the conversation to answer it.
"Hello?" He said and than he was quiet. "Hey Amber, what's up?" He said with a smile and a part of me broke a little. "How about dinner in 30 minutes." He said and I took a deep breath. "Usual place." He said and than hung up. He looked at me and smiled. "I have to go, but we'll talk soon? Maybe we can go out to dinner on Friday."
"Of course." I said with a fake smile. He got up and walked over to me and kissed the top of my head.
"It was great talking Sage." He said and I nodded and watched him leave. I guess that's how he felt when he walked out on him all those years ago. It was a sucky feeling, and I wish I never had to experience it. The one guy that I truly loved, and wanted to be with has moved on, and I will always be the friend now.
Jace POV:
Walking out of that coffee shop I knew Clary was faking something. She wasn't smiling her normal radiant and beautiful smile but today it was off. I got to the restaurant and sat down and waited for Amber. Maybe 10 minutes later she showed up, we hugged and than she sat down. Once we ordered we started talking.
"So, what's up Amber?" I asked.
"I want to write a song for my fiancé, and I want to preform it at our wedding, but I can't write music the way you do." She said and I laughed. "You've been my guy for songs since you approached me in that bar. I trust you more than anyone in the music industry."
"I'll do it Amber. You know I'll always write you songs." I said and she got the biggest smile on her face. "When is the wedding again?"
"3 months. You think you can have it done by than?" She asked.
"Of course. I'll have a draft done in one month and send it to you, and than we'll go from there." I said and she nodded. She reached in her bag and pulled out a book.
"This has a bunch of memories, and my favorite things about him, what I love about him, how excited I am to spend the rest of my life with him. I was hoping you could use it." She said and I took it.
"I will try my best to make a good song." I said and she laughed.
"I know it'll be perfect. You're still coming right?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." I said and she smiled.
"You bringing a date?" She asked and I sighed.
"The girl I want to bring, I can't seem to get the courage to ask her." I said and she smiled.
"Is this the same girl you told me about all those years ago?" She asked and I nodded. "She's back in your life?"
"Yea. About a year ago she was in a tough situation and needed somewhere safe to stay and her brother asked me if I'd help, and I couldn't say no. She means everything to me. We've been building our friendship back up, and I don't know how she'd take to me asking her to a friends wedding."
"Do you still feel the same way about her?" She asked.
"Of course. I've never stopped loving her, and I never moved on, but it just seems like she's hesitant towards me."
"What makes you say that?" She asks.
"Today we were out for coffee, and we were having a great time, and when I left to meet you she just seemed different. She was smiling but it wasn't her real smile. She looked sad." I said and Amber nodded.
"Was that before or after our phone call?" She asked and I looked at her with confusion.
"After. Why?" I asked.
"Did you happen to tell her that we were having a business meeting tonight?" She asked.
"Why would I?" I asked and she laughed.
"You dumbass. She probably thought you bailed to come on a date." She asked and than it clicked.
"But I asked her to dinner on Friday." I said.
"Did you ask her out on a date, or did it seem very causal? Like what friends would do?" She said and I hung me head.
"Shit." I said and she laughed.
"Ask her to come to my wedding. It'll be a fun time, and you can spend the whole night wooing her!" She said and I laughed.
"Okay, I'll ask her Friday." I said and she smiled and nodded. The rest of the night was fun. I always loved hanging out with Amber. She and I have become really close and I don't know what I'd do without her in my life. When dinner was over I walked her to her car and we said goodbye. I had to convince Clary that I was still in love with her, and I was determined to show her at that wedding.
Time Jump – Friday Night
Clary POV:
I was getting ready for my dinner with Jace and I couldn't help but feel like this was a complete waste of time. He had clearly moved on to Amber, and we were just friends. When I was finished I took one last look in my mirror and than headed into the living room. After a couple moments there was a knock on the door and I knew it was Jace. When I opened it he looked even more gorgeous than he normally does and I looked down at my outfit.
"I feel under dressed." I said and he laughed.
"I just got out of work. I had a really important meeting today which is why I looked so fancy." He explained and I nodded and walked out of my apartment. "You look beautiful by the way, like always Sage."
We walked out to his car and made our way to the restaurant. I'm almost 33 years old and he still makes me feel like an 18 year old girl. When we pulled up to the restaurant and walked in I was glad to see that he didn't bring me to a fancy place. I wasn't dressed well enough for that, but I could handle this place. I looked around and realized that this was the diner we used to go to all the time in high school, and man it hasn't changed a bit. We sat down and he smiled at me.
"Surprised this place is still around?" He asked and I nodded. "I still come here religiously. Nobody beats their coconut pancakes." He said and I laughed.
"You were a sucker for those." I said and he smiled. We ordered our meals and were engrossed in conversation until I noticed him get a little nervous. "are you okay Jace?"
"Yea, I just need to ask you something." He said and I nodded. "I was invited to a wedding, and I was wondering if you'd like to be my plus one?" He asked and I was shocked. I don't know why he would ask me if he has been seeing someone else.
"Won't Amber be annoyed?" I said not trying to sound spiteful but it definitely came out that way and he laughed.
"She said you would think we were dating. Man I hate when she's right." He said and I was confused. "You remember that girl I gave that song too in the bar one night?" He asked and I nodded. "That's Amber. She called because she wants me to write her a song so she can sing it to her fiancé on their wedding day." He said and I felt like a complete idiot. Which doesn't seem to be uncommon these days.
"Oh." I said and he laughed.
"Yea, she called me because she wanted to ask me if I'd right the song for her." He said and I nodded along. "So, will you accompany me to the wedding? She said it would be fun."
"Of course. It sounds like fun." I said and he smiled at me. When we finally left the restaurant it felt like there was a clearing in our friendship again. He walked me up to my apartment and we both lingered for a minute.
"Thank you for coming with me tonight." He said and I smiled.
"Of course. I was never one to turn down a meal." I said and he laughed.
"No you aren't." He said and I smiled. "I guess I'll see you around?" He said and I nodded. "Goodnight Sage."
"Goodnight Jace." I said and he kissed my forehead and left. When I walked into my apartment I took a deep breath. He was able to make my whole entire body go to jell-o with a kiss on the forehead. If I didn't pluck up the courage to tell him how I felt soon, it might be too late, and I am not letting him go again.
Time Jump – Wedding
Jace POV:
I had picked Clary up and we were heading towards the venue and I couldn't stop stealing glances at Clary. She looked absolutely stunning. I knew she was beautiful, but today she looked ethereal. Nothing could compare to her, I don't even think Amber could out shine her in my eyes today. When we pulled up to the ceremony space there were paparazzi camped out trying to get a glimpse of Amber. I parked the car and grabbed Clary's hand and pulled her into my side. The paparazzi didn't really care about anyone who wasn't famous but that didn't stop them from asking a million questions and Clary didn't need that.
Once we were safely inside the church we were escorted to out seat and Clary was looking around. She was always one to admire fine craftsmanship, and I could only imagine she was looking at the structure of the building. I was blatantly staring at her and when our eyes locked she smiled.
"This place is amazing. I'd kill to paint it." She said and I smiled.
"Commit it to memory, and you can when I get you home tonight." I said and she smiled and nodded. The ceremony space was packed and Clary and I were sitting extremely close and I really liked it. I put my arm around the back of her chair and she didn't pull away so that's a good sign.
The ceremony started and the back doors opened and everyone turned around. The bridal party started filing in and they all looked magnificent, but I expected nothing less from Amber. The music stopped and than we heard singing. It was my song, and it sounded absolutely perfecting coming out of her mouth. We all stood but I leaned down and put my lips to Clary's ear.
"I wrote that song." I said and she turned and looked up at me.
"It's beautiful." She said and I smiled. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and when the reception came around Clary and I were at a table where we didn't know anyone, which was to be expected. I didn't care though, I was here with Clary and that's all that mattered.
After dinner everyone starting crowding the dance floor and they looked like they were having an amazing time. I saw Amber and she started making her way over to us with her new husband. I stood up and pulled her into a hug and shook hands with her husband.
"That song was one in a million Jace, I can't thank you enough for it. It made the ceremony even more amazing." Caleb said and I smiled.
"It was my pleasure man. When Amber asked me I knew I couldn't say no. I mean, it got me out of buying a wedding present." They laughed and than Clary elbowed me. "I'm just kidding, I got them a gift." I said and she smiled. "Amber, this is Clary. Clary, this is Amber and her husband Caleb."
"It's wonderful to meet you, and the ceremony was beautiful." She said and Amber gave her a hug.
"We're so glad you two could make it!" Amber said and a slow song came on. "Oh, let's go babe!" She said and she grabbed his hand and lead him to the dance floor.
"Would you like to dance?" I asked and Clary nodded. We got onto the dance floor and I pulled her into me and everything just felt incredibly right. The last 14 years without her by my side, and in my bed, and in my arms have been excruciating and I was ready for the drought to end. The whole song we were both quiet, and enjoying the music. When it was over some pop song came on and everyone started dancing again, but Clary grabbed my hand and started leading me to a place that was much more quiet. It was a balcony and it over looked the garden at this place and it was quite the view. After a few moment of silence Clary looked into my eyes and spoke.
"I'm still in love with you Jace." She said and I felt my heart skip a beat. "Even after our huge fight I never stopped." She said and I just couldn't believe what was coming out of her mouth. "I tried to move on. Hell, I did move on, but you were always in the back of my mind." She said.
"What about Sebastian?" I asked.
"I did love him. I cared about him, and I enjoyed out time together that was happy, and positive. But I remember when we first met I compared him to you immediately." She said. "After our first date I knew you were the one for me, but everything got so messed up that we lost it." She said and I took a deep breath. "Just being your friend is killing me."
"Oh thank god!" I said and than I slammed my lips into hers. We stood there kissing for who knows how long before we broke apart. "I have always been in love with you Clary, I will always be in love with you, and if there is life after this one, I will continue to be in love with you." I said and I could see in her eyes that she knew I meant it.
The rest of the night Clary and I danced and had an amazing time. One our way home Clary passed out in the car and I didn't want to wake her so I just drove to my house. when I parked the car I picked her up and took her inside. When I placed her on my bed she started to stir. She rubbed her eyes and looked at me.
"Where am I?" She asked and I smiled.
"You fell asleep in the car, and my house is closer so I thought I'd just bring you back here." I said and she nodded.
"Can I borrow a shirt?" She asked and I groaned and grabbed her a shirt and she put it on and damn did she look sexy as hell. "Are you going to stay in here with me?" She asked.
"If you think for a second I would miss the opportunity to fall asleep holding you, you are out of your damn mind Sage." I said and she giggled and got back in my bed. I changed and joined her not long after and I pulled her into my body. This was always how it was meant to be and I was so glad, it finally happened.
Time Jump – Three Years Later
Clary POV:
"Jace can you grab her?" I groaned to my husband in the middle of the night. Jace and I got married three years ago, and we have a one year old daughter, Hazel, and I am currently 6 months pregnant.
"Yea. I got her." Jace said and het got out of bed. I rolled over as much as I could with my belly and tried to go back to sleep but I heard Jace speaking through the baby monitor. "What's wrong baby girl?" I heard him say and I couldn't help but smile. "Why are you so unhappy right now?" I heard him coo and than the cries got softer. "You wanna hear a song baby girl?" He asked and there was a noise that I couldn't make out. "I loved you first, I held you first, And a place in my heart will always be yours, From the first breath you breathed, When you first smiled at me I knew the love of a father runs deep…." He trailed off and I couldn't help but fall more in love with him. I dozed off until I felt the bed dip next to me. I opened my eyes and they locked with golden one.
"I love you." I said and he smiled and leaned over and kissed me.
"I love you too Sage."
Authors Note:
This one shot was requested by 14bubbles, and I took the idea they requested about Clary and Sebastian being together and her miscarrying and her needing Jace! I hope you all enjoy this. I know it's been a very long wait for a new one shot, but I just had intense writers block when it came to any of the requests and I have been working on this story for a few days, and I'm so happy to finally be done, so I can give it to your guys! I promise I am not giving up at all. I will be writing these one shots for a very long time, but sometimes it just gets really hard to write them, especially because I am in school. Senior year of college is no joke people! Let me know what you think, and I promise I will try my best to get another one shot down soon! :)
Also, the song Jace sings is "I Love Her First" by Heartland, I changed some of the lyrics from 'she' to 'you' because he was singing it to his daughter. It's a great song, if anyone is interesting in listening to it! :)
