Forty Seventh One Shot:

Homeless

Jace POV:

I was walking to my favorite restaurant in New York. I am a regular there and until the place burns down I will always eat there. I was lost in thought when I saw a bright redhead standing in front of Taki's. When I got to the restaurant I opened the door expecting her to walk in. She just stood there. I smiled and cleared my throat and she looked up at me.

"You planning on standing there forever?" I asked and she looked away embarrassed.

"I wasn't planning on eating, I thought I saw a friend of mine in there." She said and I nodded.

"You're missing out, they have the best food in all of New York." I said and she nodded.

"I've never eaten here." She said and my jaw dropped. I did something that I never thought I would.

"Do you want to join me for dinner?" I asked and she looked at me shocked.

"That's okay, I'm not really hungry anyway." She said and her stomach growled and she sighed.

"Come on, its on me." I said and she finally gave in and walked in with me. When we sat down the waitress walked over to me and smiled.

"Will it be the same as always Jace?" She asked and I smiled.

"Of course Kaelie." I said and she looked at the girl.

"And for you?" She asked.

"I'll have the coconut pancakes." She said and I smiled.

"Two orders of coconut pancakes it is." She said and she started walking away before the redhead stopped her.

"Could I have some coffee as well?" She asked and Kaelie nodded and walked away. She looked back at me and blushed. "I'm sorry, I just need the energy."

"I don't mind." I said and she nodded. "I just realized, I don't know your name."

"I'm Clary." She said and I nodded. Dinner went by really well. We talked about random things and I realized that I really liked getting to know her. I hadn't really laughed like this is awhile. When I paid for dinner we walked out and I started towards my car when I saw her start walking down the street.

"Hey, you need a ride?" I asked and she turned around.

"I'll be okay." She said.

"It's freezing out here. Let me give you a ride home." I said and I could tell she was slightly conflicted but gave in because she started walking towards me. We got into the car and I turned the heat up because I could see her shivering. "Where too?"

"I live off of 5th and Main." She said and I nodded. The car ride was silent, but I didn't mind. When I pulled onto 5th I looked back at her and she smiled. "I'm the second house on the right." She said and I nodded. I pulled into the driveway and parked the car. "Thank you for dinner, and the ride."

"It was no problem. Maybe we'll run into each other again sometime soon." I said and she nodded slightly. She got out of the car and walked behind the house and I assumed she made it in safely. I pulled out of the driveway and made my way home. It was weird, I never felt a connection to any other girl before but with Clary it felt almost like we have known each other for way longer than a couple hours.

When I got home I walked through my house and made my way to my room. It was weird living alone, but I really wanted to share it with anyone because they never matter, but now I feel like something could potentially happen if I ever saw Clary again, and I was hoping that we ran into each other.

Clary POV:

After I saw the lights leave I walked out from behind the house and started making my way to the homeless shelter down the street. I was too ashamed to tell him that I didn't have a home, or that I was staring in that restaurant because I was so starving that I was thinking about stealing. He seemed like he had his life together, and I was a homeless 25 year old with a 3 year old daughter. I was hoping that we never saw each other again, because I didn't want to explain my situation to him.

When I got back to the homeless shelter Aubrey ran right into my legs. I picked her up and gave her the biggest hug. I walked us back to our bed and sat her down under the blankets and gave her the pancakes that I took from my dinner. Not being able to provide for her was killing me. There wasn't anything more humiliating than not being able to provide for you daughter, and I felt like such a failure.

"I love you mommy." She said and I leaned down and kissed her.

"I love you too sweet pea." I said and she smiled.

"Are we ever going to go back to daddy?" She asked and I tucked her into bed.

"I don't think so baby."

"Why not?" She asked.

"He doesn't want to be in our lives right now." I said and she pouted.

"He doesn't want me?" She asked and my heart broke.

"He doesn't know what he wants right now sweet pea." I said and she sighed. "But I will always want you, and you can make sure that we will always be together."

"Good." She said with a smiled and I smiled back. I cuddled in the bed with her until I felt her breathing even out. I hated that he didn't want his only child, and that she knew he didn't want her. It was horrible, and Christmas was just around the corner. He was the only person I had left, and he tossed me out like last weeks old Chinese food. I felt a huge wave of exhaustion hit and I closed my eyes and dreamed of what my life could be like if I found a rich man to take me under his wing and care for me and my daughter, but the odds of that happening are slim to none.

Time Jump – Two Weeks Later

Jace POV:

"Come on Jace, it'll be fun." Izzy said and I groaned.

"It's Christmas Iz, we should be with our family." I said and she rolled her eyes.

"It wouldn't kill you to give back Jace. It's just two hours. We're meeting everyone at mom's house for dinner." She said and I grabbed my coat.

"Why do you want to do this so badly? And why couldn't you bring Alec?" I asked as we got into my car.

"Alec had other plans, and I feel like it's important to help those less fortunate. We grew up with everything, and these people are homeless. Volunteering two hours of my life won't make a huge difference, but it could to these people." She said and I nodded. I followed her directions and parked in front of the homeless shelter. We got out and made our way inside. There were more people here than I expected, and a lot of them were kids. It broke my heart to know all these people wouldn't be spending this holiday with their families. Izzy was right, doing this was important and I was glad to be giving them two hours of my life.

Izzy and I were separated when it came to getting our jobs assigned. I didn't mind though, I was in charge of making sure people didn't fit over food in the eating area, while Izzy served the food. Basically I sat on a stool and watched people eat, but I didn't mind doing it. I was deep in thought when I felt someone pulling on my leg. I looked down and there was a cute little girl smiling up at me.

"Hello." I said and she reached her hands up, I guess she wanted me to pick her up so I did and sat her on my lap. "What's your name sweetie?"

"I'm Aubrey."

"Hello Aubrey, I'm Jace." I said and she smiled again.

"Are you here to eat too?" She asked.

"I'm not, I'm here helping." I said and she looked out at the people. "Are you?"

"Yea. Mommy and I have been here for a long time." She said and I was about to say something when someone else did.

"Aubrey." I heard and I turned around and was greeted with that redhead I couldn't get out of my mind. "Jace, what are you doing here?" She asked.

"You know him mommy?" Aubrey asked.

"I do sweet pea, I told you a hundred times, you can't run away from me like that." She said and Aubrey pouted.

"I'm sorry mommy. He looked really friendly, and you told me to be nice to new people." Aubrey said and I smiled.

"I know that baby, but you should have told me." Clary said and Aubrey nodded. "I'm really sorry."

"It was no trouble. She's an angel." I said and Clary smiled.

"Yea she is." Clary said as she smiled at Aubrey. "Alright baby, go find a seat and I'll be right over." Clary said and Aubrey jumped out of my lap and skipped over to a table.

"How come you made me drop you off at that house if you've been living here?" I asked.

"I didn't want you to know I was homeless." She said and I let out a little laugh.

"Aubrey said you've been here for a long time." I said and she nodded.

"Almost 8 months." Clary answered. "I'm really hungry, and this food will get cold quick and than Aubrey won't eat it, it was nice seeing you again, but I have to go." She said and I nodded and she walked over to Aubrey and sat down and they started eating.

When the tow hours were over Izzy came over to me and I out my coat back on and I looked back at Clary and realized that she was wearing the same shirt she was wearing the last time I saw her, and Aubrey was bundled. This place wasn't the warmest, and I would bet anything that Clary didn't own a coat.

"Iz, I'll met you at the car." I said and she nodded. I put a business car in the pocket of my coat and walked over to Clary. I took a seat down and Aubrey looked up at me and smiled.

"Jace!" She said and I smiled.

"Hey sweetie, I'm getting ready to leave but I wanted to say goodbye." I said and Clary smiled and nodded.

"It was nice seeing you again." Clary said and I nodded and got up. I walked over and put my coat around her shoulders and she turned around.

"You look cold, and I don't want you freezing to death." I said and her eyes were wide.

"But this is your coat." She said and I laughed.

"Yes, and I have more. I left my number in one of the pockets. Call me sometime." I said and she went to say something but closed her mouth.

"Thank you Jace." She said and I nodded and made my way back out to the car. When I got in Izzy looked at me with a confused look.

"Where is your jacket?" She asked.

"Someone looked cold, so I gave it to them." I said and she smiled.

"Way to get in the spirit Jace." She said and I put my car in drive and made my way to our parents house thinking about Clary and Aubrey the whole time.

Time Jump – One Month Later

Clary POV:

I was woken up in the middle of the night by someone shaking me. When I opened me eyes Phyllis was standing over me. I sat up making sure that I didn't wake Aubrey up. I got out of bed and she walked me to the corner before she started speaking.

"I'm so sorry Clary, but you and Aubrey have to leave." She said and I was stunned.

"What? Why? Its in the middle of the night." I said clearly flustered.

"We have no more room, and that means we have to make space, which means those who have been here the longest have to leave."

"But Phyllis, it's the middle of the night." I said and she shook her head.

"I'm sorry Clary." She said and she walked away. I went back to my bed and looked at Aubrey. I couldn't believe we were being kicked out. I leaned down and wrapped Aubrey up in my arms and grabbed whatever we had and walked out of the homeless shelter. I went to the bench and put Aubrey down so she could continue sleeping. She looked cold so I took off the jacket Jace gave me and put hit over her. I remembered that he said he put his number in the pocket. I reached in every pocket and found 75 cents and a business card.

Jace Herondale – Attorney at Law

Business : 495-555-4324

Personal : 345-555-7845

Call me at home or the office, I'm always available if you have a problem.

I debated calling his personal number but it was the middle of the night so it was the only option I had at this point. I hated relying on people, but it was freezing, and I wanted Aubrey to be safe, and being in the cold wasn't safe for her. I put the money in and called the number. It rang a few times before he picked up.

"Hello?" He said.

"Jace, it's Clary." I said.

"Are you okay?" He asked sounding slightly more alert.

"Aubrey and I got kicked out of the homeless shelter and we have no where else to go and it's freezing out." I said.

"I'll be there in 10 minutes." He said and than the call ended. I went over to try and warm myself and Aubrey up the best I could until Jace got there. Sure enough, 10 minutes later a car pulled up and Jace got out. He walked right over to us and picked Aubrey up and put her in the back seat. I went around and got into the passenger side. Soon Jace got in and started driving. I wasn't paying any attention to where we were going and focused on getting warm. When the car stopped I looked up and saw a huge mansion. I was completely lost in this house but when I heard Jace laugh I looked at him. "Are you okay?"

"I will be when I get warm." I said and he laughed.

"Come on, let's get her in bed." He said as he pointed to Aubrey. I nodded and we got out of the car. Jace picked her up and we walked towards his house. When he opened the door his house was warm, and smelled like heaven. Jace was already completely gone, and I was just standing there looking around. When my eyes caught the coffee machine I made a beeline and started making a pot. I didn't realize that Jace had returned until I heard him laugh. I turned around and blushed.

"I'm sorry, I thought it would warm me up the fastest." I said and he nodded.

"I get it. You're more than welcome to have some." He said and I nodded. When the coffee was done, I poured myself a cup and took a seat on the couch in the living room. Jace put a blanket over me and I finally started to get warm. "Are you going to tell me why you got kicked out?"

"Apparently they were full, and when that happens they have to make room, and that means those who have been there the longest have to leave. That was Aubrey and I." I explained and he nodded. He opened his mouth to speak when his front door opened.

"Jace, I got what you wanted but I don't know why you needed it." I heard a female voice said and when she turned the corner I recognized her from the homeless shelter. She was helping serve food on Christmas. When her eyes landed on me I could tell she remembered. "I remember you. You're from the homeless shelter." She said and I nodded.

"Thank you for doing this Izzy." He said and she handed him some bags.

"It's no problem, but I'm crashing in one of your guest rooms I'm exhausted." She said and he laughed.

"Sure, the first one on the left is taken, but every other one is opened." He said and she nodded before disappearing up the stairs. He turned back to me and smiled. "That's my sister. I texted her after you called to pick something's up for you and Aubrey."

"You didn't have to do that." I said and he smiled.

"Don't worry about it." He said as he gave me the bags. When I looked through them there were pajamas and clothes for Aubrey, and a few sweaters, and a jacket for me.

"Jace, this is too much." I said and he laughed.

"No it isn't. These are basic things people should have." He said and I sighed. I sat back in the couch and tried not to cry. "Are you okay?"

"I just hate the way my life has been in the past year." I said and he nodded.

"Does it have to do with the reason you were in a homeless shelter?" He asked and I nodded. "What happened?"

"Aubrey's father decided that he wasn't sure a family was what he wanted, so he kicked us out." I said.

"He kicked his girlfriend and daughter out with absolutely nothing?" He asked and I let out a humorless laugh.

"Oh no, he left us something." I said and he looked confused. "He threw a suitcase of bills at me that he paid but I had to repay him for. Apparently a kid is a lot more money than he thought and if he knew that he wouldn't have had her."

"Did he think being a father was going to be easy?" He asked and I shrugged.

"I don't know, but I think he expected me to do everything. Raise her, cook for him, clean for him, wait on him hand and foot. I couldn't even ask him to go get her in the middle of the night because he was so tired from supporting my lazy ass."

"Why were you two together?" He asked.

"I was lonely, he was there, and he took me under his wing." I said and Jace nodded. "He got me into a lot of trouble. He got me smoking cigarettes, doing drugs, he was even close to pimping me out to his friends if it meant a little more cash. But I got pregnant with Aubrey and completely changed. He had a harder time accepting that the old days were over and we had another life to think about."

"I can't believe he would do that." Jace said and I just shrugged again.

"I was an idiot for getting involved with him anyway. I was 18, and impressionable. I didn't have parents and since I was an adult I was no longer a child of the state. I was completely on my own, and he took advantage of that." I said and he nodded.

"How long were you two together?" He asked.

"We were officially a couple from when I was 18 until Aubrey was about 1 and a half. After that he told me he didn't want to be exclusive anymore, he wanted to keep his options opened, and I just said sure because I needed a place to stay, but it was over than. I've been focused on Aubrey for the last 2 years, and keeping her healthy, and happy, and positive because some days I just feel like the world is playing some sick joke on my life."

"Well, you can stay here as long as you want." He said and I looked at him.

"Why would you do that for me? You barely know me." I said.

"True, but I also remember us having a wonderful dinner a few months ago. I had a great time, and I knew that I wanted to see you again, and running into you at the homeless shelter was a sign that maybe we were supposed to be involved in each others lives some way, some how." He said and I was speechless. He smiled and stood up. "I don't know if you want to sleep with Aubrey, but there are plenty of rooms if you don't. I have work tomorrow, so I'm going to head to bed. Goodnight Clary."

"Goodnight Jace." I said and he walked upstairs. I stayed awake until I finished my coffee and than made my way upstairs. I walked into the room Aubrey was sleeping in and saw her sprawled out on the bed and smiled. I cuddled with her when I got into the bed and fell asleep warm, safe, and happy for the first time in almost a year, and I had Jace to thank for that.

Time Jump – Three Weeks Later

Jace POV:

Clary and Aubrey had been with me for three weeks and we had settled into a routine. I was always home to eat dinner with them because when Aubrey asks you to do something, you just never say no, it's impossible. I didn't know how it was going to work at first but I actually really loved coming home to both of them. I didn't realize what I was missing until I got to walk into a house that smelled like food and seeing a little girl playing with her dolls on the ground while someone made dinner for you. It was domestic, which I thought I was going to hate, but I actually really enjoyed it, but that might just be because its Clary and Aubrey, and I had a soft spot for both of them. I was working on some paperwork when my phone started ringing. I blindly reached over and picked it up.

"Jace Herondale speaking." I said.

"He's taking me to court." I heard and I was pulled out of my work mindset the minute I recognized Clary's voice.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Aubrey's father, he's taking me to court. He filed for custody of her." She said and I put down my pen and grabbed my coat.

"How did you even get the papers? Nobody knows you're living with me." I said as I made my way out to my car.

"I was out with Aubrey and someone literally ran after me and gave them to me." She said which only made me mad because he has clearly been watching her.

"I'm coming home, I'll look over the paperwork and we'll figure this out." I said and I started on my way home.

"Thank you Jace." She said and I hung up. I was home a couple minutes later and when I opened the door the house smelled like cookies but I didn't think Clary was in the baking mood after today but when I walked into the kitchen there she and Aubrey were making cookies. Aubrey turned around and smiled.

"Jace!" She ran over and jumped into my arms and I picked her up and gave her a kiss.

"Hi sweet pea. How are you?" I asked.

"Good. Mommy is making cookies!" She said and I laughed.

"I see." I said and I put her down and looked at Clary.

"There is an envelope in the dining room. Those are the papers." She said and I nodded before making my way to the dining room. I picked up the papers and started to look through them.

I didn't even know how long I was sitting there until I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up at Clary was standing there with a plate of cookies. I pushed my chair out and she took a seat on my lap. We had been getting closer since she has been living here, but we made sure that we didn't do anything like this in front of Aubrey. Clary said she didn't want to give her any ideas about us because who knows what would happen. I understood, Aubrey would probably get attached and if something happened Aubrey would be upset and Clary didn't want that and neither did I.

"Is Aubrey napping?" I asked and she smiled and nodded. She looked down at the papers and than back at me.

"Do you have any advice lawyer of mine?" She asked and I laughed.

"I don't deal with custody cases, but my brother, who is my partner does, and I think he would be your best bet." I said and she nodded.

"Alec right?" She asked and I nodded. "Well, at least I finally get to meet him." She said and I laughed.

"Yea, he's busy, and not a people person. And he will be nothing but a lawyer around you, so don't expect him to be all buddy buddy with you." I said and she nodded.

"I'm used to that. I spent 5 years around unfriendly people." She said and I nodded.

"I'll give him a call, and get him over here immediately." I said and she pressed a kiss to my cheek.

"Thank you Jace. I don't know what I would do without you." She said and I smiled. I gave her a quick kiss before lifting her off my lap and taking her hand and leading her into the kitchen. I grabbed my phone and called Alec and told him to meet me here in 15 minutes.

When Alec arrived I welcomed him in and showed him to the paperwork. He read over it rather quickly, but he also knew what he was looking for, whereas, I did not. I left him alone to do it and I made my way back into the living room where I saw Clary sitting and reading a book. I sat next to her and put my arm around her and she leaned into me.

"Jace." I heard from behind me and Clary and I both turned to see Alec standing there.

"What's your opinion?" I asked as he walked over and joined us in the living room.

"I don't think he has a very strong case for full custody like he wants, but that doesn't mean the judge won't agree to something lesser. Honestly it all depends on how the trial goes."

"I have to go to trial?" Clary asked.

"Yea. This isn't going away. These papers sound like he's been building this for a while." Alec said and Clary sighed. "Come to the office tomorrow, and we'll talk more."

"I have Aubrey." Clary said.

"I'll take the day off and watch her." I said and Clary looked at me.

"You can do that?" She asked and Alec laughed.

"Of course he can, he doesn't have to answer to anyone." Alec said and I smiled at Clary's cute little confused expression. I was about to open my mouth when someone beat me to it.

"Mommy." All our heads look towards the sound and Aubrey was standing there rubbing her eyes.

"Hi sweet pea." Clary said and Aubrey made her way over to us. Clary picked her up and gave her a kiss. "How was your nap?"

"Lonely. I missed you cuddling me." She said and Clary smiled.

"I'm sorry baby, but I'll be there to cuddle you tonight." Clary said and Aubrey cuddled into her chest. She looked up and saw Alec and smiled.

"You're new." She said and Clary and I laughed.

"This is Alec, he's my brother." I said and Aubrey nodded.

"Nice to meet you Awec." She said and Alec smiled at her.

"You too sweetheart." He said and Aubrey smiled. "I have to get back to work, but I'll see you tomorrow Clary." Clary nodded and Alec made his way out of the house.

"We're going somewhere tomorrow?" Aubrey asked.

"No baby, I'm going to meet with him for a little bit." Clary said.

"What about me?" She asked.

"You get to spend all day with me sweet pea." I said and she smiled.

"Like a daddy daughter day?" She asked and I looked up at Clary and she just smiled at me and than I smiled at Aubrey.

"Exactly like a daddy daughter day." I said and she got really excited.

"Yay! I've never had one of those before." She said and I laughed.

"I'll make it the best daddy daughter day ever." I said and she hopped off Clary's lap and started running around cheering. I looked at Clary and she smiled at me and than we looked back at Aubrey being goofy. I truly didn't want anything with this custody case to go anywhere because if they left I wouldn't feel whole.

Time Jump – Two Months Later

Clary POV:

The trial was coming up and I was really nervous. I had been spending a lot of time with Alec, doing everything I could to make sure Sebastian never sees Aubrey ever again. I was so pissed that Sebastian's lawyers called Aubrey as a witness, I didn't want her anywhere near the courthouse but now I couldn't do anything about it. Jace was going to be sitting with her while I sat with Alec defending my daughter and myself to the bloodsuckers who want to separate us.

"Aubrey Fray to the stand." Sebastian's lawyer said and my blood ran cold. Aubrey walked up to the stand and took a seat and the lawyer went up and began to question her. "Aubrey, do you know what a father is?"

"Yes. My mommy tells me a father is someone who takes care of me, who plays with me, who reads me stories before bed. Someone who holds my hand while I'm walking down the street, and protects me from the monsters under my bed." She said and I smiled.

"Can you explain your relationship with you father for me?" The lawyer asked and she lit up.

"It's great! He reads me a story every night when he tucks me in, and he lets me sit on his lap when we watch movies, and sometimes if he's in a good mood he plays the piano for me. He's really good." She said and it wasn't what the lawyer wanted at all. She was describing Jace, not Sebastian.

"That is your relationship with this man right here?" He pointed to Sebastian.

"No, him." Aubrey said as she pointed to Jace.

"I'm talking about your father Aubrey, this man right here." The lawyer said as he pointed to Sebastian again. "What's your relationship with him?"

"Bad. He didn't want me." Aubrey says and my heart broke.

"What do you mean Aubrey?" The lawyer asked.

"Mommy and I had to leave because he didn't want a family anymore." Aubrey said. "We went to a place with other people who didn't have homes either before Jace found us." Aubrey said and the lawyer nodded.

"No further questions your honor." The lawyer said and Alec stood up. He walked over and smiled at Aubrey.

"Hi Aubrey." He said and she smiled.

"Hi Awec." She said and it was just the cutest thing.

"What you were describing before, about a father, why did you describe Jace?" Alec asked.

"Because he does everything that a daddy is supposed to do. I asked mommy one day if my real daddy was ever going to want us again, and she didn't know. He never really liked me anyway." Aubrey said.

"Do you like living with your mom and Jace?" Alec asked.

"It's the best! Me and mommy bake cookies all the time, and than at night we watch movies together and Jace lets me sit on his lap. Than he tucks me into bed and reads to me. It's the best. And the best part is, we get to do it all over again the next day!" She said and everyone laughed.

"Thank you Aubrey." Alec said as he helped her off the stand. She made her way back to Jace and sat back on his lap like she always did.

"Clarissa Fray to the stand." Sebastian's lawyer said and I made my way over. When I sat down he looked me in the eye and smirked. "Clarissa, can you please explain your relationship with Sebastian."

"We would have to have a relationship in order for me to explain it." I said.

"Fine, explain what your relationship was like when the two of you were together." He said.

"Wild. We were two kids who had no obligation to anyone, and we didn't really care about the rules. We did whatever we wanted too, and no one could tell us any differently." I said.

"Sebastian informs me you were quite the drug addict in the day." He said and he picked up a file. "Cocaine, heroine, crystal meth."

"That was years ago." I said and he laughed.

"Doesn't change the fact that it happened."

"It also doesn't change the fact that Sebastian was a druggie with me. Hell, he was my dealer." I said and he raised his eyebrows at me. I looked over at the judge. "Can my daughter leave for this? I don't want her to hear." The judge nodded and I looked back at Jace, he nodded and picked Aubrey up and they left the room, and it took a huge weight off my shoulders. I looked back at the lawyer and continued. "If you're going to bring up my drug history, than bring up his as well."

"Why would you keep Aubrey from her father?" He asked.

"I didn't. He kicked us out." I said. "One night he came home and decided he didn't want a family anymore. He told me to take Aubrey and leave. And you know what he gave me?" The lawyer shook his head. "He gave me all the bills that I owed him and told him to pay him back."

"And did you?" The lawyer asked.

"I was homeless. I barely was able to feed my daughter. If Jace hadn't come and taken us in, my daughter and I would be dead." I said.

"No more questions your honor." He said and he took a seat and Alec stood up.

"Clary, can you describe Aubrey and Sebastian's relationship?" He asked.

"They didn't have one. Sebastian was barely around for her. He was there when she was born but after that he was like a ghost. He hated when she cried, or laughed. He couldn't stand that she barely slept as a baby, and he was always so angry when I was too tired to cook or clean for him. I tried to keep Aubrey away from him because he would just get angry and yell, and I was afraid he was going to hit her."

"The night you were kicked out, can you describe it?" He asked.

"It was almost 11, and he came home and he was not in a good mood. Aubrey was already asleep and he told me that he didn't think this was going to work. Said he needed some time to think, and that he needed some space from us. Told me to leave and that was that. I went and got Aubrey, and a few things, and left. It was late, and I didn't know where to go so I went to the neighbor's house and said I forgot my keys and he was on a business trip and we needed somewhere to stay. She let us crash there that night and the next day I went to the homeless shelter and we were there for about 9 months."

"Thank you Clary." He said and I stepped down. I sat back down next to him and tuned out the judge. When the gavel hit Alec and I made our way out into the lobby where Aubrey and Jace were dancing. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen and I didn't want to break them apart but Aubrey saw me and ran towards me. I scooped her up in my arms and gave her a kiss.

"Hi mommy." She said.

"Hi sweet pea. Were you having fun with Jace?" I asked and she giggled and nodded. Jace walked over to us and smiled.

"We were having a ball until you ruined it." He said and I laughed. "How'd it go?"

"I just want this to be over." I said and he nodded. Alec didn't know how long the deliberation would take and I just wanted to be away from Sebastian. I hated being around him, and I hated Aubrey being around him. But until this was over, we were kinda stuck.

Two hours later the sheriff told us the jury was ready and to head back into the courtroom. Jace said he would stay outside with Aubrey and I couldn't be more thankful. She did her part, and she didn't have to be involved in any other part of this trial. Everyone took their seat and the judge started speaking.

"Have you reached a decision?" She asked the jury and juror number one stood.

"We do your honor." He said.

"What is the verdict?" She asked.

"We do not believe that Sebastian should be able to get full custody, or any custody at that." He said and I let out a sigh of relief. It was finally over and I felt like I could breath.

When I walked out of the courtroom I went straight to Jace and gave him a kiss which coughed Aubrey to giggle. I gave her a kiss after and couldn't get the smile off my face.

"Are we done mommy?" Aubrey asked.

"We are baby. Lets go home." I said.

"We have a home?" She asked and Jace smiled.

"Of course you do sweet pea." Jace said and Aubrey cheered. We walked outside and got into the car and made our way home. It was silent for a while until Aubrey started speaking.

"Does that mean Jace is my new daddy?" She asked and this is what I was avoiding because it had only been a couple months, and as close as Jace and I got Aubrey was a different story. She was my kid and I just wanted to best for her. "Cause that'd be cool." She said and Jace laughed.

"How about we see where this goes, and if in a couple months you still like me, than I can be your new daddy. How does that sound?" He asked as he looked at Aubrey in the mirror.

"Okay." She said and went back to looking out the window. Jace looked at me and smiled than grabbed my hand. I was glad that this whole custody thing was behind us, and that Aubrey and I were finally in a stable environment and that Jace was so willing to pick up the role as her father. It was so incredibly kind of him and I just didn't know how to thank him.

Time Jump – Ten Years Later

Clary POV:

Where do I even begin with the last ten years? Well, Jace and I were married. Have been for the past 7 years. I don't know what would have happened if we hadn't met that night in front of Taki's but it was like the universe was pushing us together and I couldn't be happier that it happened.

Aubrey was now 13, and 5 years ago Jace and I welcomed another little girl into the world, he name was Violet and she was the spitting image of Jace. Cute blonde curls and golden eyes just like him. Aubrey absolutely adored Violet and I couldn't be happier. I was scared about telling her I was pregnant, but she was over the moon happy to get a sibling and I was so thrilled.

She knows that Jace isn't her father, but she doesn't remember Sebastian at all. Being 3 when everything went down didn't really stick in her mind. She remembers being in the courthouse, but she doesn't remember the trial, she remembers dancing with Jace.

Sebastian gave up after the trial. He didn't care about us that much, he just tried to get the last word in, and when that failed he dropped off the face of the earth. I haven't heard from him since, and I liked it that way. I was dreading telling Aubrey about her father, and how awful he really was. Her history class was doing family trees and she was really curious about him.

Today we were going out for a family lunch so that Jace and I could explain to her father to her in a way that wouldn't completely destroy whatever image she created for herself. When we got to the restaurant and Violet naturally sat on the side with Jace, and Aubrey and I sat on the other side. Violet was a daddy's girl through and through, and I couldn't really blame her, Jace was fantastic.

"So Aubrey, there was a reason we wanted to do this lunch." I said and she nodded. "You've asked about our father before and I think you're old enough to know what he was like."

"I have been trying to remember him for months now, and all I have are little snippets." Aubrey said and I nodded.

"What do you remember?" I asked.

"I remember when I was really little, and I wanted him to play with me. I had this doll, she was my favorite, and I went up to him with her and he ripped the head off. That's all I can remember." She said and I nodded.

"Yea, he wasn't a nice man." I said and she nodded. "Your father and I had a rocky relationship, and when you came along he got distant and than out of nowhere he kicked us out and all we had was each other." I said and she nodded.

"Until dad came along." She said and Jace smiled.

"That's right sweet pea." Jace said and Aubrey smiled.

"Do I have to include him in my family tree project?" She asked and I pulled her into my side.

"Not if you don't too." I said and she nodded.

"Blood doesn't make you family, love does, and there isn't anyone else I would want on top of my family tree than you and dad." She said and I gave her a kiss.

"Than put Jace and I on the top and call it a day." I said and she laughed. Our food came and everyone started eating, Violet and Aubrey were laughing and I looked at Jace and he smiled.

"I love you." He said and I couldn't help but lean over the table and give him a kiss.

"I love you too." I said and we intertwined our feet under the table and continued with out lunch. This was what a family was supposed to be, and I never thought I'd ever get the chance to experience it, but having it with Jace, and seeing my two amazing girls made me incredibly lucky and happy that he came into my life and saved me and Aubrey and I would be forever thankful for that.

Authors Note:

Okay, so a lot of you requested a one shot about her being homeless, and I did the best I could, and I really like this story. I'm sorry I have been so slow with all the one shot updates, and I hope you can all forgive me for that, but I'm trying my hardest! Let me know what you think and don't be afraid to request an idea! I hope i lived up to the expectations and that you are all satisfied!

Oh, and I have no idea how custody battles work, but I just used a trial as my way and I think it turned out well. Please don't bite my head off if it isn't accurate but I think that it works for this story!

Oh, and for all of those who took a guess at my major, I know you all expect me to be an english major or something like that, but I am actually a Criminology major, I want to give back and help those who are victims of crimes, but more importantly those who are victims of abuse. It really speaks to me, and it's what I'm really passionate about. Oh, and if anyone was curious, I am a senior and should be graduating soon!