Sixty Second One Shot:
Pretend Dating
Clary POV:
There were many things in life that I thought would never happen. I would never date Leonardo Dicaprio. I would never be best friends with Taylor Swift. I would never release that mix tape that I thought I would when I was 6. What I'm getting at, is some things are never meant to be, and I was okay with that, but as I sit here, in this car, with none other than Jace Herondale, do I realize that what we were about to do, was something that I knew matter of factly that would never happen, but yet, here we are. When he asked me for this favor, I didn't know what to think, but he looked genuine, and he needed my help so I agreed, but I didn't know what was going to happen.
Flashback:
I had just gotten to the coffee shop when I was meeting with Jon and Jace. It was weird living in the same city with Jace and not Jon, but life happens, and when Jon came to visit it was always nice to catch up with him and Jace.
Even though Jace and I lived in the same city, we were always busy and we got together even now and than, but it mostly happened when Jon was in town and he only had a short period of time before he had to go and he wanted to see us both.
Today was a normal day to be meeting with Jace and Jon and I was excited to see Jon again. It had been a couple months since his last visit, and I missed him. I took a seat with my coffee and waited for the two boys to come in. When the bell of the shop dinged I looked up and saw the two boys who I grew up with and smiled. I was always going to have such a soft spot in my heart for Jace, even though he could be a real jackass.
"Clary, it's so good to see you again." Jon said as he scooped me up in his arms.
"You too Jon. It's been too long." I said and he laughed. I gave Jace a quick hug before we all took our seats.
"So, there was another reason why I wanted to meet with both of you." Jon said. "Mom and Luke are finally getting married." Jon said and my eyes nearly popped out of my head. "You two are clearly invited, and she didn't want to send a note, or tell you over the phone, so I'm her messenger."
"It's about time." I said and Jon and Jace laughed. "When did they start dating? My junior year of high school?" I said and Jon laughed.
"Around that time." Jon said. "Also Jace, your father gave me this." Jon said as he handed Jace a note. "I'm assuming you know he isn't doing well?" Jon asked and Jace simply nodded.
"You never told me that." I said to Jace and he just shrugged.
"We haven't exactly hung out recently Clary." Jace said and I nodded, knowing he was right. "Its no big deal. I'll see him when we go back to the wedding."
"The wedding is actually next week, it's not big, and it's not exactly fancy, so there wasn't a need for months advanced notice." Jon said and I nodded. "I'm heading back today, but mom would like you there by the latest Friday Clary."
"I'll be there." I said and he nodded.
"We can drive down together." Jace said and I nodded.
"Sounds great." Jon said as he stood. "I have to go other wise I'll be stuck in traffic." Jon said and I nodded.
"Drive safe. Text me when you get back?" I asked and he nodded and kissed my forehead.
"Love you Clare." He said and I smiled.
"Love you too." I said.
"See you at home Jon." Jace said and Jon nodded. He left the coffee shop but Jace was still sitting there looking at the letter. I took a seat next to him and placed my hand on his arm.
"Is everything okay?" I asked and he looked up from the note.
"He doesn't think he's going to last much longer." He said and my heart broke. "He says he can't wait to see me, but he wished that he could see me settle down." Jace said with sadness in his voice. "Its been his dream to see me find a girl, and start a family, and I'm just letting his last dying wish die." Jace said and I could tell this was really hard for him.
"He has to understand that love doesn't work like that." I said and Jace just shrugged.
"Doesn't really matter anyway. I don't have a girlfriend, I'm nowhere close to being married, or having a kid, and he isn't going to make it another month." Jace said. I didn't know what to say so I just didn't say anything. A couple minutes went by before Jace spoke. "I know this is crazy, but would you be willing to help me out?" Jace asked.
"With what exactly?" I asked.
"I could easily find a girl and have her pretend to be my girlfriend, but I don't want to introduce a stranger to my family." He said.
"Okay?" I asked.
"My family knows you, my family loves you, you aren't half bad." He said and I glared at him. "Can you please pretend to be my girlfriend, so I can make my fathers dream come true."
"You want us to pretend to be dating?" I asked.
"Nobody would know, we could tell Jon about our plan and he could even make it more real. Please, I want my father to be happy in his last month of life." He said and I thought about it. All he wanted to do was fulfill his fathers last wish, and I'd be a bitch if I didn't try and help him with that.
"Okay." I said and his eyes lit up.
"Seriously? You'll help?" He asked and I laughed.
"Of course. This means a lot to you, and it means a lot to Stephan, the least we can do is give him his last wish." I said and Jace pulled me into a hug.
"Thank you so much Clare." He whispered and I smiled.
"Of course. No I have to go home and pack. Meet me at my place at 9 am on Thursday morning." I said and he nodded.
"Seriously, thank you for doing this Clary." I smiled and he left the coffee shop. I knew this would be interesting but he needed me, and I would want him to do the same for me if the situations were revered.
Flashback End
We were about 6 hours into hour 12 hour car ride, and I was about to pull my hair out with the music that Jace chose to play. I mean, a girl could only take so much rap music in her life. I yanked his phone out of the aux cord and the noise finally stopped.
"Hey, that was a great song!" He said and I laughed.
"It's past the six hour mark. You got the first six hours, I get the last six hours." I said and he groaned.
"Whose brilliant idea was that?" He asked.
"Yours dumbass." I said ad he laughed. He had a beautiful laugh. I grew up with the kid, and from very early on in life I knew he was going to be a force to be reckoned with when it came to his looks. He was beautiful, and he knew it, and so did everyone else. It didn't help that I knew the soft and sweet side of him as well, that just made him even more of a great guy, and I think it would be interesting to pretend to date, because I would be lying if I said that my teenage self wasn't curious as to what it would feel like to date Jace.
Time Jump – Six Hours Later
Jace POV:
We finally made it to Charleston South Carolina, the home of Clary and I, and I was exhausted. I pulled up to the front of Clary's house and put the car in park. It was silent for a minute before she turned and smiled.
"Thank you for bringing me Jace." She said and flashed that beautiful smile.
"No problem Clare. There are only certain people who I can stand to spend 12 hours in a car with." I said and she laughed.
"I'm honored to make the list." She said.
"Although, on the way home we might have to readjust the music list. Cause we both can't handle six straight hours of each others music." I said and she laughed.
"You have yourself a deal." She said.
"So, tomorrow everyone is going to find out about us. Jon already promised to let it slip, and all we have to do is sell it." I said and she nodded. "This might sound weird, but I was thinking that we should kiss before everyone finds out. To make it more believable."
"Sounds fair." She said and I was nervous. I've never been this nervous around a girl before but it was different with Clary. I grew up with her. I leaned forward and our lips touched, and I felt like every nerve in my body ignited. It was a short, and simple kiss, but it was jammed pack with passion. When we pulled apart, I couldn't gage her reaction because it was dark out, and I silently cursed the 12 hour drive. "I'll see you tomorrow Jace."
"Goodnight Clary." I said and she got out of the car. I popped the trunk and she grabbed her stuff, and slammed the trunk. I watched her walk up to her door and than disappear into the house. I took a deep breath and than pulled out of her driveway and made my way to my house, and I couldn't get the kiss out of my head.
Clary POV:
When I got into my house I leaned against the door and caught my breath. I didn't think his kiss would affect me the way that it did, but I felt like he had taken all my oxygen, and the only way to get it back was to kiss him again. I didn't realize that I wasn't the only one in the living room until I heard Jon laugh.
"What's wrong with you?" He asked.
"Nothing." I said and he gave me that look. "It's nothing Jon."
"I know you far too well. You're lying." He said and I sighed and took a seat in the chair.
"Well, Jace suggested that we get our first kiss out of the way before everyone finds out about us 'dating' and I guess I wasn't prepared for it." I said truthfully. Jace and I told Jon about the plan, and although he was skeptical about it at first, he understood that this was something that Jace needed, and he understood why he would want it to be me, instead of a random girl.
"Is he as good a kisser as all the girls in high school said?" Jon asked and I laughed. Jon was always good at lightening the mood.
"Better." I responded and he laughed.
"You two are only here for 5 days. It'll be over before you know it." He said and I shrugged. "Or do you not what it to end?" He asked.
"I don't know. I never even imagined what it would be like to be with Jace." I said and he gave me that look again. "Okay, maybe my 15 year old self did, but I'm 25 Jon. I got over that infatuation when I was 17."
"Maybe you didn't get over it, you just buried it." He said and I shrugged.
"It doesn't matter. After we get back to the city, I'll go back to my life, and he'll go back to his. We'll hang out when you come to visit, but other than that it'll be like we don't even live in the same city." I said and Jon just shook his head.
"I think this trip will be good for the both of you." Jon said after a moment.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I promised I would never tell you, but it's been 10 years." Jon said and I just looked at him pleading for him to continue. "When Jace was 14, and you were 13 he admitted that he found you attractive. Thinking nothing of it, because we were so young, I just kinda brushed it off as him acknowledging you were a pretty girl, and that was that." Jon said. "When we were 16, and you were 15 and we started high school I kept catching Jace looking at you, but not in like that creepy way, but in an admiring way. At first I thought it was because you were my sister so he must have wanted to protect you like I wanted to protect you, but than I realized that he wasn't looking at you the same way I was looking at you." Jon said. "Once when we snuck into his house and stole his parents alcohol, and we got drunk, he told me he liked you, but you'd never like him back because you thought he was a man whore."
"Seriously?" I asked because it seemed to be the only think I could formulate in my mind.
"I confronted him about it the next day, and he made me promise to never bring it up, and I kept my promise, but you both are older now, so maybe you both can get your heads out of your butts and do something about it." Jon said and I was stunned.
"Why wouldn't he just talk to me about it?" I asked and Jon laughed.
"You know how private Jace is about his feelings. It took me like 6 months for him to openly admit that he was scared to death to lose his dad." Jon said and my eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"How long has Stephan been sick?" I asked and Jon sighed.
"Two years." Jon admitted and I was honestly in a state of shock. "Look, Jace didn't tell you for a reason. I know that's what you're thinking, but you two clearly don't really hang out all that often. So, just be there for him. Please. He's more willing to open up to you, than he is to me."
"Yea right. I didn't even know Stephan was sick until 3 days ago." I said and Jon laughed.
"You have a really calming affect on people Clare. I guarantee if you and Jace and sitting alone somewhere, you could get him to open up." Jon said and I just sighed and shrugged.
"It was a long car ride, I'm going to shower and than go to bed." I said and Jon nodded.
"Tomorrow is the rehearsal dinner. It starts at 7, so you and Jace better be there by 6." Jon said and I looked at him with a confused expression.
"Why do I need to bring Jace?" I asked and Jon laughed.
"You two are 'dating', you get a plus one." Jon said and I groaned.
"Who are you bringing?" I asked Jon and he smiled.
"Izzy." He said and my eyes widened.
"Finally plucked up the courage to ask her out?" I asked and he laughed.
"I've been back here on business a lot in the past 6 or 7 months and we've been getting dinner or coffee. I figured she was coming anyway, so why not ask her to be my date." He said and I laughed.
"Good for you bro." I said and he laughed. "See you tomorrow." I said and he nodded. I made my way up the stairs and into my childhood bedroom. It was weird being home, but nice.
Time Jump – Rehearsal Dinner
Jace POV:
I was waiting in the living room with Jon for Clary and Izzy to come downstairs. It was the rehearsal dinner, and I wasn't going to lie, I was really nervous about telling everyone that Clary and I were 'dating'. I mean, part of me wished it was a true statement, but the more rational part knew that it would never happen. Jon and I felt like we had been waiting for hours when we finally heard the clicking. Izzy was the first to appear and she looked good as always. That girl knew how to work a dress, and wasn't afraid to let everyone know. I looked over at Jon and he had the biggest smile on his face as he eyed up Izzy. I couldn't help but laugh, but that was all gone when I heard the other heels and I looked back at the steps and I nearly lost my balance when I saw Clary. She was wearing a deep green dress that hugged all her curves. It was long sleeved, but the back was opened, which left just enough to the imagination that would drive any man wild. She was wearing heels, her hair was beautiful curled, and her make up was light and fresh.
"He is a goner." I heard Izzy say to Jon and he laughed. I shook my head and smiled as Clary walked over to me.
"You look gorgeous." I said and she blushed.
"You don't look bad yourself." She said. It took everything in me not to pull her into a breathtaking kiss.
"Alright you two, you don't have to pretend to be a couple until we get to the venue." Jon said and I internally groaned and Clary blushed again. Izzy just laughed as they made their way outside. Clary and I followed, and got into the back of the car.
The ride to the venue was silent, but not a bad silence. It was comfortable. Clary was looking out the window, and I was looking at her. Jon caught me looking a couple times in the review mirror, but I couldn't find it in me to care at this point. When we arrived, we all got out of the car and started making out way to the door. Before we walked in I gently took Clary's hand in mine and she interlocked our fingers. I looked down and smiled at her, which she adorably reciprocated. We walked in and the minute all eyes landed on us it was silent. Jon and Izzy clearly weren't the center of attention so they kept walking, but Clary and I froze.
"It's about time!" Jocelyn said and the whole room erupted in applause. I don't get embarrassed easily, but I'll admit, that embarrassed me, and I looked at Clary whose cheeks were as red as her hair. We made our way over to the table, and greeted everyone. Clary and I took our seats, and were prepared for a million questions.
"When did you two start dating?" Lydia, Clary's cousin asked first. I looked over at Clary who looked a little shell shocked so I thought I'd answer first.
"About 6 months ago." I said as I looked back at Lydia. "Jon had come to visit, which meant our causal meetings where I'd see Clary again. We met for lunch and we were having a great time, but Jon had to leave to go take care of business, which just left Clary and I alone at the restaurant. We finished our meal, and were about to leave when I finally plucked up the courage to ask her our on a proper date, and it kinda just blossomed into what it is today." I said.
"Was the first date romantic?" Charlotte asked. I guess that's where Lydia gets her curiosity from.
"It kinda started that way, but it certainly didn't end that way." Clary said before I could. "He took me to this restaurant, which was absolutely beautiful but they didn't speak any English, so we didn't know what we ordered." Clary said with a laugh. "When we googled it, I ended up getting dog, and Jace got some weird looking fish. I nearly threw up." Clary said and I had to admit, it was a pretty good story. "We left, and he took me to get a burger from McDonald's and we got a couple Big Mac's and ate them in the parking lot as we watch a couple fight." Clary said as she laughed. "It was pretty comical."
"Sounds like an interesting night. "Jocelyn said, and I nodded.
"But it worked. She's still around." I said and I put my arm around Clary. There were a couple awes, and thankfully the questions stopped because the food was brought out. The rest of the dinner was mainly focused around Luke and Jocelyn which was a good thing considering they were the ones getting married. When the night finally came to a close, Clary, Jon Izzy and I said out goodbyes and made our way out to the car. My father had asked me the other night if I was seeing someone, and I told him, and he wanted to see Clary, but I hadn't asked her yet, and for some reason, I was a nervous wreck, and I guess Clary could tell cause in the back of the car Clary reached over and put her hand on mine.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"My dad asked about my love life the other night, so I told him about us, and he wants to see you." I said and she smiled.
"I'd love to see Stephan." She said and I felt like a weight had been lifted off of me.
"Would you mind going tonight?" I asked and she smiled.
"Not at all. Jon, drop us off at Jace's." She said and Jon nodded and turned. Thankfully I decided to walk to her house earlier, considering we lived on the same street, so I wasn't leaving my car at her house. When we got to my house Clary and I both got out of the car and Jon pulled away. We walked up and I opened the door to reveal my father's hospital bed. He didn't want to be in a hospital or a treatment center, so I had tired an at home nurse to watch him 24/7, and he seemed happier this way.
"Hey dad." I said as I walked in and he turned and smiled.
"Jace, how was your night?" He asked and I smiled.
"It was good. I brought someone." I said and Clary walked out from behind me.
"Clary dear, its good to see you." My dad said and Clary smiled at made her way over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"It's even better to see you." She said in her usual charming manner.
"I have to say, I didn't think this was ever going to happen." My dad said and Clary laughed.
"It was a surprise for us too." Clary said and I took a seat next to Clary. "But sometimes things happen that you just don't understand."
"I can't tell you how happy this makes me." My dad said while pointing between the two of us. "To see my son is a stable and happy relationship."
"I told you it would happen one day." I said and he smiled.
"Yes, but we all knew you in high school." My dad said with a little laugh.
"I was having fun in high school. I grew up a bit since than dad." I said and he laughed.
We spent a couple hours sitting there talking, and just like always my dad made Clary laugh more than anything. He had always had a soft spot in his heart for her. Since she was little, my father always loved Clary, and loved Jon too. When I saw my father getting sleepy, I went and got the nurse, and she gave him his nighttime medicine and Clary and I said goodnight and than we walked outside. We got into my car and I started driving her home. When I pulled into her driveway she didn't move.
"Why didn't you tell me he was that sick?" She asked after a moment.
"I don't know. I guess I didn't want to admit it to myself." I said and she reached over and placed her hand on my hand.
"You shouldn't have to bare this weight on your own." She said and I shrugged.
"I told Jon." I said and she laughed.
"After he dragged it out of you." She said and I smiled.
"I didn't want pity." I said after a moment.
"I don't pity you Jace. I know what it's like to lose a father." She said and I looked over at her. "I had Jon to share most of the heartbreak with. You shouldn't have to carry it all on your own. Especially after everything that happened with your mom." She said and I winced as she brought her up. When I was 9 my mother killed herself, and I was the unfortunate soul who found her. Safe to say, I was a little messed up for a few years.
"I just didn't want to think about losing him. He's all I have left." I said and I heard Clary let out a little laugh.
"You aren't alone Jace. You have Jon, and my mom, and Luke, and the Lightwoods." She said and I was just staring at the wheel until I felt two fingers under my chin, and she forced me to look at her. "And you have me Jace." Our eyes were locked and our faces were inches from each other. I don't know what came over me, but I was leaning in until I felt our lips brush against each other. I don't know who deepened the kiss, all I know was that our lips were moving in perfect synchronization. I don't know how long we were like that until we broke apart.
"Promise?" I asked and she gave me a small smile.
"Promise." She said and I took a deep breath. "I have to go, but I'll see you at the wedding."
"Will you not be around tomorrow?" I asked before she could fully open the door.
"My mom booked a spa weekend for the two of us in preparation for the wedding. I'll be back Sunday." She said and I nodded.
"That'll be nice, and I'll have some time with my dad without being dragged to wedding functions." I said and she laughed.
"Give Stephan my best." She said and I nodded. "I'll see you at the wedding Jace." She said and she got out of the car. After I saw her enter her house, I pulled out of the driveway, and went back home, smiling the whole way thinking about the kiss.
Time Jump – Wedding Day
Clary POV:
The spa weekend with my mom was something that I needed desperately. It gave me time away from Jace and to think about what had happened in the past couple days. Kissing him felt right, and I guess it felt right to him as well because he kept asking if it was alright, but I needed some time to think, and the spa was the perfect place. Accept when my mom decided to bombard me with questions. Thankfully our massages were at different time, so I got an hour of peace.
We also took the time to find my bridesmaid dress. Since I was the only one, she said I could get whatever I wanted, and I could ever pick the color, so I ended up with a dark purple dress. It stopped at my knee, but it wasn't form fitting. It was flowy, but still gave me a figure, which was nice.
I was currently in the dressing room with my mom waiting for Jon to come back and let us know that we were starting. I was incredibly happy for my mom and Luke. I knew that after my mom died she had a hard time getting back on her feet, but when she met Luke it was like she could breath again, and I knew she needed that, and she needed him. This wedding was long overdue.
"You decent in there?" I heard from outside, and I opened the door to see Jon standing there.
"We've been ready for an hour Jon." I said and he laughed.
"Just making sure." He said as he made his way into the room. "You look beautiful mom." He said when he saw her.
"Thank you Jon." She said as she gave him a kiss.
"You don't look so bad either Clare." He said and I rolled my eyes.
"Gee, thanks. Way to make a girl feel good." I said and he laughed.
"You'll be getting enough compliments from Jace tonight, that I can give you a hard time." He said with a wink, and of course I blushed. "I came to let you know that we're ready."
"Okay, one more look." My mom said as she turned towards me. "How do I look?"
"Amazing mom. Luke is a lucky guy." I said and she smiled. We made our way out to the ceremony space. The music started and the doors opened and I made my way in. I walked down the aisle with the biggest smile on my face. As soon as Jace came into my vision I couldn't help but smile even more, and he had this look on his face that resembled the look he had when we went to the rehearsal dinner. I made it way to the end and stood in my spot before my mom walked in and everyone stood. Everyone turned to look at her, except Jace. Jace was still looking at me, and I couldn't help the blush that swept across my face. I turned my attention back to my mom hoping that nobody noticed the little exchange between Jace and I.
Time Jump – A Couple Hours Later
Clary POV:
I was sitting at my table talking to Jon when I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I looked up and there stood Jace. He had the most genuine smile on his face, and I couldn't help but smile back.
"Would you like to dance?" He asks and I take a moment to listen to the music, it was a slow song. Jace had his hand extended waiting for me to take it. I smiled and nodded before reaching out and taking his hand. He led me out onto the dance floor before he pulled me against him. His one hand rested on my lower back, while the other one held onto mine as it rested on his chest. I was still incredibly short compared to him, so my free hand snaked around his waist while I rested my head on his chest. It felt incredibly natural to be in the position with Jace. We swayed for a few moments before I heard him speak. "You look incredibly gorgeous tonight Clary."
"Thank you." I said in a whisper and I could feel like laugh a little.
"I never got the chance to ask, how was your weekend away?" He asked and I pulled myself away so that I could see his eyes.
"It was really relaxing, especially when my mom wasn't bombarding me with questions about us." I laughed and he smiled.
"We seem to be the talk of the neighborhood." He said with a smile.
"That's because we were never meant to be." I said and I could see his face fall a little.
"Yet here we are." He said and I looked into his eyes.
"But not really." I said.
"But not really." He repeated in a tone that suggested sadness.
"How's Stephan?" I asked after a moment.
"He's alright, could be better." Jace said and I looked over to where he was sitting. "He didn't want to miss this. It took about 3 hours to convince the nurse to let him out of the house."
"Nothing was able to stop Stephan." I said and Jace laughed and nodded.
"He's a determined man, I'll give him that." Jace said.
"That must be where you get it from." I said with a smile and Jace returned it.
"Possibly." He said. We stopped talking for the remainder of the dance. I rested my head back down on his chest, and I could feel his thumb rubbing absentmindedly on my lower back, and in this moment, I never want this moment to end.
Time Jump – Two Days Later
Clary POV:
I had just finished packing my stuff to get ready to leave tomorrow. It was fun seeing friends and family, but Jace and I both needed to get back to our lives in New York. I made my way downstairs to find Jon sitting on the couch looking conflicted. I made my way over and sat down next to him.
"What's on your mind Jon?" I asked and he looked up at me.
"I just got off the phone with Jace." He said and I nodded. "He told me to tell you that he isn't going back tomorrow, but you can have his car and he'll find another way home."
"What? What's happening?" I asked confused.
"I think he should be the one to tell you." Jon said as he handed his keys over to me. Without thinking I grabbed them and ran to his car. I got in and drove to Jace's house. It wasn't far, but it was easier to drive than run. I threw the car in park and ran to his front door. I checked to see if it was opened and when I felt it unlocked I opened it to see Jace sitting beside Stephan's bed looking a wreck.
"Clary, what are you doing here?" Jace asked with clear sadness in his voice.
"Jon told me you weren't leaving tomorrow." I said and he shook his head.
"No, but you can take my car and I'll just get it from you when I get back." HE said.
"Jace, what's going on?" I asked as I walked over to him.
"He took a really bad turn last night. He isn't going to last much longer." Jace said and I could hear the strain in his voice.
"Jace." I said as I kneeled down in front of him.
"I can't leave him." He said and I nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry. I'd love to spend 12 more hours in a car with you, but I can't." He said.
"You don't have to apologize to me. I understand." I said as I placed my hand on his knee. "Are you going to be okay?"
"He's all I have left." Jace said as I saw a tear fall from his face. I didn't even think, I just wrapped my arms around his neck and I felt his body start racking. He was crying, and it took everything in me not to cry with him. He was one of the strongest guys I've ever met. He broke his leg in high school during a football game, and he was calm the entire time. I've never seen him show his vulnerable side, and seeing it now nearly killed me.
I don't know how long I held him close to me, but eventually we pulled apart and his face was a little swollen but he wasn't crying anymore. I leaned back down on my knees and he took a deep calming breath.
"Sorry you had to see that." He said with a little laugh.
"Don't worry about it Jace." I said and he smiled at me. "Do you need anything from me?"
"No. It's nearly midnight, you should go home." He said and I looked at the clock, and I had no idea what I had been here this long.
"I'm not leaving." I said and he looked at me.
"Why not?" He asked.
"Because I don't want to leave you." I said.
"You know I don't want the pity Clary. I showed one moment of weakness, I'll be fine now." He said and I let out a dry laugh.
"That's not why I want to stay." I said.
"Than why do you want to stay?" He asked and I took a deep breath.
"Because since we got here everything has been weird. We've kissed, multiple times. When we're in the same room we always manage to have some form of contact no matter what, and dancing with you at my mom's wedding was one of the most intimate interactions between us, and it felt incredibly right." I told him and his eyes were a little wide. "I don't know what you're doing to me Jace, but something changed between us."
"You feel it too?" He said and my whole body relaxed because now at least I knew we were in the same boat.
"Yes." I said and he stood up and stood in front of me. He put a piece of hair behind my ear, but he didn't move away after the action was completed. We didn't talk, we just stared into each others eyes. I don't know how long we stayed like that but before I knew it, he was leaning in and our lips touched. My hands snaked up his chest and stayed there while his one hand rested behind my head, and the other fell to my hips. The kiss was perfect, and just solidified all my feelings for this guy. When we pulled apart I looked back into those beautiful golden eyes and smiled. "What do you need from me?" I asked after a moment.
"I just need you here." He said and I smiled.
"When was the last time you ate anything?" I asked and he shrugged. "I'm going to go and get our favorite food. I'll be back soon." I said and he nodded. He pressed his lips to mine, and it was the sweetest kiss I've ever experienced.
"Thank you." He said when he pulled away. I smiled and headed back out to Jon's car. I knew this was going to be incredibly hard, and whatever was happening between Jace and I was going to be figured out tonight, but I felt like we were moving in positive direction, and I was optimistic about that.
Time Jump – Next Day
Jace POV:
After Clary came back with food, we sat on the couch next to my dad and ate. She was right, I was starving, but at the time I wasn't really thinking about me, I was just thinking about my dad. I don't know when we both fell asleep, but I woke up this morning with Clary's head on my chest, and everything felt right, despite how incredibly hard of a time I was having. There was a knock on the door, and I gently placed Clary down on the couch so I could open it. When the door opened, Jon was standing on the other side.
"Is Clary here?" He asked breathlessly.
"Yea. We fell asleep last night." I said as I moved aside to show Clary's sleeping form on the couch.
"Oh thank god. I was going to wait up for her last night, and I ended up falling asleep and when she wasn't home this morning I panicked." Jon said and I nodded.
"I'm sorry. One of us should have texted you, but last night was a pretty emotional night." I explained and he nodded.
"How are you holding up?" He asked and I smiled a little, which didn't escape his notice. "So that's why Clary didn't come home last night." He said and I shrugged.
"We talked, but nothing really transpired except for the fact that we both admitted something changed between us." I explained and Jon nodded.
"It's about time. You two were so clearly oblivious to each other's feelings in high school." Jon said.
"In high school?" I questioned and Jon nodded. "She liked me in high school?"
"For a period of time." Jon said like it was nothing.
"Why wouldn't you tell me?" I asked and Jon laughed.
"You told me not to tell her about you finding her attractive, which she knows by the way, so I decided not to tell you about her crush, which you now know, so you two are even." Jon said and I was shocked. "Treat her right man. I'm not just down the street anymore. So if you hurt her, it's going to take me some time to get to you, which will only escalate the anger."
"I would never do that to her Jon." I said and he smiled and nodded.
"Have Clary call me when she wakes up." Jon said and I nodded. He started walking away when I grabbed the keys from the side table.
"Jon." I called and he turned around. I threw the keys at him and he caught them and laughed.
"Thanks. I wasn't really looking forward to walking home." He said and I laughed. He got into his car and drove away. I closed the door and made my way back over to Clary. I kneeled in front of her and started to gently rub her back. A moment or two later she started to stir awake.
"Hi." She said and I couldn't help but smile.
"Good morning." I said and she sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"What time is it?" She asked.
"It's almost 9." I said and she groaned. "Would you like some coffee?" I asked and she nodded. I kissed her forehead before making my way into the kitchen and making two cups of coffee. I walked back out to her and she had cuddled under a blanket. I handed her the cup and she smiled at me.
"Thanks." She said and I nodded and joined her on the couch.
"Jon wants you to call him when you get the chance." I said and she nodded.
"Probably should have told him I was staying." She said and I laughed.
"Yea, but he's good. I gave him the keys to his car back, so just let me know when you want to go home." I said and she nodded.
After Clary called Jon, she stayed for a couple more hours. She made lunch and we sat and talked. We discussed what was going to happen when we got back to New York, and what was going to change between us personally. Clearly we couldn't go back to the way it used to be, and I didn't want that to happen, so hearing that she was willing to see where we went was music to my ears. Finally when it was time for her to go home, I pulled her into her driveway and cut the engine but she didn't move.
"So you're serious, you want to see where we go?" She asked again and I laughed.
"Yes Clary." I said and she smiled.
"Sorry, I guess it's still just weird to me." She said with a laugh.
"It's a shame we didn't think of this in high school when you had a crush on me." I said and her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
"I'm gonna kill Jon." She said and I laughed.
"Well, you know about me, and I know about you. so I guess we're even and we will never tell Jon anything ever again." I said and she laughed.
"I guess you're right." She said and I smiled. She leaned over and pressed her lips to mine.
"See you tomorrow?" She asked and I nodded.
"I'll pick you up at 8." I said and she nodded. "In the morning." I specified and she laughed.
"I know." She said and I nodded.
"Goodnight Clary." I said and she opened the door.
"Night Jace." She said and than she left. I watched her go into the house and I pulled out of her driveway and left. I made my way back to my house thinking about how different the future was going to be from now on.
When I pulled up into my driveway, I got out of the car and made my way inside. The nurse was standing next to my father looking for a pulse. When she heard the door open she looked over at me with sympathetic eyes and simply shook her head, I heard the monitor still beeping, but not as regularly as it should. I knew this was the end. I made my way over to him and pulled his hand into mine. I rested my head on the bed, and took the last couple moments I knew I had with him before he was taken away. I didn't know how I was going to handle this, but I knew it wasn't going to be easy.
Time Jump – Next Day
Clary POV:
I walked downstairs fully dressed ready for Jace to pick me up. I walked into the kitchen, and Jon, Luke and my mom were all standing around. Something was different about the atmosphere. I made my way over to them and my mom handed me a cup of coffee.
"What's wrong?" I asked after a moment.
"Stephan died last night." Jon said and I let go of the coffee cup. It shattered on the floor, but I couldn't find it in me to care.
"Why didn't I hear from Jace?" I asked.
"I would assume he hasn't talked to anyone. Maryse saw the ambulance in his driveway this morning. They weren't moving particularly fast, and Jace was just standing on the porch watching with a void expression on his face." My mom explained. I ran into the other room and started looking for Jon's keys. I couldn't find them so I threw the bowl where they are normally kept on the ground.
"Damn it." I said and I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. I turned around and Jon was standing there holding his keys.
"I'll give you a ride." He said and I nodded. We got into his car and he drove me to Jace's. The ambulance as still there, and Jace was still standing on the porch, but he was talking to a man. I got out of the car and made my way over to him. He saw me out of the corner of his eye, but he kept talking to the man. I stood off to the side, not wanted to interrupt, as he finished his conversation with the man. Once he finally left I made my way over to him. I walked up on the porch and stood in front of him. I gently took his hand in mine and I looked up and all I saw was sadness in his eyes.
"I'm so sorry Jace." I said and he nodded. I knew he was numb, so I stood on my tippy toes and wrapped my arms around his neck. His snaked his arms around my waist and we stood there embracing for who knows how long. I knew this was hard for him, and he didn't deserve to go through this alone.
Time Jump – Three Days Later
Clary POV:
Stephan didn't want a funeral. He just wanted to be buried with Jace looking over him and that was it. Of course Jace couldn't keep me away, which brought Jon, Luke and Jocelyn along, but Jace thought that his dad would have been happy to have his us there for him. The burial was quick. There wasn't any bible versus being read, or memories shared, but it's what Stephan wanted, and that's all that mattered.
Jace and I were headed home today and since Jace was still in a void state, I was going to be driving the 12 hours back. I didn't mind though. I knew Jace needed the time to still process everything that happened, and he barely slept since he died, so he wasn't in the best state to drive back to New York.
It was about 7 hours into our trip back when I felt my eyes getting heavy. Jace was sleeping in the passengers seat, so I decided to pull over and get some coffee and something to eat to recharge me. I parked the car and got out and grabbed my coffee and some for Jace as well for when he woke up and some doughnuts. Not the healthiest choice, but it would do. I got back into the car and when I closed the door Jace shot up.
"What happened?" He said and I laughed.
"I was getting tired, so I stopped for coffee and doughnuts." I said as I handed them to him.
"I can drive." He said and I started the car.
"Don't worry about it, I'm recharged." I said as I pulled out of the parking lot.
"Are you sure?" He asked and he handed me a doughnut.
"I'm positive. Plus, you drove the 12 hours down, I might has well drive the 12 hours back." I said and he nodded and grabbed a doughnut himself. He put on some of his music for the duration of the ride, and I didn't care at all. Whatever he needed I was willing to let him have, because I knew how hard this was for him.
Time Jump – One Year Later
Clary POV:
The last year of my life had been nothing short of insane. Once we got back to New York, it took Jace and I like 2 months before we decided to move in together. It might seem fast, but we've known each other forever, so to us it was just normal. After we moved in together everything just seemed to fall into place. Well, maybe not everything happened that easily.
Four months ago I wasn't feeling well, and I thought it was just the stomach bug, but turns out that after another month and it wasn't going away I went to the doctor, and turns out I was pregnant. It was shocking to say the least, but when I told Jace, he was incredibly thrilled, which made everything calmer, and made me calm. I was worried at first, but than I realized that no matter what this child was going to be loved, and seeing the overwhelming joy on Jace's face when I told him was incredibly satisfying.
"Jace, we're going to be late!" I yelled up the stairs as I waited on the couch. Jace and I were heading home today to visit my family, and visit his father for the one year anniversary of his death. I know it still hurts Jace, but he's getting better every day, and when he was having a bad day, he simply told me so, and I'd let him have to the day.
"I'm coming!" I heard Jace shout from upstairs. I don't know what was taking him so long, but if we wanted to get to South Carolina before midnight, we had to leave now. Jace walked down stairs with his suitcase in hand, and I stood up from the couch and made my way over to him. "Sorry about that." He said as he pulled me into a kiss.
"No worries, but let's go." I said and he smiled and we made our way out to the car. We got situated and than Jace started driving. It was quiet for a little while before Jace turned up the radio and one of his ridiculous rap songs was on and I groaned, but our baby started bouncing around. "She just had to acquire your taste in music?" I said and Jace laughed as he reached a hand over the consul and rested it on my bump.
"Like father like daughter." He said and I couldn't help but smile. I realized that I was going to have to get used to listening to this music, cause there wasn't anything that this baby loved more than jamming out to her daddy's favorite music.
Authors Note:
So, this one shot was requested by Deadmenscurlyshoes, and I hope that I lived up to your expectations as much as I could! I realize I didn't follow the movie exactly, but I put my own little spin on your idea, and I quite like it! Let me know what you think and leave a review! :)
