Sixty Third One Shot:

Trust Issues

Jace POV:

We were starting our new school today, and I wasn't looking forward to it. Not because I felt like everyone was going to be looking at me with that 'new freak kid' but because I was so over being the new kid. This was the third school that we have been through in the last 5 years, and it got quite annoying to make new friends all the time.

Thankfully this was our senior year and after this college was a new experience, and we would be at one school for four years, which is new for me, but I was ready for it. I just really want high school to be over honestly. I was tired of all the fake people, and the losers who didn't care about education and made it impossible for those who wanted to learn to actually learn.

Izzy, Alec and I walked into the school and went straight to the office. This was routine for us. We needed our schedules, and everything. So as we walked aimlessly through the hallway, I looked down a hallway and caught a glimpse of vibrant red hair. She was standing by her locker, and there was something about her that intrigued me, even if I had just seen her for 5 seconds. When we passed the hallway and she was out of sight I focused back on following my siblings. We got to the office and walked in and went straight for the receptionists desk.

"Hello, how can I help you?" She asked Alec.

"We're the Lightwood's, we're new here." Alec said and she nodded.

"Right, here are your schedules, and Magnus here will be showing you around." She gestured to the boy sitting in the chairs.

"Welcome to Alicante High." He said as he eyed Alec up, as to which Alec blushed.

"Thanks, I'm Izzy, and these are my brothers, Alec and Jace." Izzy introduced us.

"Pleasure to meet you. Especially you blue eyes." He said as he winked at Alec. "Well, let me see where I'm dropping you off at." He said as we handed him our schedules. "Ah, okay, well Izzy we have first period together, Alec you have first period with a friend of mine, his name is Simon. Nerdy boy, he wears glasses, and has brown shaggy hair. And Jace you have class with another friend of mine. Her name is Clary. She has the brightest red hair you'll ever see, but don't be alarmed if you try and talk to her, and she doesn't talk back. She's pretty shy." He said and I nodded. "Well, I'll show you to your lockers, and than I'll drop you all off at your classrooms." He said and we followed him.

When he finally showed me to my classroom, he left immediately. I walked in and all eyes were on me. Most of the girls started twirling their hair, and licking their lips. It was quite gross actually, and I didn't really want to deal with them.

"Who are you?" The teacher asked.

"I'm Jonathan Lightwood, I'm new here." I said as I handed him my schedule. He looked it over and nodded.

"Welcome to Alicante Jonathan." He said as he handed my schedule back to me.

"I prefer to be called Jace." I said and he nodded.

"Very well. You can have a seat next to Clary." He said as he pointed to the back. The redhead lifted her head up and our eyes locked but she immediately looked back down at whatever she was doing.

When the class ended Clary booked it out of the classroom. I don't know what it was about her, but she intrigued me. She was beautiful, and quiet, and mysterious, and for some reason I just really wanted to protected her from the cruelties of the world. The rest of my classes went by rather uneventful, especially because I didn't have any more with Clary. I was standing at my locker putting my books away and getting ready for lunch when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and Izzy and Alec were standing there.

"What's up?" I asked as I closed my locker.

"Magnus invited us to sit with him and his friends at lunch." Izzy said. "I figured why not since we all had class with one of them, and they are really the only people we know here."

"Sounds good." I said and we made our way to lunch. Magnus wasn't hard to spot, but considering Clary was sitting there as well, her hair could have been used as a flare signal, but I enjoyed it. We made our way over to the table and took a seat.

"Ah, welcome new friends." Magnus said. "I'll make proper introductions. These are my two best friends, Clary and Simon." He gestured to the two sitting next to him. "These are the new kids, Alec, Izzy, and Jace."

"Welcome to Alicante." Simon said. "How has your day been so far?"

"Rather uneventful." I said and Clary, Simon and Magnus all laughed.

"I don't think the point of high school is to be fun." Simon said and Izzy laughed.

"It's not that it's high school, Jace has a really high IQ, he's always thought school was dull." Izzy explained.

"Why are you still in high school than?" Magnus asked me.

"I wasn't a very social kid when I was younger, and my adoptive parents thought that keeping me with kids my own age would be beneficial for me." I explained.

"I was going to ask if you three were really related." Simon said, and I couldn't get over the fact that Clary hadn't spoken yet. She was doodling in a book probably not even listening to our conversation.

"Yea, we get that a lot." Alec said. "Jace was adopted young. He's always been our brother."

"How young?" Simon asked and I was about to answer when Clary cut him off.

"Did you ever think that maybe he doesn't want to talk about his past Simon?" Clary said and it shocked me.

"Well, I guess not." Simon admitted.

"I'm getting fruit. Anyone want anything?" She asked as she stood and put her book on the table. We all shook our heads and she left. I looked over at her book, and her drawing was absolutely magnificent.

"She's pretty spectacular, don't you think?" I heard and I looked up at Magnus.

"She's amazing." I said and he smiled and nodded.

"That's our Clary. She's going to make it big in the art world, I just know it." Magnus said with obvious admiration towards Clary and her incredible gift.

Clary came back a few moments later with grapes, and picked her book back up and continued to draw. It was just another reason why I was so captivated by her. I wanted to sit there and watch her create art all day, and admire her creative ability to create a beautiful picture on a piece of paper purely using her mind. When lunch was over I went to my next class, which meant that I probably wouldn't see Clary for the rest of the day, and it kinda brought a gray cloud over the rest of the day.

Time Jump – Six Months Later

Clary POV:

I got home and Magnus wasn't there. I had noticed that him and Alec had gotten exceptionally close since they arrived at the school, and I couldn't blame them. Jace, Izzy and Alec were pretty great people. It really made me realize that I couldn't judge a book by its cover. You take one look at the three of them, and you could try and automatically rattle off characteristics that you thought they would posses, but you'd be completely wrong.

Izzy looked like the typical popular girl. She was gorgeous, and she knew it. She wore dresses, and skirts, and heels and make up to school everyday, and she always looked flawless. I thought she was going to be really stuck up and cling to Kaelie and Aline the moment they dug their claws into her. Surprisingly, she wanted nothing to do with them. Apparently there had been an incident at her other school where they used her to get to Jace and Alec, and when Alec came out of the closet, and Jace expressed no interest whatsoever in them they dropped Izzy like yesterday's news, and Izzy swore she would never befriend anyone like that ever again. She was actually really funny, and sweet, which was not what I was expecting, but I enjoyed her company and I could tell Simon was completely taken with her.

Alec was pretty shy in the beginning, but once he got comfortable around us he started laughing, and joking around. And you could tell that him and Jace were close, and you could tell how protective he was when it came to Izzy. He was really sweet, and when I noticed that Alec and Magnus were getting closer, I could just see how happier he was, and I could see a difference in Magnus as well, and after everything Magnus and I overcome in our lives, he deserved to have someone like Alec make him laugh.

Jace was a whole different story. He was hot, anyone knew that, and the girls at our school flocked to him any chance they got. Surprisingly he never seemed to be interested in them. Whenever I saw one trying to flirt with him, he seemed extremely disinterested, which made me laugh. He could have anyone he wanted, the line was long enough, but he wasn't pursuing it, and part of me was really curious as to why that was, but it wasn't my business, so I never asked. He was insanely smart. I only had one class with him, but he always had the answer to the question, and I've seen some of his grades, and he never got below a 90 on any test that we took. It was infuriating sometimes, because I wish I could be that smart, but I couldn't discredit his intelligence.

I was sitting on the couch doing my math homework when the door opened. Magnus walked in with the biggest smile on his face, and I knew he just got back form hanging out with Alec. There was only one person in the world that could make him smile that much. He took a seat down on the couch with me and I laughed.

"How was the date?" I asked.

"Perfect." Magnus said.

"What did you two do?" I asked.

"He actually took me to his house to meet his parents." Magnus said.

"How did that go?" I asked.

"It was alright. His mother was way more accepting that his father, but it was a nice visit." Magnus explained.

"That must suck nothing having your parents full approval." I said and Magnus nodded.

"I know it means a lot to Alec, but I was just really happy that he felt confident enough in our relationship to introduce me in the first place." Magnus said.

"Aren't you glad we don't have that problem?" I said with some amusement to my voice.

"Sometimes it's nice, and other times it just makes me wonder." Magnus said and I nodded. "Don't get me wrong, I love living with you Biscuit, but sometimes I wonder what it would have been like if my father kept me."

"I understand Magnus. I think about it all the time when I see families at the park." I said and he nodded. "Does Alec know about your past?"

"Some of it. He knows I grew up in the foster system, and he knows that I emancipated myself, but I left you out of it. I knew you'd share those details if you wanted too."

"Thanks Magnus." I said and he smiled.

"You can't bury it forever darling." He said and I sighed.

"No, but I can bury it until it's needed." I said and Magnus gave me that look.

"You need other people in your life Biscuit. Other people you can rely on." He said and I knew he was right, but it was hard letting people in.

"I know, but I just haven't found the right person." I said.

"Understandable, but just know there is someone out there who will accept every part of you." Magnus said and I nodded. "Start giving people the benefit of the doubt."

"I'll take your advice into consideration." I said and he laughed.

"That's all I'm asking. So, what would you like for dinner?" He asked as he got off the couch.

"Pasta!" I said and he laughed.

"I'll call you when it's ready." Magnus said as he left the room. I knew Magnus was right, and I wish I had someone in my life that would be so incredibly understanding, and caring when it came to my past, but I just didn't know who to trust yet, or if that person really existed.

Time Jump – Two Months Later

Clary POV:

"Okay class, I'm going to pair you up for the project that due at the end of the year." The teacher said. He started pairing kids off but I wasn't paying any attention until he called my name. "Clary and Jace." He said.

"Hello there partner." I heard Jace whisper and I laughed and shook my head.

"Okay class, your assignment is to find a poem, and analyze it, and than present your findings to the class. Not particularly hard, but I expect you all to look below the surface. Be creative, and don't just brush this off, or pick an easy poem. It's worth 15% of your final grade." He said and the class groaned but paired off and started working together.

"Okay, I figured we could get together after school today and figure out what we want to do." Jace said and I nodded. "Meet me at my place? 3:30?"

"Sounds good." I said and than the bell rang. The rest of the day went by uneventfully and I was kinda nervous to go to Jace's house. According to Magnus it was absolutely spectacular, and something that you'd expect a celebrity to live in.

Time Jump – After School

Clary POV:

Jace had given me his address at lunch, so I followed it, and when I got to the house, Magnus wasn't lying. The house was huge, and an old model of a Victorian style. It was truly magnificent. I made my way up to the door and rang the bell. A moment later it opened and there Jace stood.

"Glad you made it. People tend to get lost." He said as he welcomed me inside.

"I can't imagine why." I said and he laughed. "This house is beautiful."

"I quite like it myself." Jace said and we went into the kitchen. "Okay, so we need a poem, have any ideas?"

"I have one, but don't dismiss it because of the length." I said and Jace nodded. "I was thinking we could do 'April Rain Song', by Langston Hughes." I said.

"Okay, let me look it up." Jace said as he pulled out his computer. "Okay, here we go:

'Let the rain kiss you

Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops

Let the rain sing you a lullaby

The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk

The rain makes running pools in the gutter

The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night

And I love the rain.'

"You were right, that is short." Jace said and I nodded. "Why this one?" He asked after a moment.

"I read it in a book once, and I thought it was a great way to describe why we should appreciate the rain. People are always so crabby when it rains, but I always take my time getting somewhere when it rains, because it's a beautiful part of nature." I said and he nodded.

"Than it's perfect." Jace said and I smiled.

It took us a couple hours breaking down the poem, and trying our hardest to analyze it when a huge crack of thunder came and nearly made me pee myself. I didn't realize that it was calling for rain, but when Jace and I looked out the window, it was really coming down hard. The phone started ringing and Jace made his way into the kitchen while I continued to watch the rain. A few moments late Jace was back by my side.

"That was my parents. We are currently in a state of emergency. We're instructed to stay in doors until it passes." Jace said and I nodded. "You hungry?"

"A little." I said and Jace nodded. We walked back into the kitchen, and I sat at the table.

"What are you in the mood for?" He asked.

"Pasta." I said and he laughed.

"I swear, like 85% of what you eat id pasta." He said and I laughed.

"I love pasta." I said.

"Can't blame you there, so do I." He said as he started cooking.

I grabbed my sketchbook out of my bag and started drawing what was in front of me. There was something about Jace that always inspired me to draw him. I would never admit it to anyone, but most of my sketches lately have been of him doing the most mundane tasks, but I just can't seem to stop drawing him.

Once he was finished cooking we sat at the table and ate together, just like we did with lunch but now that it was only the two of us, we had to keep the conversation going ourselves, we couldn't rely on others. When we were finished we cleaned up the kitchen but we didn't know what to do. The rain was still coming down heavily, and we didn't know what else to do with the poem, so we just kinda sat in the living room doing nothing.

"I have an idea." Jace said after a few minutes of silence.

"What?" I asked.

"Let's play a game." He said as he got off the couch. "Follow me." He asked and I got up and he led me into the kitchen. "We don't know much about each other, so let's get to know each other." He said as he grabbed something from the cabinet.

"I think we know each other." I said dreading what he was going to ask me.

"Not really." He said as he returned with a bottle of vodka and tow shot glasses. "We get to ask questions, and if you don't want to answer it for whatever reason, you take a shot." He said and I guess he could tell I was hesitant. "We can start easy."

"Okay." I said after a moment. He pushed the filled shot glass over to my side and than filled his.

"What's your favorite color?" He asked and I calmed down slightly. I could answer that.

"Purple." I said.

"Follow up." He asked and I laughed. "Why?"

"I think it's a really homey color, and there are so many shades, that it can have so many uses." I said and he nodded and gestured towards me indicating that it was my turn. "What's your favorite animal?"

"Easy." He said with a smirk. "A lemur." He said and I laughed.

"Follow up." I said. "Why?"

"They are so incredibly weird looking, that I think they're awesome."

"Fair enough." I said with a laugh.

"What's your middle name?" He asked.

"I don't have one." I said.

"Really?" He asked and I nodded. "Interesting." Was all he said and I was glad he didn't press the issue.

We sat there and played for hours, and we were both clearly not thinking coherently. We had both taken our fair share of shots, and the room was spinning, and Jace and I couldn't stop laughing like little school schools, but it was nice to just let loose with him. It had been a while since I had so much fun. It was getting late, and the rain was still pouring so I was going to be spending the night here. I started walking upstairs when I stumbled and I felt hands on my waist.

"Careful there Clare." Jace said and I couldn't stop the giggle that escaped my mouth. He kept his hands on my waist the whole way upstairs, but when we reached a door he didn't let go. "Clary." Jace said in a lower voice that made my body feel like it was turning into mush.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Can I kiss you?" He asked and I didn't trust my own voice so I just nodded. I didn't know if it was because of the alcohol, because I wouldn't normally say yes, but something in me wanted to say yes so badly, so I did.

I don't know why, but once his lips touched mine, I never wanted them to stop, and I could tell he didn't want too either, because we were stumbling into his room, and we landed on his bed, and before I knew it our clothes were coming off, and his lips to kissing ever inch of my body, and everything was covered in a fog, but I knew one thing. I was enjoying it immensely.

Time Jump – Next Morning

Clary POV:

I woke up with a killer headache. I opened my eyes and didn't recognize where I was. I sat up and felt a draft and I looked down and realized that I was naked. I immediately started looking around for my clothes when I noticed I wasn't alone. Jace was laying next to me, completely unclothed as well. The events of last night rushed back to me. We had sex. I couldn't believe I lost my virginity. I mean, it's not like it really meant anything to me, I just never really expected to lose it at all, especially not to Jace Lightwood.

I got out of bed and gathered my clothes and rushed downstairs. The storm had passed, so I gathered my books, and was making my way out to my car when I saw Izzy.

"Clary, what are you doing here?" She asked.

"Jace and I got paired together in English class and I came over here yesterday to work on it, and the storm kept me from leaving." I said and she nodded.

"Do you want to stay for breakfast?" She asked sweetly.

"No. I can't, but thanks for the offer." I said and she nodded. I got in my car, and made my way back to my house. I didn't know why I allowed to happen last night, but I guess it didn't matter because I enjoyed it a lot. When I walked into the apartment Magnus was sitting on the couch.

"So you did survive." He said and I smiled.

"I'm sorry. I should have texted you." I said and he laughed.

"It's okay. Alec informed me that you were going to his house to work on a project with Jace, so I figured you were okay." Magnus said.

"Yea, maybe a little better than okay." I said and that grabbed his attention.

"What happened?" Magnus asked.

"Jace suggested me play a game to get to know each other, but little did I know it would be a drinking game, and I may have gotten a little drunk." I said.

"That is so unlike you." Magnus said.

"I know. I don't know what came over me. But one shot lead to another, and than before I knew it I was stumble up the stairs, and than Jace was kissing me, and than we were stumbling into his room, and I woke up naked next to him this morning." I confessed.

"You two had sex?" Magnus asked shocked.

"Yea. God Mags, why am I so stupid?" I asked as I hung my head.

"You aren't stupid. Clearly you trusted me enough to get that close." Magnus said.

"I know, but I don't do that. I don't let people get close." I admitted and Magnus hugged me.

"Maybe it's time you did." Magnus said and I just shrunk into the couch. "I'll order us some Chinese."

"You're the best." I said and he left the room to order and I started thinking about everything that happened last night. But one thing I do remember, we didn't use protection, and I just pray to god I'm not one of the unfortunate ones.

Time Jump – End Of School; Graduation Week

Jace POV:

Everything since that night with Clary has been weird. We didn't talk about it. I woke up and she was gone, and since than we barely talk unless it's the group of us, which was a little frustrating, but I'm not going to corner her and force her to talk to me. I just couldn't control myself. The second our lips touched, I never wanted to break that kiss. It was perfect, and even though I was intoxicated, I knew what I was feeling was different than anything I've ever felt before. But today was different. I was going to speak with Clary, and I didn't care if she didn't want too. I needed to clear the air, and I needed to know what she was thinking.

We were sitting at lunch and Clary was on the other side of the table drawing like she normally does at lunch and not participating in the conversation at all. It was strange to me, because Clary was actually a really funny person when you got her talking, and the fact that she liked to stay silent didn't make sense to me. When the bell rang Clary darted up and practically ran out of the cafeteria, and I went to follow when someone grabbed my arm.

"Don't follow her." Magnus said.

"I need to talk to her." I said.

"I know, but Clary is the type of person who needs to come to you. Forcing her to talk won't get you anywhere." Magnus explained.

"I don't know what else to do. She won't even make eye contact with me." I said and Magnus nodded.

"Clary has a hard past, and no I won't tell you how hard. If Clary wants you to know, she'll tell you." Magnus said and now I was just more curious about the beautiful redhead. "I know what happened between you two, and if she doesn't want to talk to you about it, there is a reason for that."

Magnus walked away to join Alec and I couldn't get the conversation out of my head. Clary had a hard life, and I wanted to know how hard. I wanted to know what experiences shaped her as a person, and why she was so closed off, and we were graduating on Friday, and who knows if I'll see her after that.

Clary POV:

I was currently sitting on the toilet waiting for the time to run out. I haven't been feeling right for a couple weeks, and I was trying to deny it as best as I could, but I had to face reality and figure out if I was pregnant or not. It may have only taken three minutes but it was the longest three minutes of my life. When I grabbed the stick, and looked at the little pink plus sign I broke. I was only 18 years old, how was I going to take care of a baby?

I don't know how long I was on the floor of the bathroom crying until I felt someone's hands on my shoulders. I looked up and there stood Magnus looking incredibly worried about me. I didn't say anything, I just handed him the test. He knew not to say anything either, he just pulled me into a hug and let me cry it out. After what felt like hours I finally calmed down and Magnus brought me out in the living room and we settled on the couch.

"Are you going to tell him?" Magnus asked after a moment of silence.

"No." I said.

"He has the right to know Clary." He said.

"He won't care. It was a stupid drunken mistake. He has college to worry about. He doesn't need to know about the baby." I said.

"That's a terrible thing to say." Magnus said a little angrily. "Do you think Jace won't care about his own child?" He asked and I just shrugged. "I think you underestimate how much you mean to him."

"I don't mean anything to him." I said and Magnus stood up from the couch.

"Are you kidding me? You haven't noticed the way that boy looks at you? The way he pays extra close attention to you. The way that when you're in a room his soul focus is only on you? How Alec tells me that he's never seen Jace incredibly captivated by a girl before. How he was ready to run after you this afternoon to talk about what happened that night." Magnus said and I couldn't believe what he was saying. "If you'd open your eyes Clarissa and see that not every man is going to be your father, or that jerk who took advantage of you when you were 12, you might actually see that Jace sees something in you. Jace sees past the walls, and the emotional façade you put up for the rest of the world."

"Magnus." I said but he wasn't finished.

"You're so determined to keep everyone away from you, and for what? Because you don't trust them? Because you don't want to be hurt? Because you don't think someone could possibly love you? Well guess what Clary, you will never know if someone is capable of loving you unless you give them a chance." Magnus said and my jaw dropped. "You're so determined to keep everyone at an arms length that sometimes I wonder if you realize that that's the way you truly end up alone forever."

"I won't be alone forever." I said as I rested my hands on my belly.

"And what happens when that baby wants to meet their father? Or when career day comes, and Doughnuts with Dad comes around, or if you have a girl and there is a father daughter dance? What than Clary?" Magnus asked.

"I haven't thought about that." I confessed.

"Exactly. And what happens when you realize it's a lot of work taking care of a child? You just going to drop them off in front of a church like your mother did to you?" Magnus said.

"Of course not!" I shouted back. "I'll love my child no matter what. I'll never put them through what I went through." I said as tears filled my eyes.

"You're depriving that child a chance at a family, just like you're depriving Jace a chance at one. He knows what it's like Clary. He is one of us too. Don't let this child grow up wondering why they don't have a father." Magnus said. "I promised I'd meet Alec for dinner. Think about what you want to do Clary, because this is the rest of your life." Magnus said and than he was gone. I took everything he said to me and started to think it over. Did Jace really care that much about me? Would he care about our baby? Would he want anything to do with me, or would he lay me out to dry? I put my hand on my stomach and thought about the life that Jace and I created, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I never got the chance of having and family, and now I do, and as much as I wish that our family was complete, I didn't know where Jace would stand if I told him, and that terrified me.

Time Jump – One Month Later

Jace POV:

Up until graduation Clary avoided me, and I knew Magnus was right. I knew Clary needed to be the one to come to me, but it was driving me crazy that I haven't heard from her. I'd see Magnus at the house occasionally and I kept asking about her, but he always just said the same thing, she needed time. But seriously, who needs that much time? I was going absolutely crazy wondering if I was ever going to speak or see her ever again. I walked downstairs and Magnus and Alec were sitting in the kitchen talking, but as soon as I walked in they stopped.

"Did I interrupt something?" I asked as I made my way over to them.

"Clary wants to meet with you." Magnus said and my hear started racing.

"When?" I asked.

"Today. Meet you at the gazebo in Central Park. 1 o'clock." Magnus said and I looked at the clock. That was in 45 minutes. "Just be open minded Jace. Don't jump to conclusions. Listen to her."

"I will." I said as I ran back upstairs and got ready for the day. I was finally going to get some answer, and I was ready.

After I got a shower and got dressed I went to my car and started driving to Central Park. I parked the car and got out and started looking for the gazebo. I spotted Clary's bright red hair instantly and the biggest smile spread across my face. I made my way over to her, and she was so caught up in drawing that she didn't even see me coming.

"You get better and better every time I see one of your drawings." I said and she jumped a little.

"You scared me." She said and I laughed.

"I'm sorry. You just get so wrapped up in what your drawing and I never want to disturb you." I said and she smiled and closed her sketchbook. "You wanted to meet with me?" I asked and she nodded.

"I want to explain why I avoided you after that night we shared." She said and my heart started racing even faster. "And please, just let me say what I need to say, ask what I need to ask, and I would appreciate complete honesty from you."

"Of course." I said and she took a deep breath.

"What did that night mean to you?" She asked.

"That night meant everything to me." I said honestly. I knew she needed the absolute truth. "You don't understand Clary, I've been intrigued by you since the first day I got to Alicante. I saw you standing by your locker, and I instantly wanted to get to know you. I can tell that you're guarded Clary, but I want to break those walls down and get to know the real you." I said and she looked completely stunned. "It may have been the alcohol that encouraged me, but I've wanted to kiss you since the beginning of school."

"I guess I should listen to Magnus more often." She said with a laugh. "He's been trying to get me to talk to you for a month and a half."

"I would have appreciated it." I said and she smiled.

"The main reason I wanted to talk to you today is because that night had a consequence." She said and I didn't need to be a rocket scientist to know what she meant by that. I looked down at her stomach and she wasn't showing yet, but I knew she was carrying my child.

"You mean you're pregnant?" I asked a little dumbfounded and she nodded. After a couple minutes of processing I guess I shouldn't be that shocked. "I mean, this is what happens when you don't use protection." I said with a little laugh and Clary looked at me.

"You don't hate me?" She asked a little hesitantly.

"Hate you? Of course not Clary. I'm sure you've taken a health class in school, but it takes two people to get a girl pregnant. You aren't at fault here on your own. This is both of our responsibilities." I said.

"I didn't know how to tell you." She admitted. "I haven't had the best life, and I was scared shitless when I found out."

"Magnus said you had a hard life, but he wouldn't go into details." I said and she looked at me and nodded. "I've been told I'm an excellent listener. Want to talk about it?" I offered and she looked surprised at my offer, but nodded anyway.

"My parents were drug addicts. We lived in a shitty apartment, in the middle of the ghetto, and there were constant drug dealers in and out of my house." She explained. "When my father would go through withdrawal, he got mean. And I was often the punching bag for his anger. My mom was always too high to care." She said and my heart broke for her. "When I was 3 my mother left me in front of a church, and that was the last time I saw her. I was sent to the last Orphanage that New York had, and that's where I met Magnus."

"Wait, Magnus is an orphan too?" I asked and she nodded.

"We became friends fast. He was just so fun, and always knew how to lighten the mood." Clary explained. And I reached over and took her hand in mine. I needed her to know that I was here, and I was listening. She smiled at the gestured and kept talking. "When we were both 7 we were sent to different foster homes, but that didn't last long. I was sent back because they were moving, and Magnus was sent back because he didn't get along with the other children." She explained. "We were there for a couple more years until we were both 12 and sent to other foster homes. That's when things got bad." She said and she squeezed my hand a little tighter, I knew this was hard for her. "The new foster home had a boy, he was 15 or 16. I'm not sure. He would sneak into my room every night and lay down in bed with me and he would lay there and touch me and kiss me." She said and I have never been so mad in my life. "He always told me that if I ever ratted him out it would get ugly, and I kept my mouth shut for 6 months. But I couldn't take it anymore, so I hit the mother, and was sent back immediately." She said.

"Good for you." I said and she laughed.

"Magnus was sent back a couple weeks later. His foster home didn't like the fact that he wasn't straight, and caught him kissing a boy and sent him back. We lived at the place until we were 16, and we both decided to emancipate ourselves, so we didn't have to deal with anything like that again. We've been living together ever since." She said.

"I'm sorry you went through all that." I said and she shrugged.

"That's why I was so desperate I guess to keep you away from me." She said. "I've never been good at letting people in. Magnus is the only person who has been there for me my whole life, and I guess I'm just used to disappointment."

"Is that why you didn't want to tell me about the baby?" I asked and she nodded.

"I didn't want you to feel obligated. You're going to college in the fall, and I didn't want to hold you back. I'm sure I could find some way to survive on my own with the baby." She said.

"If you think I'm letting you go through this alone you're wrong Clary." I said and she looked at me with tear filled eyes. "This is my child too, and I will help you in any way that I can."

"Why? You don't owe me anything." She said and I laughed and took her other hand in mine.

"I like you Clary. A lot." I said hoping that it would sink in. "That night wasn't just a one night stand that happened because we both had too much alcohol in our systems. Sure it might not have been the right move, but we both weren't really thinking straight." I explained. "I was so confused when I woke up and you were in bed with me. I went to find you when Izzy told me you just left after being stuck with me for the storm, and I was going to talk to you the next day but you just kept avoiding me, and I figured I'd let you have a few days, but getting you to simply make eye contact with me was like pulling teeth." I said and she laughed.

"I was just really confused. I never let anyone get that close to me, and we had gotten extremely close rather quickly. I thought that keeping my distance would be safer." She said.

"And was it?" I asked.

"I wanted to talk to you every day, but I just didn't know how to approach you." She confessed.

"A simple 'hey' would have been just fine." I said and she laughed.

"It wasn't the simple in my head." She said and I nodded.

"Look, whatever you need from me, I'll be there. I'm commuting to NYU, so I'll be around." I said and she nodded. "I know what it's like growing up in foster care Clary. I've been there. It sucks, and I promised myself that when I had children they would know what it felt like to be loved unconditionally, and that's what I plan on showing our baby." I said and she nodded. I let go over hands and pulled her into a hug. She easily melted into my embrace, and we sat there hugging for who knows how long, but I didn't mind, I loved having Clary in my arms, and I was going to show her that I was going to be there for her and our child.

Time Jump – Birth

Clary POV:

Since telling Jace about the baby, he had been nothing but completely amazing. Telling his family was intimidating, but surprisingly they all took it rather well. Izzy couldn't wait to start shopping for baby clothes, and Magnus was excited to be an uncle which made Alec excited to be an uncle. Mr. and Mrs. Lightwood were stunned and it took them some time to process it, but they were just happy that Jace was taking on the responsibility of our actions and doing what was right by me and the baby.

I had woken up at about 2 am in an immense about of pain, and waddled into Magnus's room. After he completely woke up he took me to the hospital where he called Jace from and in record time Jace was by my side. We had been spending a lot of time together since our talk in the park, and we had been an official couple for about 6 months now, and I was so incredibly glad that I listened to Magnus and let me walls down for Jace, because he truly was an amazing man who was willing to do anything for me, and I appreciated that so much.

I have been in labor for about 6 hours, and I was just ready for our little baby boy to get here. When I found out that we were having a boy I think Jace nearly fainted. There was something about Jace having a son that was incredibly special to him, and I couldn't wait to see them together. Jace had stepped out of the room to speak with his family so I was laying in my bed just thinking about the future. I was incredibly scared, but I couldn't wait to start raising my son.

"Are you up for some visitors Clary?" Jace asked as he peaked his head in the room.

"Of course." I said and the door opened and showed the whole Lightwood family. They all filed into the room and stood around me.

"How are you feeling?" Maryse asked me.

"I'm alright. The contractions are incredibly painful, but I know it'll be worth in when he's here." I said and she nodded.

"How far apart are your contractions?" Izzy asked.

"About 4 minutes." I said just as another one hit and I screamed. Jace offered his hand and I gladly took it and squeezed. I was so relieved when the pain was over. A moment later a doctor walked in.

"Let's have a look Clary." The doctor said and I nodded. "Looks like you're ready to push my dear." She said and I sighed.

"Thank god." I said and everyone laughed.

"We'll be out in the waiting room." Maryse said and I nodded. They all left and all that was left was Jace and I and the hospital staff. I was ready to bring my baby boy into this world.

After about 45 minutes of pushing, I finally heard those soft cries that filled the room and I couldn't hold it in anymore, I started crying as well. Jace leaned down and pressed his lips to my head.

"I love you." He whispered in my ear, and I couldn't help but cry harder. That was the first time he told me that he loved me.

"I love you too." I said and he pressed his lips to mine.

"Would you two like to meet your son?" The nurse asked and I nodded. She handed over the little blue bundle and I still couldn't keep it together.

"He's perfect." Jace said as he played with his little fingers.

"He is." I said in agreement. "Welcome to the world Beckett Alexander Lightwood." I said and Jace kissed my head before he leaned down and kissed our son. A moment later the door opened again and the Lightwood's walked in and gathered around my bed.

"What's his name?" Alec asked. I looked up and Jace and smiled and than he looked at his family.

"This is Beckett Alexander Lightwood." Jace said and Alec smiled.

"Means a lot bro." He said as he clapped Jace on the back. Everyone took turns holding our little Beckett. Jace took a seat next to me on the bed, and I leaned into him. I couldn't believe that we were actually a family, but I couldn't wait to see what the future held for us.

Time Jump – College Graduation

Jace POV:

The fact that I was graduating college today was completely surreal. Not because college was necessarily hard, but because Clary and I had overcome a lot in the four years I've been at school.

Clary and I ended up getting our own place after Beckett was born, and it was an amazing feeling getting to go to sleep with Clary every night, and waking up to an excited 3 year old in the mornings. It was tough in the beginning because Beckett was a newborn, but Clary and I made it work.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my family, but Clary and I had gotten into a few intense arguments in the last 4 years that have almost caused us to call it quits, but we love each other too much to ever throw our family away, and every night when I came from a long day of classes, I would see Beckett and Clary cuddling on the couch watching a movie and I knew everything was going to be okay.

Flashback:

I was completely exhausted from my day and having a night class that ended at 9 was the last thing I wanted to deal with, but I only had it once a week, so I was really looking forward to getting home. It had been a tense few days. Clary and I got into an argument about her continuing her education and I ended up sleeping on the couch. It wasn't pretty, but I just suggested instead of her going to school part time, that we put Beckett in a day care and she start attending NYU as a full time student and you would have thought I burned her favorite sketchbook. I was packing up my stuff, getting ready to get home when one of the guys in my class stopped next to me.

"Me and the guys are going out to get a couple drinks. You in?" He asked.

"Can't tonight fellas. I have to get home to read to my son before bed." I said and I guess they weren't expecting me to say that because they looked confused.

"You have a kid?" The one asked and I smiled and nodded.

"I do. His name is Beckett, and he's 2 and a half." I said and they nodded.

"Well, we go out almost every Tuesday, and the offer always sands." He said and I nodded.

"I'll keep that in mind." I said and they walked away. I finished gathering my things and started making my way home. When I opened the door I put my stuff down, and made my way into the living room. Beckett and Clary were sitting on the couch watching a movie, just like they do every night before I get home. I guess Beckett heard me because he shot up and got the biggest smile on his face.

"Daddy!" He called out and jumped off the couch and made his way over to me. I picked him up and gave him a huge hug.

"Hey little man. Did you have a good day?" I asked and he smiled.

"Mommy took me to the park, and we looked at all the little ta…tad…what are they called mommy?" Beckett asked as he looked back at Clary who was now off the couch and making her way over to me.

"Tadpoles baby." Clary said and Beckett nodded.

"Right! Tadpoles! We looked at the tadpoles! They were so cool daddy!" He raved.

"I bet they were!" I said as he smiled like a loon.

"Tell daddy what we learned about tadpoles today." Clary said and I didn't think it was possible, but his smile got even bigger.

"Tadpoles are born with gills, but once they start getting bigger, they lose them!" He said.

"That's very interesting! Where did you learn that?" I asked.

"Mommy told me!" He said and Clary laughed. "She's really smart daddy."

"Yea she is." I said as I looked at her. "Come on, it's bed time." I said and we started making our way to his room. I tucked him in and I read him his favorite book, 'Goodnight Moon'. Clary and I sat on either side of him and watched as his eyes slowly fell. Once his breathing evened out, Clary and I gave him a kiss and made our way back out to the living room. She started cleaning up when I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards me. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." She said but it didn't feel okay.

"No it isn't Clary. I upset you." I said and she smiled.

"I shouldn't have reacted the way that I did. I just love spending time with Beckett and teaching him random things on our daily walks." Clary explained.

"I know. I can see how much he loves it when he tells me about it." I said and I pulled her down to the couch and she was sitting on my lap. "I fully support you going to school part time."

"That means a lot to me." Clary said and I pressed my lips to hers.

"Come on, I had a long day, and I just want to hold you in my arms while falling asleep." I said and she laughed and helped me off the couch. We got ready for bed and when I climbed into the bed and felt Clary get in I pulled her close to me and took a deep breath. These were the moments I lived for. Having Clary in my arms and knowing that she was mine. I don't know when I fell asleep but a huge crack of thunder woke me up. I rolled over to go back to sleep, when I heard the door open. I looked over and Beckett was standing in the doorway. "You okay little man?"

"I'm scared." He said and I smiled.

"Come over here." I said and he ran to the bed and I picked him up and he snuggled into my side. Clary rolled over and opened her eyes.

"Everything okay?" Clary asked in her sleepy voice.

"Everything is fine. We just got another sleeping buddy." I said and her eyes landed on Beckett.

"The more the merrier." Clary said. I pulled her into my and her hand laid over Beckett's back and I fell asleep with my little boy and the love of my life in my arms, and I couldn't be more in love with my life than I am right now.

Flashback End

Thinking back to all the trials Clary and I have overcome, just made our relationship stronger, and I couldn't wait to actually start providing, and raising Beckett like a real man. I was pulled out of my thoughts when the line of students started moving. I honestly just wanted the ceremony to be over so I could spend the rest of my day celebrating with my family.

We were seated and the ceremony started. I wasn't really paying attention, until they started calling names. I was handed my diploma and I made my way back to the seat and waited for the rest of the names to be called. Finally, the ceremony was over and I started looking for my family. I thought Clary's hair would be an easy way to find them, but I couldn't see red anywhere.

"Daddy!" I heard and I turned around and there stood Beckett and Clary. He came running and I bend down and scooped him into my arms. "I'm proud of you daddy."

"Thanks little man." I said as I made my way over to Clary.

"I'm proud of you too." She said and I leaned down and kissed her.

"Thank you." I said and I pulled her into me and hugged my family. I gave the rest of my family a hug and heard their congratulations. We all went out to eat after that and I just couldn't get over how incredibly lucky I was to be able to call Beckett mine, and have an amazing woman like Clary in my life. I knew the future was going to bright no matter what as long as I had Beckett and Clary by my side.

Authors Note:

Someone requested that Clary have trust issues, and Jace is captivated by her, and he ends up taking her virginity, and I took it one step farther! I hope you enjoy it, and I hope I met your expectations with this story! Let me know what you think and leave a review! :)