Seventy Third One Shot:

Water Logged (Swimmer)

Clary POV:

It was almost like there wasn't anything that I could do to get people to stop picking on me. If it wasn't for my red hair, it was for how short I was, and if it wasn't for either of those two reasons, it was either my intelligence, or that I was a swimmer. I didn't really understand why they did it, but it was annoying. I've learned to block out most of it, but there is this group of guys in my class that just can't seem to get past it. And of course they consisted of the most popular guys in the class. Their ringleader, Jace Herondale started it back in 7th grade when he moved here. And ever since than, it was like aright of passage for everyone to make fun of me. I was standing at my locker when I heard a hand slam next to mine and I jumped.

"Little Clare-Bear is scared of loud noises." Sebastian said and I rolled my eyes. The second in command in the jock world.

"I'm not scared of loud noises, but when they come out of nowhere, it's common for people to flinch." I said as I closed my locker.

"You're feisty." She said. "I never noticed that before." He said and I scoffed.

"Because you've never taken the time to get to know me Sebastian." I said as I tried to push past him but he blocked my way.

"How about we start over?" He said as he licked his lips. I leaned forward and when I saw that he was hooked I dipped under his arm and laughed.

"In your dreams Verlac. You can't make fun of me for 7 years, and expect me to fall at your feet the minute you see something you like." I said. I turned the corner and took a deep breath. I made a promise to myself a couple years ago that I would never let them affect me, and although I was getting better at it, standing up to them was always incredibly scary.

I got to class and sat in the back like I always did. I just tried to keep my head down the best I could during school, and avoid people at all costs. I was doodling in the margins of my notebook when I heard someone clear their throat. When I looked up, Isabelle Lightwood was standing in front of me smiling.

"Yes?" I asked and she placed an envelope on my desk.

"I'm having an end of the year pool party." She said. "I want you to come."

"Why?" I asked and she laughed.

"I understand you're friends with Simon Lewis." She said and I nodded. "And I assume you know we've been getting pretty close recently." She said and I nodded again. It still blew my mind that they were actually almost in a relationship. My nerdy little Simon was growing up. "You're his friend, and I'd like to extend the olive branch."

"Really?" I asked and she laughed.

"I think we could be really good friends Clary." She said. "We've just never had the opportunity to see if that is the case or not."

"When is it?" I asked.

"June 28th." She said. "All the details are in the invitation. I hope to see you there." She said and she walked away. I look at the invitation, and I knew there was no getting out of this, especially because Simon is going to beg me to go.

Time Jump – After School

Clary POV:

School ended and I was thankful because I got to spend as much time as I wanted in the water. Although swimming season had been over for a long time, I always spent a couple hours in the pool after school. It was the perfect escape, and the only other thing besides drawing that calmed me down. Thankfully the swim coach and I were tight, so she kept the door opened for me, and when I got in there, I locked it, blasted music and jumped into the pool.

I don't know how many laps I did, or how long I was in the water, but when I finally stopped my hands were incredibly pruny. I got out of the water, took off my swim cap and goggles and shook the water out of my ears. I walked over to the speaker and turned off my music. As much as I loved listening to music while I swam, the calmness and the peacefulness of an empty pool was something I absolutely loved. I tilted my head back to throw my hair up in a messy bun. When I looked up my eyes caught sight of something. Jace Herondale was sitting up in the bleachers just looking at the pool. After a moment or two our eyes locked, and he stood up and walked out. I had no idea what that was about, but it was weird, that's for sure. I grabbed my stuff and made my way into the locker room, changed and headed home.

I took a shower the moment I walked into my room to remove all the chlorine from my hair and body. When I changed, I took out my math homework and started working on it. I noticed that the sun started going down and I put my homework away and was about to make some dinner when I heard something bang against my window. Thinking it was nothing, I got off my bed and headed towards my door when I heard it again. I walked over to my window and opened it to find Simon standing at the bottom.

"But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief. That thou her maid art far more fair than she. Be not her maid, since she is envious; Her vestal livery is but sick and green, And none but fools do wear it. Cast it off. It is my lady, O, it is my love!" He said.

"Simon! Just because you were the lead in the play, doesn't mean you have to remember the lines once it's finished!" I yelled down and he laughed.

"I couldn't forget it even if I tried." He said.

"Why are you serenading me at my window?" I asked.

"I heard Izzy invited you to her party." He said.

"She did." I said.

"You're coming right?" He asked.

"I don't know Si." I said.

"Please Clare. I'd love for you to be there." He said.

"You're going to be with Isabelle the whole time. I'm going to be alone." I said.

"I promise I won't spend every moment with Izzy, plus she'll be busy mingling with everyone anyway." He said.

"Ugh. Fine." I said.

"Sweet." He said.

"Why didn't you knock on the front door?" I asked after a moment and he laughed.

"I always wanted to know what it would feel like to throw pebbles at someone's window and profess my undying love for them, plus I didn't know if your mom was home." He said and I sighed.

"And you couldn't do that with Isabelle?" I asked when I looked back at him.

"I don't know which window is hers, and I'd hate to pick Jace's window, or god forbid her parents." He said and I laughed.

"You want dinner?" I asked and he laughed.

"You know the way to my heart Fray." He said and I closed my window and made my way to the door. When I opened it, there stood Simon. "So, what are you making?"

"I was going to make pasta, but I'm really feeling pizza right now." I said and he laughed.

"How about you order, and I'll put on Star Wars." He said and I laughed.

"Now that sounds like the perfect way to my heart." I said and he laughed. "Mushrooms, and spinach on your side?" I asked and Simon nodded. I went over to the computer and ordered our pizza. I went into the living room and joined Simon on the couch.

25 minutes later the doorbell rang and when I opened the door it was Simon's friend Eric that was delivering the pizza. I laughed and handed him the money when Simon appeared behind me.

"Eric, you stooped so low to be a pizza delivery boy?" Simon said and he laughed.

"It's money dude. I don't care what I'm doing." Eric said and I laughed. "Have a good night you two." Eric said. We said out goodbyes and Simon brought the pizza into the living room.

"What do you want to drink?" I called from the kitchen.

"Do you have milk?" Simon shouted back and I laughed.

"What are you? A 6 year old boy who needs to build up his muscles?" I asked as I grabbed the milk jug out of the fridge and poured him a glass.

"Milk is a very important part of the day. I drink 4 cups a day. You know this Fray." He said as I handed him the glass.

"Doesn't mean I don't think it's weird." I said and he laughed. I grabbed a can of orange soda from the fridge and made my way to the couch. Simon started the movie and we sat and ate pizza until the movie was over. There was something about nerdy movie night with Simon that never failed to make me smile, and it sucked that they didn't happen as often as they used too, but I treasured them nonetheless.

Time Jump – Night Of Pool Party

Jace POV:

Izzy's party was in full swing and the kids from school are getting drunk off their asses. I didn't mind that people drank, but I wasn't going to touch a lick of alcohol. My friends always make fun of me for it, but I have my reasons, and I'm not going to go against what I believe just because a couple buddies of mine think I'm a little bitch for not drinking.

I was walking around the party when I caught a bright glimpse of red. I knew Izzy was thinking about inviting Clary, but I didn't think she actually did, and I'm even more impressed that she came. She was more of a homebody than a social butterfly, and she looked a little out of place at this party so I decided to make my way over to her.

"Well, if it isn't Little Red Riding Hood. Get lost going to grandma's house?" I said with a smirk and she rolled her eyes.

"I'd have to have a relationship with my grandma for me to get lost going to her house." She said back and I was slightly taken aback by her response.

"Oh." I said. "I didn't know." I said because I actually felt bad that I insulted her.

"Don't worry about it. I don't think I've ever been introduced to her, either of them really. Unless the day I was born counts, but I don't really think it does." She said, and I nodded. "Why aren't you participating in the lovely game of beer pong your wonderful friends are playing?" She asked and I laughed.

"I don't drink." I said.

"Really?" She asked and I nodded. "Why not?" She asked.

"That's kinda personal Red." I said and she nodded.

"I get it. I'm not going to pry." She said and I nodded.

"I'm a little surprised to see you here." I said after a moment.

"I didn't know if I wanted to come, but Simon showed up at my house, threw pebbles at my window, and serenaded me with Romeo and Juliet, and asked me to come." She said with a laugh. "How could I possibly say no to that?" She said.

"He's such a nerd." I said and I forgot whom I was talking to for a second and than realized that I insulted her best friend.

"Yes he is, but he's my favorite little nerd." She said with a laugh. "Has been since we were 6 years old."

"That's a long time to be friends with someone." I said and she shrugged.

"It doesn't feel that long when that person feels more like family than your actual one." She said and it made me extremely curious. I had stereotyped her so poorly when I first showed up here, and from that one sentence I learned more about her than I have in 5 years I've known her.

"I'm sorry." I said and she just shook her head and smiled.

"Doesn't really matter." She said and I went to open my mouth when I felt someone grab my arm.

"Yo bro, come do a keg stand!" Sebastian said and you could just tell that he was drunk.

"I don't drink Seb. You know that." I said and he laughed and slapped my back.

"We got ourselves a little bitch guys!" Sebastian yelled. "Grab him!" He yelled and before I could do anything, I was being lifted off the ground. They carried me over to the pool and I just got instantly scared. This wasn't going to end well, I knew it.

Clary POV:

After Jace was carried off, I was alone yet again. I wasn't paying attention to anything but Jace being carried off, because he looked absolutely terrified. I never pegged him to be the type to be scared. I mean sure he didn't want to drink, but being tossed in a pool didn't seem like a terrible thing, especially at a pool party. I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard someone curse beside me. When I looked to my right, Izzy stood there.

"Sebastian is such an idiot." She said.

"He's just being tossed in the pool." I said. "Doesn't seem that horrible."

"Jace can't swim." She said and I turned back when I heard a giant splash. They threw him in the deepest part of the pool, and I could see him struggling in the water. I didn't even have time to think I just ran and jumped into the pool. I swam under and grabbed his hand and pulled him to the surface. He started gasping for air and he put his arm around my neck. I pulled him to the side where he gripped the side of the pool for dear life. The atmosphere was completely quiet until Izzy yelled. "Everyone get out! NOW!" She yelled and everyone started shuffling out. Jace was still clinging to the edge of the pool gasping for air. I was treading water next to him, and holding loosely to the edge waiting for him to be okay. It seemed like something more was up about him and water than just not being able to swim, and I was really curious, but I wasn't going to bring it up now.

"Jace." I said after a few moments. He turned and looked at me. "Let's get you out of the water." I said and he nodded. "Just take my hand, and I'll get you out." I said and he nodded once again. He gripped my hand extremely tight, and I led him over to the small seat that was in the deep end. When we got there he sat for a few minutes catching his breath before getting out of the pool. I followed him out when Izzy came over and gave me a few towels. "Thanks."

"I'll give you a few minutes alone." She said as she grabbed Simon's arm and left the backyard. I walked over to where Jace was sitting and wrapped the towel around his shoulders.

"Thank you." He said and I smiled and nodded.

"It was no big deal." I said.

"It was a big deal." He said. "I don't know how to repay you." He said.

"You don't have to repay me." I said. "I did what anyone else would do."

"And yet, nobody else jumped in the water to help me." He said.

"They were also pretty intoxicated. I'm glad nobody else tried. I can only save one person at a time." I said and he laughed.

"I am still going to make it up to you." He said and I knew I wasn't going to win so I just nodded.

"Are you okay?" I asked after a few moments.

"I'll be fine." He said and I nodded as I wrapped my towel around myself. He didn't seem to want to talk, so I got up and started to walk away. "Can you stay?" I heard him say and I turned around. "I probably sound like such a girl right now, but I don't really want to be alone." He said and I laughed.

"Of course." I said and I sat back down. "And you don't sound like a girl." I said and he smiled at me. "If you want to talk about it, I'm all ears." I said and he sighed.

"It's not something I really like to talk about." He said and I nodded.

"I understand. I'm not a very open person either." I said and he nodded.

"But since you did save me, I'll give you a condensed version." He said and I nodded. "When I was 6 my parents and I were hit by a drunk driver, and our car flew off a bridge into the water." He said and I gasped. "That's why I don't drink, and why I'm afraid of water."

"That's terrible." I said and he nodded. "I'm really sorry."

"It was a long time ago." Jace said.

"Doesn't make it any less terrible." I said and he shrugged.

"Dinner." He said after a while. "I want to take you out to dinner." He clarified and I was taken aback.

"Okay." I said because I knew he wanted to do something for me. "Just let me know when."

"How about next week?" He asked. "We're going to vacation for the entire month of July." He said. "Well, almost, we leave after the 4th."

"Next week works." I said and he nodded. He handed me his phone.

"Give me your number and I'll text you." He said and I nodded and put my number in his phone and handed it back to him. "Thanks."

"Of course." I said. "I should probably head home." I said and he nodded.

"I'll walk you to your car." He said and I laughed cause I didn't bring my car tonight. We walked out to the front of his house and I navigated us over to where my bike was parked. "Holy shit." He said when we approached it. "I didn't know you road."

"Nobody's ever asked." I said as I grabbed my helmet. I handed him the towel and he took it but he was still admiring my bike.

"It's beautiful." He said.

"Yea. It was an apology gift." I said as I straddled the bike.

"From who?" He asked.

"My father." I said.

"Why was he apologizing?" He asked.

"For being an overall shitty excuse for a father." I said and he nodded. "I'll see you next week Jace." I said.

"See you Clary." Jace said. I put the visor down and kick started my bike. I drove home thinking about what happened tonight. I had saved Jace from drowning and now I was going out on a date with him. This night definitely took a turn in a direction that I wasn't expecting, but I also didn't mind where I went either, and I was looking forward to spending a night with Jace.

Time Jump – Date Night

Jace POV:

I had texted Clary and told her what night we were going out, and she texted me her address. It was weird because I was nervous to be going out with her tonight. I've never had that feeling before, but here I am, nervous about a date with Clary Fray. I walked up to her door and knocked and a few moments later Clary answered.

"Hey." She said and I couldn't help but smile. She looked breathtaking.

"You look great." I said and she blushed as she looked down at her bright white sundress.

"Thanks." She said as she shut her door. She locked it and we made our way down the stairs to my car.

I opened the door for her and she slid into the passenger seat. I took a deep breath before getting into the drivers side. We got to the restaurant and I opened Clary's door and helped her out of the car, and when our hands touched, I felt a serge of energy wash over me. I closed the car door, but I didn't let go of Clary's hand as we walked into the restaurant. It wasn't anything super fancy cause I didn't peg Clary as that type of girl. We walked over to a booth and Clary slid in, and I did the same.

"How are you?" Clary asked after a moment.

"I'm okay." I said. "And you?" I asked.

"I'm fine." She said.

"Really?" I asked and she just shrugged. "What's on your mind?"

"Just some family issues." She said. "It's been really tense around my house lately, and I just can't stand it."

"I'm sorry." I said.

"Like I said, I'm fine. It's nothing I haven't been dealing with for about 10 years." She said.

"That's a long time to be dealing with the same thing." I said and she nodded.

"You would think two adults would be mature, but they fight like a bunch of teenagers." She said with a humorless laugh.

"I can't imagine how much that must suck." I said and she nodded.

"I'm sorry for bringing the mood down." She said with a smile.

"I don't mind. I'd like to get to know you better." I said and she gave me this look. "What?" I asked.

"Why? You haven't necessarily been nice to me since you showed up here." She said and I hung my head.

"I know." I said. "And I'm so sorry for that." I admitted. "When you're in 7th grade, being cool and popular is the only thing that matters, and I absentmindedly made a joke about you at lunch one day, and everyone thought it was funny, and I figured why not keep going cause they seem to like it."

"Gee thanks." She said.

"It was wrong, and I can't tell you how stupid it was for me to do that." I said. "If I just took the time to get to know you, I would have never been cruel to you."

"You know, anyone else in my position would probably throw this drink in your face." She said as she pointed to her cup. "But lucky for you, I'm always up for giving people a second chance." She said and I smiled. "I've never given you a reason to be mean to me, and I don't have a reason to forgive you for what you've done." She said and I nodded. "But something tells me that I should, so I'm going to give you that second chance." She said and than smiled. "Don't fuck it up." She said and I laughed.

"Believe me." I said. "I won't."

"And get your douchebag friends to leave me alone too." She said and I laughed. "I can only say no to Sebastian so many times."

"He's come onto you?" I asked shocked.

"He likes to linger around until everyone is mostly in class than barricade me against the lockers." She said and I got annoyed and mad. "I don't think that he's ever been told no in his life." She said with a laugh.

"I'll make sure he stops." I said and she nodded.

"Thank you. I appreciate that." She said.

We sat there and ate dinner with lighter conversation. Clary had a way to make me laugh like nobody ever could. She was funny and just a breath of fresh air. I can't believe I never took the time to get to know her because I definitely like who she is. Everything with her just seems so new, and exciting. It was something that I never felt before, and I liked it. A lot. When we were finished I drove her home and when I parked in front of her build I got out and opened her door.

"I never pegged you as the type to be chivalrous." She said and I laughed. I was about to say something when a loud bang came and Clary and I both looked up and a man was coming out of her building.

"Fuck you Jocelyn." He yelled. "You're the reason this fucking family is broken." He yelled and Clary sighed.

"Oh yea? Well if you knew how to fucking love someone, I wouldn't have gone to get it on the side!" The woman yelled. I looked at Clary and she was shaking her head and resting it on her hand.

"You don't deserve to be loved you fucking whore!" He yelled. "I don't even know why the fuck I married you!"

"That makes two of us asshole! The worst 20 years of my life were spent married to you!" The woman yelled. The man continued to make his way down the steps. "And don't tell me how to raise my fucking child ever again you son of a bitch!" The woman yelled.

"Well maybe if you fucking paid attention to her she wouldn't be missing!" The man yelled.

"I'm right fucking here!" Clary yelled and the two turned around.

"Where the fuck were you?" The man yelled.

"I told mom last night I was going out with a friend today." Clary said. "It's not my fault she doesn't fucking listen."

"Do not speak to me that way." The woman yelled.

"Don't tell her what to do Jocelyn." The man yelled.

"Get the fuck out of here Valentine, and don't come back!" The woman yelled. The man grunted and walked across the street to his car before speeding away the woman stood at the stop of the stairs and just watched him leave. Once he was gone she looked down at us. "I'm going to Luke's." She said as she closed the door and walked to her car. Once the door was closed she sped away.

"Of course you are." Clary sighed. "I'll just be here, alone like always."

"That was intense." I said and Clary looked up at me.

"Yea. Welcome to my home." She said as she started walking.

"I could stay." I said out of nowhere. "If you don't want to be alone." I added trying not to sound creepy.

"I'm sure you have better things to do than keep me company." She said and I started following her up the stairs.

"I was just going to go home and chill for the rest of the night." I said and she turned around and smiled.

"If you're sure." She said and I smiled.

"I'm sure." I said and she smiled and opened the door to her apartment. We walked in and it was small but very homey. Not a lot of family photos around, but after what I just witnessed it made sense.

"Just make yourself at home." Clary said and I nodded and took a seat on the couch. "So, I was going to just binge watch something on Netflix for the rest of the night, or we could find a movie to watch." She said as she pulled sweats on under her dress and pulled it off and replaced it with a t-shirt.

"Netflix or a movie works for me." I said and she smiled and turned the TV on.

"What would you like to watch?" She asked.

"I'm down for anything." I said and she nodded.

"Okay, how about a thriller or horror." She said and I nodded. "I heard 'The Ring' is pretty intense. Sound good?"

"Sounds perfect." I said and she nodded.

The movie she picked was no joke. It was pretty creepy, but Clary wasn't even flinching. Normally when girls suggest scary movies it's because they want a reason to cuddle, but not Clary. She was a rock, and I hated to admit it, but I was the one flinching. Once it was over she laughed and turned the lamp on.

"That was kinda lame." She said and I laughed.

"You are one of a kind Clary Fray." I said and she blushed.

"How so?" She asked.

"Normally girls pick scary movies with the intentions of using the male they are with as a human shield with the excuse that they were scared, but you didn't even flinch." I said and she laughed.

"I've never been afraid of horror films." She said. "It would have to be really realistic in order for me to get scared."

"And that's what makes you one of a kind." I said.

"It's nearly 11, do you have to get home by a certain time?" She asked and I sighed.

"I probably should. We are having a huge 4th of July party tomorrow." I said and she nodded. "You wanna come?"

"Talk about a last minute invite." She said and I laughed.

"You don't have too, it's just we're together right now, and I figured I'm going to be away for a month and I'd really like to see you again." I admitted.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yea. You're great Clary, and I really enjoy your company." I said. I don't know why, but I didn't want to admit that I was actually starting to like her. I felt like if I did that I would scare her away, and I didn't want to do that.

"What time should I be there?" She asked and I couldn't help but smile.

"It starts at 1." I said and she nodded. She was about to say something when the front door opened and in stumbled her mother.

"Oh my god." Clary mumbled. "Mother, how much did you have to drink?" Clary yelled.

"Don't fucking yell at me. I'm the mother not you." She said and I stood up behind Clary.

"Did you drive home?" Clary asked.

"Luke dropped me off." She said and Clary nodded. "And don't judge me when you have a boy over." She slurred and I felt Clary tense.

"Because you left me alone like you do practically every day." Clary said.

"Oh please, you're almost 18. You can stay home alone for a few hours." She slurred as she knocked into a bookshelf.

"For the love of god mom, don't fucking drink yourself until you can't fucking walk. Have some dignity." Clary said.

"Whatever." Her mother said as she stumbled into her room and slammed her door.

"What the fuck. I shouldn't be the one taking care of her." Clary said and I took her hand in mine.

"I bet Izzy wouldn't mind having a sleepover tonight." I said and I saw her eyes widen. "If you don't want to stay here, I can take you back to my house." I said and I saw her thinking it over.

"I don't know Isabelle that well. The only reason she invited me to the pool party in the first place was because of Simon." She said.

"Izzy is really easy to talk too, and super friendly. You mean a lot to Simon, and Simon means a lot to her." I explained. "You don't have too, it was just an offer. You seem to be a little tired of being around your mother, so I thought I'd give you an escape."

"You know, you're right. She's going to be unhappy in the morning when she's hung over and I don't want to be the punching bag of her anger." She said and I nodded. "Just let me pack a bag." Clary said and I nodded. Once she was gone I called Izzy.

"Hello?" Izzy answered.

"Hey Iz, how would you like to have a sleepover tonight?" I asked.

"With who?" She asked excitedly.

"Clary." I said.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yea. She doesn't really want to be at home right now, and I invited her to the party tomorrow, so I thought it would be nice to let her just relax and not worry about her mom." I explained.

"Well of course!" Izzy said and I laughed.

"We'll be there shortly." I said and we hung up. Clary walked out with a small bag and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and started writing something before attaching it to the fridge.

"There, now she can't yell at me about not telling her where I went." Clary said and I nodded before walking out of the apartment. I don't know what came over me, or why I invited Clary to spend the night at my house, but something was drawing me to her, something strong, and I didn't want out night to end, and I found an opening and I took it. I can't wait to see where our friendship goes, and what happens with Clary.

Time Jump – Beginning of Senior Year

Clary POV:

After Jace left for his vacation the summer was kinda boring. I spent a lot of time with Simon in the attempt to escape my mother and father. He clearly didn't get the 'get the fuck out' my mom told him because he still comes around frequently to 'check up on me' but I know that's just an excuse to fight with my mom. I swear, the minute I leave for college, is the day I do a happy dance that I don't have to deal with the yelling.

It was the first day of senior year and I was pretty pumped. I couldn't wait to leave this place, and not have to worry about fights, or being left alone or anything like that. I would be on my own, and I would only be responsible for myself, and I couldn't wait for that. I was at my locker getting my books ready when I hand slammed the locker next to me and I groaned.

"The summer did you good Clare-Bear." Sebastian said and I rolled my eyes.

"Can't you just leave me alone Sebastian?" I asked.

"Not until you agree to go on a date with me." He said.

"Why the hell would I agree to go on a date with you? I don't even like you." I said and he laughed.

"Who said a date as to involve feelings?" Sebastian said.

"Normal people who want to explore a relationship with the one their courting." I said and he looked confused.

"I'd like to explore something else if you know what I mean." He said as he licked his lips.

"Gross." I said and he leaned forward but before I knew it he was gone.

"I believe she said no Sebastian." Jace said and I was super glad to see him.

"Don't be a cockblock Jace." Sebastian said.

"Trust me, I wasn't. You were doing that all for yourself." Jace said and I laughed.

"Friday night, I have a football game. Be there." Sebastian said and I scoffed.

"You can't demand for me to go to something. I'm not a dog." I said and I could see something in his eyes that was kind of frightening.

"Leave Sebastian." Jace said before he could say anything else. Sebastian stomped off like a little girl throwing a tantrum and I was happy he left. "What a dick." Jace said and I laughed.

"He's your friend." I said and Jace shrugged.

"I've never really liked him all that much. He kinda latched onto me." Jace said and I laughed. "But you should come to the football game. You can watch Izzy cheer, and I'll be playing." He said and it sounded like he was a little embarrassed.

"Do you want me there?" I asked and Jace looked at me with those golden eyes.

"Yes." He said quietly and I smiled.

"Then I'll be there." I said and he smiled.

"Cool." He said.

"But I have one condition." I said and he looked at me.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Let me teach you how to swim." I said.

"I don't know Clary." He said and I grabbed his hand.

"If you need me to save your ass again I will." I said and he laughed. "I just think that you need to conquer your fear, and than maybe you can be at peace with what happened."

"How do you know I'm not at peace with it?" He asked.

"Because I saw it in your eyes that night you were thrown into the pool. You were terrified." I said and he looked down at his feet. I walked over to him and lifted his chin so that he was looking at me. "I won't let anything happen to you." I said,

"Okay." He finally said.

"Good." I said. "Now, we both have class to get too." I said and he laughed. We walked to my classroom where Jace said goodbye and I made it to my seat and I couldn't get the smile off my face. Things were different with Jace. They have been since the beginning of the summer, but I wasn't going to get my hopes up.

Time Jump – Two Months Later

Jace POV:

Clary and I had been relatively busy with our own things that the swimming lessons have been put on the back burner, but there is a small hiatus in seasons so today was our first lesson and I was freaking out. I've hated the water for almost 12 years, and I wasn't looking forward to getting into it today, but I trusted Clary, and I knew that she wouldn't let me drown.

I walked into the pool area and Clary was already there. She was in her swimsuit, and she was messing with the radio. I took a deep breath and made my way over to her. When she heard my footsteps she turned around and smiled.

"You ready?" She asked and I laughed.

"Not even close." I said and she smiled.

"What music calms you down the most?" She asked.

"You're totally going to make fun of me." I said.

"This is a judgment free zone." She said.

"Classical." I said and she nodded.

"Classical it is than." She said as she pressed play and classical piano music played throughout the whole swimming pool. "I always like to swim to music."

"I know." I said and she smiled.

"Right, you were here one day. I saw you." She said as she started making her way into the pool. "It's only 3 feet deep, so you can stand here." She said and I followed after her. "Why were you here that day?" She asked once I was fully in.

"It had been a particularly hard day, and for some reason I needed to be near water. Almost like it was calling me." I explained. "It sounds weird since I hate the water, but it just felt right being near it. I wasn't expecting you being here though." I said and she laughed.

"Nobody was supposed to be here. How did you get a key anyway?" I asked.

"I had a janitor open the balcony doors claiming I left my bag in here." I said and she nodded.

"Okay, give me your hands." She said and I reached out my hands. "You're natural response in water is to try and find a way to float." She explained. "You just have to remember that when you get to a point where you can't stand."

"Okay." I said.

"What freaks you out the most about the water?" She asked.

"When we went off the bridge, the pressure of the water made it impossible to open the doors, and windows, and my buckle was broken. My dad tried everything to break a window, while my mom tried everything to break my seatbelt." I explained. "Finally when my mom broke my seatbelt apart, and my father managed to break the window the car was completely filled with water. My father grabbed me and threw me out of the window. I thought they were right behind me, but they weren't." I said as she continued to lead me. "I was met halfway up by a scuba diver who saved me. I was taken to the hospital, and the next day I was told my parents didn't make it."

"Oh my god." She said.

"I haven't gotten into the water since." I said.

"That must have been terrible." She said. "What happened to you?" She asked.

"I went into the foster system for a few months before the Lightwood's were contacted. Maryse is my godmother, and was to take me in if anything happened to my parents. I've been with them ever since." I said.

"I can't even imagine going through that." She said.

"It's hard. To this day I still have nightmares, and panic attacks, but I'm learning to deal with them." I admitted and she nodded. "How has it been at home lately?" I asked.

"My dad still comes over once a week and starts a giant fight." She said. "My mom still copes by going over to Luke's and drinking." She said with a humorless laugh. "Same old same old."

"What caused all the hate between them?" I asked.

"My mom wanted me to have her maiden name." She explained. "I don't really know why to this day, but she didn't want me to be a Morgenstern." She said. "So they compromised. My mom got to give me her maiden name is my father chose my first name."

"That seems rather petty to fight over the way they do." I said and she laughed.

"Clarissa isn't my first name." She said.

"Than what is?" I asked.

"You have to promise me that you'll never repeat it to anyone." She said.

"Okay." I said.

"Pinky promise?" She said as she held out her pinky. I curled my pinky around it and she smiled.

"Pinky promise." I said. "Now what is your first name?"

"Seraphina." She said.

"What kind of name is that?" I asked and she laughed.

"An old family name." She said. "It was my grandmothers or my great grandmothers on my dads side, and he always wanted to keep it in the family but my mom hated it. But she agreed." Clary explained. "So, my full name is Seraphina Clarissa Adele Fray."

"That's a mouth full." I said and she laughed.

"Seraphina never caught on, and I've been Clary my whole life." She said.

"That doesn't explain the hatred between your parents." I said.

"It caused quite a family feud. My grandmother was upset that I had such a lovely and strong first name and wasn't using it." Clary said. "My mother told her to fuck off and keep her opinions to herself."

"I can't imagine that went well." I said and Clary laughed.

"Oh it didn't. My father than had to chose between my mom and his family, and he chose his family, and kinda just left my mom high and dry." Clary said.

"That's a dick move." I said.

"You've briefly encountered my dad." Clary said. "Enough said."

"And it just spiraled out from there?" I asked.

"Dad barely came home, mom got lonely, turned to alcohol before hooking up with a childhood friend." Clary said. "Dad caught them fucking on the couch one day, and it's been a shit show ever since."

"Holy shit." I said and she laughed.

"It hasn't been pretty. That's for sure." Clary said. "But you know what's pretty?"

"You?" I said without thinking and she blushed.

"No, we're in the deep end, and you're swimming." She said and I looked down and noticed that I was indeed swimming.

"Oh my god." I freaked slightly before composing myself. "How the hell did you get me here?"

"I just kept you talking, and you didn't even notice that I was still moving you." She said and I laughed.

"You're a miracle worker." I said and she laughed. I looked up into her green eyes. I meant what I said when I called her pretty. So I pulled her into me and it was like a natural reaction for her to wrap her legs around my waist. Our noses were inches away from each other and I could feel her heart beating fast. My eyes flickered down to her lips and I didn't really care about scaring her away, I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers and she immediately responded. Kissing her felt like something I've never experienced before. It was everything I never knew I was missing and I never wanted to stop. Until I realized that we were in water, and my legs were giving out. I stopped moving them at first and we slipped under which caused Clary to laugh. We came above the surface and Clary had the biggest smile on her face.

"Why don't we try that on land next time?" She said and I smiled.

"Sounds good." I said.

"Come on, you've had enough water today." She said as we made our way back to the shallow end. "So, how was it?" Clary asked as we got out.

"Not as terrifying as I thought, but I did have an incredibly talented teacher, and she isn't half bad to look at either." I said and Clary blushed.

"Oh really?" She said and I laughed.

"She's a pretty distraction." I said and Clary laughed.

"Come on Romeo. I need to get home otherwise I face the wrath of Jocelyn." She said and I nodded.

I walked her out to her car, and we both lingered for a little. I couldn't take it anymore so I pulled her into me and pressed my lips to hers. I couldn't get over hoe incredible she made me feel, and I could get used to kissing her like this. When we broke apart we were both breathless and smiling like fools.

"You're right, it's better on land." I said and she smiled.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked and I nodded. I opened her car door for her and she slipped in.

"I want to take you out again." I said and she smiled. "On a proper date."

"Was what we went on before not a proper date?" She asked and I laughed.

"I just meant, a little more personal, and intimate." I said and she smiled.

"It's a date." She said.

"Yes it is." I said as I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. "I could get used to doing that." I said and she laughed.

"Me too." She said and I smiled and shut her door. She started the car up and waved as she backed out. I watched her drive away with the biggest smile on my face. I couldn't wait to see where things went with Clary, but I knew it was going to be good.

Clary POV:

I got home with the biggest smile on my face. Kissing Jace felt like I was always meant to do it. Nothing about it felt wrong, or weird, or forced. It felt right, and warm, and perfect. I walked up and unlocked my door because I assumed I was going to be home alone tonight. When I walked in the whole house smelled like weed, and cheap alcohol. I mean, I knew my mom drank but I had no idea she smoked pot. I walked farther into the house and the living room was a disaster. The bathroom door was slightly cracked and when I pushed it opened my mom was passed out on the floor, vodka bottle in hand, and a lit joint in her hand.

"For fucks sake Jocelyn! Can't you act like a god damn parent for one fucking day!" I yelled and she shot up.

"What's with all the god damn yelling?" She said.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I asked and I grabbed the bottle.

"That's mine." She said but I held it out of reach.

"Is this bottle more important than me?" I asked.

"What are you talking about Clary?" She asked as she tried to stand up.

"Is this bottle of alcohol, and that joint more important than your own daughter?" I asked again.

"Don't be ridiculous." She said.

"No, I have ever right to be ridiculous because I'm supposed to have a mother, and all I have is an alcoholic druggie. She sure looks like my mom, but she sure as hell doesn't act like it." I spat back at her.

"Don't you dare talk to me like that." She said and I walked out of the bathroom and poured the alcohol down the drain.

"You little bitch!" She shouted as she reached for the bottle but it was too late. "How dare you ruin a good bottle of vodka!" She yelled.

"There is nothing good about that toxic drink!" I yelled and she threw the bottle at me and before I could duck it hit me in the head.

"What the fuck is going on here?" I heard and when I turned around my dad stood there.

"She poured my vodka down the drain that's what happened." My mom said.

"Good, that drink can turn even the most civilized people into barbarians." My dad said and my mom scoffed. "You know, I don't think I like our daughter being raised by an alcoholic."

"Oh please, like you could do any better." My mom said. And I couldn't believe they were just talking about me like I was a goldfish that needed to be watched 24/7.

"That's actually why I'm here." My dad said. "Come Seraphina, you're living with me." My dad said and my jaw dropped.

"You can't just take her out of my house. I have primary custody." My mother shouted.

"I have enough evidence to prove you're unfit to be a mother." My father said and I finally snapped out of my daze.

"Shut the fuck up." I said. "Both of you." I said and they both looked at me. "I'm not pet that you are splitting up and taking every other weekend. I'm a human being. A human being who has been on my own since I was practically 13." I said. "And I'm 18 years old, I can choose what I want to do."

"Exactly, that's why you choose me." My dad said.

"My god you're thick." I said. "If you two realized what complete and total assholes you both have been to me, you'd know that I wouldn't chose to live with either of you."

"What are you taking about Seraphina?" My dad asked.

"My name is not Seraphina. My name is Clary." I said. "And I don't want to live with either of you. You're both toxic." I said as I grabbed my backpack and ran out of the house. I hopped on my bike and went to the one place where I actually wanted to be.

Jace POV:

I couldn't get the smile off my face the entire way home. I had an amazing time with Clary, and I couldn't believe that she felt the same way. When I got home I made my way into the kitchen to get a snack and Izzy was sitting at the island eating a cup of yogurt and reading the latest fashion magazine.

"Why do you look so happy?" Izzy asked.

"I just got back from hanging out with Clary." I said as I grabbed an apple out of the fridge.

"Oh really?" She asked as she closed her magazine. "What did you two do?" She asked.

"Believe it or not, we swam." I said and Izzy's eyes widened.

"Are you serious?" She asked.

"Yea. We made a deal at the beginning of school, and we've both been so busy that we never had the time, but today we did, and we got in the pool, and I didn't freak out Iz." I said incredibly proud of myself.

"That's amazing Jace." She said and I took a bite of my apple.

"And we kissed." I said spilling every detail of my afternoon.

"You are such a gossip." Izzy said and I smiled. "You seem incredibly happy." She said and I laughed.

"I don't know what it is about her, but she makes me happy." I said and Izzy smiled.

"Good. You deserve that much." Izzy said. There was a knock on the door and I looked at Izzy.

"You expecting Simon?" I asked.

"No." She said as she hopped off the stool. We made our way to the door and when I opened it, there stood Clary, freezing, with a gash on her head.

"I didn't know where else to go." She said and I pulled her into the house.

"What the hell happened to you?" I asked as I inspected her.

"Huge fight." She said. "I got home and my whole apartment smelled like cheap alcohol and weed." She explained.

"I can smell it." Izzy said.

"I poured my moms vodka down the sink, and she grabbed the bottle and threw it at me. I didn't have much of a reaction time, as you can clearly see." She said as she pointed to her head. "Than my dad came home and tried to get me to live with him, and they go into a fight and I left."

"Let's clean your head up." I said and she nodded. I walked her into the kitchen and sat her on the stool. I grabbed a washcloth and wet it with hot water before pressing it to the cut on her forehead. After the bleeding had fully stopped I pulled Clary into me and I felt her body start to move, and I heard quiet whimpers, and I knew she was crying. "I'm so sorry Clary." I said after a couple minutes.

"I can't stand them." She said as she pulled away. "Why can't they just fucking be civil and normal?"

"I have no idea why your parents act the way they do." I said. "But it's not right, and it's not fair to you."

"I can't wait to go to college." She said and I smiled.

"What do you need from me?" I asked.

"I would really love a shower." She said and I laughed. "I smell like weed, and it's giving me a headache."

"My bedroom is the second door on the right. Towels are in the closet in the bathroom. I'll get some clothes from Izzy and put them on my bed for you." I said and she nodded. She gave me a sweet kiss before disappearing upstairs. Once I heard my door close I turned towards Izzy.

"I would have never guessed that her life was horrible." Izzy said and I nodded.

"Her parents are a nightmare. I was there for one of their fights, and it was incredibly uncomfortable, and intense." I said. "Can you get some clothes for her? I don't know what would fit her, and it doesn't feel right for me to go through your clothes." I said and she laughed.

"You really like her don't you?" Izzy asked before she walked up stairs.

"I really do." I said and she smiled and disappeared. I looked back at my half eaten apple and couldn't help but smile at the thought of Clary. I was glad she came to me for comfort, and I wouldn't let anything happen to her for as long as I could help it.

I took a seat on the couch and waited for Clary to get done her shower. I flipped on the TV and started searching for something to watch when I heard footsteps behind me. I looked back and Clary was walking towards me in pink pajama bottoms and a t-shirt that said 'Victoria Secret Angel' on it and I smiled. She made her way over to me and curled onto the couch. I pulled her closer to me and she melted into me immediately.

"You okay?" I asked and I felt her shrug.

"I'm just so tired of being their mediator." She said. "They got married, and they hated it. They had me, and they fight about it constantly. I shouldn't be in charge of referring their cage fights." She said and I nodded. "They need to work their problems out on their own and leave me out of it."

"I know, and I wish they would realize how negatively their actions affect you, but at the end of the day, you can only do so much and tell them so many times, and at some point, I think you just need to do what's best for you, and not worry about them." I said and she nodded.

"I can't tell you the last time I was in a home with people who weren't fighting." She said and I laughed.

"We fight, but normally over stupid shit that doesn't matter." I said and she laughed.

"I'd take that over my parents any day." She said and as if on cue yelling started.

"Max! Give me back my mirror!" Izzy yelled and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Than take me to the comic book store!" Max yelled.

"We went last week!" Izzy yelled.

"But I didn't get the one I wanted!" Max said back.

"Give me my mirror you mutant!" Izzy yelled and hard footsteps sounded on the stairs as Max ran into the living room.

"Take me to the comic book store!" Max said. "Or I'll drop it."

"You wouldn't dare." Izzy said and he let it go but caught it before it hit the ground and you could physically see Izzy's heart stopped. "Fine, I'll take you to the comic book store." Izzy said and Max cheered. "But you have to sit through dinner with Simon and I." Izzy said and Max gave back her mirror.

"Deal." He said and he walked triumphantly out of the room followed by Izzy. I looked at Clary and she was smiling and laughing.

"Those are the kind of fights I wish I witnessed more often." Clary said and I laughed.

"That kid is very good at getting Izzy to comply to what he wants." I said.

"I didn't know you had a younger brother." She said.

"Max is only 10." I said. "He wasn't planned by a long shot, but he's a great kid."

"He seems like it." Clary said.

"He kinda reminds me of Simon in a way." I said. "Nerdy and a tad bit shy."

"I can totally see it." Clary said and I nodded.

"So, want to watch a movie?" I asked and she smiled.

"I think that's exactly what I need." She said and I smiled. I grabbed a blanket and put it over the both of us. Clary draped her legs over mine and snuggled into my side even more. I picked some random movie, and kinda paid attention, but my main focus was on Clary. I could see her eyes drooping closed, and eventually I felt her breathing even out. I closed my eyes and wasn't far behind her, but for the first time, falling asleep with Clary in my arms kept my nightmares away, and I was really grateful for that.

Time Jump – Graduation

Clary POV:

We were finally graduating high school today, and I couldn't wait to leave this place. Turns out Jace, Izzy, Simon and I were all going to the same school, and the Lightwoods thought it would be better for us all to share a house instead of living in the dorms and I wasn't complaining.

We were all standing in the gym waiting to be lined up and make our way out to the football field where the ceremony was taking place. I felt kinda bad because I told my parents the wrong date because I didn't want a fight breaking out during the ceremony, but I also didn't feel bad because my mom would most likely show up drunk, and my dad would get mad and it would be a whole thing, and I was not chancing the disturbance of the ceremony because my parents couldn't be civil.

"You ready for this?" I heard Jace and I looked over towards him.

"More ready than I've ever been." I said.

"Your parents coming?" He asked.

"I kinda told them graduation was tomorrow." I said and he laughed. "I didn't want them ruining it, and they totally would."

"I understand. Plus, it's just a piece of paper. It's not that the ceremony makes any more important." He said and I nodded in agreement.

We were all settled on the field and seated, and I couldn't wait for the ceremony to be over. Personally I just wanted to be done, and the ceremony was just a way to prolong high school, and I really wasn't feeling it. Once we started walking out I took my cap off and took a deep breath when I felt arms lock around, expecting Jace to be behind me, when I turned around and saw Sebastian.

"Jeez, you don't give up do you?" I said as I broke out of his arms.

"Not when I have my eyes set on something I want." He said and I scoffed.

"What part of no do you not understand? Or the fact that I'm not single?" I said and he laughed.

"Jace has never been one to settle down. You aren't any different than all the other girls he's hooked up." Sebastian said.

"And you want to be my knight in shining armor, and rescue me from heartbreak that you think Jace with inevitably cause me?" I asked as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"You're aren't as stupid as you look." He said and out of everything he has every said to me, that was the most insulting.

"Wow. You really know how to win a girl over." I said.

"Leave her alone Sebastian." I heard and when I looked behind Sebastian, there stood Jace.

"Why don't you leave her alone, and make her available to those who actually want her?" Sebastian said.

"She isn't a piece of property." Jace said and I smiled. He knew how much I hated when people thought I belonged to them. "She can make her own decisions, and her decision is me." Jace said. "Now leave her alone, and stay away."

"What are you going to do about it pretty boy?" Sebastian said and I rolled my eyes and kneed him in the balls.

"I'm not a damsel in distress that needs rescuing." I said as he fell to the ground. "Stay the hell away from me." I said and I made my way over to Jace who put his arm around me and I felt at home.

"Way to handle him babe." He said and I laughed as we high fived.

"Thank god I never have to see him again." I said as we made our way over to the others. There was a get together back at the Lightwoods and I couldn't wait to just hang out with them and celebrate.

We got back and we were all gathered in the backyard eating and talking and having a great job when there was a crash in the front. We all made our way out to the front yard where my mother stood, clearly intoxicated.

"Jesus Christ." I said as I made my way over to her. "What the hell are you doing here?" I asked.

"You lied to me you little shit." She slurred.

"Can you blame me?" I asked. "Look at you, it's 3 in the afternoon and you're plastered." I said.

"Don't tell me how to live my life!" She yelled as she went to hit me, but she was so intoxicated that she was as slow as a snail.

"Than don't be involved in mine!" I yelled back. "I didn't invite you or dad for a reason. You do nothing but cause problems. I mean, look at you." I said as I motioned to her. "Why can't you just leave me alone?"

"You're my daughter." She said and I laughed.

"You've never acted like a mother to me." I said. "I mean, where am I going to college?" I asked.

"You're going to college?" She asked.

"I am." I simply said.

"How the hell can you afford that?" She asked.

"Well, you certainly aren't helping." I said.

"You went crawling back to your father didn't you?" She asked.

"No. I'm going on scholarship." I said.

"What the hell could you possibly get a scholarship in?" She asked.

"I've been swimming since middle school." I said. "You've been to a few of my meets. You were kicked out for causing a scene, but you were there." I explained. "Just leave me alone mom."

"You weren't the child I wanted." She said as she made her way back to her car. I ran after her and grabbed her keys. "Give those back!" She yelled.

"You aren't driving home." I said.

"Since when do you care what I do with my life?" She asked.

"One of us has always had to make sure things went smoothly, and it certainly wasn't going to be you." I said. "Call Luke. Ask him to pick you up. I refuse to have your death to be on my conscious." She pulled out her phone and tried to dial his number but she was clearly having trouble. I rolled my eyes and grabbed the phone out of her hand and called Luke.

"Jocelyn? Where the hell are you?" Luke said.

"Come get your girlfriend the hell off the Lightwood property, and hide the keys the next time she drinks." I said.

"Clary?" He asked.

"Who else would it be?" I said. "Come get her. She's causing a scene." I said and I hung up the phone and threw it at her. "Stand by your car and wait for Luke." I said as I started walking away.

"Rot in hell!" She yelled as I walked away.

"Meet you there Jocelyn." I yelled back and as I continued walking. When we were all back in the backyard I took a deep breath. "I'm so sorry about her. I didn't even think she knew where you lived." I said.

"You don't have to apologize for her actions Clary." Maryse said and I nodded.

"She's always been good at ruining things." I said with a humorless laugh.

"She didn't ruin anything." Izzy said. "So she's fucking nuts, who cares, we're still going to celebrate graduating high school and going to school together." Izzy said and I laughed and gave her a hug. "Now, how about we really get this party going with a dip in the pool?" She asked and I laughed. I looked over at Jace and he was smiling.

"You ready for this?" I asked and he smiled and pulled me into him.

"I know you'll save my ass if I start drowning." He said and I kissed him quickly. We ran towards the pool and cannon balled in splashing a ton of water out of the pool onto the other partygoers, who simply laughed and cheered us on. When I reached the surface Jace was treading water and smiling. I made my way over to him and wrapped my legs around his waist.

"I'm proud of you." I said and he pressed his lips to my nose.

"I had an excellent teacher." He said and I laughed. "I love you." He said and my jaw dropped but it was soon washed away with a smile.

"I love you too." I said and than he pressed his lips to mine. When we broke apart I looked around at the people in the pool, and those surrounding, the future was going to be amazing, I just knew it.

Authors Note:

This one shot was suggested by Cmjmck, and I was instantly inspired when I read your review, and I hope that you liked what I did with your suggestion! I don't know much about the sport of swimming, so I didn't really add any competitions in this story, but I hope that doesn't bother you so much! I really like this story, and I think that it was really fun to write, and I hope it's equally as fun and enjoyable to read! Let me know what you all think and leave a review! :)