Eighty First One Shot:

Alec's Date

Clary POV:

"Please Clary, I've never asked you for anything in my whole life." Alec pleaded.

"What about in college when you asked me to do that English report because you totally spaced? Or that time that you go so drunk at that party, that you woke me up at 3 am to pick you up? Or when that time….." I started to rattle off.

"Okay, so I've asked for your help before. But this is totally different." Alec said.

"Why can't you find a date that you actually like?" I asked.

"Because nobody in my home town knows I'm gay." He said.

"That seems awfully lonely." I pointed out.

"Hence why I live in New York." He said and I laughed. "Please Clary. I'm so desperate. My mom thinks I'm dating someone because every single time she brought up the fact that I have a plus one for this wedding I'd get flustered." Alec said.

"I have to talk to my boss." I finally said and he cheered. "When is it again?"

"April 14th is the wedding, but we'd have to be there like April 10th. And we'd stay until April 17th." He explained.

"I'll talk to my boss today. I have a late shoot." I said and he hugged me.

"You're the best Clare." He said.

"I hope you know, I'm getting wasted at this wedding." I said and he laughed.

"You can literally have anything you want. You got it." He said and I smiled.

We parted ways and I made it back to my apartment and grabbed my cameras and headed towards the office. Being a professional photographer was amazing, and I absolutely loved it, but it was a lot of pressure, and that was disregarding the fact that I work for Vogue. Making sure people look absolutely brilliant is very challenging, but doing it under the scope of a huge magazine, and empire for fashion, was a whole new level. But I loved what I did, and I got to keep my privacy by using a different name. it was helpful, and lessoned the pressure. When I got to the office, I made a beeline for the bosses office. I knocked on the door and she told me to come in.

"Hey Camille." I said.

"Clary, what can I do for you?" She asked.

"I was wondering if I could schedule some time off." I said.

"What for?" She asked.

"I'm going to a wedding, and I'll be out of town." I said.

"Ah, who is getting married?" She asked.

"A family friend." I said because it technically wasn't a complete lie.

"Just write down the dates and you got it." She said as she handed me a sticky note. She was a chill boss, and always willing to help you out, and since I was giving her enough notice, finding another photographer wasn't going to be hard. I wrote it down and handed it to me. "You got yourself a week Fray." She said.

"Thanks Camille. I appreciate it." I said.

"No problem. You have Aline today, and you know how….uptight she can be." She said and I laughed.

"I'll get there an hour early than." I said and Camille laughed. As much as I loved my job, divas were a true downfall, and something I hated dealing with.

Time Jump – Wedding Time

Izzy POV:

"I can't wait to see Alec." I said as Jace and I waited at the airport for him and his girlfriend. "And I can't wait to meet this girl. Apparently Alec is being super secretive about her."

"Can you blame him? He didn't want an interrogation from you." Jace said and I elbowed him. I finally caught the familiar look of my brother and a extremely small girl next to him holding onto his arm.

"She's short." I said as I looked at Jace who seemed captivated.

"She's beautiful." He said and I looked at him.

"She's Alec's." I said and he looked at me. "Don't even think about it."

"Iz…."

"No. Don't. I know you've calmed down with the ladies in recent years, but if you ruin Alec's relationship, I will castrate you." I said.

"Don't punish my future offspring." He said and I laughed.

"Don't ruin Alec's love life." I said.

"It's so good to see you two again." I hear and Alec was now standing in front of me. I threw my arms around him and he hugged me tightly back.

"I missed you so much big brother." I said.

"You too." Alec said. "Jace, it's been awhile." Alec said as he gave him a hug,

"Too long my man." Jace said.

"I'd like to introduce you two to Clary." Alec gestured towards the redhead.

"It's so nice to finally meet you." I said. "Alec has been keeping you a secret. The whole town is curious about you."

"How big is your town exactly?" Clary asked.

"About 100 people, give or take." I said and her eyes widened. "I know. We're pretty tight knit."

"I didn't realize I was going to be the talk of the town." She said and Alec put his arm around her and she visibly relaxed.

"Don't worry about them." Alec said as he kissed her head and she nodded. They were cute, but something was off.

"Well, we should get home. Mom is dying to see you." I said and they nodded. Clary linked her arm around Alec's and we walked out of the airport together. I kept seeing Jace glance back at Clary and I could see the gears turning in his head, and I was going to do everything in my power to keep him away from Clary.

Alec POV:

Clary and I slid into the back seat and I should have warned her that my town was so tiny but I didn't want to freak her out, and I could tell she as freaking out. I leaned over and put my lips to her ear.

"I'm sorry I didn't warn you." I whispered.

"It would have been nice to know." She whispered back.

"I thought it would freak you out." I admitted.

"It would have." She said. "But I still would have come." She said as she rested her hand on my leg. I put my hand on top of hers and we interlocked out fingers. Clary was basically a little sister to me. I'd do anything for her, and considering I'm gay, all of our interactions were strictly platonic, but we've been told multiple times by friends that we can sometimes be touchy feely with each other, but since I wasn't interested in her, and she wasn't interested in me, we didn't see a reason to stop. I looked up and I saw Jace looking in the review mirror at me. He was being extra attentive towards Clary and me which I thought was weird, but it is Jace, and he's a weird dude sometimes.

"So Jace, who is your plus one?" I asked trying to snap him out of his stare.

"Don't have one." He said.

"What happened to that girl you were seeing? Kaelie or Kaylee?" I asked.

"Kaelie, and we broke up a couple months ago." He said.

"Why is that?" I asked.

"She got a job in Japan, and I wasn't moving." He said. "My work is here right now."

"That sucks." I said. "How long were you two together?" I asked.

"If you called every now and than you'd know the answer to that." Jace said an di smiled knowing I didn't keep in touch as much as I promised. "But we were only together for a little less than year."

"That blows." I said.

"Well she certainly didn't." He said and Clary burst out laughing. She's always had a secret dirty mind. She thought sexual humor was the funniest.

"Jace." Izzy groaned.

"Someone appreciated my humor." He said as he winked at Clary in the mirror and I saw Clary's ears turn a light shade of pink. She was attracted to him. I could tell.

"Well, Clary finds sexual humor incredibly hilarious." I explained.

"Finally. Someone who gets me." Jace cheers.

"Don't get her started on her jokes." I said and Clary smiled.

"Now I gotta hear them." Jace said. It was weird how seeing them together I didn't realize that Clary had the same sense of humor Jace did. Maybe that's why we were such good friends.

"Okay, I'll tell you a couple, but only a couple. I don't want to torture the others." Clary said and Jace nodded. "They are kinda cheesy, so bare with me."

"I'm all for cheesy jokes." Jace said.

"Why was the guitar teacher arrested?" Clary asked.

"I don't know." Jace said.

"For fingering a minor." Clary said and Jace laughed.

"Oh my god. That's disgusting." Izzy said.

"It's sexual humor Iz. It's not supposed to be clean." Jace said. "Let's hear another."

"Okay. "Clary said. "What did the vibrator say to the banana?"

"I don't know, what?" Jace asked.

"Why are you shaking? She's going to eat me." Clary said and Jace laughed and so did Clary. Not matter how many times she heard these jokes, she laughed.

"Another." Jace asked.

"God, I hate that this is a 30 minute car ride." Izzy said and I smiled.

"Okay." Clary said. "What's the difference between anal sex, and oral sex?"

"No idea." Jace said.

"Oral sex makes your day great. Anal sex makes your hole weak." Clary said.

"You're good at these. Got anymore?" Jace asked after he was done laugh.

"Plenty." Clary said.

"Let's hear em." Jace said.

"Let me think." Clary said. "I'm using my best material on you."

"Better get it out now, my parents won't like hearing these. Especially around Max." Izzy said and Clary nodded.

"Okay. How is sex like a game of bridge?" Clary asked.

"No idea."

"If you have a great hand, you don't need a partner." Clary said and Jace laughed. "That's all for now."

"I'm gonna enjoy having you around Red." Jace said.

"Red?" Clary asked.

"You know, because you have red hair." He explained.

"I get that. I'm just not used to hearing it." Clary explained.

"Really? It's a common nickname for redheads." Jace said.

"See, I already have a nickname." Clary said.

"What is it?" Jace asked.

"Clary." She said.

"What's your real name than?" Izzy asked.

"Clarissa. But I hate that name." Clary explained. Jace turned around and looked at her.

"You don't look like a Clarissa." He said.

"Thank you." Clary said with a smile, a smile she normally reserved for people she found attractive. Oh we were so talking when we were alone.

"I never got to ask, what do you do for a living Clary?" Izzy asked after a moment.

"I'm a photographer." Clary said.

"Cool. Like freelance, or wedding photographer?" Izzy asked.

"No. I am a photographer for a magazine." Clary said.

"That's awesome. What magazine?" Izzy asked. Clary looked at me and I just nodded. She hated giving out her professional name. People could become stalkers, but my family wasn't like that. Well Jace might be, but I'd keep him in check.

"Vogue." Clary said and the car swerved for a second due to Izzy's shocked expression.

"You're shitting me?" She asked.

"Nope." Clary said.

"But I know every photographer in those magazines, and I've never seen your name." Izzy said.

"That's because I don't use Clary Fray when I work." Clary said. "I have a professional name."

"What is it?" Jace asked. She looked at me and I nodded again.

"Clarissa Morgenstern."

"Holy shit." Izzy said. "Your work is some of my favorite." She said.

"Thank you." Clary said.

"Why don't you use your actual name?" Izzy asked. She looked at me and I nodded.

"In college Clary had a bit of a stalker problem." I explained. "She was the photographer for the fashion department, and the one kid would follow her around. After I found her locked in her closet one day, we reported him. When they searched his room, he had found every picture Clary had ever published under to name and pinned it to his wall." I said. "He was obsessed, and Clary vowed to never let that happen again. Using a professional name allows her to be anonymous, and keeps the admirers away."

"That's awful." Izzy said.

"It wasn't fun. It took me some time to get back on my feet. If it weren't for Alec, I would still be in that closet." She said and I kissed her head.

"You know I'd do anything for you." I said and she leaned into me. The rest of the car ride was silent, and we listened to the radio until we pulled up to my childhood home. We got out and I grabbed Clary's bag and we walked into my house. It felt the same as it always did, and I have to admit, it was good to be home.

"Alec, is that you?" I heard my mom said and I turned around and there she stood.

"Hi mom." I said and she ran and gave me a hug.

"It's so good to see you." She said. "And you must be the girlfriend."

"I'm Clary." She said as she stuck her hand out, but southern hospitality compelled my mom to pull her into a hug.

"I'm so glad you're here." She said and Clary laughed.

"I'm glad to be here as well." Clary said.

"Well, show her to your room Alec. Dinner should be ready soon." My mom said and she left.

"Well, I have to get home." Jace said. "My dog needs food."

"You have a dog?" I asked.

"Again, if you called more often, you'd know this." Jace said.

"What kind of dog is it?" I asked.

"A pug." Jace said.

"Aww. They are the cutest." Clary said.

"Before you leave, stop by and meet her." Jace said.

"What's her name?" Clary asked.

"Birdie." Jace said.

"How southern of you." I said and he laughed.

"Well, I gotta get home to my girl." Jace said. "Pleasure to meet you Clary."

"You as well." Clary said and than he was gone.

"Are you leaving too?" I asked Izzy.

"Nope. I still live here." Izzy said.

"I thought you would have moved in with Simon." I said.

"Not before we got married." She said and I forgot where we were for a second.

"Right. Well, let me show you to my room Clary." I said and she nodded. We walked to my room and I shut the door and locked it before looking back at Clary.

"What?" She asked.

"What do you mean 'what?' you totally were flirting with Jace." I called her out on it.

"What – I wasn't – you were imagining – was I that obvious?" She finally admitted and I laughed.

"Only because I know you Clary Fray." I said. "But keep it together, and I promise I'll give you his number when we get back to New York."

"I didn't come here to meet a guy, no matter how hot said guy is." She said and I laughed. "I came to help my best friend out."

"And I appreciate this more that anything Clary." I said and she smiled.

"I know." She said. "Which is why when we get back to New York, you're going to let me set you up on a date."

"Oh god." I said and she laughed. She leaned up and kissed my cheek.

"Love you Alec." She said as she opened the door.

"Love you too." I said as I heard her walking away. Her dates never worked out and I was truly dreading it this time.

Time Jump – Day Before Wedding

Clary POV:

It has been an interesting couple days in this small town, and Alec wasn't lying. Everyone knew who I was, and seemed to love to gossip about my arrival. It was a bit intimidating to be quite honest. I was used to large cities, with lots of people, and I thought that was tough, but small towns were much worse. Since it was the day before the wedding, the Lightwood house seemed to be insanely chaotic. It was one of the nicer days here, not scorching hot, so I decided to take a nice walk. I remembered a lake when we arrived, and I thought I'd go and find it.

It was absolutely beautiful, and part of me whished I had my camera to document it, but since I didn't, I would have to suffice with just sitting on the bench and committing it to memory. What was wasn't expecting was Jace to sit right beside me with his cute little dog. I would be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to Jace. He was gorgeous, and funny, and well educated. But I was here for Alec, and I was going to fulfill my promise to him.

"What brings you here?" Jace asked.

"Your families house is rather chaotic." I said and he laughed.

"I assumed as much. Izzy likes everything to be perfect." He said.

"I gathered that when she noticed the napkins were eggshell, and not ecru." I said and he laughed.

"See means well. She's been planning this day since we were teenagers." He said.

"When did her and Simon meet?" I asked.

"He moved here when we were in high school." Jace explained. "They officially started dating their senior year."

"That's really sweet." I said.

"What about you and Alec? I feel like your relationship has been overshadowed by Izzy." He said and I laughed.

"Well, she is the bride here." I said and he smiled.

"I know, but I've known Izzy practically my whole life. You're new." He said.

"So the whole town knows." I said and he laughed.

"Living, in a small town can be a bitch sometimes." He said. Birdie was small enough to sit on the bench with us, and her head was resting on Jace's lap while he pet her.

"We met in college. Our roommates were both nightmares, and fucking each other. We often found each other sharing one of our dorm rooms while they used the other to have sex." I explained.

"Sounds so enjoyable." Jace said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"It clearly wasn't all bad." I said. "I don't know what I'd do without him."

"He is great." Jace said.

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked.

"Of course." He said.

"Alec refers to you as his brother, but you just said you've known him practically your whole life. Which means you aren't related." I said.

"No. That's kinda a scandal in and of itself in this town." He said with a dry laugh.

"My father grew up here, met his first wife here." Jace explained. "My dad went on a business trip, met my mom, got her pregnant. With me." He said and I just nodded. "He came back with my mom, told his wife what happened and she left him."

"That's awful." I said.

"My dad was pretty much shunned from the whole town. My mom was looked down on and was even labeled the town whore." He said.

"That's terrible." I said.

"Yea, but she knew that was coming. She was focusing on me, and making sure I was healthy." He said and I nodded. "After I was born, my parents decided it would be best to send me to a boarding school, they knew I would be bullied at school." He said. "And so I went to boarding school until I was 12."

"Why not through high school?" I asked.

"Summer going into my middle school years, my dads first wife came back." He said. "She was seeking revenge on my father and my mother for ruining her life." Jace said and I could tell this was tough for him. I reached over and took his hand in mine and I felt something shoot through my body and I knew he felt it too. "She killed them and than killed herself."

"Oh my god." I said and he just continued to look at Birdie.

"It was the worst thing I've ever witnessed." He said.

"You saw it?" I asked.

"Every shot." He said. "The Lightwoods took me in, and I've been with them ever since. They are my family."

"I'm so sorry about that." I said. "That must have sucked."

"It was a pretty low point in my life." He said.

"I can imagine." I said. Birdie got up and was wagging her tail pretty urgently.

"I should probably walk her now." He said and I laughed.

"Yea. She seems impatient." I laughed as I petted the cute doggie.

"I spoil her." He said and I smiled.

"I can tell." I said and he stood up.

"I can't help it. She's the only girl in the world who has never let me down." He said and I gave him a sad smile. "I'll see you at the wedding?" He asked.

"Yes." I said. He smiled and walked away with Birdie. I watched him go, and sat there for a few more minutes thinking about everything. This trip was eye opening to say the least. I thought I knew what I wanted but coming here was just conflicted. But I really couldn't do anything about it. I was here for Alec, and I was going to make sure that everything runs smoothly for him.

Alec POV:

Izzy had been running around like a mad woman all morning trying to fix mistakes that weren't even noticeable. I mean, who cares if the napkins weren't the right shade of white, or some of the forks weren't the same? They were all minor details that she could let slide, but no, Izzy needed everything perfect no matter how stressed she made everyone.

"Darling, I'm here." I heard and when I turned around there stood a man, decked out in sparkles, thick eye liner surrounding his eyes, and the most piercing shade of green and gold swirls staring at me.

"Magnus!" Izzy cheered as she greeted the man. "Thank god you're here! And I'm so sorry you had to come back. I thought everything was perfect and than it all started falling apart."

"What's a wedding planner for? Averting a crisis is in my job description." He said and his smiled light up the room.

"Izzy, I would hardly say having the wrong napkins is a crisis." I said and she looked at me. "All people will use them for us to wipe their mouths."

"It matters Alec." Izzy said seeming like she was distraught.

"Deep breaths." Magnus told her. "Having the wrong shade of white can throw off the whole color scheme of the wedding darling." Magnus told me and my insides flipped. What the hell was happening to me?

"But it's just white." I said.

"Maybe to you, but not to Izzy." He said and I nodded. "Come on, lets go get this problem fixed." He said to Izzy. She nodded and he led her back towards the kitchen. I didn't have an use being here so I just went to the backyard and sat on a swing. Eventually I heard footsteps and when I looked up, there stood Clary.

"You escaping the madness to?" She asked.

"Yea. Where'd you go?" I asked as she took a seat on the swing next to me.

"The lake." She said. "I ran into Jace there." She admitted.

"What's going on between you too?" I asked.

"Nothing." She said and I gave her that look. "Honestly nothing Alec."

"That's not what your eyes are telling me." I said.

"I held his hand today, and my whole body felt like it was on fire, but the good kind." She said.

"Why were you holding hands exactly?" I asked and she looked sad.

"He told me about his parents." She said.

"He did?" I asked incredibly shocked.

"Is that weird?" She asked.

"For Jace, extremely." I said. "The whole town knows what happened, but nobody talks about it. Especially not Jace."

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

"For about 5 years everyone referred to Jace as the orphan." I said. "It really really damaged him. He started partying, experimenting with drugs, hanging with the wrong people." I said.

"He didn't tell me that." Clary said.

"I know, which is why I am." I said. "Jace is not only my brother, but my best friend. If you're going to start something with him, you should know everything."

"Who said anything about starting something?" She said. "I'm here as your girlfriend."

"But after." I said.

"Are we gonna break up and than I go running into his arms?" She asked and I laughed.

"No. I guess not." I said and she smiled. "All I'm saying is, Jace's teenage years weren't his greatest. But he's a great person, and if something were to happen, don't judge him based off the way he coped with things." I said and she nodded. "Also I need to tell you something."

"What's on your mind?" She asked.

"Izzy's wedding planner is here." I said.

"That normally happens at a wedding." She said.

"He's hot Clare. Like, my brain stopped functioning not." I said and she giggled.

"Is he gay?" She asked in a low voice.

"I don't know, but I could tell he isn't fully straight. No straight man would wear that much glitter or eyeliner." I said.

"This is so exciting!" Clary said and I laughed.

"Nothing is going to happen Clare." I said.

"Why not?" She asked.

"Because everyone in town thinks I'm straight, and dating you." I reminded her.

"You shouldn't have to hide who you are because this town just doesn't get it." She said. "Closeting yourself is so much more harmful than being know has the town gay." She said.

"I think I'd be labeled much worse than that." I said and she took my hands in hers.

"Well fuck them." She said and I smiled.

Jace POV:

Maryse asked me to come over and keep Max occupied while they handle some wedding disaster. I was standing at the bay window watching Clary and Alec on the swings. When her hand touched me at the park earlier, something went through me. Something electric and I couldn't stop thinking about it.

"That is one fine specimen." I heard from behind me.

"Yea she is." I said without thinking.

"I meant tall, dark and handsome. Black hair and blue eyes. My weakness." He said and I turned around.

"Magnus. I thought you couldn't make the wedding." I said.

"Izzy called me crying her eyes out, I came back from vacation early to help." He said.

"And tall, dark and handsome is the brother, and that's his girlfriend." I said.

"There is no way he's straight." Magnus said.

"How could you possibly know that?" I asked.

"Because I'm not straight. We can spot our own kind." He said.

"But Clary." I said and Magnus laughed.

"It's called being in the closet Jace." Magnus said. "And what I wouldn't give to drag him out." He aids before walking away. I looked back at the couple and they were holding hands. It didn't make sense, but I hoped for Clary's sake that she wasn't being used.

Time Jump - Wedding

Clary POV:

The ceremony was absolutely wonderful. It was elegant, and over the top, but Alec warned me about that. The sweetest part of the ceremony was when Birdie walked down the aisle with the flower girl. That dog was the sweetest thing in the world, and I was going to miss her wen Alec and I headed back to New York.

I was currently sitting at the reception while Izzy danced with her father. It made me wish that I still had mine, although he wasn't the nicest, I still won't ever get those things that ever girl drams of, and that part kinda sucks.

"Mind if I sit?" I heard and I looked up and saw Jace.

"Not at all." I said. He pulled out the chair and sat.

"Where is Alec?" He asked.

"I'm not sure." I said honestly. "He told me he'd be right back, and that was like 20 minutes ago."

"He's still secretive I see." Jace said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"In high school he was always closed off." He explained. "I tried to get him to open up, but that's just not how he is." I nodded and downed the rest of my Champaign. Being around him was making me nervous. And I needed some help. "You want another?" He asked and I simply nodded. He grabbed my glass and got up, but was back a few moments later.

"Thank you." I said and he nodded.

"How many have you had?" He asked.

"This is like my 4th glass." I said and he laughed.

"You a drinker?" He asked.

"Not normally. But events like these aren't really my thing." I admitted.

"I understand. You were thrown into a world full of strangers, and your date left you to fend for yourself." He said and I laughed.

"I don't blame him. He's probably catching up with an old friend somewhere." I said thinking that was a possibly solution.

"Who knows with Alec." He said and I nodded. I finished my Champaign and stood up.

"I think I'm going to take a walk." I said.

"I'll go with you." He said.

"You don't have too." I said.

"Please, rescue me. Miss. Dorothea has been trying to dance with me, and set me up with her daughter." He said and I laughed.

"Okay." I said and he stood up. We were walking away from the reception and I was about to turn the corner of the house when I saw Alec and the wedding planner making out. Not wanted Jace to see, because Alec would have told him if he wanted him to know. Jace was about to continue walking when I grabbed him hand and pulled him back.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine." I said and he nodded and started walking again. I didn't know what else to do so I pinned him against the wall and kissed him. He was shocked but gave in, and man did this guy know how to kiss. We were lost in our own little world when he pushed me away.

"What the hell are you doing?" He said. Shit I was in trouble.

Alec POV:

I was making out with Magnus on the side of the house. Nothing felt as good as this right now, and I never wanted it to end. Things were getting heated fast, and who knows where this night would take us, but we were broken apart when I heard Clary.

"Jace wait, it's not what you think!" I heard and Magnus and I broke apart and I saw Jace walking away with Clary running behind him.

"What do you mean? You're dating my brother. How could you do that to him?' Jace said.

"Oh shit." I muttered.

"I don't want to hear it Clary." Jace said.

"I'll be right back." I said to Magnus and I ran after the two.

"Just let me explain." Clary said and I could hear it in her voice that she was upset.

"There is nothing to explain." Jace said. "I can't believe you'd do that to Alec. He's the greatest person I know, and you clearly don't care about that."

"Jace." I said and he turned towards me.

"Alec, I swear, I didn't mean for it to happen. She pinned me against the house and kissed me. You know that I would never hurt you that way." He said and I just could hear the hurt in his voice. He felt bad, which made me feel worse.

"I know that Jace." I said. "But don't blame Clary."

"Don't blame Clary? She cheated on you. She kissed me." Jace said and I looked at Clary.

"Please, just don't blame Clary." I said again. She looked hurt, and I just wanted to protect them both.

"Alec, you deserve so much better than her." Jace said and I knew that he was angry, and he had every right to be, he didn't know the truth.

"If you'd just let me explain." Clary said and I could hear it in her voice that she was about to cry.

"Do enlighten me on why you kissed me when you're dating my brother?" Jace asked almost sarcastically.

"I – I…." Clary stuttered, but hung her head. "I can't."

"Exactly." Jace said. "Do yourself a favor Alec, and break up with her. Now." Jace said and he stormed away. Once he was gone, I turned to Clary and she started crying.

"What happened Clary?" I asked as I pulled him into a hug.

"I saw you making out with Magnus." She said and I tensed. "I was going on a walk to get away from the people. And Jace insisted he come with so I said sure, and we were about to turn and I saw you so I pushed him back, and when he asked if I was fine." She explained. "When he started to move again I did the only thing I could think of, and I kissed him."

"Oh Clare." I said and she continued to cry.

"I figured he'd be mad, but I thought that was better than him finding out." She sobbed.

"Clary, I'm so sorry that I put you in this situation." I said.

"It isn't your fault." She said.

"Yes it is. If I wasn't so scared to come out, he would know, and you wouldn't have to suppress your feelings for him." I said.

"I'm not here to ruin anything for you Alec." She said. "If and when you're ready to come out is up to you. I'm not going to force that on you because I have feelings for your brother."

"You do have feelings for him?" I asked. It was the first time I heard her say it.

"I do." She said quietly and I just hugged her tightly.

"Oh Clary." I said. This was the first time she's opened herself up since her last boyfriend, and I was so proud of her.

"I think I should go back to the city." She said.

"Clary." I said and she pulled away.

"I don't want to cause conflict. I've done enough damage." She said.

"You want me to drive you to the airport?" I asked.

"That'd be great." She said and I put my arm around her shoulders and walked her to the house. I felt incredibly guilty for being so selfish. I didn't even think Clary would get feelings for anyone in my hometown. I was just thinking about myself, and it was the worst thing I've ever done.

Time Jump – Next Day

Jace POV:

Izzy and Simon were leaving for their honeymoon today so I was going over to say goodbye. I wasn't going to let my negative feelings towards Clary for Izzy, and if I saw her, I would simply pay her no mind. I walked into the house and Izzy's luggage was all over the place. I went father in and everyone was in the living room, everyone but the redhead.

"Hey." I said and everyone turned to me.

"Glad you're here, now we can leave." Izzy said and I laughed.

"Have a great time Iz." I said as she gave me a hug.

"I plan on it." Izzy said and I laughed. The family started loading the car with bags, and I hated that my curiosity was getting the better of me. I walked over to Alec when everyone was gone.

"Where is Clary?" I asked and he had a sadness in her eyes.

"I took her to the airport last night. She's back in New York." He said and I nodded. "Look, I know you don't like her right now, but don't hate her."

"Alec." I said but he cut me off.

"You don't know the whole story." He said. "And that isn't Clary's fault. It's mine."

"What does that mean?" I asked confused.

"I want to tell you, but I'm just not ready." He said and I nodded. I could see it in his eyes that he wanted to tell me, but I wasn't going to push.

After Izzy was all packed, we said our final goodbyes and Alec and I watched Maryse pull out of the driveway and head to the airport. Alec and I went back in to the house and he picked up another bag.

"Don't tell me she forgot something." I said and Alec laughed.

"No. This is mine." He said.

"I thought you were here until the 17th." I said.

"I was supposed to be, but I need to get home." He said.

"To Clary." I said not hiding the annoyance in my voice.

"Yes, and amongst other things. I have a life, and a job in New York." He said.

"You need to break up with her dude. She isn't right for you. A cheater will always be a cheater. I know from personal experience." I said.

"I know you mean well, but you don't know anything about her Jace. Just trust my judgment." He said.

"I trust you. I don't trust her, and I have a good reason not too." I said and he sighed.

"I know." Alec said.

"Look, let me take you to the airport." I said. "I won't say anything about Clary anymore, just let me spend a little more time with you."

"I'd like that." He said and we got into my car.

"You need to start coming around more often." I said and he smiled.

"I'll be back in two months for Max's birthday." He said.

"Without Clary." I said.

"You promised." Alec said.

"That was the last one." I said.

"And yes, without Clary." Alec said and I nodded. I just wanted what was best for him and Clary wasn't it.

Time Jump – Two Months Later

Clary POV:

"When are you leaving?" I asked as I sat across from Alec.

"My flight leaves at 9 tonight." He said.

"That's late." I said.

"I didn't want to have to answer all the questions when I got there. Jace is still upset, and my family is wondering why he has such negative feelings towards you." He said and I sighed. "Look, I'm sorry about everything Clary."

"It's not your fault." I said.

"I should have come clean." Alec said.

"You're happy aren't you?" I asked.

"Very." He said and I saw him smile like he's never smiled before.

"Than it was all worth it." I said.

"I just hate that you're unhappy." Alec said.

"The world is unfair Alec. Everyone can't always be happy." I said. "Look, I have a shoot tonight, so I have to run. Text me when you land."

"Will do Clare." He said.

"I'm happy for you Alec." I said and he smiled. We parted ways and I made my way to the building I was doing the photo shoot in. It had been a long two months, and as happy as I was for Alec, that didn't mean I wasn't a little upset myself.

Time Jump – After Flight

Alec POV:

I got to the airport and started making my way to the entrance when I saw Jace. I made my way over to him and gave him a hug.

"Good flight?" Jace asked.

"Yea." I said. I pulled my phone out and texted Clary.

"You good?" He asked.

"Just promised Clary I'd text her when I landed." I said.

"You're still with her?" He asked.

"Jace. I get that you're mad, but don't take it out on her." I said.

"Whatever dude. It's your life." He said and he walked away. I grabbed my bags and followed him out. We got back to the house and I went inside and he pulled out of the driveway without a word. I needed to tell him. I was going to tell him.

Time Jump – A Couple Days Later

Jace POV:

I was taking Birdie out for a walk and I was going back towards the pond where I found Alec sitting. I made my way over to him and joined him on the bench. I grabbed Birdie and put her on my lap where she rested her head. We sat in silence until I heard Alec sigh.

"Jace." He said and I looked at him but he kept his eyes on the lake. "I'm gay." He said and I was shocked.

"What?" I said because it was the only thing I could think of.

"I'm gay." He said again as he looked me in the eye. "That's why you shouldn't hate Clary."

"Does she know?" I asked.

"Yea." He said. "She came as my pretend girlfriend so mom would stop asking questions."

"But…." I said and he shook his head.

"The reason Clary kissed you was because when you were about to turn that corner, you would have seen Magnus and I making out." He said.

"The wedding planner?" I asked and Alec smiled.

"Yea." He simply said.

"So Clary was what, covering for you?" I asked.

"Yea." He said. "I told her that I was scared to come out to my town, and she understood that. She agreed to be my girlfriend in exchange for setting me up on a date." He laughed. "But she kinda got screwed out of both deals."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, she didn't get to set me up on a date, and the first guy she's had feelings for in years hates her." He said. I sat there and took in all the information.

"Why wouldn't you tell me sooner?" I asked.

"I was scared." He said. "From the day I figured it out myself, I knew that I was going to be ridiculed for it. This is a tiny town. People talk." He said and I nodded in agreement. "When I left for college, and ended up at NYU, everything just clicked. I met Clary, and told her and she accepted me with arms wide opened. She was even my wingman at a bunch of gay bars all over the city when I decided that I wanted to start dating." He said and I laughed. "She's one of my best friends Jace. She was protecting me. She just didn't expect you."

"I didn't expect her either." I said honestly. "When I saw her at the airport I was captivated. Izzy told me I couldn't mess it up for you. But the more I got to know her, the more my feelings grew. I don't know what it is about her, but she's different."

"She's guarded." Alec said. "Things that have happened in the past have made her cautious, but I've never seen her so open like how she is with you." He said.

"I'm an idiot." I said and Alec laughed.

"Only a little." He said. "Clary mostly blames herself for how everything happened."

"She shouldn't." I said. "Everything just got misunderstood."

"I told her that it wasn't her fault, but she keeps insisting that life isn't meant to be fair for everyone." He said. "That girl is convinced she is going to be alone forever. She even started looking into buying a cat for companionship."

"She doesn't peg me as a cat lady." I said and he laughed.

"So what are you going to do about it?" He asked and I looked at him.

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

"Look, I know I've never seen Clary like this, but I've also never seen you this way about a girl." He said. "That means something."

"We live in two different states." I said. "Long distance hurts relationships."

"It doesn't have too, and who says either of your have roots planted?" He said. "Things change."

"She's a photographer for a major magazine." I said. "I doubt she's moving. She's amazing."

"You've read Vogue?" He asked and I felt my cheek heat up.

"I wanted to see her work, so I stole some of Izzy's." I said and he laughed.

"See, you would never read a Vogue magazine if it weren't for Clary." Alec said.

"This weekend Clary has this huge shoot. She's been pretty nervous and excited for it, and I know it would mean a lot of you were there." Alec said.

"You just want me to show up at her doorstep?" I asked.

"Romantic gestures are always a hit with the ladies." He said and I laughed.

"How would you know? You're gay." I said and he smiled.

"Doesn't mean I don't know what they like. If anything, I'm more in tuned because I am gay." He said and I laughed.

"I'm glad you told me man." I said. "I feel like that wall between us is finally gone."

"I'm sorry about that. I was just nervous." He said. "It as a huge step. One that I wasn't ready to take. Moving to a new city gave me the opportunity."

"And now?" I asked.

"I have someone. Someone who means a lot to me. Someone I'm not ashamed to tell the world I'm dating." He said. "It means all the difference when you have that kind of support."

"Well, you always have my support." I said.

"Thanks man." Alec said. "I don't know if I'm ready to tell anyone else yet."

"So why tell me?" I asked.

"Because unlike everyone else, you were suffering because of it." He said. "And so was Clary."

"Alec." I said but he shook his head again.

"And before you get mad that she forced me to come out, she actually said the opposite. This was my way of apologizing to her." He said. "This was my decision."

"Well, my threats still extend to Magnus. If he hurts you, I hurt him." I said and Alec laughed.

"And if you hurt Clary, you won't be able to have sex for the rest of you life, and you'll be the butt of her sexual jokes." He said and I laughed.

"I'll keep that in mind." I said and he smiled. "Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me."

"You're my brother, and my best friend. I've hated keeping it from you, I was just scared."

"I know." I said. "And it's okay to be scared." He nodded and than stood up.

"I should head back." Alec said and I nodded. "You going to accompany back to New York?"

"I think I will." I said and he smiled. He waved and than it was just Birdie and I. things were definitely different now, and I wasn't going to ruin it.

Time Jump – Weekend

Clary POV:

I was lugging my bags around all day, and I was exhausted, but it was completely worth it. I couldn't believe that I was involved in this amazing project, with all these incredibly people, and equally incredibly photographers. It was a dream, and I couldn't wait to wake up and do it all again tomorrow. I was walking to my car and I felt something run into my legs. I looked down and there stood a dog.

"Birdie?" I questioned and her tail kept wagging. I put my bag down and started petting her. "What are you doing here?" I asked fully knowing she wouldn't answer.

"To apologize." I heard and I looked up and there stood Jace.

"What are you doing here?" I asked and he smiled.

"Alec told me everything when he came back for Max's birthday." He said and I nodded. "That was really cool of you to do for him."

"He's one of my best friends." I said. "I'd do anything for him. He's been there countless times for me, it was the least I could do."

"I'm sorry I blew up at you." He said.

"You had every right too." I said. "You were taking the information you had, and formulated your own opinion on what I did." I said. "I don't blame you one bit."

"You might not, but that doesn't mean I don't feel bad about it." He said. "I was rude and mean to you. For doing something for my brother when he was terrified."

"Like I said, I'd do anything for him." I said.

"Let me make it up for you." He said.

"How so?" I asked.

"Let me take you out." He said.

"Really?" I asked.

"Really. I know you felt something." He said. "We deserve to see where it goes."

"Okay, but I'm pretty busy this weekend." I said and he laughed.

"Alec told me." He said. "I'm here until Tuesday. Monday night work for you?" He asked.

"Monday is perfect." I said.

"Can I take you home?" He asked.

"My car is right over there." I said and he smiled.

"Than how about you take me home." He said and I laughed.

"How did you get here?" I asked as we started walking.

"Alec dropped me off." He said and I nodded.

"You staying with him?" I asked and he nodded. We got into the car and Birdie was propped up on Jace's lap taking in the New York scenery. The drive to Alec's was short, and silent, but we didn't need to talk. I hummed to the song on the radio, and he help tight to Birdie so she didn't fly out the window, and everything finally felt right.

Time Jump – Three Years Later

Clary POV:

"Last one." I shouted and than snapped the last picture of the night. It was another late shift, and all I wanted was get home.

"Thank you so much for the patients everyone!" Camille yelled. All the models walked away and I started taking down my equipment. "Thanks for staying late Clare. We were in desperate need to get these photos done and I didn't want to push it until tomorrow."

"It's not a problem Camille." I said. "It's my job."

"Yes, but as a reward, I don't need you in until noon tomorrow." She said.

"Thanks Camille." I said and she smiled.

"Get some much needed sleep." She said and I nodded.

When I finished packing my stuff, I headed towards my car. When I sat down, I felt like I haven't been off my feet in years. I mean, I was standing for like 9 hours, so that was pretty close to years. I made my way home and was so thrilled when I stuck that key into the door. I walked in expecting to enter a dark home, but there was a light on. I followed it and found Jace sleeping on the couch with Birdie cuddled into his side. I put my stuff down and she lifted her head and ran over to me.

"Hi Birdie." I said as I picked her off the ground. I made my way over to the couch and took a seat, but Jace didn't stir. "How about a nice wake up lick?" I said to Birdie. I put her up to his face and she started licking him.

"What the hell?" Jace said and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Why aren't you in bed?" I asked when he woke up.

"I was watching a movie." He said. "I guess I was more tired than I thought."

"Was it as least a good movie?" I asked.

"Not really." He said and I laughed. "How was the shoot?"

"Long, but I don't have to go in until noon tomorrow. So that's a bonus." I said and he smiled.

"Come on, lets go to bed." He said and he took my hand and we made our way to our room. Jace brushed his teeth and crawled into bed while I got dressed. Birdie was curled next to him and Jace was sleepily petting her. After I was finished, I turned the light out and crawled in bed with him. Birdie made her way to the bottom of the bed, and I curled into Jace's side.

"I love you." I said and I felt him smile.

"I love you too." Jace said. I closed my eyes with the biggest smile on my face. Everything was perfect, and I had absolutely nothing to complain about. Birdie started barking loudly and Jace groaned.

"Birdie." Jace said. "Be quiet." She continued to bark, so Jace got up and picked her up and put her outside out door. He got back into bed and we could still hear her barking. Dogs have a tendency to know when things are changing, and I think she sensed the changes in me. "Jeez, what's gotten into her?"

"I think she knows something's up." I said.

"What do you mean?" He asked seeming more alert.

"I'm pregnant." I said and he shot up.

"You're what?" He said.

"I'm pregnant." I said again and even in the dark I could see the joy in his golden eyes.

"We're having a baby?" He asked and I laughed.

"Yea." I said and he tackled me on to the bed, but immediately stopped.

"Did I hurt the baby?" He asked.

"I'm only like a month along." I said. "The baby didn't feel anything." I assured him. "Which means I have a whole new sea of jokes I can explore."

"Oh my god." He said and I laughed.

"Wanna hear my favorite?" I asked.

"Always." He said.

"What's the difference between a pregnant woman and a light bulb?" I asked.

"No idea." He said.

"You can unscrew the light bulb." I said and Jace laughed.

"I wouldn't dare unscrew you." He said as he pressed his lips to my forehead. His hand rested on my flat stomach and I could tell he was smiling. I closed my eyes and thought about what our future was going to be like, and nothing made me happier.

Authors Note:

I have no idea if someone requested a story like this, but I thought about it last night, and I got really excited, and now here we are! Let me know what you all think and leave a review! :)