Ninety Seventh One Shot:

Closed Off

Jace POV:

We finally moved out of that god forsaken town where nothing good ever happens. Maryse wanted to move us sooner, but I had to stay in town for the trials, and that alone took nearly 3 years. But now we are moving into out new home, and for the first time, I finally felt like I might be safe.

Nobody really knows what happened to me. I've asked to keep it completely under wraps because I didn't want anyone knowing my personal business. Everyone understood that, and even Maryse and Robert didn't know the true extent of my history, and I planned on keeping it that way.

Maryse still knew that being in that town was a detriment to my recovery, and when she asked the rest of the family if it was okay if we moved and they were all on board, and I was thankful that they were so willing to move. Even if they knew it wasn't because of me. We were in a new town, and new state, and it was time for a fresh start.

I was getting the boxes out of the back of the moving truck when I heard more voices, voices that I knew didn't belong to my family. When I emerged from the truck there were people coming out of the house next door to us. My new neighbors.

"Vanessa slow down!" I heard a girl say, and when I saw her, she looked about my age, and she had the brightest red hair I've ever seen.

"But Clary, you promised we'd go to the movies!" The little girl said.

"I'm well aware, but the movie doesn't start until 3 baby girl, and it's currently only 1." The girl, Clary, said. "We don't want to have to sit around waiting until it starts."

"Jonny promised we'd go get ice cream before hand!" The little girl whined.

"Of course Jonny did." Clary said and I could imagine she was rolling her eyes.

"Come on!" The girl ran back and started pulling her hand towards the car.

"Why don't we go say hello to our new neighbors?" Clary said and that's when I realized I was just standing there watching them. Then I felt a hand on my leg.

"Hi, I'm Vanessa Morgenstern, what's your name?" The little girl asked and she was so cute, I couldn't help but smile.

"I'm Jace." I said.

"This is my big sister Clary." She said as she pointed to the redhead.

"It's very nice to meet you Clary." I said and she blushed, and I found it incredibly adorable.

"You as well Jace." She said. "I'm guessing you just got in?" She asked.

"Yea. About two hours ago." I said. "We are just finishing unpacking."

"Where did you move from?" She asked.

"Indiana." I said.

"That's quite the change." She said and I nodded.

"It was necessary." I said and she nodded.

"Alright Morgenclan, let's go!" I heard a deep voice say.

"That's my brother, Jonathan." She said with a smile. "Your family should come over for dinner sometime as a welcome to the neighborhood." She said.

"I'll ask them." I said and she nodded.

"Come on baby girl, let's go get you that ice cream." Clary said as she scooped Vanessa up into her arms and she giggled.

"Bye Jacey!" She said as she waved, and I waved back. They got in the car and were off, and the Lightwood's walked back out of the house.

"Who were you talking to?" Izzy asked.

"Our new neighbors." I said.

"Are they friendly?" Maryse asked.

"I only met the children, but they seemed nice enough." I told her. "They want to have us over for dinner this week as a welcome to the neighborhood."

"That's very sweet of them." Maryse said and I nodded. "But that doesn't get you out of unpacking this truck. I would like to be done by dinner time people!" She said and everyone went back to work. I think living here could be good for me, but I just hope that I wasn't wrong.

Time Jump – New Neighbor Dinner

Clary POV:

My mom and the women next door, Maryse, hit it off very well when they talked for the first time. It was nice that they got along. Having bad neighbors sucks, and when the old ones moved out, we were thrilled. They were coming over for dinner tonight and I couldn't wait to get to know them better. It's been awhile since we had kids our own age around here, and I think that Vanessa would benefit from that, even if they weren't close to her age per say.

The door bell rang indicating that they were here, and since my parents were still cooking, and Jon was entertaining Vanessa, it was my job to get the door. I walked over, and opened it and was surprised to see how many people were there. They had been spending the majority of their time in doors, so I have gotten the best view of them, and I certainly didn't know they had such a big family.

"Welcome." I said as I gestured for them to come in. "Glad you could make it."

"Thank you for having us. You must be Clary. Your mother spoke very highly of you." Maryse said.

"I am." I said. "And she's always hyping me up to people, I promise, I'm not as interesting as she makes me out to be." I said and they all laughed. "Everyone is in the back." I said and Maryse started to make her way outside.

"I'm Izzy." The other girl of the family said. "We haven't really had time to make introductions."

"Completely understandable." I said. "It's nice to meet you Izzy."

"I can't tell you how nice it is to finally know another girl. I'm surrounded by boys all day." She said and I laughed.

"Didn't you have any girlfriends back home?" I asked as we walked to the back.

"Nope. They were all bitches." She said and I laughed.

"Well, I don't know how fantastic I'll be at being a friend, I don't really get out much, I babysit my sister a lot, but being neighbors is all a good start." I said and she nodded in excitement.

We got out back and Jace and the other boy were talking to Jon, while the smaller boy was sitting with the adults looking bored. It must suck being so much younger than your siblings. I think that's one reason why I like spending so much time with Vanessa, it gives her to attention that she needs in order to grow up without becoming socially awkward.

"What's your little brothers name?" I asked Izzy.

"That's Max. He's 9." She said and I nodded. I walked over and kneeled in front of him.

"I'm about to take my little sister to our tree house, you wanna tag along?" I asked and his eyes lit up.

"Can I mom?" Max asked.

"Where is this tree house?" She asked.

"It's in the woods. I take Vanessa there all the time." I said and she looked at my parents who nodded in agreement.

"Okay." She said and Max jumped up. He grabbed my hand and we walked over to the older boys, since Vanessa was still clinging to Jon.

"Come on baby girl, we're going to go our new friend the tree house." I said and she unattached herself from Jon and grabbed my hand. "Text me when dinner's ready."

"Will do." Jon said and I started walking to the tree house with the little ones.

Jace POV:

After Clary left with the kids Izzy came over and joined in the conversation. It was mostly Alec and Jon talking about sports, since they were in the same year, Jon was talking all about what school was going to be life for seniors and stuff. I wasn't really interested.

"Yo Jace, do you play any sports?" Jon asked.

"Not really." I admitted.

"Really? You look like you do." Jon pointed out.

"I like to work out, but I don't particularly like sports." I said and he nodded.

"Your brother here tells me he plays soccer. He any good?" Jon asked.

"He was the best player at our old high school." I said. "He was being scouted as a sophomore."

"That's impressive." Jon said and I nodded. "You have to try out for the team."

"I was planning on it." Alec said. "I want to go to college on a soccer scholarship." He explained.

"Me too." Jon said. "What are your top choices?" He asked.

"Syracuse, Duke, and Notre Dame." Alec said.

"No way, Notre Dame is one of my top picks too." Jon said.

"Nice." Alec said and I pretty much tuned the conversation out, until I realized I had to pee.

"Jon, where is your bathroom?" I asked.

"Second floor, 3rd door on the left." He said and I nodded.

I made my way into the house and up the stairs. I was heading towards the bathroom when a bright color caught my eye. Normally I'm not one to pry, but I couldn't help but wonder what it was. I walked into the room, and the whole place was a hot mess. It took everything in me not to start cleaning it. What really caught my eye though was all the drawings on the walls. Mainly pictures of the family, but some were of people I clearly wasn't going to recognize. They were incredibly well done, and so realistic. I saw a picture on the dresser and that's how I figured out I was in Clary's room. She had some serious talent, and when Maryse told us about what Jocelyn said about Clary, I could tell she wasn't exaggerating, Clary was just being modest.

I finally decided that I probably should in fact pee, like I was planning on doing so they wouldn't send a search party for me. I went to the bathroom, and by the time I got back downstairs, Clary was emerging from the woods with Max and Vanessa, and everyone was gathering at the table to eat dinner. I took my seat next to Jon and than Clary sat in the seat next to me.

"Mom, you have to go see that tree house. It's awesome." Max said.

"Maybe another time sweetheart." Maryse said and Max nodded.

I pretty much tuned out the whole dinner conversation. Small talk wasn't really for me, and if I was asked a question, I would answer, but since I was a pretty uninteresting person, the questions were few and far between. When dinner was over we all made our way inside and took a seat in the living room. I couldn't help but notice that this family, was literally the perfect family.

Jon was the oldest. Star athlete, great grades, was going to take over the Morgenstern family company when he graduated from whatever college he was going to go to and study business. He had everything in the palm of his hand.

Clary was the spitting image of her mother. And she had a talent that was out of this world. She was kind, and intelligent, and beautiful, and an over all good girl that was raised right, and knew how to act and treat others respectfully, not to mention that she was amazing with kids. The world was her oyster, and all she had to do was set her mind to something, and she could achieve it.

Vanessa, she was only 5 I think, but she still had everything going for her. She had two amazing parents, and amazing siblings to raise her the right way. She had Jon to protect her if anything went wrong, she had Clary to teach her everything she needed to know, and she had parents who provided for her, no matter what. She never had to worry about being alone, or unloved, or anything like that.

Just being around them made me jealous. I wish I was raised like them. I wish my father gave me the world, or hell just tried to give me what he could and loved me unconditionally. I would never get that. I would never truly have a family. The Lightwood's have been remarkable. They've treated me right, they've helped me through a lot, and they've provided for me. I don't know where I'd be without them, but that doesn't replace the fact that I didn't have a family, or the fact that the family that I did have, wasn't a good one. I was deprived of my childhood, and that was something I'd have to live with forever.

"Jace." I heard and I looked at Maryse. "Max is sleepy, do you mind taking him home and getting him ready for bed?" She asked.

"Of course not." I stood up and Max did as well. "Come on dude, let's get you to bed." I said and he nodded.

"Goodnight Clary, thank you for showing me the tree house today." She said in a sleepy voice as he gave her a hug.

"You're welcome to come alone with Vanessa and I any time you want." Clary said and Max smiled a sleepy smile and nodded. We walked back over to the house where Max got ready for bed in zombie form. I got him into bed, and pulled the covers over him.

"Night Max." I said and he nodded and fell asleep. I walked out of his room and made my way to mine. I got ready for bed in the same manor that Max did, but unlike him, that was my normal routine. I always walked around like this. I knew that being here was supposed to improve my attitude and everything, but there were so many years of damage so undo, that it might take the rest of my life to get to a place that isn't dark, and depressing.

Time Jump – Two Months Later

Clary POV:

School had been going fine. I was so annoyed that I had two more years of high school, but I had to suffer just like every other teenager does, and I could live with that, but that didn't mean I had to like it.

Alec, and Izzy seemed to be adjusting well to school. Alec made the soccer team, and got along great with all the guys on the team, him and Jon were becoming really good friends, and I was happy for him. Izzy was on the field hockey team, and she liked some of the girls. She always had a dozen stories to tell me when we got home from school, and I welcomed them all in, and laughed along with her while we were on babysitting duty. Jace on the other hand, he was a mystery. The first day of school I couldn't go one period without hearing about the 'hot new kid'. He barely gave anyone the time of day, but he wasn't rude about it. He just liked to keep to himself.

Izzy and I were watching Vanessa and Max today, so we decided to take them to the park. It was nice that Max liked playing with Vanessa. Even though he was nearly 4 years older than her, if she asked to play in the sandbox, he always said yes. It was really pretty sweet.

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked Izzy as we sat on the bench.

"Of course." She said.

"What's up with Jace?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" She questioned.

"I don't know. He just seems really introverted, but plenty of people at school want to be his friend. So it's not like he has a hard time with that." I said.

"That's just how he is." She said. "He came to us when he was 12." She said. "He's adopted." She further explained, but I kinda already picked up on that. "He was pretty freaked out for about 2 years with us. He was paranoid that he was going to be removed again, and that he was never going to find a family." She said and my heart broke for him. "When my parents sat him down and asked if he would be okay with them adopting him, everyone thought he was going to be jumping for joy, but he kinda just sat there and nodded." She said. "Almost like he was indifferent to the idea, but we learned later on that that's just how he is." She said. "He's not very interested in anything. He's never had a girlfriend, he's never played sports, never joined a club, never went to a school dance." She explained. "He's just a loner, but a polite loner."

"That's so odd to me." I said. "He seems like he would be a social butterfly with how many people beg for his attention at school." I said and she laughed.

"That's what we thought too, but Jace is just the type of person that likes to keep to himself. He's been that way since we've met him." I nodded because clearly the only person that I would ever get information out of about Jace was Jace and I didn't think that was a possibility that this moment. We've talked occasionally here and there, but never about anything important. Just the causal stuff that people asked when in passing, and hearing what Izzy said, it made sense. He was polite, but he kept to himself, and I wanted to know why.

Time Jump – Christmas Time

Jace POV:

Christmas was the worst time of the year. I hated it more than anything, but the worst part is, the Lightwood's were Christmas fanatics. They went all out with decorations, and I just sat there and bit my tongue. They didn't have to take me in, and give me a home, so in turn I wasn't going to tell them how much I hated the holidays and ruin it for them. They were normally down right after the new year anyway, so I sucked it up.

Today, I just couldn't stand the Christmas songs, so I decided to just take a nice long break outside and smoke. It was a nasty habit really, but one that I couldn't break no matter how hard I tried. It was calming, and it kept my anxiety at bay, so that was helpful. Everything was so quiet in the snow, and I felt like I was the only person in the world, something that made me feel invincible, until I remembered that I wasn't.

"You okay?" I heard from behind me and when I turned around, Clary was standing on her deck.

"Yea. Just needed a smoke." I said as I held up the cigarette.

"Those things will kill you." She said with a laugh as I took another puff.

"Not if my anxiety gets me first." I said as I let the smoke out of my mouth.

"Is smoking a remedy for anxiety?" She asked as she made her way over to me.

"It is for me." I said.

"Christmas overload in your house too?" She asked and I nodded. "I've never been a fan of this holiday. But my family loves it, and it kinda drives me crazy." She said.

"Me either." I said.

"What is your favorite holiday?" She asked, and it was weird talking to her like this, but she made it really easy, and it was a nice distraction.

"I don't think I really have one if I'm being honest." I said and she nodded. "What about you?" I asked, wanting to know what it was.

"Halloween." She said with the biggest smile on her face.

"Why Halloween?" I wondered.

"I just love the scary movies, the costumes, the whole mythology of Halloween, and the ghost stories." She said. "Plus, I love taking Vanessa out trick or treating because I get all the candy that she isn't allowed to have." She said with a laugh.

"I do the same thing with Max." I said. "Alec and Izzy normally have party plans on Halloween, and since I'm not much of a partier, I take Max out."

"Yea, Jon goes nuts on Halloween, but I prefer to take Vanessa out." She said. "Next year we should go together. We can coordinate costumes so we look real official." She said and I laughed.

"If you think of a cool idea, I'm all for it." I said without even thinking about it, but it made her so happy, that I was actually willing to do it.

"Oh, it'll be the best costume you've ever worn." She said and I had no doubt that she was right. "What was your favorite costume growing up?" She asked and I involuntarily froze, I knew this might come up.

"Uh…" I said trying to find the right thing to say.

"It's okay, we don't have to talk about it if you don't want too." She said and I nodded. I couldn't really find the words to say, so I just didn't say anything.

"Claaaaaary!" I heard Vanessa say in a song voice. "It's time to decorate the treeeeee!" She said and Clary groaned.

"Well, I'm back to torture." She said and I smiled. "I'll see you around Jace."

"See ya." I said and she ran to the deck.

"Come on baby girl, let's get that tree decorated." She said and Vanessa giggled. I put out my cigarette and went back in the house. It smelled like cookies and pine needles, and I knew this was going to be a long Christmas.

Time Jump – Three Days Before Christmas

Clary POV:

Vanessa and my mom went to visit my grandmother today, and my dad and Jon were at the office doing something that I didn't really understand and I was alone for the first time in a long time, and I didn't know what to do with myself.

I decided that I was going to go to the tree house and sketch a little bit. It was one of my favorite spots to sketch, and in the snow it would be perfect, and since I had the alone time to do it, I figured I'd take advantage of that.

It was a little chilly, but I had a heated blanket with me, and I was bundled so I was pretty content. I had some music playing softly when I heard a branch break from down below me. I put my sketchbook down and looked through the hole to see Jace walking around.

"Hey!" I called, and I think I startled him because he nearly jumped 4 feet in the air. "Why are you wondering the woods?" I asked.

"Don't scare me like that Clary." He said while he caught his breath.

"You wanna join?" I offered and he looked around before climbing up. "I feel like whenever I see you, you're like constantly fighting an inner battle."

"What kind of inner battle?" He asked.

"One that tells you to run as far away from me as possible so we don't have to talk, but the other side is telling you to stay and talk." I said. "I feel like you're always conflicted, because getting you to talk about something is like pulling teeth, but you always do it anyway."

"I don't normally talk to people." He said. "It's just how I am."

"So am I the only one that witnesses this inner battle?" I asked.

"Yea." He simply said.

"Soooooo…." I said after a moment. "What brings you to the woods?" I asked.

"Just needed some air." He said.

"Does your house lack oxygen or something? You always need air." I said with a laugh, and he chuckled but I knew it was forced.

"I don't like being cooped up." He said.

"Is something going on Jace?" I finally asked. "You've been on edge for the past couple weeks."

"I told you. I don't like this holiday." He said.

"You can talk to me Jace." I said. "I know we barely know each other, but I'm always open to listening if you need to get something off your chest."

"You wouldn't understand." He said.

"I don't have too." I said. "Just having someone there to listen is more helpful than bottling it all up."

"I don't like talking about it Clary." He said in a sad tone. "It's something I want to keep buried, and if I talk about it, I just dig it right back up." He hung his hand. I reached over and placed my hand in his and at first he flinched, but than he relaxed.

"Jace." I said in a reassuring tone, and he looked up at me. Sadness evident in his golden eyes. "What is it about this holiday that has you so worked up?" I asked and he just hung his head again, I figured I wasn't going to get an answer, but I was going to let him know I was there for him, but than he started speaking.

"My father." He said. "My real father. I was taken out of his care when I was 5 years old." He said. "He liked to hit me." He said and my heart nearly shattered. "And when he wasn't beating me, I was locked in the basement." He further explained, and that's when my heart shattered. "It was around this time that I was removed from the house. That's why I don't like this holiday."

"I'm so sorry Jace." I said.

"I hate when people do that." He said.

"Do what?" I asked.

"Apologize for something they didn't do." He said.

"But it's true. I'm sorry that it happened to you." I said. "Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me." I said and he nodded.

"You're very easy to talk too." He said with a laugh. "You should be a therapist."

"I kinda want to do that." I admitted.

"Really?" He asked.

"Yea. I want to be an art therapist." I said.

"That's a thing?" He asked and I laughed and nodded.

"Yea. It combines my two favorite things. Art and helping people." I said and he nodded.

"You're really talented." He said.

"How do you know that?" I asked curiously.

"When we came over for the first time for dinner, I needed the bathroom and I passed your room and it blew me away." He said. "Not just the art work, but how messy you are." He said and I laughed. "Honestly woman, you could get lost in there."

"I can't help it. I've never been very clean." I said and he laughed. "But if you think I'm good, you should see my mom. She's amazing. I hope to be as talented as she is one day."

"I think you can do it." He said and I smiled.

"Well, if you ever feel the need to get away, my tree house is always available for you." I told him. "I understand the need to get away sometimes, and this just seems like the perfect place."

"Thank you Clary." He said and I nodded and at that moment my phone rang.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Clary, Vanessa and I are headed home. We're picking up something for dinner, have any opinion?" My mom asked.

"Not really mom." I said. "You know I'm not a picky eater." I said and she laughed.

"Okay. See you in a little." She said as we hung up.

"I should head home." I said. "But feel free to chill up here for as long as you like." I said.

"Thanks." He said. "For listening and sharing your tree house."

"What are friends for?" I asked but before he could answer I was climbing down the ladder and heading home. I couldn't get the smile off my face after talking with Jace. I knew there was more going on with him, and I wanted to peel those layers back, but I would do it on his time, but I liked the direction our friendship was going.

Time Jump – Later That Night

Jace POV:

I was finally going home after spending the whole day in the tree house. It was weird. It actually made me feel at some level like I was at home. Which was something that I never had before. I didn't know if it was because of the tree house or because of Clary. There was something about her that was different. Yea we're completely different people, I've been through shit in my life that no one should ever have to deal with, and she's never experienced a painful experience ever, but I felt comfortable around her. Almost like my past didn't matter, and I liked that feeling.

I thought everyone would be in bed by the time that I got back, but the second I walked into the kitchen the lights flickered on and there sat Alec and Izzy. I wanted to avoid the interrogation, but evidently that wasn't going to happen with these two in the house.

"Where the hell have you been?" Izzy said.

"Out walking." I said.

"Jace, you left at like 2 this afternoon." Alec said.

"I'm well aware." I said.

"Mom was worried sick about you." Izzy said.

"Look, next time I'll leave a note." I said.

"If it weren't for Clary, we would have thought you were dead." Alec said.

"You talked to Clary?" I asked.

"Not really." Izzy said. "Mom saw her outside, and asked if she saw you. Clary said she saw you walking not to long ago, and that you were fine." She explained. "Mom was still worried though."

"I'll leave a note." I said. "I didn't mean to worry anyone. I just needed some air." I explained and they nodded. "I'm going to go to bed." I said and left the kitchen before they could say anything. I just wanted this day, hell this season to end.

Time Jump – Middle of April

Clary POV:

Izzy was going on and on about junior prom. I was starting to lose brain cells. Don't get me wrong, I loved Izzy, she's become one of my really good friends, but dances weren't for me, and she was trying to convince me to go for about two weeks now, and I was tired.

I saw Jace sitting at his normal table, alone like always, and decided to make a split second decision. I grabbed my stuff and headed over to him. When I put all my books down he looked up at me with a confused expression, and I smiled back at him.

"Izzy is slowly killing me with prom talk." I said and he laughed. "Mind if I sit here?" I asked.

"Not at all." He said and I pulled the chair out. "So prom, not your thing?" He asked.

"Dances in general aren't my thing." I admitted. "I have two left feet." I said and he laughed.

"Yea, dances aren't my thing either." He said. "Izzy's tried to force me to go to every one that our old high school offered, and surprisingly they offered a lot." He said and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Did you ever just give in? Cause I'm at the point where I'm about to give up and go just so she stops talking." I admitted.

"Bad idea." He assured me.

"I'll take your word for it." I said and he nodded. "Plus, I don't even have a date, and it's kinda lame to go alone."

"I'm sure someone would ask you." He said. "What about your friend Simon?" He asked.

"He has his eyes set on your dear sister." I said and he looked confused. "You don't know?" I asked and he shook his head. "They have a date this weekend."

"That's shocking." He said.

"Why is that?" I asked curiously.

"Izzy doesn't normally do the whole dating thing." He said. "She's always just kinda been a one night stand kind of girl."

"Well, she ran over to my house yesterday freaking out because Simon asked her out, and she seemed genuinely nervous about it." I said.

"That's because it's new to her." He said. "She isn't used to being taken out, and talked to by someone who genuinely is interested in her."

"That's horrible." I said, Izzy was a great girl, I can't imagine people not wanting to know her.

"The guys she usually goes after are dicks." He said. "Hopefully Simon will be eye opening for her." He said and I nodded.

"So everyone has a date, and I don't want to third wheel it." I said and he nodded.

"I'm on Max duty prom night." He said. "Maryse and Robert are going to visit Notre Dame with Alec that weekend, so even if I wanted to go to prom, I probably wouldn't."

"Maybe we could do something together." I suggested. "I'm going to be watching Vanessa as well. My parents and my brother are visiting Duke. Max and Vanessa can hang out again."

"Sounds great. After we see my sister off, we can have like a insane movie night." He said and I smiled.

"Can't wait." I said and the bell rang signaling lunch was over. We gathered our things and headed in opposite directions. I got to my next class and Izzy made a beeline for me.

"What were you and Jace laughing at during lunch?" She asked.

"We were just talking." I said. "We are both on babysitting duty the night of prom, so we're going to have a movie night with Max and Vanessa."

"Really?" She asked seeming surprised.

"Yea. It was his idea." I said.

"That's surprising." She said.

"Why?" I asked.

"He isn't really a people person." She said. "But for some reason he just accepts your company like he's known you your whole life."

"Is that a bad thing?" I asked.

"Not at all." She said. "I think it's a great thing. He needs more friends." She said and I smiled. The teacher walked in and started teaching, so Izzy turned around. I couldn't get over what Izzy said. I see how reserved Jace is during school, but when it comes to just us, and talking without anyone around, he much more open than he normally is, and I liked that I had that affect on him.

Time Jump – Junior Prom

Jace POV:

Simon was standing our living room waiting for Izzy, and he looked nervous as hell. He couldn't stand still, and he was constantly fixing his suit. I knew Izzy could be intimidating, but he was making me tired, and I was sitting on the sofa. I got up and walked over to him and grabbed him by the jacket.

"You're going to faint if you don't start breathing regularly." I said and he looked at me.

"I'm nervous." He said.

"I gathered that much." I said. "Look, you wouldn't be going to prom with Izzy if she didn't want to go with you." I said. "You already landed the girl, do not make her dump your ass on the dance floor."

"She wouldn't do that would she?" He asked nervously.

"Izzy is a heartbreaker." I said. "She'll stomp all over your heart with her high heeled boots." I said and he gulped. "But she likes you, otherwise she wouldn't have put so much time, effort, and energy into tonight. So calm down, take a few deep breathes, and enjoy the night."

"Thanks Jace." He said and I let him go.

"Don't mention it." I said. "Like to anyone."

"Got it." He said and that's when I heard the clicking. I took my seat back on the couch when Izzy came down the stairs. She looked amazing, but Izzy always knew how to dress for the occasion.

Maryse of course had me take a million pictures of the pair. I could tell that Simon was still nervous, but he was getting better, and I hoped that they had a great time. I really did. I finished taking the pictures, and sent a few to Maryse to get her approval.

"They look great together." I heard and Clary was making her way over to me with Vanessa.

"They match really well." I said and she laughed. "Vanessa, Max is in the living room picking out movies, why don't you go join him." I said. She nodded and skipped up the stairs. "I figured we'd just order pizza for dinner. It's easy, and something I think everyone likes."

"Sounds great." She said. "Vanessa isn't a picky eater." She said and I nodded.

"You sure you don't want to come Clare?" Izzy asked before they got into the car.

"I'm on babysitting duty." She said.

"Jace can watch Vanessa." She offered and as much as I didn't mind, I wanted to spend time with Clary.

"I'm good Iz. Have a great time, and we can talk all about it tomorrow." Clary said and Izzy nodded before getting in. Simon looked back at us, and Clary gave him two thumbs up. He nodded and made his way to the drivers side and they were off.

Clary and I made our way into my house and Max and Vanessa were on the floor looking through all the movie options. He had asked me beforehand if I would make him a fort, so I got to work on that, while Clary went and ordered the pizzas. Tonight was going to be a fun night, and I was looking forward to having one of those after all this time.

Time Jump – One Hour Later

Clary POV:

Jace had finally finished the fort, Max and Vanessa finally decided on all the movies that we were going to watch, and the doorbell finally ran, indicating that the pizza was here. I grabbed the money and headed towards the door. I opened it up and there stood the delivery boy, and the minute he looked at me, he got this look in his eyes.

"Good evening." He said. "What's your name?"

"Does it really matter?" I asked. "I just want my pizza." I said. I reached out for it but he pulled it back.

"Not until I get a name." He smirked.

"My name has nothing to do with your job of giving me my pizza." I said.

"Three pizza's is a little much for one little girl." He said.

"My name is not little girl." I said back, and the annoyance in my voice clearly brought him joy.

"Well, if I knew your real name, I wouldn't need pet names." He said in a cocky attitude. I was about to open my mouth when I was cut off.

"Mommy!" I heard and I was shocked as I turned around and saw Vanessa running towards me. "Is that our dinner?" She asked.

"It is baby girl." I asked as I picked her up and a moment later Jace walked in and put his arm around me.

"I got this babe, why don't you go get the kids ready." He said and I was so shocked, that I just nodded and walked back into the living room. I put Vanessa down and a moment later Jace walked back in.

"You did good kid." He said to Vanessa and he gave her a high five.

"You two are sneaky." I said and Vanessa giggled.

"I could hear him from here, so Vanessa and I decided to do something about it." Jace said and Vanessa had the biggest smile on her face. "Now it is dinner time." He said and Max and Vanessa cheered.

We got them ready and put in the first movie. Max and Vanessa were all snug in the fort, while Jace and I sat on the couch off to the side.

"Thank you." I said. "For doing that. He was being a creep." I said and Jace smiled.

"Of course." He said. "Plus, withholding food is a crime according to me." He said and I laughed.

"Why do guys have to be such pigs?" I asked and he shrugged.

"Not all of us are that way." He said.

"I know, but it's still annoying." I said.

"What he did was wrong, I agree, but he probably isn't used to your feisty attitude." He said and I blushed.

"Yea well, he wouldn't give me my pizza." I said and he laughed. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. I had to bring out the sass."

"The sass was much appreciated on this end." He said.

"Clary." I heard Vanessa say.

"What is it baby girl?" I asked.

"Can I have another piece?" She asked.

"Absolutely." I said as I got up and went into the kitchen to get her another slice. I walked back out and gave it to her. I sat back down next to Jace on the couch and we continued to watch the movie. Tonight was already a good night.

Time Jump – A Couple Weeks Later

Jace POV:

I was in the kitchen eating a snack when my phone rang. When I looked to see who it was, I was shocked to see her calling me after all this time.

"Hello?" I answered it.

"Hey Jace." She said. "How are you doing?"

"Amatis, why are you calling me?" I asked ignoring her question.

"I have bad news Jace." She said. "Michael Wayland is getting a hearing." She said. "He's trying to get parole."

"He's what?" I yelled and that seemed to get everyone's attention.

"Apparently he's up because of good behavior." She said.

"This can't be happening Amatis." I said as I shook my head.

"I'm so sorry Jace, but the lawyers are going to call and ask you if you want to testify to keep him in jail." She said. "I thought you should have a heads up."

"Thanks Amatis." I said and I hung up before slamming my hands on the table. "Fucking hell!" I yelled.

"Jace, what's wrong?" Maryse asked and I just look at them and ran. I couldn't be here right now. I needed to leave.

Clary POV:

It was a beautiful day out, so we were having a barbecue outside. It was nice having these days with my family. Especially since Jon was off to college this fall, and we wouldn't get chances like this all that often. Everything was going great until this loud bang came and Jace ran out of his house and disappeared into the woods. The rest of the Lightwood family ran outside but stopped when he disappeared.

"What's going on?" My dad asked.

"We have no idea. He got a phone call, and just lost it." Maryse said.

"Where did he go?" My mom asked.

"Probably to our tree house." I said and everyone looked at me. "I told him he could go there whenever he needed some space, or some air."

"That's probably where he's sneaking off to in the middle of the night." Izzy said.

"Why would he be going into the woods in the middle of the night?" Jon asked.

"He has insomnia." Alec said. "He barely sleeps."

"I don't mean to sound rude, or anything. But is he like all there? In the head?" Jon asked. "Or is he like on the spectrum?" I slapped his arm. "What? I'm just curious."

"Just because he doesn't really like people don't be he's autistic." I said.

"I was just asking." Jon said and I rolled my eyes.

"He's not autistic." Maryse said. "We don't know why he got so mad all of the sudden, but he generally doesn't get mad, so it must have been bad."

"I can go after him if you want." Alec said.

"I think Clary should go." Izzy said.

"Why me?" I asked.

"Because Jace is willing to open up to you about things he won't talk about with us." She said.

"I think you put a little too much faith in me." I said.

"You know why he was in the foster system right?" She asked and I was taken aback as to how she knew that.

"Yes but..."

"No buts. We don't even know why he was in the system." Izzy said. "You're the first person he ever told that too." She said. "He'll talk to you."

"I'm not making any promises. If he wants to be left alone, I'm going to leave him alone." I said and they all nodded. I started making my way to the tree house trying to figure out what the hell i was going to say to him.

When I got closer I could hear grunting. When Jace came into my sight he was punching a tree. Hard. I thought he was going to break a couple knuckles if I didn't step in quick.

"Jace." I said and he froze.

"What are you doing here?" He asked breathlessly.

"Your family is worried about you." I said. "They wanted to make sure you were okay so they asked if I'd come talk to you."

"Family." He laughed. "I don't have a family."

"Yes you do Jace. The Lightwoods are your family." I said.

"No they aren't Clary." He nearly yelled. "The only two people I ever considered family betrayed me. Hurt me. Violated me." He said and his voice was filled with pain. "I'm an orphan. I have no family." His words echoed in my head.

"Talk to me Jace." I said and he turned around.

"Why should I?" He asked. "You don't know a damn thing about anything terrible." He spat. "You literally have the picture perfect life." He said to me. "Your parents love each other. You have two great siblings. You have great grades, lots of friends, you can do anything you want. You're innocent, pure, whole." He said. "I'm broken, used, and unworthy of anything."

"No you aren't Jace." I said as I took a step closer. "You aren't unworthy of anything. Just because your father was a piece of shit doesn't mean you aren't worthy of everything life has to offer." I said.

"You think that's the only reason I am the way that I am?" He asked and I was silent. I didn't know what to say. "News flash sweetheart, worse things have happened to me than being hit. Actually, I would have preferred being hit."

"Who called you?" I asked. "Was it your dad?" I asked.

"My father was killed in prison when I was 14." He said. "Plus, he never tried to contact me."

"So who was it?" I asked. I stepped closer to him again, and this time he didn't step away. I slowly reached my hand out and took his in mine. "Jace, what happened to you?" I asked and he sniffed. Something Jace didn't do.

"After I was removed from my fathers custody, they sent me to my closest relative." He said. "We weren't related but apparently he was my god father. I'd never met him." He said. "I got there, and I was pretty reserved for the first few weeks. He was very accommodating. He got me new clothes, new toys. He took me to the park, out to eat, to the movies. He did everything I always thought a father should do." He said. "I loved it. I was finally being treated like a kid. Like I mattered." He said and I moved us closer together. "It was about 6 months after I moved into his house when it started." He said as he shook his head.

"When what started Jace?" I asked in a small voice.

"I didn't know what was happening at first." He said. His voice strained from trying not to cry. "He walked into my room, and got into bed with me." He said my eyes started watering. "He told me that I owed him that much for everything he bought for me." He said. "I didn't want it." He said as he shook his head. "I didn't want him to touch me but I was only 6. I couldn't stop him."

"Oh Jace." I said and he wiped the tears from his face.

"It didn't stop there." He said, his voice dead, no emotions evident. "He continued to buy me things, and the more expensive things got, the worse the payments got." He said. "When I was 9 he bought me a bike." He said. "I was so happy. I always wanted one, and he got me the one I wanted." He said. "That was the first time he raped me." Jace said and I started crying. "When I was 11, my teacher reported to the school that she thought something was going on at home. CPS came, I told them everything, and I was removed that night." He said. "I was placed with the Lightwood's like 8 months later, and I've been with them ever since."

"That went out for 5 years?" I asked.

"He told me that nobody would believe a kid. That we had too active of imaginations to ever be taken seriously." He said. "If I threatened to tell, the punishments just got worse." He told me. "So I kept my mouth shut, until I had the opportunity to tell my truth. It was the worst thing I've ever been through, and I've never been the same."

"You are the most incredible guy I've ever met." I said and I think I caught him off guard.

"What?" He questioned. "I just told you about how I was sexually abused for 5 years and you think I'm incredible?" He asked.

"Jace, I've known you for almost a year." I said. "You are incredibly kind, you're a great brother to Max, you're smart, and you don't walk around blaming the world for your short comings." I said. "You may still be suffering, but you're also not an asshole to everyone around you in the process. You're still a great guy despite what you've been through." I said. "That makes you incredible."

"I never told anyone that before." He said as he took a deep breath.

"How does it feel?" I asked.

"Like a thousand pound boulder was lifted off my chest." He said and I smiled.

"I'm always down to listen to whatever is on your mind." I said and he nodded.

"My social worker was on the phone." He said. "I clearly don't need her anymore since I was adopted but she wanted to let me know that the man who raped me, is up for parole this year."

"He's being released?" I nearly yelled.

"Yea. Apparently good behavior." He said with air quotes.

"They can't be serious." I said.

"I can go to his hearing and testify against him to keep him in jail, but I don't want to go back there." He said.

"Jace, think about this. You could go and get him sent back to jail, and not have to be paranoid, or live in fear." I said.

"Clary, I can't see him again." Jace said. "I can't."

"You aren't that scared little boy anymore Jace." I said as I cupped his face in my hands. "You're stronger now. You can go shove it in his face that he didn't ruin you completely."

"Everything is still so fresh." He said. "It may have been 6 years ago, but it's still fresh to me."

"I'll go with you." I said out of the blue. "I'll be there every step of the way."

"You'd do that for me?" He asked.

"Of course." I said. He stared at me and I thought that I had just done a very bad thing. I shouldn't be pressuring him into seeing that pervert again. He probably hates me now. Before I know it, his lips are on mine. I'm shocked, but only for a minute before I start kissing back.

I don't know how long I've waited for this moment, but now that we're in it, I never wanted it to end. I knew that he never had a girlfriend before, but damn was he a great kisser. My hand snaked behind his head, and his hand rested on my hips. Everything was perfect in this moment. Than he pulled away.

"I don't have much practice in this department." He finally said. "But would you like to go out with me?" He asked and I laughed.

"I'd love too." I said and he smiled.

"I'll think about your suggestion. His hearing isn't until next month, so I have time to think." He said and I nodded.

"Just tell me if you need me, and I'm there." I said and he nodded. I intertwined our fingers and we started to head back towards the houses.

Izzy POV:

"They've been gone for so long." Alec said.

"They better not be sucking face." Jon said just as Clary and Jace emerged from the forest. Holding hands.

"I totally called it." I said. "I knew they were getting close."

"How are it always so good at that?" Alec asked.

"It's a girl thing." I simply said and he rolled his eyes at me.

Clary and Jace made their way over to us and I could tell Jace had been crying with how red and puffy his eyes were. It was weird to me that he had been crying, and that he let Clary witness it.

"I'm sorry I ran." He said after a moment. Clary clung to his arm, giving him reassurance that he wasn't alone. "I just got some news I wasn't expecting and it freaked me out."

"It's okay Jace." My mom said. "You don't have to explain yourself to us." She said and he nodded.

"You've been incredibly kind to me since I came into your life." He said. "I'm not ready to spill everything, but I want you to know how grateful I am that I was placed with you." He said and my mom smiled.

"Not as grateful as we are." She said as she pulled him into a hug. He melted into her as returned it.

I knew there was something very serious going on, but for now, we just had to be there and support Jace. We couldn't pry, and as much as prying was my specialty; I was going to respect his decision. I'm just glad he had Clary by his sides they made a cute couple.

Time Jump – One Week Later

Clary POV:

Things have been different with Jace since our kiss. He was so much more talkative around me, and always had some form of contact when we were in the same place, which I actually really loved. If he wasn't holding my hand, he was rubbing my back, or his hand was resting on my leg. It was like I was tethering him to the earth, and it made me feel important.

School was ending in two weeks, and I couldn't wait to summer vacation. We were going to have so much fun this summer since Jon was leaving. I was going to miss him, but I was proud of him for everything he's accomplished and ready to see what he accomplished in the future.

"Oh my god I got in!" I heard and when I looked Jon was walking behind me with a letting in his hand.

"Where?" I asked.

"Notre Dame." He said. "I got in! I can't believe I got in!" He yelled and I gave him a huge hug.

"I'm so proud of you Jon." I said and he smiled.

"I was worried that I wasn't going to get in. They were taking longer than normal." He said.

"But you got in." I said and he nodded.

"I have to go tell Alec. We'll be playing together!" He said as he ran out of the house and I couldn't help but laugh.

I've never really seen Jon get this excited about anything in his life, so seeing him so passionate about something was weird, but he was so excited, and I was excited for him. He wanted to go to Notre Dame so badly after his visit, and when Alec got in, it only heightened his want to go there. I was in the kitchen getting a snack when I felt arms snack around my waist. I jumped and than heard Jace's laughter.

"Not funny Jace." I said and he smiled.

"How did you not hear me?" He asked and I laughed.

"I don't know. I wasn't really paying attention." I said. "What are you doing over here?" I asked.

"Do I need a reason to come visit?" He asked and I laughed.

"No, I was just curious." I said.

"Alec and Jon are currently talking like a bunch of teenage girls about college, and I couldn't take it anymore. So I left." He said and I nodded. "You busy tonight?" He asked.

"Not that I'm aware of." I said.

"Wanna go out to dinner?" He asked.

"I'd love too." I said and he smiled.

He stayed for about 15 minutes until my parents came home with Vanessa. He said he would see me later, and than escaped out the back door. Vanessa came running into the kitchen for her afternoon snack followed by my parents.

"Mom, dad, can I go out tonight?" I asked.

"With who sweetie?" My mom asked.

"Jace." I said.

"Of course." She said with a smile. I nodded and ran upstairs to find out what I was going to wear, when I realized I was hopeless. I called the one girl I knew would have a solution. I dialed her number and she picked up immediately.

"Jace just told me you two were going out tonight." She said without even saying hello.

"Yes, and I need help." I said and she laughed.

"Be over in 3." She said as she hung up. The doorbell rang, I heard the door open, and than the footsteps coming up the stairs, and than she was in my room. "I have the perfect idea."

She really knew what she was doing, and got the perfect outfit, and did my hair, and my makeup. She was a pro and I felt really confident in this date tonight. When she was finally done, I looked in the mirror and couldn't believe I was looking at myself. It was a transformation.

"Izzy, you're my own fairy godmother." I said and she laughed.

"Have fun tonight." She said and I nodded and she left my room. I heard another knock on the door and I took a deep breath before heading downstairs. I opened the door and there stood Jace.

"You look beautiful." He said and I blushed. "You ready?"

"Yes." I said before walking out of the house and to his car. Tonight was going to be amazing. I could feel it.

Time Jump – Later That Night

Jace POV:

There were multiple reasons for this date tonight. One because I really wanted to take Clary out, two I really wanted to make thing between us official even if it was our first date, I knew this was right, and I wanted her to know that I was serious, and three I was going to ask her if she would come to Indiana with me when I testify against Michael Wayland. I don't want him on the streets. I want him in jail forever, and if I can put him there, I'll feel better.

The food was amazing, and now we were taking a walk in the park. Our hands were firmly intertwined and I couldn't stop looking at Clary all night. She was a literal angel, and I couldn't believe she saw the good in me. Hell, I didn't even see the good in me, but I wanted to be the best for her. We made it to this gazebo and we looked over the lake that was there. it was beautifully illuminated, and looked picture perfect.

"There are a few reasons I asked you out tonight." I finally said. She turned towards me and smiled. "One because I really wanted to go out with you. Two because I know it's only our first date, but I intend on there being many more, so I thought we could talk about what this was exactly. And three." I said and I took a deep breath. She took my hand in hers and I couldn't help but feel more confident. "I was wondering if you'd accompany me to Indiana to testify against Michael Wayland."

"Jace." She said as she stepped closer to me. "I will be there for you every step of the way." She said and I felt like my whole life was lighter. "And I know its our first date, but I'd like to know what this is exactly as well." She said.

"You're the only girl I want. The only girl I've ever wanted really." I admitted. "You're the first person that I've ever allowed into my life fully." I said as I rubbed my fingers over her knuckles. "And I know it might be soon, but I don't think I can walk around without knowing you're mine. I mean we can totally go on more dates before I officially ask you, but I was just thinking, I know I want to ask regardless so why should it matter if I ask now or after 4 dates you know?" I rambled.

"Jace." Clary said and I looked into her beautiful green eyes. "Ask me." She said and I smiled.

"Clary, will you be my girlfriend?" I asked.

"I've love too." She said and I pulled her into me and kissed her. Tonight was perfect, and I couldn't wait to see where the future went with Clary.

Time Jump – Two Weeks Later

Clary POV:

"Do you have everything you need?" My mom asked.

"Mom, I'm literally only going to be gone for a week and a half. If I forget something, I can survive without it." I told her for the hundredth time.

"I know, but you've never gone away by yourself before." She said.

"I won't be alone mom." I said.

"Okay, this is the first time you'll be going away with a boyfriend." She said. "I just want to make sure you're prepared."

"I know mom." I said and she put her hands on my shoulders and looked directly into my eyes.

"Being on the road with your boyfriend is going to cause a lot of temptations." She started.

"Oh god, this isn't the sex talk is it?" I asked.

"I trust you, and I know you won't do anything that you aren't ready for, but if something does happen, just be safe okay? And when you aren't comfortable say something." She said, and all I could think about was the fact that sex was probably the last thing Jace and I thought about. He was still recovering, and if anything, it would be me pressuring him, and I want him to be comfortable enough and to trust me enough to take it that far.

"I promise you mom, Jace and I aren't ready to have sex, and I doubt being on the road together will get us all hot and bothered." I said. "Road head isn't something I'm interested in participating in."

"What the hell did I just walk into?" Jon asked from the doorway.

"Mom is giving me the safe sex lecture." I told him.

"My little sister is talking about giving her boyfriend road head? This is just the most disturbing conversation I could possibly imagine." Jon said and I laughed.

"Humor me Clarissa." My mom said and I nodded.

"I promise mom, we'll be safe." I said and she nodded.

"Thank you." She gave me one more hug, and than the doorbell rang. I walked over and opened the door and there stood Jace.

"You ready?" He asked and I nodded. He grabbed my bags and we walked out to the car.

"Call me when you get there." My mom said.

"Of course mom." I said as I gave her one more hug. Maryse came out and hugged Jace and than we got in the car. He pulled out of the driveway, and put his hand on my thigh. I rested my hand on top of his and turned the radio up. Although the reason we were going to Indiana was a unpleasant reason, I was excited for the time we were going to spend together.

Time Jump – Hearing

Clary POV:

Today was the day that Jace was dreading. He was going in to testify against the man who sexually abused him for years, and I could feel the tension radiating off his body. I tried my best to calm him down, but I knew I could only do so much. This man took advantage of Jace, and violated him in one of the worst ways. I couldn't even imagine how he felt.

We got to the courthouse and Jace was holding tightly onto my hand. We walked into the building and made our way to the courtroom that we were going to be in. when we go in there, the lawyers were there, but Michael Wayland was nowhere to be found yet. We went to the front and Jace started to have a conversation with the attorney that was going to be asking him questions as to why Michael Wayland shouldn't be paroled.

I was looking around the room to see the people there were there. The people that were going to be hearing Jace's story. Jace hasn't told me the details that happened to him, but he warned me that I was going to hear them today, and I was mentally preparing myself for that. I was pulled out of my head when I heard doors open, and in walked a man in cuffs, I'm assuming it is Michael Wayland by the way Jace tensed, and they way he smirked at Jace.

Jace took his seat next to me as Michael Wayland was led to the bench. I took his hand in mine and tried to reassure him that I was there for him, but when he looked at me, he was a million miles away. This must have been torture for him, and I couldn't wait for it to be over so he never had to go through this again. I wasn't focused on anything but Jace until his name was called.

"Jonathan Herondale." The attorney called. He looked at me, and I smiled and nodding, letting him know he could do this. Jace got up and made his way to the stand. "Jonathan, what is your relationship to the defendant?" He asked.

"I was told that he was my godfather." Jace said.

"You didn't know beforehand?" The attorney asked.

"I was 5 when I was placed in his custody, and before that I never saw him before in my life." Jace said.

"Mr. Wayland is up for parole." He said and Jace nodded. "Is there any reason why he shouldn't be released?"

"I'm assuming you know what he did to me?" Jace asked and the attorney nodded. "Letting a man like that out on the streets is further endangering the lives of other children. He raped me, what says he won't prey on another little boy once he's out of jail?" Jace asked.

"According to prison records, Mr. Wayland is an excellent inmate." The attorney said.

"Just listen to what you're saying." Jace said. "The prison shows that he's an excellent inmate." Jace said. "He wouldn't be in jail if he wasn't guilty of a crime."

"Do you feel as though Mr. Wayland is a danger to society?" The attorney asked.

"Absolutely." Jace said. "I've barely been holding it together for the past 6 years. Just ask my girlfriend." He said and Michael Wayland looked directly into my eyes, and I felt a bone chilling coldness run through me. "With him behind bars I'm still paranoid that he's going to find me. If he walks free, I'd be even more of a mess. I have nightmares, panic attacks, PTSD, I was depressed for a long time." Jace admitted. "All because of that man." He said as he pointed to Michael Wayland. "Letting him out would endanger more children, and create even more problems for me."

"What if he couldn't leave the state of Indiana?" The attorney asked.

"Do you have kids?" Jace asked.

"Yes." The attorney asked.

"And if one of them was being sexually abused, for years, and that person was up for parole, how would you feel?" Jace asked.

"Pissed." The attorney simply said.

"Now imagine how your child would feel." He said. "They would wake up in the middle of the night screaming, and crying. Asking you to get rid of the monster. Asking to protect them from the scary person who hurts them." Jace was painting a morbid imagine but it was working. "Imagine that child growing up constantly fearing that their worse nightmare was one day going to return and start sexually abusing them all over again." Jace said. "They would be constantly victimized by the mere thought of their predator." He said. "Sir, I was 6 years old when Michael Wayland started sexually abusing me. I'm 17 years old now, and I'm still not completely healed from the actions that man committed." He said. "I don't care how much jail as changed him, he's still a threat."

"Thank you Mr. Herondale." The attorney said and he stepped down and made his way over to me. He took a seat and I took his hand in mine and kissed his cheek.

"I'm so proud of you." I whispered in his ear and he squeezed my hand a little tighter.

"The court will go over the evidence and the victim statement and we'll get back to you with the verdict." The judge said as he banged his gavel. Jace and I stood up and Michael Wayland turned around.

"You'll always be mine." He whispered and Jace shut down. He had a dead look in his eyes, and he ran out of the courthouse. I ran after him, and when I found him he was hunched over by the car hyperventilating. I kneeled down next to him, and put my hands on his knees.

"Jace, I need you to focus on my voice." I said. "Just listen to me okay?" I asked and I thought I saw him nod so I continued. "He doesn't own you." I said. "He will never own you. You are your own person, and you are stronger than him. He will never hurt you ever again, I promise you Jace." I said and his breathing started to calm but he was still very much in his panic attack. "Jace, I love you." I said. Even though we've only been dating for a short time, I knew it. "I love you so much Jace, and I don't care what happens I will never let him touch you again. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. You make me happy, and you make me feel beautiful, and you make me feel worthy of something." I said. "You do that. You are so incredible, and kind, and smart, and gorgeous, and respectful, and genuinely good." I said. "He didn't destroy you. He may have damaged you, but you are stronger now, you are the most amazing man I've ever met." I didn't realize I was rambling until I saw his golden eyes look into mine.

"You love me?" He asked and I smiled.

"I do." I said. "I really do."

"I love you too." He said. I leaned in and pressed my lips to his.

"He won't hurt you anymore Jace." I said and he nodded. We spent a few more minutes on the ground. "Do you want to head back to the hotel and get some rest?" I asked.

"I think that would be for the best." He said and I nodded. I helped him up and he pulled me into his arms. "Thank you Clary." He said. "For being the rock I needed."

"Anything for you Jace." I said and he kissed my head.

We got in the car and headed back to the hotel. When we got there, Jace went straight to the bed, and took a nap. I knew today was trying, and I wanted him to rest. I was sitting on the couch reading a book when his phone started to vibrate. I went over and noticed the attorney was calling.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Is Jace Herondale there?" He asked.

"He's asleep at the moment, but this is his girlfriend. How can I help you?" I asked.

"I just wanted to call and let Jace know that the verdict came back, and Michael Wayland is heading back to prison, forever." He said and I could have jumped for joy.

"Thank you so much for calling." I said. We hung up and I went into the room and crawled onto the bed where Jace stirred awake.

"Hey, how long have I been asleep?" He asked.

"Almost an hour." I said. "The attorney called." I said and that seemed to wake him up a bit. "Michael Wayland is going back to prison, forever." I said and he let out a sigh.

"Thank god." He said and I brushed his hair out of his face.

"You're free Jace." I said and he smiled.

"I can move on." He said and I nodded. He pulled me into his embrace and I let him hold me. Jace could finally move on and start living.

Time Jump – Six Years Later

Clary POV:

I think the craziest thing that happened to Jace and I in the last six years was that we both were accepted into Dartmouth University. Which was insane because the acceptance rate is like 10%. The day I got my acceptance letter I was in tears, and when I told Jace we basically screamed like little girls because we both got accepted into the same college.

I graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology, with a minor in art, just like I wanted. I am an art therapist, and loved every minute of it. Jace graduated with a bachelors degree in psychology as well, and counsels youths who were in the same situations that he was in. He is really making a difference in the world, and I knew it made him feel good, plus it was also a way for him to grieve.

After college, Jace and I decided to stay in New Hampshire, and we absolutely loved it. Of course it sucked being so far away from our families, but we sucked up the 4 hour car ride when we wanted to go visit, and as long as we visited once a month, we were both happy.

Today was one of the days we were going to visit. My parents think that we're coming in to celebrate Jace and I's 3 year wedding anniversary, but in all reality, we have bigger news for them. I was super excited, and couldn't wait to tell everyone. Keeping it a secret was killing me.

We got to my parents house, and the barbecue was already on. Everyone was gathered in the backyard laughing and drinking. I missed being around them like this, and I was glad that we were still just as close as we were when I lived here. Despite us all being in different places in life, we always knew where we met, and where our home was.

"If it isn't the tardy Herondales." Jon said as he gave me a hug.

"We can't control traffic." Jace said as he gave Jon a hug.

"No worries. Dad started dinner later since we ran out of propane." Jon rolled his eyes and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Seems to be a Morgenstern specialty." I said as I remembered the countless times this same exact problem happened before.

"Seems to be." Jon said.

"Happy anniversary baby." My mom said as he hugged me.

"Thanks mom." I said.

"How is New Hampshire?" She asked as we took a seat.

"Wonderful." I said with a smile.

"I'm glad to hear it, although New York is pretty nice as well." She winked and I laughed. She wants us to move back, but she also knows how much we love where we live.

"Trust me, I know." I said and she laughed.

Jace was talking to Alec and Magnus, Alec's husband for the past year, and he was also catching up with Simon. Izzy was talking about something but I was only half listening because I realized that Vanessa and Max were here.

"Mom, where is Vanessa?" I asked.

"Her and Max went to the tree house. They were tired of waiting for you." She laughed and I smiled. I looked back over at Jace and he looked at me and winked. I couldn't wait to share the news with our families. It was gonna be epic.

Time Jump – Later That Night

Jace POV:

Clary and I have been anxious all day about telling our families. As per Clary's request we waited until the evening was nearly over so that she wasn't bombarded with questions for the rest of the night. I looked at Clary and she gave me a slight nod and I nodded back.

"So, Clary and I got gifts for everyone." I said and everyone looked at me.

"Really?" Izzy asked and I laughed.

"Really." I said as I got up and grabbed the box. "But there are rules." I said as I handed them out. "You must all open them together." I handed the last bag to Vanessa and took my seat.

"On the count of three." Clary said. "One, two three." They began opening like mad men.

"Shut up!" Izzy yelled first! "You're kidding me!"

"You're for real?" Alec asked.

"I'm going to be a grandmother?" Jocelyn asked.

"So am I!" Maryse said.

"This is insane." Jon said.

"That little one is gonna call me Pappy!" Valentine said.

"That means I get to be Pa!" Robert said.

"I love babies!" Vanessa said.

"I guess it's cool." Max said. That kid has always been too cool for school.

Clary and I sat there listening to our family soak in the fact that we were having a baby. I mean, I was still soaking it in and we've known for a couple months, so I can only imagine what's running through their minds.

"How far along are you?" Jocelyn asked Clary.

"Three months as of yesterday." Clary said.

"I can't believe you aren't showing yet." Izzy said.

"I wore a baggy shirt for a reason." Clary said as she flattened it over her stomach and you could see the small baby bump.

"Oh my god! There is a human in there!" Izzy shouted and Clary just laughed. "Ew, Jace is going to be a father." She said and I laughed.

"This should be interesting." Alec said and I smiled.

"I for one thing Jace will make an excellent father." Maryse said and I smiled.

"Thanks Maryse." I said and she smiled at me.

The rest of the night everyone was talking about the baby. Izzy was already planning a baby shower, Maryse and Jocelyn were already splitting up who was buy what for the nursery, they were making a schedule about when they would come up to decorate that nursery, and everything in between. I pulled Clary into my side as we watched our family get excited about the life that Clary and I were bringing into this world.

"I love you." Clary said and I smiled down at her as I kissed her head.

"I love you more." I said and she smiled.

"I know you're worried." She said. "But you're going to be an amazing father." She said. It was kinda freaky how well she could read me.

"As long as you have faith in me, I think I can do it." I said and she laughed.

"I have nothing but absolute faith in you." She said and I leaned my head on top of hers. And that's all we needed. Faith, and enough trust to know that we were always going to be there for each other. It didn't matter how shitty of a childhood I had, and it didn't matter how perfect of a childhood Clary had. Parenthood was going to be scary no matter what, but as long as we had each other, our kids was going to turn out okay. At least I hope.

Authors Note:

Okay, so this is one of mine yet again. I'm currently working on a suggestion but I haven't found the right direction to take it in, but I wanted to give you all something, and this was something that I knew probably no body wrote about, at least I've never read something like that before. So I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think! :)

Also, I just wanted to say thank you so much for over 1,000 reviews! I was literally blown away when I saw that! I mean, I was pretty pumped when I had over 100 reviews, but to have over 1,000 is pretty insane! So thank you to everyone who has reviewed, and favorited, and followed! Truly means a lot to me!