Ninety Eighth One Shot:

Flirty

Clary POV:

It was supposed to be my senior year at St. Mary's All Girl Catholic High School. I've been at this school since freshman year, and now it was closing. It absolutely sucked. Since it was a Catholic school, it didn't matter what school district you were in, you could attend, so most of my friends, I wouldn't be going through senior year with them, and I think that hurt worse than anything else.

It was the last day, and I was walking out to my car with my girls. We were silent, most likely knowing this was the last time we were going to be going to school together. We all had so many plans for our senior year together, and now it was all gone. We understood why the school was closing. There weren't enough kids enrolling, and if we didn't get a certain number of freshman enrolling for the upcoming year, they had to close. My history teacher told my class we were 25 kids shy of the number needed. That meant this was the end of my time at St. Mary's, and that sucked.

"I can't believe we won't be graduating together." Tessa said.

"I know. It's so unfair that we couldn't just graduate and be the last senior class." Maia said.

"We had a good three years ladies." I said. "At least we all have someone to come with us to our new schools."

"True. I can't imagine going to a new place without at least one other person." Tessa said as she looked at Jessamine.

"Exactly. We will always have St. Mary's with us." I said and they nodded.

"Have a great summer ladies." Maia said. "We should definitely get together at some point before school starts and have one last night."

"Definitely." I said and the others nodded.

We said out goodbyes, and I got in my car and headed home. When I walked in my mom wasn't there as usual. If she isn't at the studio, she's out with her new boyfriend. I didn't mind that she was dating again. I mean, her and my dad divorced when I was 10, but she gives almost all of her free attention to him, and that didn't really make me feel good at all, but I just keep repeating what my father said to me, and that's what I live by.

Flashback:

My dad was leaving today with my brother. He didn't really get along with my mom, and I didn't really get along with my dad, so in the divorce, they each got one of us. I wasn't going to miss the fighting, or how cold and distant my father could be, but I was going to miss my brother. We were in this together for so long, and now we wouldn't be just down the hall from each other, and that was going to suck.

"I'll see you soon Clare-Bear." Jon said as he hugged me.

"I'm going to miss you Jonny." I said into his chest. "It isn't going to be the same without you."

"But this is for the best." He said when we broke apart. "You aren't happy around dad, and I'm not happy around mom. We just get along better with one of our parents, and I think living with the one we enjoy being around will be more beneficial in the long run."

"I hope you're right." I said and he smiled at me.

"When have I ever been wrong Clare-Bear?" He asked and I laughed. He may be a couple years older than me, but he didn't know everything. I was about to say something when my father entered the room.

"Come Jonathan." He said. "We're leaving."

"Bye Clare." He said as he walked out of the room, which just left my father and me.

"Clarissa." My father said and I looked at him, but didn't say anything. "I only have one thing to say before I head out." He said and I nodded to let him know I understood. "To love is to destroy, and to be loved is to be destroyed." He said and than walked out of the house. I heard them pull out of the driveway, and I was just standing there confused. What did he mean?

End Of Flashback

I soon figured out what he meant by his last statement. Love destroyed my parents marriage, and love was destroying my relationship with my mom. Every time you loved someone, it just ended up going wrong, or making something worse than it already was. I never wanted to end up in that situation, so I never got close enough to anyone to allow it to happen. I flirt, and hook up occasionally, but relationships weren't for me. I knew that, and I was sticking to that.

Jace POV:

It was the last day of junior year, and I was excited for the summer. Parties, girls, alcohol, and no responsibility. It was going to be a great summer before being a senior in high school, and I couldn't wait to just enjoy it.

My friend Sebastian was throwing a party tonight to kick start the summer, and I was totally on board. There was nothing better than a Sebastian Verlac party. He knows how to throw them, and the best part is, his parents don't even care. They go away for the weekend so that Sebastian can do whatever he wants. It's pretty awesome, and we make sure to take full advantage of it.

I was walking to my car after the final bell rang when someone latched themselves onto my arm. I looked over and there stood Kaelie. I rolled my eyes and kept walking hoping that she would understand that I didn't want to talk to her. I opened my door and she pushed me up against it before I could get in, and started kissing me. I detached herself from me and she looked annoyed.

"What are you doing Kaelie?" I asked.

"Kissing my boyfriend goodbye." She said.

"I'm not your boyfriend." I said.

"What do you mean you're not my boyfriend?" She asked. "The last couple months we've been hooking up all the time."

"Just because we make out doesn't mean we're together." I said.

"You're an asshole Jace Herondale." She spat.

"You aren't the first person to tell me that, and I guarantee you won't be the last." I said and she turned and walked away. I got in my car and sighed. Some girls just didn't understand the concept of hooking up. They assumed it meant a relationship, but I wasn't a relationship kind of guy. I saw how much it destroys people, and I wasn't going to end up the way my parents did. I refused to be like them.

Time Jump – First Day Of Senior Year

Clary POV:

I was picking Maia up today for our first day of school, and I was a little nervous. I didn't know the teachers, and I didn't know anyone besides Maia, and that was intimidating for a senior in high school. We were supposed to rule the school, and now we were going to be at the bottom of the social ladder of the senior class.

I got to Maia's house and honked my horn and waited for her to make her way to the car. Maia was always slow to getting ready for school. I was used to it by now, so I picked up a little hand held game of Yahtzee and started playing it. When the car door opened, I looked up and smiled at Maia.

"Did you have a hard time getting dressed this morning?" She asked. "I haven't had to wear normal clothes to school since I was in 5th grade. This is weird."

"I took about 45 minutes last night deciding on an outfit for today." I said as I pulled away from her house. "It's definitely weird not having to wear a skirt and sweater, but maybe I'll finally be warm in class." I said and she laughed.

We got to the school and parked a decent way back. We didn't want to draw attention to ourselves even more than we probably were going to already. We got out of the car, and started making our way to the office to get our schedules. Some people were looking and whispering about us. I'm guessing it was mostly about how they've never seen us before, and I expected that was going to happen.

We got in the office and talked to the receptionist. She was a very nice woman, and gave us the schedules, and helped us find our lockers. Maia and I weren't in the same homeroom, and that really sucked, but we couldn't expect to be together the whole day.

I walked into my homeroom and took a seat in the back. My red hair was a flag in and of itself so I was going to stick out regardless, and I was just going to try my best to make the most of my senior year of high school. I was doodling in my notebook when something golden caught my eye. I looked up and in walked the most beautiful boy I've ever seen. I've never seen a boy look that good, but damn did he look gorgeous.

"I don't remember you Red." He said as he took a seat next to me. "You must be new." He said with a smirk, he was one of those boys, two could play this game.

"I'm offended Blondie. You think you'd remember me." I said and eh looked confused and I laughed. "I'm just kidding. I am new."

"Where are you new from?" He asked.

"Not new to the area. New to the school." I said and he nodded.

"Where did you go before here?" He asked.

"St. Mary's All Girl Catholic High School." I said and I saw something in his eyes get dark with lust.

"A Catholic girl eh?" He said and I smiled and nodded. "You know, it's always been a fantasy of mine to sneak off to a janitor closet with a Catholic school girl." He said and I smiled.

"Is that so?" I asked in a low seductive voice, that I knew was getting to him. He nodded as he eyes looked at my lips. I leaned over and I saw the lust turn to anticipation. The bell rang and I smirked. "Looks like today isn't your lucky day." I said as I stood up and he looked disappointed. "See you around Blondie." I said as I walked out with a smile on my face. This was going to be fun.

Jace POV:

I sat there completely dumbfounded. She was the perfect combination of sexy, mysterious, and sarcastic. I was determined to get to know her as much as I could. Senior year just got a little more interesting.

I didn't see her for my next 4 classes, and I was heading to lunch to meet Alec and Izzy. I couldn't get the redhead out of my mind. I walked into the caf and I immediately saw her vibrant read hair. She was sitting with another girl that I've never seen but they seemed to know each other really well, so I was assuming they both came from the same school that closed. I got the table and took a seat and listened to Alec and Izzy talking about their classes.

"Hey, did you two have any classes with the new girl?" I asked and they both looked at me.

"I had a class with Maia." Alec said. "She was really nice, but not the other one."

"I had class with the other one." Izzy said. "Her name is Clary." She said. Clary, it suited her rather well. "Why?"

"We have homeroom together." I said. "I was just curious."

"I know what you're thinking Jace. Leave the poor girl alone. Don't go hook up with her and than leave her hanging like you normally do." Izzy said.

"I don't think that's going to be an issue." I said honestly. "This morning, she was baiting me."

"Is that so?" Alec asked and I nodded. "Looks like we have a female counterpart of Jace." He said and Izzy laughed and I just rolled my eyes. The continued to laugh but I looked over at the small redhead. As much as I didn't really take the time to get to know anyone, I wanted to get to know her.

Time Jump – Two Months Later

Clary POV:

Things have been good since coming to this school. I mean, the people were nice enough, and Maia and I were having fun together. It was no St. Mary's, but I was thankful that I had Maia to lean on, and the girls when we got together on weekends. It was nice to still have them in my life, and hearing about their new experiences at their new schools. Tessa met a guy named James, or as she calls him Jem. And Jessamine met a guy named Nate. They both seemed really happy, and I was happy for them.

My art teacher informed me about an art exhibit that NYU was hosting for high school students who wanted to pursue art as a career, and she told me that I should definitely consider submitting a portfolio of work. It was something that I always wanted to do. Show my work to people who knew about art and had advice on how to make it better, but it was also incredibly nerve wracking to show people my art. But I wanted this, and I was going to give it my all.

I was trying to figure out a concept of what my portfolio was going to be like. I didn't want something ordinary. I wanted to stand out from the others, and I was at a standstill when it came to inspiration. I was sitting in the caf when I started looking around. Jace was sitting at a table with his siblings like he always was. Than I looked at the other corner where this guy Sebastian was. He was a huge creep, and pretty sexist, and every time he tried to talk to me I felt like my brain cells were dying.

Looking at the two totally different boys made a light bulb go off in my head. Jace was light, and Sebastian was dark. Like two different sides of the after life. Angels. Light and dark. And that's when inspiration struck. I finally had my inspiration and I was going to kill it. I grabbed my new sketchbook, one that I got especially for this portfolio and started my first sketch. I was so lost in though that I didn't even realize that the bell rang until someone snapped their fingers in front of me.

"Day dreaming about me Red?" Jace said and I looked up and smiled.

"You wish Blondie." I said and he smiled.

"Seriously though, we're 5 minutes late to class." He said and I sighed. I closed my book and stood up.

"Why did you stay behind if you were going to be late?" I asked as we walked out of the room.

"You know I like living on the edge Red." He said and I laughed. "And I have study hall right now." He said and I nodded.

"Well, I'm late for bio, so I need to get going." I said and he nodded.

"Keep day dreaming about me Red." He winked and I smiled and walked closer to him.

"And you keep day dreaming about me Blondie." I said as I lowered my voice. "In my Catholic school girl uniform." I said and I heard him groan. "In that janitors closet." I added and I could feel his breathing change. "Have a good day Blondie." I said before walking away. He stood there shocked, and I couldn't help the smile.

Jace POV:

I don't know what's going on, but there was something about Clary that just did something to me. It's been a couple months since Clary showed up at this school, and I couldn't seem to get her out of my head. I never believed in these typed of feelings. They were foreign to me, and just being around Clary was making me reevaluate my philosophy of life. She was changing the way I viewed things, and that terrified me, but I couldn't help it. There was something about Clary that made me want to believe in relationships and love and all of that stuff. I was falling, and no matter what I did, I couldn't stop myself.

Time Jump – Four Months Later

Clary POV:

I was sitting alone at lunch because I just needed some space. Coming to this school was a whole new experience and I know I've been having fun, but I actually really missed St. Mary's and all the crazy nuns there. It was a home away from home. And this place certainly didn't live up to the hype of co-ed public schools. I felt the table shake and I heard a bang and when I looked up, there stood Izzy.

"Got a minute?" She asked.

"I have a feeling you're going to talk to me regardless of my answer. So please, have a seat." I said and she sat down.

"You need to stop this little mind game you're playing on my brother." She said bluntly.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I said.

"Yea you do." She said. "You and Jace play this cat and mouse game every damn day. Why don't you just end the chase? Or finally get together?" She asked.

"Izzy, we flirt but nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing was going to come out of it in the end." I said honestly. "We're having some fun, isn't that allowed?"

"You really don't see it do you?" She asked.

"See what?" I asked curiously.

"He's falling in love with you." She said and my jaw hit the table.

"No he isn't." I said. "He's hooked up with the whole female population in this school. He doesn't do relationships." I said.

"You're so naïve, you know that?" She said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked defensively.

"Have you ever just asked Jace if what those girls talk about is true?" She asked.

"Why would I?" I asked. "We don't talk about that kind of thing."

"Jace hasn't hooked up with this whole school." She said. "He's made out with a few girls at some parties, and he flirts religiously as you know, but when it comes to other things, all the sexual things, it's all made up."

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.

"Because Jace isn't a man whore, or a player, or a womanizer." She said. "He's actually an amazing guy, who is falling in love with you Clary. And I'm here to tell you that if you're just stringing him along, back off and let him find someone who is going to take the time to get to know him, and appreciate everything he has to offer." She finished and walked away before I could even reply. I didn't have feelings for Jace, I couldn't. Right?

Time Jump – Two Weeks Later

Jace POV:

I felt like Clary was avoiding me, which was unusual. Normally she had a snarky remark for me, or an insult. And I've grown to enjoy our little back and forth, it's become an everyday routine of ours, but she's been distant lately and I didn't know why.

When I saw her sitting under a tree sketching, I decided it was now or never. Everyone was preoccupied with lunch, so it was public enough she couldn't make a scene, but private enough for us to have a serious conversation.

"Hey Red, long time no see." I said as I took a seat.

"Oh, hey Blondie." She said, but not in her normal tone. "Sorry about that, I've been super busy lately."

"Are you okay?" I asked. "You don't seem like your normal self."

"To be fair, I'm always myself. I mean, who else would be Clary Fray?" She asked and I laughed.

"There she is. There is my sparky redhead." I said and she laughed. "Seriously though, is everything okay?"

"It will be." She said. "This art exhibit is making me want to pull my hair out." She said. "I'm not even halfway done and everything is due in a week and a half. I've been pulling some all nighters but there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day." She explained. It seemed like there was more to it but I wasn't going to push.

"I think you can do it." I said. "You're one of the most determined people I know. You're a solid second place." I said and she laughed. "You got this."

"Who is number one?" She asked.

"Isabelle." I said. "No matter what that girl burns, poisons, or simply barely cooks it. She doesn't give up." I said. "Although her cooking is hazardous on many different levels, I have to admire her determination in the kitchen."

"Has she really poisoned someone?" Clary asked, and I laughed.

"It was New Years, 2013. Alec was in the hospital for 3 days." I said. "He had to get his stomach pumped."

"Holy shit." She said.

"Needless to say, he hasn't eaten Izzy's cooking since." I said.

"I can't imagine why." She said and I laughed. "Why not take up some cooking classes?"

"She tried. Multiple times. She's been kindly asked to leave each one." I explained.

"I can't believe she's that bad." She said and I shrugged.

"I've been wondering the same thing for years." I said and she nodded. It was quiet after that. It was a comfortable silence though. Being around Clary was really comfortable being around Clary. Something about it just felt right. And I've never had that before. It was different, but I liked it.

"I have to go." She said as she closed her sketchbook. "I have to talk to the art teacher."

"Oh. Okay. I guess I'll see you around?" I asked.

"Uh, yea." She said as she stood up. "See ya later Blondie." She said as she walked away. I watched her go, and I just couldn't stop looking. There was something about Clary, something different, something permanent.

Clary POV:

I walked to the art classroom and the moment I closed the door, and took a deep breath. Izzy's lecture was still fresh in my mind, and seeing the actual caring side of Jace just confused me even more. She was right, he clearly cared more about me than I originally thought, and that kinda scared me. I've never had that before, and it was terrifying.

"Clary." I heard and I looked up at the art teacher. "What can I do for you?"

"I know my portfolio is due soon, but I was just wondering if you'd take a look at my work and see how it's coming." I said and she smiled.

"Of course." She said. I handed her my book and waited anxiously for her opinion. After what felt like forever she looked up at me and smiled. "You are truly the most talented student I've ever had." She said.

"Really?" I asked.

"Really Clary." She said. "These are amazing, and I can't wait for them to be displayed."

"Thank you so much." I said and she handed me back my sketchbook.

"You're going to do amazing Clary. Trust me." She said and I nodded. The bell rang and I made my way to my next class feeling lighter about my portfolio, but not feeling any lighter about my conflicting feelings for Jace.

Time Jump – One Month Later

Jace POV:

I was running out of options. Clary wasn't giving me the cold shoulder, but she was definitely different around me and I had no idea why. I didn't know why this changed suddenly happened, but I didn't know what to do about it. I decided to go for my last resort. Izzy. I walked to her room and knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened.

"What's up?" She asked.

"Can we talk?" I asked.

"Sure. Come in." She said and I walked into her room and sat on her bed. "What's going on?"

"It's Clary." I said and she rolled her eyes. "What was that reaction for?" I asked.

"Give up on her Jace. It's been months. She is clearly not interested." Izzy said.

"I've never felt like this before Iz." I said. "There is something about her that I can't seem to stop thinking about her."

"She isn't the type of girl to get into a relationship." Izzy said.

"How do you know that?" I asked.

"We may have talked a little." She said.

"Oh god Iz, what did you say to her?" I asked.

"I told her to either cut the shit with this whole cat and mouse game or you two should just be in a relationship." She said. "She said that a relationship was never going to happen between you two, and that you were just having a little fun." She said and my heart nearly broke. "You don't deserve to be played like that Jace."

"She feels something for me." I said confidently. "I know she does. She's just burying it, and I don't know why."

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

"Because I feel it." I said. "Whenever I'm near her, I just feel a sense of belonging. Like she's filling a void." I said. "I've never had that before."

"I don't want you to get hurt Jace." Izzy said.

"I'm not fragile Iz." I said. "I can handle myself. I just can't seem to get her to open up." I said.

"Prove to her that this is more than just flirting for you." She said. "You have to do something to show that you care."

"How do I do that?" I asked.

"She's in that art exhibition for NYU right?" She asked and I nodded. "Go to it. Support her. Be there for her." She said.

"Okay." I said. "I'll do it."

"Be careful Jace." She said and I stood up.

"Always Iz." I said and I left her room. The art exhibit was in a week, and I was going to be there to support Clary and show her that I want something more. Something with her.

Time Jump – Art Exhibit

Clary POV:

Today was the day of the art exhibit, and I was freaking out. I invited Jon and my mom but I didn't know if they would even show up. Jon has been acting more and more like my father these days, and I hated it, but I still wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. And my mom, well, she was a shot in the dark. She spend more time with her boyfriend than with me, so who knows if she would show up.

The exhibit started about 10 minutes ago, and they still weren't here. I decided that I wasn't going to pout about it anymore. My work is being looked at my art professors, and art critics. Today was about me, and I was going to enjoy that. I was too nervous to go hear what they had to say about my work, so I tried to stay as far away as possible. I was looking at some other works of art that was so amazing. It kinda made me feels small. I didn't know if I stood a chance against these artists.

"This one yours Red?" I heard and I froze. What was he doing here? I turned around and there stood Jace, looking incredibly good in his entirely black outfit.

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

"You've been working on these things for months." He said. "I wanted to see the finished product." He said and a part of me was incredibly touched.

"That was really sweet." I said and he smiled.

"So, is this one of yours?" He asked and I shook my head.

"I didn't want to hear what people were saying about them." I said nervously.

"Why? You think they won't like it?" He asked.

"They could hate it, not understand it, misunderstand it, or anything else." I said.

"They could also love it, admire it, want to buy it." He said and I shrugged. "Why don't we go over together?" He said and I was slightly taken aback. "Come on Red, I'm going to go over there with or without you."

"Okay, but you can't make fun of me." I said and he smiled, and actual genuine smile.

"Deal." He said. We walked over to my part of the exhibit, and there were still a ton of people standing around talking about it. "Wow." Jace said. "You're really good."

"Thank you." I said as he walked over to the one painting. I followed him and I could hear bits of conversations.

"The contrast is striking." I heard on person say.

"It seems personal, but that just makes it even better." I heard another person say.

"I can't believe this was done by a senior in high school." I heard someone else say before I made it to Jace.

"Okay, I feel a little better now." I said and Jace looked at me.

"Good." He said and I nodded. "These are really beautiful Clary."

"Thanks." I said. "I worked hard on them."

"I can tell." He said. We stood there, and made our way through the paintings. We didn't really talk, but we also didn't need too. Everything was comfortable with Jace. We got to the last one, and I started walking away, I felt someone grab my hand and pull me down a hallway.

"Jace, what are you doing?" I asked but instead of talking, he slammed his lips to mine. I was stunned for a moment before I gave in, and damn was he a good kisser. I don't know how long we stood there kissing, but when he finally pulled away, I realized what just happened. "Why would you do that Jace?" I asked a little annoyed.

"I can't keep pretending Clary." He said. "I want you." He said. "More than I've ever wanted anyone before. I can't get you out of my head, and when we're in the same room, I just want to put my arm around you and pull you into my side." He said and my jaw dropped. "I like you Clary. Actually I'm pretty sure I'm falling in love with you." He said.

To love is to destroy, and to be loved is to be destroyed.

I couldn't get the saying out of my head. I lived by it since I was 15 years old. It was true. I saw what love could do. His golden eyes were staring at me and everything in me froze. What was I supposed to say to that? I didn't believe in love. I couldn't, right?

"I have to go." I finally said and I ran away from him. I didn't want to leave, but I couldn't stay with him in that empty hallway. When I reached outside, I realized it was raining, but I didn't care I needed to go.

"Clary!" I heard behind me but I didn't turn around. I just kept running. "Clary wait!" I heard again and this time I did turn, and Jace was running after me.

"Leave me alone Jace." I said as I continued walking.

"Can you please tell me why you're running from me?" He asked.

"You just told me you think you're falling in love with me." I said. "What did you expect me to do? Tell you that I was falling in love with you too?" I asked. "Well, I'm not Jace. I don't even like you."

"That's not true." He said. "I know you like me, you're just suppressing it."

"What makes you say that?" I asked as I followed my arms over my chest. "You barely even know me."

"When you're focusing really hard you stick your tongue out." He said. "You always sit in your chairs with your left leg tucked under you." He said. "You don't eat green grapes, and you squint when you look at the board because you need glasses, but you refuse to get them." He said and my jaw dropped. "I'm very perceptive Clary. I know you. What I don't know is why you're denying your feelings for me."

"You don't get it Jace." I said. "You don't understand."

"Than tell me, and maybe I can try." He said and I laughed.

"You wouldn't understand anything." I said. "I don't believe in love Jace." I said. "I never have."

"You think I don't know how that feels?" He asked. "I used to not believe in love either, and I thought it was complete bullshit. Until I met you." He said as he started walking towards me. "I grew up seeing my parents fight constantly." He further explained. "My father would beat my mother every single night, but he claimed her loved her. That's what I thought love was. I thought love was sacrificing your own happiness, and safety for the person causing you harm, and I promised I would never fall in love because it wasn't worth it." He said and my heart broke for him. "Eventually, my father killed my mother, and sent to jail." He said and my jaw dropped. "I was put in foster care until I was placed with the Lightwood's and adopted." He said. "So yea, I understand not believing in love, but what I do believe in is that I would never treat you like that. Because what I feel in my heart is love. And I would never harm you, or betray you, or disrespect you." He said and I didn't know when I started crying, but I was crying. He walked over and cupped my face in his hands. "What I didn't know until I met you was how incredible it felt to find someone who made you feel love. Not just on a physical level, but on an emotional and a mental level too. Love is a gift. I know that now, and I plan on proving to you that its real and it could be amazing." He said and I looked into his golden eyes and saw nothing but the truth.

"Jace." I finally said.

"Please Clary, take a chance." He said. "If you aren't feeling it, I will understand, but give me a shot." He said and I just – it was impossible to deny him because I knew he was right.

"My parents destroyed my belief in marriage and love." I said. "My parents divorced when I was 10 and the last thing my father told me was 'to love is to destroy, and to be loved is to be destroyed' and I didn't know what he meant." I explained. "Until I was 14 or 15 and I realized what he meant. It ruined my parents marriage, and than it ruined my relationship with my brother. And now it's ruining my relationship with my mom." I said as my eyes watered. "I watched being loved by someone else destroy the very sanction that is marriage, and other relationships."

"Clary, we aren't our parents." He said. "I know for a fact that I would never hit you, I would never belittle you, and I would never make you feel unworthy." He explained. "And love wouldn't break us, it would only make us stronger. I can stand here right now and declare that I love you so much. I don't have a shred of doubt in my mind that I love you. It's the truth, and if you don't feel the same I can live with that. It will suck, but I can learn to live with it." He said and I just wanted to shut him up so I slammed my lips to his. He was shocked, but started kissing me back, and I realized, this was something that I needed. Wanted. Craved. I didn't know it because I wasn't allowing myself to fully accept it. But now I don't have to restrict myself from it. I could do this because he wants it and so do I. When we broke apart he had the biggest smile on his face.

"I trust you Jace." I finally said. "I don't have the best models when it comes to relationships, but I'm willing to try and see where this goes because I do want this, and I don't want to regret not giving this a try in the future." I said and he smiled and tightened his grip on me.

"I promise, you won't regret it." He said and I laughed. "Do you want to go back into the gallery?" He asked and I thought about it.

"I don't think they would appreciate two incredibly soaking wet kids trailing rain water through their establishment." I said and he laughed.

"Don't you want to find out if you got the scholarship?" He asked.

"They have my number." I said. "They can call me."

"So what do you want to do than?" He asked.

"Get into comfy clothes and chill. I've been so stressed lately, that I don't even remember what it felt like to just watch TV and relax." I said and he laughed.

"Let's go back to my place than." He said and I nodded. He walked me over to my car and I opened the door. "Just follow me okay?" He asked and I nodded. I got in my car, and he got into his and I started following him to the Lightwood's house. This house was huge, and when I got out of my car I just kept staring at is. "You gonna stare all day, or do you want to go inside and change?" He asked and I laughed. I walked over, he took my hand in his, and we made our way into his house.

The place was absolutely insane. It was just as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. I couldn't even imagine living in a place like this. Jace lead me to his room, which was incredibly clean, like neat freak clean, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

"It's so clean." I said.

"I have OCD." He said.

"I never would have guessed that." I said.

"You have a lot to learn Red." He said and I smiled. "I don't have much that would fit you, but I have some clothes that don't fit me anymore." He said and I laughed.

"Just give me whatever, and I'll wear it." I said and he nodded. He handed me a pair of sweat pants, and a long sleeve t-shirt. I went into his bathroom and quickly changed as I left my clothes in his tub so they would dry out. I walked out and he was putting a new shirt on and hot damn was his body perfect.

"It doesn't look bad on you." He said and I looked at him.

"I'm comfy, I'll give you that." I said and he smiled.

"So, I was thinking, movie and blankets." He said and I nodded. "Get comfy on my bed, and I'll get a movie." He said and I nodded. I got in his bed, which was super comfy, and pulled the blankets around me until I started getting warm. When he came back, he shut the lights off, and he got in bed with me. He put his arm up, and I snuggled closer to him. I rested my head on his chest, and we watched the movie. I'm still a little worried that this might blow up in my face, but I also never felt more at home than I did in his arms, so I was also pretty excited to see what the future held for us.

Time Jump – Summer

Jace POV:

Since it was the summer before college and my family and I were going on vacation, but Clary was also coming with us, and I was pretty excited. Clary ended up winning that contest and got a full ride to NYU. They were so incredibly impressed by her portfolio, and couldn't think of a better person to give the scholarship to, and I was super proud of her. I got a scholarship for soccer to NYU, so we didn't have to worry about being far apart. It was the perfect situation, and I was excited for it to happen. The future looked bright, and I was happy.

I pulled up in front of Clary's house and she came running out with her bag. She threw it in the back seat and got in the front where I gave her a sweet kiss. I pulled away and we headed back to my house so we could all leave together. When I pulled up they were still packing the car. Clary and I got out and I grabbed her things and handed them to Robert so that he could pack them along with the rest of the stuff.

"It's about time you got here." Izzy said as she pulled Clary into a hug.

"You're still packing." I said. "We aren't late."

"I wanted to leave like 3 hours ago, but apparently we 'weren't ready'." She put in air quotes and Clary laughed.

"I barely slept last night because I am so excited. This is my first family vacation." Clary said and Izzy smiled.

"We are going to have a blast." She said and Clary smiled and nodded. The car was finished soon after, and we all got into the respected cars and headed to our destination. This was going to be a fun vacation. I already knew it.

Time Jump – Eight Hours Into Car Ride

Clary POV:

The car broke down, so we were currently waiting on the side of the road waiting for triple A to come and help us out. Even though it was the summer it was pretty chilly at this time of night. I had on Jace's hoodie and he was currently warming me up with his arms. He was like a human heater, I didn't understand it.

We were standing out there for about an hour before a truck pulled up. We all got out of the way so that Robert could talk to the man. I was getting tired, and I couldn't wait to get back in the car and fall asleep. I leaned into Jace and started using him as a leaning pole which caused him to laugh, and kiss the top of my head.

"Tired?" He asked.

"Extremely." I said and he found a random tree stump and sat down and gestured for me to join him. I walked over and took a seat on his lap and rested my head on his chest and closed my eyes.

Before I knew it I felt like I was being lifted up. I opened my eyes and noticed that I was being carried to the car. When Jace placed me in the car I was slightly awake but still incredibly tired. He got in and I rested my head on his shoulder and let my eyes flutter closed. Jace laced our fingers together and kissed the top of my head.

"I love you." I whispered so quietly that I wasn't even sure that he heard me.

"I love you too." He whispered in my ear and I couldn't help but smile. This is what love felt like. It was a horrible thing, but one of the greatest things I've ever experienced. Taking a chance on Jace was the greatest thing I've ever done, and I was thankful every single day.

"God damn it." I heard and I opened my eyes to see what was happening. Through the front window I could see a bunch of cows just standing in the middle of the road. "This couldn't possibly get any worse." I heard Robert say and in that moment it started to torrentially down pour. The cows started a stamped and Robert groaned and slammed his head on the horn, which spooked the cows even more. The whole car started to laugh uncontrollably at the events that were occurring. I settled my head back on Jace's shoulder. I listened to the laughter of the Lightwood family and slowly fell asleep loving life.

Authors Note:

This was requested by Lou Fairchild, and I hope that it lived up to your expectations! I enjoy this little one shot, and I'm sorry that it took me a little longer to write! I've been busy! Let me know what you think and leave a review!

Also, I got a review that said my endings are repetitive, and I know they are, but that's because I like happy endings. I have too much sadness in my own life to make these stories sad. Just like I don't ever kill anyone in my stories that are main characters. I don't like creating sad things because I'm always sad, I don't need to be any sadder! So be prepared for the endings to be pretty similar, but if you don't like it, don't read it!