One Hundred and Thirty Five One Shot:
H2O
Clary POV:
I always imagined growing up with a normal life here in Hawaii. Get through life with my best friends, graduating high school, and creating a family of my own. But sometimes life throws you curveballs, and you have to roll with them, otherwise, you get overwhelmed with the what if's, and I'm not a what if kind of person.
My life changed almost 3 years ago, when my two best friends, Izzy and Lydia, and I took a trip to an island that has stories about magical forces. Naturally, everyone just passes them off as stories, fables. No concrete evidence that it's real, so we journeyed out there to have a picnic for the full moon. I've always been fascinated with astrology. It's something I want to study later in life.
As we are sitting on this island, and the moon passes above us, and Izzy thinks it would be a great idea to go skinning dipping in the moonlight in the pool on the island. Lydia and I laughed, but joined her in the pool. Laughing, smiling, and just enjoying our time together, and that's when everything changed. The water started to bubble, and the moons light got brighter, and suddenly we were being dragged under. Panic struck all of us, and we tried to fight out way back to the top when we realized, we could breath under water. Confused, we all looked around and that's when we found the tails. All three of us were fish – or that's what we thought, until it occurred to us. The stories, the fables, the myths. They weren't lying when they said Idris Island was magical, and now we were part of the magic. We were mermaids, and we were forever connected to each other, and have been trying to keep our secret from as many people as we possibly could.
Time Jump – Start of Junior Year of High School
Clary POV:
"Guys, I'm worried about Alec." Izzy said as we walked into the high school.
"What's going on with him?" Lydia asked, concerned. Alec was Izzy's brother, but he might as well be Lydia and I's as well. He was the only person who knew our secret, and we planned on keeping it that way.
"He's just been really distant lately." Izzy admitted. "And he always looks sad."
"Have you talked to him about it?" I asked.
"Of course, but he won't say anything." Izzy said. "I'm worried our secret is ruining his life."
"Come on Iz, you know that's not it." Lydia said. "Alec's always been more reserved."
"And plus, he's probably stressed. It's his senior year of high school." I pointed out. "He has SAT's and college applications just hanging over his head. He hasn't heard back from his number one school. That's probably causing him a lot of stress."
"I know, and they sound like logical reasons, but I know my brother. Something is wrong." Izzy said, and I put my hand on her shoulder.
"Everything is going to work itself out. You'll see." I said and she nodded.
"On a happier note, we got a new student on our class today, and a new student in the senior class." Lydia beamed.
"Do you know who they are?" Izzy asked.
"Nope. Just heard about it in the office." Lydia said.
"I hope they're hot." Izzy said and we all laughed.
We made our way into the school, and separated into our homerooms. This would be the only class I have with kids in my own grade, since I'm in all upper level classes, which sucked because I didn't see Izzy or Lydia until lunch, but I was just hoping to have class with Alec.
When the bell rang I made my way to AP Government. It was a relatively short walk, but I made sure to avoid any place where Kaelie, Aline, or Sebastian would be located. I couldn't wait for all three of them to graduate, just so my senior year would be less drama filled, and more enjoyable, not just for me, but for the entire student body. I took my seat, and when Alec didn't walk in, I knew he wasn't in this class. The students piled in and when a new face walked in, I could only guess he was one of the new kids.
"Alright everyone, this is Jonathan Herondale." Mr. Blackthorn said. "He comes all the way from England. Anything you'd like to say Jonathan?" He asked.
"I actually prefer to be called Jace if you don't mind." He said, and I had to admit, his accent was drool worthy.
"You got it." Mr. Blackthorn said. "You can have a seat next to Miss. Morgenstern." He said as he pointed to me. Jace smirked and made his way over to me.
"Hey Red, guess you get the luxury of sitting next to me all year." He said, and I had a feeling he was going to be one cocky bastard.
"I view it more as a prison sentence." I scoffed, which only made him smirk more.
"You're a feisty little thing." He laughed. "I always knew redheads had fire."
"Oh buddy. You have no idea." I laughed, as I thought about my abilities. See, becoming mermaids didn't just come with a tail and the ability to breath under water. Izzy, Lydia and I all had the ability to do something with the water. Me in particular, I could burn it up as hot as I wanted to, and make it evaporate.
He looked like he was about to say something snarky back, but Mr. Blackthorn started teaching. I focused my attention on the board, and took the notes that were necessary. Mr. Blackthorn often got off topic, so writing everything down was pointless. But I could feel Jace staring at me the entire class. I crossed my fingers that I didn't have another class with him for the rest of the day.
Time Jump – Lunch
Clary POV:
I was wrong. I had two more classes with him before lunch, and he sat next to me in those classes as well. I just couldn't shake him, but I was finally being reunited with Izzy and Lydia, and I couldn't wait to talk to them.
"I got paired with the new kid in my chem class." Izzy said. "It's going to be so awkward. All he does is stare at me."
"Oh come in Iz, he's really nice. I sit next to him in English." Lydia said.
"I know, but I'm like an extreme extrovert, and he barely talks." Izzy commented.
"Better than the cocky bastard I sit next to in three classes." I said as I ate another grape.
"Is he hot?" Izzy asked.
"And he knows it." I said. "I mean, how can on guy be that much of an asshole?"
"Talking about me Red?" I heard from behind me, and when I turned around, there stood Alec and Jace.
"Why did you bring him here Alec?" I groaned.
"He's new, so I figured he could sit with us at lunch." Alec said. "Why?"
"He's annoying." I said.
"Don't worry, she likes me." Jace smirked as he took a seat.
"In your dreams Blondie." I said.
"I hope you make an appearance tonight." He winked and I scoffed and avoided looking at him for the rest of lunch.
After lunch I managed two whole classes without him, until gym rolled around. Now, our gym classes weren't by grade, so it was a mix of juniors and seniors. Unfortunately, Jace was in there, thankfully, so was Lydia. We were given the breakdown of how this semester would work, and how our class would be split. Half the class went swimming, the other half did outdoor sports. That broke Lydia and I up, and left me alone with Jace.
We were in the swimming group, and while everyone else went to change, I sat on the bench by the pool, and just waited. They all filed out one by one, and got into the pool. Jace being the nosy bastard he is, comes over to me.
"Don't tell me you can't swim Red." Jace said. I tried my hardest not to look at his rock solid abs. "Cause if you need saving, I'm very good at mouth to mouth." He winked.
"I'm not going to need any saving." I said. "I'm allergic to chlorine."
"Really?" He asked, genuinely surprised.
"Yea. So are Lydia and Izzy actually." I told him.
"All three of you?" He asked, sounding like he didn't quite believe me.
"Afraid so." I said. "The nurse was shocked when all three of us come in with rashes after our first swimming lesson freshman year. We've been benched ever since." I explained.
"That's pretty crazy." He said. "I mean what are the odds?"
"Very low, but here we are." I said, he was about to open his mouth when the whistle blew.
"Herondale, in the pool." Coach Starkweather said. Jace dropped his towel and jumped into the pool with the others. As I sat there and watched, I kept catching Jace looking at me. I felt like he was trying to read my mind, or figure out my secret, and I didn't like it at all.
Time Jump – Three Months Later
Jace POV:
Something was off with Clary. Something was off about all three of them actually. It didn't matter who I talked too, whether it be Clary, Lydia, or Izzy, in a lot of situations, they had the same exact stories. And that's totally normal for best friends, but this was a little too freaky to be chalked up to them being best friends. Something was up, and I was determined to figure it out.
I figured the best way into their friend group was through the brother: Alec. He seemed like he always knew what was going on, but never really spoke about anything. He was my ticket in, and I planned on using him. But it also helped that we actually got along really well, so I didn't feel like I was using him in a bad way. We were actually friends, and that was nice.
It was lunchtime, and I made my way over to the group, as I do every single day. But today something was off. Alec wasn't there, and Izzy looked really upset. It was quiet when I sat down, something that never really happened. Girls talked a lot. Especially these three.
"What's wrong?" I asked after a moment.
"Izzy's worried about Alec." Clary said.
"Why?" I asked.
"He's just been super weird lately." Izzy explained.
"I thought it was because he was still waiting for his acceptance letter from the University of Hawaii, but he got that last month." Clary said. "So that throws that theory out the window."
"And he's like moody." Lydia said. "But not in a bad way. One moment he's just regular Alec, the next minute he's super happy, and than something changes and he's sad, but it goes away quick." She explained. "It's so odd."
"Sounds like your boy is in a relationship." I said and all three of them just stared at me. "What?"
"Alec isn't in a relationship. He would have told me." Izzy said.
"That's what it sounds like to me." I defended. "Girls can make dudes go mad."
"But I would know." Izzy said. "Alec can't hide things like that from me, and he wouldn't. We tell each other everything."
"Maybe he isn't ready to go public or something." Lydia offered, taking my idea for real. "Maybe it's too new."
"Yea, and maybe she's just as nervous as he is." Clary added.
"I don't know guys. Alec never showed interest in anyone before." Izzy mentioned.
"Sometimes it takes the right girl to come around for a guy to actually do something about it." I said as I looked at Clary. She blushed, and looked away.
"I guess that makes sense." Izzy said. The rest of lunch was average. Nothing really happened, and when the bell rang, Clary practically ran away. I wasn't lying when I said that to Izzy. Clary was different than other girls, especially the girls at this school. Mainly Kaelie and Aline. They were relentless, but I just wasn't into them like that. They were predictable, and boring. Clary was mysterious, and shy, but super smart, and extremely welcoming. She was pretty perfect, which is why I wanted to get to know her so badly, and why I wanted to get to the bottom of why she was so secretive, along with Lydia, and Izzy.
I had a free period, and I didn't feel like sitting in the classroom, so I asked the teacher if I could go to the weight room. Since he really didn't care, he wrote me a pass, and I made my way to the locker room. I was whistling to myself, when I heard something coming from the gym office. Curiosity got the best of me, and I made my way to the noise. And to my utter shock and disbelief, in the gym office, there was Alec, and a random dude I've never seen before, making out. I felt bad just watching, so I decided to knock, and I've never seen two people move away from each other faster.
"Jace." Alec said. "What are you doing in here?"
"Free period. I wanted to work out." I said. "What are you doing here? And with who?"
"Uh, this is Magnus." Alec said gesturing to the man. "He goes to the University of Hawaii. We met when I toured there."
"And how did he get in?" I wondered.
"The back door isn't locked, and nobody has gym this period." Alec simply said.
"Is this why you've been so weird lately?" I asked, and he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I haven't been weird." He protested.
"According to Izzy you have been, and Clary and Lydia picked up on it as well." I told him. "Look dude, those three would be thrilled about this. Why not just tell them?"
"Nobody knows I'm…gay." He said, as if he was still getting used to it himself.
"And you're scared they'll ridicule you?" I asked.
"Something like that." Alec expressed.
"I know I've only known you guys for a couple months, but Izzy only cares about your happiness, and Clary and Lydia feel the same way." I told him honestly. "They would be happy for you."
"I know that logically, but it's hard to just tell people. It took me a long time to come to terms with it." Alec explained, and I saw Magnus put his hand on his shoulder as a comforting gesture, and I could tell it calmed Alec down.
"Well, I'm not going to tell anyone, if that's what you're worried about." I said and he breathed a sigh of relief. "But those three would be the best to start with if you want to come out gradually. And it seems like to have a good guy with you to help." I said and Alec smiled at Magnus. "So you aren't alone. Not anymore, and the sooner you come out, I think you'll feel a lot better."
"Thanks Jace." Alec said sincerely. "For being so understanding and not beating me up or calling me a fag."
"Do you honestly think that's what would happen if people knew?" I asked. "People are a lot more accepting these days."
"The kids at this school can be merciless." Alec said.
"Look, the guys at this school are dicks." I said. "Like the biggest dicks I've ever met. And if they push you around for being who you are, I'll do something about it."
"Really?" Alec asked.
"Believe it or not Alec, you're one of my best friends." I said truthfully. "And I don't let people bully my friends. Same goes for Clary, Lydia, and Izzy. I would stand up for all four of you any day of the week."
"That means a lot." Alec said, and I smiled.
"Now, I'm going to walk away now, and go work out, and you two do whatever you want." I laughed, and so did they. I walked away and shut the door. I could faintly hear them talking, and thought about what I just found out, and I hope he has the courage to let Izzy, Clary and Lydia know. I think he would feel much better once he did.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Clary POV:
I hated when this school called assembly's. They were honestly so pointless, and it took forever for them to actually start. Lydia, Izzy and I were all sitting in the front, and nearly falling asleep waiting for the principal to come up and talk when Kaelie and Aline stood right in front of us.
"May we help you with something?" Izzy asked.
"We've got a lot of complaints from concerned students that you three don't keep up with your hygiene, we just thought we'd help." Kaelie smirked and they threw water on all three of us. We screamed and stood up, while the whole student body started laughing.
We looked at each other, and ran out of the gym. We just needed to get to a place where no one would see us. Unfortunately the locker rooms were so far away, and before we could make it, we transformed. When we heard the sound of footsteps running, we thought we were doomed, but we glad when it was just Alec.
"Get us to the locker room." Izzy pleaded.
"All three of you? That's going to take a couple trips." Alec said.
"We don't have a couple trips." I said worriedly.
"Holy shit." We heard, and we turned our attention to the voice, and low and behold, there stood Jace. "Holy shit." He repeated.
"Jace, there is no time to explain." Alec said. "Help me get them to the locker room." He asked.
"Uh, how?" Jace asked.
"Grab Clary and Lydia's hands." Alec said, and Jace did what he was told, as Alec grabbed Izzy and Lydia's other hand. Before I knew it, we were being dragged. It felt like forever, but before I knew it, we were in the girls locker room, and Alec was locking the doors.
"What the fuck." Jace said as he looked at our tails. I knew we didn't have much time, so I started evaporating the water so we would transform back. When we had our legs back, Jace still looked like he was in shock.
"You can't tell anyone." I told him.
"Well can you at least tell me, because I'm kinda freaking the fuck out here." Jace said.
"When we were in eighth grade, we went out to a little island off the coast." I said. "It was believed the island had magical powers, but nobody believed them, and on the night we went out, we decided to go for a moonlight skinny dipping session, and just as the full moon passed, we were transformed. We've been mermaids ever since."
"So you aren't allergic to chlorine?" Was the first thing out of his mouth, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"As far as the school knows, we are, but we just can't get wet otherwise we transform." I explained.
"This is mental." Jace said.
"We thought so too." Izzy said. "In the beginning, we were all freaking out. But we just decided to go with it, and embrace it."
"And that thing you did with your hand." Jace said. "What the hell was that?"
"Along with our tails, we got the ability to influence water in a certain way." Lydia said as she turned the shower on and froze it.
"Holy shit." Jace said again.
"I can obviously heat water up. Boil it as hot as I want." I said as I unfroze the water and it turned to steam.
"And you?" Jace asked Izzy. Izzy took the water and formed a ball of water and started moving it around the room. Jace followed it, mesmerized. "This is mental."
"We know, and we understand if you need time to process it, but you can't tell a soul about this." I said to him.
"Why would I tell anyone?" He asked genuinely.
"I don't know." Lydia said. "Kaelie and Aline clearly know something otherwise why would they throw water on us?"
"But how did they figure it out?" I asked. "Nobody knows but us five."
"Maybe she followed you at some point?" Jace suggested. "I mean, do you look over your shoulders every time you go out?" He asked.
"No. But we do make sure we're alone before getting in water." Izzy said. I was thinking about how they could possibly suspect when it hit me.
"Sebastian." I said and everyone looked at me. "Sebastian fishes. A lot."
"Your point?" Alec asked.
"When we're out in the water, we aren't as careful." I said. "We're free, because we can be. He could have seen us."
"Fuck. He's literally the worst person to know." Lydia said.
"Yea, and how much you wanna bet her said something to Aline, who than told Kaelie." Izzy stated.
"But why would they care?" Jace asked.
"Sebastian's been after Clary since middle school." Lydia said. "But she's not interested at all."
"And I've overheard Kaelie talking about you nonstop since you arrived here." Izzy said, referring to Jace. "She's probably jealous you don't give her the time of day."
"And what about Aline?" Alec asked. "What's her motive?"
"She's obsessed with mermaids." I said. "Remember in middle school, we had to pick a topic and research it than write the ridiculously long paper about it?" I asked Izzy, Alec, and Lydia, they all nodded. "Aline picked mermaids, and spent hours upon hours in the water, trying to get any type of real evidence. When she presented her project, everyone laughed at her."
"I remember that." Lydia said. "She didn't show up to school for a week after that."
"How much you wanna bet, she want's to prove to the entire school that she isn't a joke." I said.
"This really couldn't be worse." Alec said.
"I mean, nobody saw you." Jace said. "So it technically could be worse."
"Not helping." Alec said.
"No, Jace is right." I said. "Nobody saw us, so we're in the clear."
"But who's to say they won't do it again?" Izzy asked. "They want to expose us, and I guarantee you, they won't quit until they do."
"We just have to be careful at all times." I said.
"Make sure either Jace and I are with you." Alec said. "That way we can get you out of the public eye as soon as possible."
"Than call me, so I can heat you up, and get you back to normal." I said and they nodded. "It's going to be annoying, but we can't be exposed."
"And don't forget, the full moon is next weekend." Lydia said.
"What happens with a full moon?" Jace asked.
"We just get really – what's the word I'm looking for? Transfixed on the moon, and nothing else." I said.
"We basically get hypnotized, and forget about the possibility of us exposing ourselves, and just do whatever the hell we want." Izzy said.
"Sounds fun." Jace said.
"Not when you try to boil people. Than it's not fun." I said and he laughed.
"How do you prevent it?" Jace asked.
"We barricade ourselves inside so the moonlight can't reach us." Lydia said.
"Fun times." Jace said and we all nodded. It was quiet for a moment before Izzy spoke.
"I'm actually glad this is out in the open." She said. "At least with you Jace. Secrets aren't any fun to keep." She said, and I saw Jace give Alec this look.
"What was that look for?" I asked.
"Nothing." Alec and Jace said at the same time.
"Okay, what's going on?" I asked.
"Come on man, better out than in." Jace said and Alec sighed.
"I've been seeing someone." Alec finally said.
"Oh my god!" Izzy cheered. "Really? Who is she? Do I know her?" She asked.
"No, and it isn't a she." Alec said. "His name is Magnus." He said slowly, as he looked around the room.
"Oh." Izzy said. "You're gay?" She asked innocently.
"Yes, and if you have a problem with it, I'm sorry but I can't change who I am – ouch, what was that for?" He asked when Izzy punched him.
"For thinking you had to hide that from me." Izzy said. "You're my brother, my best friend. I support, and love you no matter what."
"Really?" Alec asked, almost shocked at her answer.
"Yes you idiot." Izzy laughed. "But I need to know all about this Magnus guy." She smiled and Alec laughed.
"You knew about this?" I whispered to Jace as Izzy rambled about meeting Alec's boyfriend.
"I caught them making out in the gym teachers office one day." Jace said.
"And you kept it a secret for him?" I asked.
"It's not my news to share." He simply said. "But I thought he should tell you three, since you're basically family." He said and I was actually really surprised.
"You're a great guy Jace." I said honestly, and he smiled, a real genuine smile.
"He's my best friend here." He said. "Who he loves doesn't matter to me."
"Where did you meet him?" I heard Izzy ask.
"At the University of Hawaii, when I went and toured there." Alec said. "We started talking, we exchanged numbers, and it's kinda just been going from there." He explained.
"This is so exciting." Izzy said with the biggest smile on her face.
"And you're all okay with this?" He asked Lydia and I.
"If you're happy, we're happy." I said and Lydia nodded in agreement. We all went over to hug him and I could just tell he felt lighter, and maybe this was the start to a new and happier Alec. I caught sight of Jace out of the corner of my eye, and I couldn't help but smile. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all.
Time Jump – Full Moon
Jace POV:
Since finding out the girls secret, I've honestly never felt closer to them. The wall that they had built so high was gone, and I could tell it just made the friendships even better, and now with Alec out, everyone just seems so much happier and relaxed.
So when Clary asked if I wanted to spend the night with the group during the full moon, I obviously said yes. I was curious how it would go, and what they needed to do in order to get ready, and let me tell you, I wasn't prepared for how much preparation went into this.
Clary and I went out on a food run, making sure we had enough for the entire night, since I learned they can't sleep during a full moon. I was still getting used to this whole mermaid thing, but so far I was pretty good with the basics.
"Thank you for coming with me." Clary said on our way to the store.
"No problem." I said.
"Thank you for also being cool with everything. I know you came here looking for a normal senior year, and you got anything but that, and I appreciate you being so accepting." She continued.
"I didn't come here for a normal senior year." I admitted, and she looked at me.
"What did you come here for?" She asked, and as much as I wanted to keep my personal life to myself, she trusted me with a huge part of herself, that I just couldn't keep it a secret.
"My life back in England wasn't all that great." I said honestly. "My mom took her own life when I was about 5, and my dad blamed me for it." I explained. "He got violent, and turned to alcohol."
"Jace." She said as she took my hand in hers. I knew she was doing it in that comforting way, but I twisted my hand around and intertwined our fingers as we kept walking.
"I dealt with it for as long as I had too, but when I started researching ways to study abroad in high school, I found this school, and did everything I had to in order to qualify." I explained as we continued walking hand in hand.
"I'm so sorry." Clary said. "That must have been awful."
"I learned very early on that if I just kept my head down, and spent as little time possible with him, I wouldn't get punished." I said.
"So who are you staying with here?" She asked.
"A very nice elderly woman." I said. "Her name is Dot."
"And she was a host or something?" Clary asked.
"Yea. She's been hosting for as long as the agency can remember. Her parents were hosts, and she just followed in their footsteps." I said. "Apparently she doesn't get many kids because she's an elderly lady who lives alone, but I liked that about her. She's great, and I enjoy being with her."
"Well, I'm really glad you're here." Clary said and I stopped walking, which of course made her stop. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"Nothing." I said honestly, as I twirled a stray curl around my finger. "Can I do something?" I asked and Clary seemed at a loss for words, but nodded nonetheless. I learned forward and pressed my lips ever so lightly to her own, making sure she was okay with this, and when I felt her free hand snake behind my head, and push our lips further together, I couldn't help myself. I don't know how long we stood there kissing, but I never wanted to stop.
"Hey kids! Get a room!" Someone yelled and we broke apart, and Clary's face was flushed from the kiss and the embarrassment of the comment. She buried her head in my chest, and I flipped off the guy who shouted at us.
"Why don't we get the food, and continue this in the privacy of the Lightwood's house?" I suggested, and she laughed and nodded her head. I took her hand in mine again, and we made our way to the store. I don't know what was going to change between us, but I knew one thing for sure, I wasn't going to let Clary go without a fight.
Clary POV:
When we got back to the Lightwood's, Izzy could tell something was different. I just shook my head as we got all the food out and in it's proper place, but once it was done, Izzy grabbed my hand and forced me upstairs. Lydia not far behind.
"Okay, what happened?" Izzy asked once her door was closed.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I said.
"Oh please, you look giddy, and you can't look at Jace without smiling." Izzy said.
"Okay, so we might have kissed." I said and they squealed.
"Who initiated?" Lydia asked.
"He did." I said. "But I continued it."
"How long have you like him?" Izzy asked.
"I don't know." I admitted. "I didn't even know I liked him. I knew I didn't hate him, but today, we were talking on our way to the store, and he told me about his past, and than we started holding hands, and the next thing I know he's kissing me, and I didn't want it to stop." I said as I remembered the kiss.
"You two would be a hot couple." Lydia said and I felt my cheeks flush.
"I don't even know what he wants to do." I said honestly. "Maybe he just wanted to kiss me and that's it."
"I doubt it." Izzy said.
"Why do you say that?" I asked.
"Because the way he was looking at you when you got back. He wants more." Izzy said. "I can tell."
"I don't know." I said as I played with my fingers.
"Hey, you have all night to talk it out." Lydia said.
"That's another thing." I pointed out. "Who wants to date a mermaid?"
"Someone who doesn't care about the tail." Lydia said. "And Jace took it very well." She said. "Don't write him off just yet. Talk to him. See what he wants."
"Okay." I said and they smiled like idiots. "What?" I asked.
"Just, who knew you'd get a boyfriend before us." Izzy said and I threw a pillow at them, and they laughed. We made our way down to the kitchen and there was a new face there. "Alec, who is this?" Izzy asked.
"This is Magnus." Alec said and I could see Izzy's eyes light up. "We're going out tonight."
"Oh my god! I'm Izzy, his sister, I've been dying to meet you." She said as she ran over to him, and began to talk his ear off. I made my way over to where Jace was standing.
"Can we talk?" I asked and he nodded. We made our way out to the backyard, since it was still light out.
"What's up?" He asked as he took a seat next to me and put his arm around my shoulders.
"I just want to know what happens next." I admitted. "I mean, I don't really know the intentions of that kiss earlier, but I'd like to know that way if it was just a one off, I don't get my hopes up you know? And I totally get if it was but I'd just like to know now – "
"Clary." He cut me off, man I was rambling. "That kiss wasn't a one off. Not for me." He said.
"Really?" I asked.
"Really." He said. "I like you. A lot. You've intrigued me since the moment I got here, and after everything I found out, I just like you so much more."
"Even with a tail?" I asked and he laughed.
"Even with a tail." He said and I had to admit, it felt good hearing that.
"So, what do we do now?" I asked.
"Well, after this full moon, how would you like to go out with me?" He asked.
"I would like that a lot." I said and he smiled. I hesitated for a moment as I bit my lip. I really wanted to kiss him again. After a second, I realized I would just go for it. I leaned over and pressed my lips to his. I felt him smile as he kissed me back, and I couldn't wait to see where this went.
Time Jump – A Couple Months Later
Jace POV:
Clary and I were walking to class like we always do, hand in hand. After our first date, I asked her to be my girlfriend because there was just no denying it. There was something strong between us, and we wanted to see where it would go.
We took our seats, and were talking until the teacher came in, but when Sebastian, Kaelie, and Aline walked in, we knew something was about to happen.
"Look who we have here." Sebastian said.
"What do you want Sebastian?" I asked calmly.
"We just wanted to know how you two are doing." He said. "Considering you're the talk of the school."
"So what?" I asked. "People love to talk about the unexpected. Clary and I's relationship was apparently the most unexpected thing this school has ever seen." I said. "Even though it's old news now."
"There isn't much going on around here." Sebastian said.
"You aren't lying." I said.
"But there could be." He said, and in that moment, he threw a cup of water, not just on Clary, but on me as well.
"What the hell!" I yelled. Clary was already gone, but Aline was blocking the door. She looked panicked at first, but when the teacher opened it up, Clary slide by and ran.
"What is going on here?" The teacher asked.
"Sebastian, Kaelie, and Aline came in here, harassed Clary and I, than threw water on us." I said, and the teacher didn't look pleased.
"Principals' office, now." The teacher said and they angrily left the room. "Why don't you go get dried off." He said to me, and I nodded. I walked out of the classroom, trying to figure out where Clary went, when I saw a hall closet slightly opened. I made my way over to it, and when I walked inside, Clary was evaporating the water off her tail.
"That was a close one." I said and she laughed.
"I hate them." Clary said. "I can't wait for them to be out of here, and out of my life."
"I know. I can't wait for that either." I said honestly, as Clary got her legs back. "Just think, graduation is only a couple months away."
"I don't want to think about graduation." Clary said.
"But you just said you couldn't wait until they were gone." I said, a little confused.
"Yea, but that means you'll be gone too." Clary said and I couldn't help but smile.
"I'm not going far." I said as I wrapped my arms around her waist. "Alec and I are both going to the University of Hawaii."
"I know, but you won't be here. And that sucks." Clary said and I kissed her forehead.
"But you'll see me as often as you want." I said and she smiled. "Come on, let's get back to class." I said and she nodded. Both dry, we made our way back to class, took our seats and started taking notes. Clary was right, graduating would suck, knowing she's still here, but knowing we were on the same island is keeping me sane.
Time Jump – Jace's First Trip to Idris Island
Clary POV:
Jace was coming to Idris Island today, and I was nervous. This was like bringing him home to meet the parents, although I wasn't nearly as nervous about him meeting mine. I don't know why this was so nerve wracking, but it was. We got to the dock, and Alec had packed the boat for their day at Idris. He was already waiting for Jace to get in, and when Alec was ready, we didn't like to keep him waiting.
"We'll see you there." I said as I gave him a quick kiss, and we jumped into the water.
Being in the water was second nature to us, but that's to be expected. In the water, I didn't feel like a freak, I just felt normal, and at ease. Even though I was human for the majority of my life, once I turned, I didn't feel normal anymore, even when I had my legs, and just being in the water, with my closest friends made this whole adventure worth it.
Lydia and Izzy were ahead of me, and I couldn't help but smile as they joked around in the water. I was about to make my way over to them to join them when something caught me. I looked back and something was wrapped around my tail. I tried to loosen it as best as possible, but than I was being pulled out of the water and slammed on a hard surface.
"Well, well, well, look what we have here." The voice said, and I knew exactly who it was.
"Sebastian." I said as I looked up into those black eyes.
"Looks like you have a lot of explaining to do." He said as he proceeded to tie me up, and I couldn't even use my powers to get rid of my tail. This wasn't going to be pretty, and I just hoped the other can find me soon.
Jace POV:
We got to the island and got everything set up, and just waited for the girls. Alec looked concerned and voiced that it normally didn't take them this long, and he was kinda worried about them. But when Izzy and Lydia popped up looking worried as well, I knew something was wrong.
"Where is Clary?" Alec asked.
"We don't know." Lydia said. "We lost her."
"Did you look for her?" I asked.
"Yea. All over." Izzy said.
"Do you think something is wrong?" Alec asked.
"Something feels wrong." Lydia said and Izzy nodded in agreement.
"Okay, so we split up, and look for her." Alec suggested.
"And when we find her?" Izzy asked.
"We'll meet back here in an hour." Alec said. The girls nodded and went back under and I looked at Alec. "Let's go." He said and we hopped in the boat and started searching. I don't know where she went, but we have a lot of ocean to search.
Clary POV:
"What the hell is the point of this?" I asked as Sebastian tied me up.
"The point it to get information." Sebastian said.
"Why?" I asked, not even trying to hide my anger.
"Because I'm a laughing stalk of the school, and I refuse to be anymore." Aline said as she walked up from the bottom of the boat.
"All this because a few kids laughed at you?" I asked accusingly.
"The whole school was laughing. Everyone but you, Lydia, and Izzy. And now I know why." Aline said. "You made me look like a fool."
"You did that to yourself. It's not our fault you couldn't prove mermaids existed." I pointed out.
"It doesn't matter now. You're going to tell me everything." Aline said as she pulled a chair up.
"Like hell I will." I spat at her.
"Listen freak, everyone thinks I'm crazy, a fool, a freak." She hissed. "But soon everyone will know who the real freak is. And that's you, and your posse of mermaids."
"You really know how to butter a girl up for information." I scoffed, and I felt a hand slap me across the face. "Uh, ouch."
"Don't be a bitch Clarissa." Aline sneered. "You're going to tell me everything, or you'll be punished."
"What could you possibly do to hurt me?" I asked.
"A scale will be pulled away for with holding information." She smirked, and I paled. Ripping a scale off was just as painful as ripping a nail. "Now, how long have you been a mermaid?" She asked, and I figured giving answers to simple questions was for the better.
"Since eighth grade." I told her honestly.
"And the other two, same age?" She asked.
"Yes." I said.
"And you can't touch any water, or you'll transform?" She asked.
"Correct." I said.
"See, this isn't that bad right?" She said happily and I rolled my eyes. "And how did you become a mermaid?" She asked, but I kept my mouth shut. "I asked you a question Clarissa."
"I'm not answering it." I said honestly.
"Very well, Sebastian." She said and he walked over to me and kneeled down.
"This is gonna hurt baby." He smirked before ripping a scale off. I screamed bloody murder, and they just laughed.
"Now, how did you become a mermaid?" Aline asked again. This was going to be a long interrogation.
Izzy POV:
"Where the hell could she be?" I asked Lydia as we breached the surface.
"I have no idea, but we have to find her." She said and I nodded in agreement. I was about to say something when we heard a scream.
"Did you hear that?" I asked.
"Do you think that could be Clary?" Lydia asked.
"Only one way to find out, and it didn't sound like a pleasant scream, so the faster we swim, the better."
We swam as fast as we could towards the scream, and thankfully, it lead us to a boat. We breached the surface, and heard people talking, and we got a view of what was going on, it wasn't good.
"Listen bitch, we can pull as many scales as you have off that stupid tail of yours. Now answer the damn question." Aline hissed at Clary, and Clary looked like she was close to crying.
"I'm not telling you how I became a mermaid." Clary said back to her, and for a good reason. No doubt would Aline use that information to become one herself.
"Fine, Sebastian, take another scale." Aline said and he kneeled down next to Clary and ripped, and that caused Clary to scream, and finally cry. "That brings our count up to seven, think you want to answer the question?" Aline asked.
"Never." Clary said through tears, but with so much confidence in her voice.
"Fine." Aline said and Sebastian started moving towards Clary.
"Put water on his feet." Lydia said and I did it. Before I knew it, she froze him.
"What the hell." He said as he looked at his feet.
"Now do Aline." Lydia said and we did it all over again.
"What the hell." She said as she examined her feet frozen to the deck. Lydia and I pulled ourselves up on the railing of the boat.
"Clary." We called and she looked over.
"Oh thank god." Clary said.
"Let us go you freaks." Aline said
"Not until we release Clary." Lydia said and we made our way over to where they had Clary tied. We worked at the knots until Clary could move her arms. Clary got the rest of the ropes off her and jumped in the water.
"Get back here you freak." Aline shouted but we weren't sticking around to hear anything else she had to say. Lydia and I jumped back in to the water, grabbed Clary and started our way back to Idris Island and hoped that Jace and Alec were there.
Clary looked like she was in an incredible amount of pain, and all I wanted to do was smash Aline and Sebastian's head on the ground until they couldn't form proper sentences, but Clary was my main concern now, and I was going to make sure she was okay first and foremost.
Jace POV:
Alec and I got back to Idris after a hopeless attempt at finding Clary, and we were just waiting for the girls to get back. Hopefully all together. I was starting to get nervous when I saw three figures swimming up the pool. Happily, I got down close to the water, and when they breached the surface, Clary looked destroyed.
"What happened?" Alec asked as we pulled Clary out of the water. I pulled her into me and she just started crying.
"Sebastian and Aline got her." Izzy explained. "They tied her to the railings of the boat and interrogated her about being a mermaid, and when she didn't answer a question they ripped a scale off."
"What the fuck." Alec said.
"Is that painful?" I asked honestly.
"Ever slam your finger in a door, and your nail turns purple?" Lydia asked and I nodded. "Now, imagine that pain, along with the pain of ripping your entire nail off after slamming it, and it's a little more painful than that."
"Shit." I said as I looked down at Clary.
"How many did they rip off?" Alec asked.
"Apparently seven." Lydia said, and my blood started to boil.
"Clary, can you get your legs back?" Alec asked her, and I felt her nod slightly. She started to boil the water off her legs, until they were back, and they were beat up.
"Wait, it transfers over to your legs?" I asked, confused.
"Our tails are part of our body." Izzy said. "If our tails get hurt, so do our legs, and vice versa."
"And hurts like a bitch." Clary said, speaking for the first time. "Can I just go home guys, I really don't want to be anywhere but my bed right now."
"Of course. We can do this another time." Lydia said, and both girls hugged Clary.
"Why don't we all just take the boat home?" Alec suggested and everyone nodded. Clary evaporated the water for Izzy and Lydia, we packed up and headed home. I scooped Clary up into my arms and got her to her house once we hit the land. I walked her right upstairs and put her in her bed.
"Can you stay with me? Just for a little." Clary asked, and I smiled.
"I'll stay as long as you want." I said as I joined her on the bed. I carefully put the covers over her and she rested her head against my chest. I couldn't believe what Sebastian and Aline did to her, and I wasn't going to let him get away with it.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Clary POV:
My legs were finally feeling better, and I was super thankful for that. Walking on them was incredibly painful, and half the time Jace was my way of transportation. The minute he saw me uncomfortable he picked me up, and I was really grateful for that. I hated that Aline and Sebastian had this over my head, and I was shocked when I showed up to school and there wasn't a rumor going around about us. But they never did take a picture of me, so I guess they really didn't want to look like even bigger fools with having very little evidence.
It took me some time to feel better, but once I felt like myself again, school was almost out, and pretty soon Aline and Sebastian would be a figment of my imagination and I never had to deal with them ever again considering they were leaving Hawaii to go to college someone on the mainland.
Jace kept a close eye on me whenever they were around and I appreciated his concern. As much as I was looking forward to graduation, I was dreading him being gone as well. I had no clue someone could mean this much to me, but now that I knew what it felt like, and especially it being with a guy who is as amazing as Jace, I didn't ever want to be apart, and that was going to be the hardest part. But I was going to cherish these last precious months we had together, and nothing, not even Sebastian and Aline were going to get in the way of our happiness.
Time Jump – Graduation
Clary POV:
"Well, it's over." I said as we walked out of the gym.
"It's only just beginning Clare." Jace said as he arm was draped over my shoulder.
"You know what I mean." I said as I playfully hit him, and he laughed.
"I know, but we have the entire summer before Alec and I leave, plus we won't be that far away." Jace reminded me.
"I know, but it's still not the same." I told him for the millionth time.
"How about a trip to Idris?" Izzy said. "A last hooray of this school year, and the beginning of the greatest summer of our lives?" She smiled.
"Sounds amazing." I said. "Why don't we all meet at the dock in an hour?" I suggested.
"Sounds great." Jace said. We all made our way home to get everything ready before starting the summer off right.
Since the incident with Sebastian, we all take the boat to Idris now. Although we are more cautious about our surroundings at sea, we still didn't want to risk it happening again. There are more twisted people out there like Sebastian, and god forbid we fell into their hands.
We got to Idris and started setting everything up before we went to take a swim. I loved taking Jace out and just getting to be my mermaid self with him. He embraced the tail, and I was super happy about that. After hours in the water, and watching the sunset, we made our way back to Idris, but when we got back, we were surprised to see Aline there, staring at the pool, looking like she was about to jump.
"Aline." I said cautiously, and she looked back, eyes dripping with tears.
"All I've ever wanted was to be taken seriously." She cried. "And I can prove mermaids exist. If I become one."
"You don't want to do that." I warned her.
"I think I do." Aline sniffed.
"Being a mermaid isn't all you think it is." Izzy told her. "You don't get it."
"But I will." She said as she stepped closer.
"Being a mermaid is a burden." Lydia said truthfully. "We wouldn't wish it upon anyone. Not even you Aline."
"What do you mean?" She asked, and I could tell we were getting to her.
"We can't swim freely, hell we can't even shower." I began to explain. "When a full moon comes around, we have to barricade ourselves in a place where the moon can't reach. The secret alone is crippling Aline. You don't want to have to go through life like that."
"But you're doing it." She said.
"We had no choice. We didn't know what this island was capable of. You do. And you don't have to do this." Lydia tried to reason with her.
"We will tell you everything you want to know." Izzy said. "As long as you don't jump."
"Everything?" Aline asked.
"With a few rules." I added, and I saw her nod. "You can't mention us by name, if you want pictures, our faces aren't anywhere in them, and if you breath a word of this, and we become experiments, we'll send someone after you." I told her.
"Deal." She said after a moment.
"Okay, but give us a couple days to celebrate with Jace and Alec." I told her. "On Thursday, noonish, we'll meet here, and talk." I said and she nodded. "Go home Aline. Take a steaming hot shower with your legs, and enjoy your life. You just graduated high school, have fun." She nodded again before exiting the cave.
"You sure you want to do this?" Alec asked. "Tell her everything."
"All she's ever wanted was to prove she wasn't a joke." I said. "She was ridiculed for years, I get wanted to prove everyone wrong. And if telling her about being mermaids spars her this lifestyle, I think it will be worth it." He nodded.
"Is it really that much of a burden?" Jace asked.
"Yea." Izzy, Lydia, and I all said in unison.
"You would never know with how well you handle everyday life." Jace said.
"We have each other." Lydia smiled.
"It helps a lot to have these two." Izzy said as she put her arms around Lydia and I.
"And who knows, maybe one day Aline will be taken seriously and discover a bunch of other aquatic anomalies." I said and everyone laughed. "But for now, we celebrate." I said and everyone laughed. Telling Aline was scary, but we spared her this life, and I was happy about that.
Time Jump – Ten Years Later
Clary POV:
There are things in life that happen for a reason, and although I don't understand why I became a mermaid, I was truly indebted for the bonds it gave me every single day. And not just the bond between Izzy, Alec, Lydia and I, but the bond between Jace and I. I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't figured out our secret, but being able to wake up to that man every single day, and experience life's adventures with him was amazing, and I took none of it for granted.
It's been 10 years since we first got together, it's been 5 years since we got married, it's been 3 years since out beautiful little girl came in to the world, and it'll be another 6 months until our second comes into this world, and every day I wake up and I feel like I'm in a dream.
Charlotte was the brightest little baby I've ever met. She was just like Jace in every single way. Blonde hair, gold eyes, and charm that could make anyone bend over backwards for her. She was perfect, and I couldn't wait to bring another baby into this world, and do it all over again.
"There is my baby." Jace said as he walked into the backyard. I looked back at him and couldn't help but smile.
"Took you long enough." I teased and Jace just smiled and grabbed Charlotte.
"Mommy loves being mean to daddy." He said to Charlotte, and she just giggled. "But now that I'm here, let's go swimming." He said, as he got into the pool with her. "You coming babe?" He asked, and I just smiled. I got into the water, and a moment later my tail appeared. "You think she'll ever get a tail?" Jace asked me as he played with Charlotte.
"I don't know." I said honestly. "I don't see why she would. I wasn't born this way, I transformed."
"True, but it just makes me curious." Jace said.
"I guess we'll see." I said and he nodded, and we went back to playing.
Jace brought up a great point. I didn't know if my tail would be passed onto my kids, and it kinda scared me if it did end up happening, because they have no choice in it if they did. This is the burden that being a mermaid comes with, and I guess if it did happen, I'd call Aline and get her expert opinion.
Other than that fear ever present in the back of my mind, things in life were amazing. After college, Simon and Izzy actually reconnected and have been together ever since, and I couldn't be happier for her. She dated a lot of assholes in college, and it's about time she fell for a nice guy, and Simon was a nice guy.
Lydia met her boyfriend in college, and they are still together. They aren't in any rush to settle down, so they are just living their best lives possible, and traveling. She sends pictures to us all the time, and I was super jealous of all the cool places she got to go, but happy that she was loving her life.
And Aline. Aline went to college and studies marine biology, and is making amazing discovers in her field. She kept her promise to us, and we're actually pretty good friends, and I was happy that she turned her life around. She often tells me that not becoming a mermaid was probably the best decision because now she gets to scuba dive for work, and it wouldn't be possible with a tail.
Overall these 10 years have been truly amazing, and I had no complaints. I couldn't wait to see where the next 10 years took me, but I knew that it was going to be an amazing ride, and I was so ready to embark on it.
Time Jump – Ten Years Later
Jace POV:
Four kids, and one on the way. That's how my life has changed in the last 10 years. If you told me when I was a teenager that my life would be like this, I would have laughed. I never thought I'd ever get that happy family with how much of a tormented childhood I had, but looking at my kids right now, and my amazing wife, I wouldn't want it any other way.
Charlotte was now 13 years old, just turned it yesterday, and it was amazing. Luna was 10 years old, and the freest spirit you'll ever meet. She was a replica of Clary, and she was going to be a heartbreaker, and I was going to be chasing off boys when she got older. Ryan was 7, and boy was he a cocky little kid. He was super into sports, and pretty much great at anything he put his mind too. Jack was our youngest right now, and he was 4. He was quiet, and liked to play alone, but he was the sweetest boy you've ever met, and just a bundle of joy whenever you were feeling down. We have another one on the way, another little girl, and I couldn't wait to meet her.
We had just finished dinner, and the kids were in the living room watching a movie, Charlotte went to take a bath, and Clary went to go lay down on our room. Being a little older and pregnant was taking it's toll on her and often took many naps throughout the day. I was at the sink doing the dishes when I hear the yell.
"Mom! Dad! Come quick!" I heard and I put the plates down and made my way to the upstairs bathroom. I met Clary in the hallway, and when we opened the door, there sat Charlotte in the bathtub, with a tail.
"Oh god." Clary said.
"She transformed." I said.
"I can't believe I'm a mermaid." Charlotte said.
"I can't believe you are either." I said.
"I'm going to call Aline." Clary said before she left the bathroom. I went over and sat by the side.
"Are you okay?" I asked her honestly.
"I always thought it was cool that mom was a mermaid, and I knew when I was little I wanted to be one just like her, but I thought it wasn't possible. I mean I swim all the time." She said.
"Hopefully Aline has some information that could help us." I said and she nodded, a moment later, Clary walked in. "What did she say?" I asked, as Clary took a seat on the toilet.
"Well, it's genetic." Clary said. "Apparently no signs were shown because you transformed at the same age I did."
"So I'm a mermaid?" Charlotte asked.
"You are." Clary said. "And you'll have abilities just like me, and you'll be affected by the full moon just like me, and you can't tell anyone, just like me." Clary told her.
"What about the others?" Charlotte asked. "Will they turn?"
"Luna, and this little one will." Clary said as she rubbed her belly. "The gene is only passed through the female. So Ryan and Jack are safe."
"This is going to be so weird." Charlotte said.
"But we'll get through it." I said. "Because that's what Herondale's do."
"That is so right." Clary smiled and so did Charlotte. It was going to be weird, but we were used to weird.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Clary POV:
We were all gathered in the backyard to see what Charlotte discovered about her abilities. She was super into learning everything she could, and was often on the phone with Aline to figure out everything. She's been very secretive about her abilities since she figured it out, and we were all curious.
"Come on Charlotte, just show us." Luna said, annoyed.
"Okay." Charlotte said as she jumped into the water. Nothing seemed weird, until she didn't transform.
"Wait, I thought you had a tail." Ryan said.
"I do." Charlotte beamed.
"Care to clue us in baby?" Jace asked her.
"My ability. I can transform when I want to." Charlotte said, and just at that moment, the tail appeared.
"I wish I got that one." I said and everyone laughed.
"That's actually pretty cool." Jace said. "Now you don't have to be so cautious."
"Yea, and now I don't have to give up on my dreams of being a surfer!" She beamed.
"Since when do you want to be a surfer?" Ryan asked.
"Since forever." Charlotte said.
"You're a little too late." Luna said.
"You're never too old." Charlotte said.
"Tell that to the 5 year olds out there in the water right now practicing. You're pretty much ancient." Ryan said.
"Shut up Ryan." Charlotte said. Ryan, being Ryan stuck his tongue out at her, and Charlotte splashed her with her tail.
"Hey, no fair!" Ryan shouted. I looked over at Jace and he smirked at me. We each grabbed a kid and threw. Well, everyone but Jack. They screamed as they hit the water.
"Mom!" Luna yelled as she emerged from the water.
"What?" I said, faking confusion. Luna made a face, and splashed water at me. Jace picked me up and put me in the water, and the tail came out. Before I knew it, Jack and Jace were both in the water as well, and for the rest of the night we spent in the pool soaking up each others company, and for the first time in awhile, being a mermaid wasn't all that bad after all.
Authors Note:
So, this has taken me some time, but not as long as before, so I'm pretty happy about that. I got inspired by the show H2O: Just Add Water, and I wanted to make a Clace version, and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Let me know what you think and leave a review!
Disclaimer: I don't own H2O: Just Add Water, but I used it to get some inspiration. I think its a pretty underrated show, but that's just me! Enjoy :)
