One Hundred and Thirty Seven One Shot:
Musician
Jace POV:
Being in the public eye for everyone to judge you was something I didn't know if I could get used too. I certainly never thought it would be as tough to adjust, but with the career path I wanted to take, I knew it was inevitable if I ever made it big.
But with the right luck, and the best group of guys I've ever met, we took off and have been living the dream ever since. I couldn't be happier with my life, and my career, and everything I've accomplished since being discovered, but I was in a slump and I couldn't get out of it.
"Come on Jace, it's been days. You need to get over this." Alec said and I looked at him.
"I can't Alec." I said honestly. "It's everywhere."
"What did you expect Jace? You don't want to settle down, and you've been broken up for a little over a year." Alec said.
"But we've always been a thing, even when we weren't." I said.
"Do you know how mental that sounds?" Alec said and I rolled my eyes. "Honestly Jace, she found someone who makes her happy, and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. What girl wouldn't want that?" Alec explained.
"I thought she didn't want to settle down either. That's why we did what we did. We weren't serious, and we both liked that." I said.
"Maybe she changed. Maybe she realized that she wanted a husband, and kids one day." Alec said, but I didn't reply. "Look, why don't you get away for a few weeks? Away from the city, and away from the paparazzi."
"Where too? They follow me everywhere." I said.
"My family vacation home up in Northern California is in a remote location. No neighbors, and the people there really don't care about fame or anything else." Alec offered.
"And your staff?" I asked.
"Won't say a word, and won't leak a single thing. They like the privacy as much as we do." Alec said.
"You know what, I could use a vacation." I said.
"Good. Leave tonight." Alec said and I nodded. "I'll call Tessa tonight, and let her know you're coming so she can let the staff know."
"Thanks man." I said. He smiled before leaving. I went to my room and started packing. Maybe this vacation was something I really needed.
Time Jump – Arriving at Vacation Home
Clary POV:
Jace was arriving shortly, and we were all told explicitly that his stay here is private and if it's leaked, we will be terminated immediately. Personally I didn't really know who he was, Tessa just explained that he was a musician but I liked books more than music, so I didn't know any of his songs.
The staff wasn't huge here, and I was the youngest one here, so we all wouldn't do a thing to jeopardize his vacation. I got the need to relax, and that's what he was coming here for. There was no need to ruin that, and also get fired in the process. So when the car pulled up, and he stepped out, I had to admit, I was pretty stunned with how gorgeous he was.
"Jace, welcome to the Lightwood Estate. I'm Tessa, head maid." She introduced.
"Hi Tessa, thank you for the warm welcome." Jace smiled.
"As you can see, we are quite a small staff." Tessa said as she gestured to us. "We have Hodge, our chef, Amatis, our grounds keeper, me of course, and Clary, a maid."
"It's wonderful to meet you all." Jace said.
"We're here for whatever you need. Don't be afraid to ask us for anything." Tessa instructed. "If you want something from the market, just let Hodge know, and we'll get it for you."
"Thank you." Jace said.
"Clary, why don't you take his bags to his room." Tessa said and I nodded.
"I can carry them, but I could use a guide." Jace smiled.
"Of course. This way." I said as we started walking.
"So, you look like the young gun around here." He said.
"Yea, but I've always been the youngest, ever since I was hired." I told him.
"How long have you worked for the Lightwood's?" He asked.
"Magnus got me the job when I was 18, so it's been a little over 7 years." I told him.
"And how do you know Magnus?" He asked.
"We grew up together." I said once we reached his room, and I decided to stop the questions. "Have a good vacation Mr. Herondale." I said as I walked away.
"It's just Jace." He called after me.
"Have a good vacation Jace." I said before walking away. I had a feeling he was going to be a dangerous game while he was here, and I don't know if I'm quite ready for that.
Time Jump – One Week Later
Jace POV:
I've been here for a week, and I had to admit, I was pretty relaxed. It was nice being around people who didn't want anything from me. They were just going about their lives, having a casual conversation when I would enter a room, but they weren't overbearing. It was nice to be a person again, and not just a celebrity, or a way to get famous.
Clary was the most fascinating part of this vacation thus far though. She was mysterious. Having light conversation, but never really revealing much about herself. All I knew about her was she has known Magnus since they were kids, and that's how she got the job. I knew nothing else. I guess that was part of the appeal for me though. Most women tell me their entire life story, and than proceed to try any way they can to get into my life.
It was late, and I wanted a midnight snack. I enjoyed having a chef, but I wasn't useless in the kitchen, so I wasn't worried about having to make my own food. But when I walked in, there sat Clary on the bar stool.
"You're up late." I said and she turned around.
"It's only midnight." Clary said with a smile.
"Is this not late for you?" I asked.
"Not really." She answered.
"What do you consider late?" I asked as I took a seat.
"When the sun rises?" She answered with a question.
"Most people consider that early." I said and she laughed.
"I'm not most people." She responded.
"No you are not." I said with a smile. "So do you always have trouble sleeping?" I asked.
"How do you know I have trouble sleeping?" She asked.
"Because most people don't consider the sunrise to be late, but early." I said and she laughed.
"I guess I gave myself up there." She said and I nodded. "But I guess it's been for the last couple years. I just can't seem to sleep for long periods of time."
"Do you know why?" I asked.
"The doctor says it's insomnia, my therapist says it's anxiety, and hypnotist says it's childhood trauma." She said so seriously that I didn't know if she was kidding or not. Than she started laughing. "I'm kidding, I've just never been a good sleeper." She laughed.
"You are a very good story teller." I laughed.
"I babysat a lot in high school, so I got good at story telling." She said and I nodded. "But I do have to be up early today, so I'm gonna get some sleep. Goodnight Jace."
"Night Clary." I said and she left the kitchen. She left half the grilled cheese there, and I took it and ate it. Clary just got a whole lot more interesting to me.
Time Jump – One Week Later
Clary POV:
I was doing everything in my power to stay away from Jace. I was getting way too close to him. Every time he asked me a question about myself I wanted to answer it, but I couldn't. So the only thing I could think of was to call Simon and talk it out with him.
"I don't see the problem with letting him in Clary. He sounds like he's really into you." Simon said.
"The problem is Simon, we're too different." I expressed. "He's a musician with over 6 million followers on Instagram, and I'm a maid."
"So? Opposites attract, do they not?" Simon said.
"I mean, that's a really trivial reason, but it still counts." I said.
"So what are your other reasons?" Simon asked.
"For one my past." I said. "My medical conditions, the fact that I'm technically on the run."
"Your medical history isn't your fault." Simon said. "And secondly, whatever is in your criminal record is easily explainable."
"But the history behind the criminal record isn't." I said.
"Again, that isn't your fault." Simon said.
"How isn't it? I was weak. A coward. I let it happen." I said.
"I'm gonna need you to shut the hell up right there Clarissa Morgenstern." Simon said and I flinched hearing my full name for the first time in years. "What happened to you is not even close to your fault. That bastard manipulated you. He controlled you. He beat you. None of that falls on you."
"And how could someone like Jace Herondale want someone like me? I've read about his ex girlfriend. She was absolutely gorgeous, and a super model. I can't compete with that." I said honestly.
"They aren't together because he broke up with her." Simon said. "And from what I've read, they were never serious, so maybe she wasn't what he was looking for. Maybe he wants someone like you. Maybe you are exactly what he wants, and you're shutting him out." He said and I sighed. How could I possibly argue with that?
Jace POV:
I was making my way out for lunch when I heard Clary's voice echoing down the hall. I was going to stop and see if she wanted to catch some lunch with me. I got to the door and I was about to knock when I heard her speaking.
"I can't tell you how much better I feel telling you about all this." She said, and it made me curious about who was on the other end of the call. "Honestly, talking about Jace really made it a lot easier. It's been a long couple weeks here, and there's just so much to talk about when it comes to him." She said and my blood started to boil. "I'll call back in a couple days. I'll probably have so much more to tell you." She laughed. "You too. Bye." She hung up the phone and I saw a smile on her face. I couldn't believe she would do this to me.
Time Jump – Tomorrow
Jace POV:
When I woke up in the morning, my phone was filled with notifications. Sleepily I checked, and most of them were normal things from fans, but when I saw the link my manger texted me, I knew it was bad.
Jace Herondale taking a mini vacation after hearing about his ex's engagement might have found himself someone new to spend his time with. But what do we know about this mysterious new woman in his life? Details about their new and intimate relationship on A4.
Everything hit me immediately, the person Clary was on the phone with must have been a reporter. How else would he find out about what goes on in this house? Clary is the only one who knows about our conversations, or our relationship (can I even call it that?). it doesn't matter. What matters is, Clary betrayed me, and there is no way in hell I was going to let her get away with it.
Clary POV:
I had finished my morning work, and was grabbing a cup of coffee in the kitchen when I heard footsteps. I turned around and there was Jace, but he didn't look happy.
"What's wrong?" I asked, but that didn't help.
"What's wrong is that I trusted you, and you completely manipulated me." He flared.
"What are you talking about?" I asked honestly.
"I know you were on the phone with a reporter the other day. I know you leaked stories and information about me, about us." He snapped, and that just confused me even more. "I'm used to people using me, but I thought you were above that. Was this your plan the whole time? Get close to me than sell the story to the highest bidder?"
"The highest bidder? What are you talking about Jace?" I asked honestly.
"Stop lying to me Clary." He seethed. "God, I thought you were different. I thought you weren't like every other girl in the world, but you're the same." He said as he started to walk away. "Actually, your worse because you did it with a smile on your face." With that he was gone, and I was left completely dumbfounded.
Time Jump – A Couple Days Later
Jace POV:
"I think you're over reacting Jace." Alec said to me. "I've known Clary for years, and Magnus has known her even longer. She wouldn't do this to you."
"Clearly you don't know her all that well because she's been pretending to be someone she's not for a very long time." I told him spitefully.
"What does that mean?" Alec asked.
"I had my people do a criminal background check on her, Clary Fray isn't her real name, and she has a record." I explained to him. I was expecting to see hurt, shock, even rage in his eyes, but there was something else, sympathy.
"Jace, we know. We wouldn't have hired her without a background check." Alec sighed.
"You let a criminal into your house?!" I yelled. "Jesus Alec, she's no good. She's a liar, and a manipulator, and a straight up monster. I mean, look what she did to me?!"
"Like I said Jace, you're blowing this whole thing up." Alec said.
"You don't get it. Not everyone can be as amazing as Magnus. Not everyone gets what you have." I said.
"I guess you'll never know." Alec said but I United the comment. "Look, I have to go. Talk tomorrow?"
"Yea, sure." I said and with that Alec left. "Another round." I told the bartender as he got me another drink. I didn't want to think right now, so I wouldn't.
Time Jump – A Week Later
Jace POV:
"I've talk to Magnus." Alec said as he took a seat.
"So?" I asked.
"So there is more to the story that you don't know about Clary." Alec explained.
"I don't care about her. I never did." I spat.
"Yes you did because you're upset, and you only get upset when you care." Alec said and I rolled my eyes. "I was only given permission to give you some details. Do you want them?" He asked, and as much as I didn't, I really did.
"Fine." I said, trying to sound disinterested.
"Her name isn't Clary Fray, but Clarissa Morgenstern." Alec explained. "Her mom bailed when she was a baby, and her dad was practically absent." He started. "She met Magnus when they were in grade school and hit it off immediately because they both had shit home lives." He said. "When Clary was 18 she needed a job to move away from her dad. So Magnus talked me into meeting her, and she was just so bright and eager. Something pulled me towards her."
"Yea, that's called manipulation." I scoffed.
"Anyway, things got bad and she left after a year or two, but showed up on Magnus and I's doorstep one day, and she was different. It had been nearly 2 years since we saw her last, but she was a changed woman." He explained. "That's all I'm allowed to tell you."
"So because she had a shit life I should feel sorry for her?" I asked.
"What I'm saying is, she isn't who you think she is." Alec said. "She's a good person." With that he left, but I couldn't believe him. I just couldn't.
Time Jump – One Week Later
Clary POV:
It's been weird without Jace here, I had to admit. It wouldn't be so bad if he didn't leave the way that he did, but he didn't even give me a chance to figure out what he was talking about, and explain that what he thought I did wasn't me.
Turns out, it wasn't hard to find out. There was an article leaked about him, and me that apparently gives him every right to assume it was me, but that didn't give him the right to just accuse me. I could have explained it wasn't me very easily, but I doubt he would have listened.
So as I sit in the kitchen at midnight, and thinking about how that rockstar weaseled his way into my heart, I can't help but admit for the first time in a very long time, I allowed someone to bring down my walls, and it sucked that it had to be with a guy who thought I was a fame seeking bitch.
Not very hungry anymore, I put my plate in the sink and rinsed it off, when I heard something short circuit. Confused, I searched around the counter when I found something that could be the source. I picked it up, and sure enough, it was a bug. Plated by someone in this house. I immediately texted Mr. and Mrs. Lightwood to let them know what was going on. At least I knew how our conversations got out, I just didn't think this was enough to make Jace believe me.
Time Jump – A Couple Days Later
Jace POV:
"We found the source of the leak." Alec said.
"Yea, Clary. We figured that out awhile ago." I said.
"No. A bug was planted in the kitchen and in various spots around the house." Alec explained.
"Let me guess, Clary found them." I said.
"She did." He admitted.
"Come on Alec. You aren't stupid. You went to an Ivy League college." I said. "She planted them, than 'found' them. Yea right."
"Come on Jace." Alec said.
"No. I'm tired of you defending her. She used me. Why can't I be mad about that?" I yelled.
"Because you don't know the whole story." Came another voice. One I didn't recognize.
"Who is that?" I asked when he came into view.
"Clary's best friend." Magnus said. "I called and asked if he could come out here."
"Why? To convince me it wasn't Clary?" I asked. "It won't work."
"Clary is my best friend." The guy said. "And what I'm about to tell you, Clary would murder me for, but I know how much you mean to her, so I'm doing this for her."
"Sit, and listen." Alec said and I obeyed, but only to get him off my back.
"Everything Alec told you was true, but major details were left out." He became. "Clary left 2 years after Alec hired her because she got ovarian cancer." He said and my jaw dropped. "I know, 20 years old, and getting ovarian cancer is rare, but it happens." He explained. "So she froze her viable eggs, and started treatment. It was brutal. She wanted to give up so many times, but she didn't. She's tough like that." He said. "She met a guy at the hospital. His mom was going through treatment as well, and they got along. He would take care of her, and she finally felt like she was loved and needed, and taken care of. Something she's never felt before." He said. "But when she beat the cancer, he changed. He got really physical, and he got mean. Clary would call me crying in the middle of the night after he had just beaten her. She was stuck in this controlling and manipulative relationship that she couldn't escape."
"Is that when she came to us?" Alec asked.
"Yea. One night, he put a knife on her. Told her he was going to carve his name into her skin while she bled out so everyone knew who she belonged too." He explained and my body went numb.
"What happened?" Magnus asked.
"Clary ran to their bedroom and locked the door." He said. "It didn't stop him, but it delayed him long enough for Clary to get her gun."
"She owns a gun?" I asked.
"Yea. Because she knew it was either her life, or his." He explained. "That's where her criminal record shows up. She was in court for months. His family trying to get her on a first degree murder charge, her claiming self defense." He shook his head. "Eventually the case was dropped, but it's still out there."
"So he's dead?" I asked.
"She shot him right in the head." He explained. "She's still paranoid. Keeps her gun close. Barely sleeps at night. Her father has been trying to hunt her down for years, but she's kept her identity a secret. Until hat article was published."
"What's he father want with her?" Alec asked.
"Just to get her back." He explained. "He's never really liked her either, and she left in the middle of the night when she graduated high school. He wants someone to control."
"I'm an idiot." I finally said.
"Clary is the most truthful person I've ever met. And she's genuine." He said. "She would never sell you out."
"So who did than?" I asked.
"That's what I've been trying to tell you." Alec said. "It was Hodge. Apparently his granddaughters are huge fans and he did it at first for them, but realized he could make a hell of a lot selling the story."
"That old bastard." I cursed.
"He's fired." Alec said.
"I have to find Clary." I said as I stood up.
"You know where to find her." Alec said and I nodded.
"Thank you…" I looked at her friend.
"Simon." He said.
"Thank you Simon, for clearing everything up." I said.
"No problem, but hurt my best friend, and you're dead." Simon said.
"Got it." I said as I ran out of the house. I didn't even know how to mend this burnt bridge.
Clary POV:
"Why are you here?" I said as I looked at those golden eyes I tried so hard to forget.
"Can we talk?" Jace asked.
"I'd rather not." I said honestly.
"5 minutes. That's all I need." Jace pleaded.
"You have 2. I have somewhere I need to be." I bargained and he nodded.
"I'm an idiot. I know that." He started out with, and I had to admit, it was a very strong beginning. "I guess I was so convinced the world was out to get me, I didn't think it was possible for someone to just want to know the real me, so I lashed out at you before you hurt me, and I ended up hurting you instead, and that was never my intention." Jace explained. "The month I spent here was the most incredible month I've had in years. Being with you was the most real I've been in years, and when I thought you betrayed me, I felt like the comfort I found here was violated. But I should have known it wasn't you." Jace said. "Because you are the most genuine, selfless, and compassionate person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, and you don't maliciously spread rumors, or leak information about people. Not even for $15,000 dollars, even though you could benefit from the money." Jace said and I couldn't help but laugh a little. "You care about privacy, and secrecy, and intimate moments only shared between two people, and it was absolutely ludicrous that I believed even for a fraction of a second that you sold me out." He continued. "I guess what I'm trying to say here is that, I'm sorry. For yelling, for accusing, for my complete lack of sensibility in the heat of the moment. You didn't deserve any of that." He said.
"You took longer than 2 minutes." I said once I realized he was finished.
"I know, but it was worth it." Jace said and I nodded. "But you have somewhere to be, so I'll leave. I just wanted you to know." He said as he turned away before turning back. "That I was sorry."
"I appreciate the apology." I told him. "And I accept it. Maybe I'll see you the next time you take a vacation up here?" I asked.
"Maybe." He said. "Bye Clary."
"Bye Jace." I said as I watched him walk away. It killed me seeing him go a second time, but it would do neither of us any good rekindling what ever he stomped out all those months ago, so I didn't even bother.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Jace POV:
"What the hell are you doing man? If you're this miserable, go after her." Alec said to me.
"She's better off without me." I said honestly. "My life would be too much for her. She's a simple girl. My life isn't simple."
"People change for those they love." Alec said.
"I can't do that to her." I said again.
"Look man, you're miserable." He said and I went to argue but he wouldn't let me. "No, Clary meant a lot to you, and everyone saw it. So your life is crazy. Who cares? If you're with the one you love, everything is infinitely better."
"What if she doesn't want anything to do with me? What if she's moved on? I mean, we haven't even kissed. How can I be in love with someone I haven't kissed?" I asked frantically.
"Because love isn't always physical." Alec explained. "You can fall in love with a person you've never kissed, hugged, slept with, or held hands with. Because love is so much more than sex." He said.
"What if she doesn't feel it?" I asked.
"There is only one way to find out." Alec said. I nodded, for the second time going out to find Clary. "The staff went out to the bar tonight. You'll find her there." I nodded and made my way to the bar, hoping to win back the girl I never really had in the first place, but would most certainly die without.
Clary POV:
"Why are you here?" I asked as I saw Jace standing across the bar from me.
"Déjà vu." Jace laughed. "I came here because I need you to know something." He said.
"Jace, I know you're sorry." I said because we really didn't need to have this conversation again.
"That's not it." Jace cut me off. "I'm here because I'm in love with you and I don't want to spend another day apart." He said, and my jaw hit the ground as the bar patrons awed.
"You're serious?" I finally asked and he laughed.
"I pushed you away once, than I was too cowardly to make a move the second time, but I will never make either of those mistakes again because my life was infinitely better with you in it Clary Fray, and I will do anything to make sure you're life is infinitely better from this day forward." Jace explained and I had to admit, he had a way with his words that could make any woman swoon.
"You hardly know me Jace." I said. "How are you in love with me?"
"Because you are the most beautiful, genuine, kind hearted person I've ever met in my life, and just being around you makes me want to be a better person." He explained.
"I'm damaged Jace." I shook my head.
"I don't care. Clary, you're absolutely amazing the way you are, and I wouldn't change a thing about you." He said so honestly.
"I can't have kids." I blurted out. "I mean, I have eggs, but do you know how hard it will be to find a surrogate that will keep their lips sealed about you, and our life?" I asked.
"I actually know the perfect person for the job, and that doesn't matter to me. I will literally do anything in the world to make you happy." He said as he moved over to me and took my hands in his.
"I suck at relationships." I whispered to him.
"No. You've been in sucky relationships, you do not suck at relationships." Jace said. "And I'm not like them. I will never hurt you. I will treat you like a fucking queen because you are one Clary."
"I can't get my heart broken Jace. I would break if that happened." I said honestly.
"I never intend to break your heart Clary." He said and I looked into his eyes, seeing nothing but honesty in them. "Give me a chance to prove you wrong."
"Okay." I said after a moment and than he was kissing me. I could vaguely hear the patrons of the bar cheering, but I didn't care, I was kissing this amazing man, who I could have a really amazing life with. I didn't know when my luck turned around, but I was enjoying it as much as possible.
Time Jump – Four Years Later
Clary POV:
Jace kept his promise, and because of that promise I'm living my best life possible. We got married fast, because there really was no reason to wait. His life was a lot to get used too, but I loved him all the more for who he was, and what he did.
We were working on 4 years of marriage, with 2 kids, and I couldn't be more in love with him if I tried. Turns out, his sister was a very willing surrogate when Jace brought up the complications with me, and my inability to get pregnant. She jumped at the opportunity, and just knowing Jace and I could have a biological child together was something I would always be thankful for.
Perri was going to be 3 this weekend, and she was truly a daddy's girl through and through. She was the perfect combination of Jace and I. She got his beautiful gold eyes, and my red hair. I truly couldn't picture a better mesh than that, and every single day I thanked the Angels she was mine.
Levi was out newest addition, and he was only 5 months old, but the perfect little guy that this world has ever seen, but I am biased since I'm his mother. He was not a perfect combination of the two of us, but merely Jace's mini. Golden eyes, blonde hair. It was kinda curly like mine, but he was mostly Jace, which I loved, and I knew he loved it just as much.
"Mommy, daddy said we could go to the zoo this weekend!" Perri announced as she bounced into the living room.
"Oh did he now?" I said with a smile.
"Yea, he said we could see all the aminals!" She bounced even more.
"Did daddy also say that you must listen to everything mommy asks in order to go to the zoo?" I asked.
"Of course mommy." Perri said and I smiled.
"Than I can't wait to go to the zoo baby." I said. She kissed me and went to play with her toys, and Jace sat next to me and picked Levi up from my arms. "I thought you had an interview this weekend out of state."
"I was supposed too, but it just so happens the stomach bug is going around the studio, so they postponed it until further notice. Which means I don't have to miss our daughters birthday, and we can have an amazing family day at the zoo." He smiled and I couldn't help but smile.
"Have I told you how much I love you?" I said and he laughed.
"Not today, but I'm well aware." Jace said and I kissed him.
"I love you." I said to him.
"I love you too Clary." He said as he gave me one more kiss. I had an amazing life. Maybe marrying a musician isn't the worst thing that can happen to a girl.
"Mommy. I have to go potty." I heard Perry ask as I saw her holding herself.
"Quick! To the bathroom." I yelled but it was too late.
"I'm sorry mommy." Perri said about to cry.
"Don't worry sweetie. Accidents happen." I said but she was still upset. Potty training was going so well, but sometimes it just slips. "Do you want a full bath or a bird bath?" I asked as I kneeled in front of her.
"Bird bath." She said as her lip quivered.
"A birth bath it is." I said. "You got this?" I asked Jace as I pointed to the pee on the floor.
"I got this." He said as he put Levi down on the couch as he slept. I peeled Perri's clothes off and put them on the floor with Jace as I picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. I looked behind me before I left the room and saw the worlds most beloved rockstar cleaning up pee on the ground and I couldn't help but smile. Life wasn't always glamorous but damn was it worth it.
Authors Note:
So this is a lot faster than I expected to update, but I got an idea and I ran with it. This was thought of my be, along with reading some other fics that helped with the inspiration and I'm grateful that my imagination and my writing is getting some inspiration back! Let me know what you think and leave a review! Like I said, I probably won't update again for a little while, or a long while, it just depends, but I appreciate the kind words, and amazing reviews! It's what keeps me going! I am so determined to get to 200 one shots just like I promised you all, and god damn to you deserve it! :)
