Disclaimer: I do not own the Mortal Instruments series.


"I can't believe you" Clary said annoyed as she scuffed at Jace, he rolled his eyes at her exaggeration, "Of all the romance books, this is the one you like?"

"It's a great realistic book" Jace said as he leaned back in his chair further. Miss Lilith's class has become this sort of class for open discussions with your work partner, and Clary as always was crossing her legs over the chair and Jace had his feet up on the desk, crossed at the ankles as he leaned back, his chair close to hers.

Miss Lilith insisted that they could sit as comfortably as they would like and can just discuss whatever book she had assigned to them for the project.

"It's Romeo and Juliet. How do you, anti love guy, of all people like this?" Clary asked annoyed, "You, who laughed at me for liking Pride and Prejudice, like Romeo and Juliet. A story about two people falling in love within like a week and their love was so strong they would rather die than live without each other. You like that? YOU. How?"

"It's the best book to describe love. It's realistic, two people think they are in love and as a result everyone dies." Jace said, "What's more realistic than that? And it further proves my mentality".

"Which is?"

"To love is to destroy and to be loved is to be the one destroyed" Jace said as if it was the most obvious thing ever. Clary gaped, mouth falling on the floor, shock evident on her face. How can someone even believe something like that?

She was surprised someone was even more cynical than her, and she wondered what could have possibly lead Jace to believe in something like that. Because, despite everything she went through, she still believed in love and the good it could do.

Like the love she had for her brother Jonathan, despite the constant hurt she felt at his loss, she would rather feel that loss every day over never having loved her brother in the first place.

"So what, you will just never love anyone? What about Izzy? And Alec? And Max?" Clary asked.

"That's different" Jace argued, "Family is.. different".

Clary realized he truly believed in 'to love is to destroy' and she wondered what could have made him so cynical, she realized this is what Isabelle meant when she said Jace would never love anyone. She felt saddened by that, a grumbling feeling in the pit of her stomach pressing down, the feeling of something wrong, overwhelmed her.

It's not like she was expecting him to love her or anything but she just had a fantasy or more like a passing thought, that maybe if she wasn't in the situation she was in and that if she could actually let herself fall for Jace that he would possibly fall for her too.

It was crazy, just a crazy trivial thought. It wouldn't matter since the 'What if?' scenarios could never end and just continuing to wonder and ponder over these thoughts was unproductive and useless. But she couldn't help the thought that maybe if..

Jace believing that to love someone could only end in destruction took her off guard. He doesn't seem like someone who is afraid to fall in love, he isn't someone who is afraid of anything as a matter of fact. Him calling her out on rejecting him was proof of that. Anyone else would have just refused to bring it up again and would just deny that he even asked her out to begin with. So it was definitely not fear holding him back like most other guys.

She realized he truly believed that love is destruction and that thought saddened her.

"So you see, it's not the love story that I like about Romeo and Juliet, it's the tragedy itself" Clary was pulled back into the real world when she heard Jace explain.

"You are ridiculous" Clary exclaimed.

"And what, you think love is this rainbow of sunshine thing?" Jace asks.

"Yes Jace, that is what I think. That love is a rainbow of sunshine thing" Clary said with a roll of her eyes.

"Then what do you think of love?" Jace asked.

Clary knew he was talking about love, not the kind that you have for your family or friends you've known your whole life. But the love that you could have for someone who you want to spend the rest of your life with. And she has never felt that kind of love before, so she decided to be honest, "I.. don't know. I never.. felt that way about someone. If I ever do, I'll tell you my thoughts on it, exactly".

She rolled her eyes to further prove she was joking and he chuckled, "Yeah I would like a detailed report on it. Font 12 only, pretty font too. I won't accept any less".

"You got it" Clary said chuckling.


"Stop hitting me!" Izzy yelled out at Jace who teasingly threw another ball at her.

Coach Starkweather whistled loudly to get those two's attention and Clary almost felt sad for him. She knows how Jace and Izzy would get. "Lightwood, Herondale. This is gym not kindergarten, pull yourselves together".

The two nodded, Izzy with a terrifying scowl and Jace with a naughty grin, looking like he got away with something and he technically did. Izzy stomped over to Clary's side, crossing her arms over her chest when she did and huffing loudly.

"You're letting him get to you" Clary commented.

"He's Jace, you don't let him do anything he just does something and annoys the crap out of everyone else" Izzy said.

"Sounds like sibling quarrel to me" Clary said and Izzy huffed, at that moment Jace threw another ball at Izzy from his place, smirking annoyingly when she shrieked, catching her off guard, making Clary shriek as well.

"If I murder him, will you help me hide the body?" Izzy asked.

"I'll help with the murder even, if you ask me" Clary chuckled.

"You're a good friend".

"I am, aren't I?" Clary said teasingly and Izzy elbowed her lightly. Coach Starkweather blew his whistle right behind Clary and Izzy making them both jump apart, surprised, "Running exercise, everyone on the wall now".

When he passed by them, Clary and Izzy went to stand in front of the wall as Izzy muttered, "Help me kill him too?"

"I'll hold him down, you strike?" Clary asked and Izzy chuckled. Running exercises great, I've been running my whole life, so what's new?

"Five laps around the court, now!" Coach said and Clary groaned, frustrated.

Izzy and Clary began to run or more like fast walking across the court, talking or in Clary's case trying to walk and talk at the same time while glaring at Izzy for doing it so casually. It wasn't like she wasn't fit, she exercises with Luke but it is mostly martial arts and a few fighting techniques.

"How.. are you not.. sweating?" Clary let out words through every harsh breath she took.

"Please, I can do this in six inch heels" Izzy said with a casual roll of her eyes.

"I would die in six inch heels. Literally die" Clary commented and Izzy chuckled, just then a flop of blond hair passed by them. Jace with an arrogant smirk was running backwards, facing them and still not breaking a sweat either.

Please by Angel let him trip on something.

Either the angels don't listen to her in general or they have a favorite, because Jace didn't trip on anything. In fact he gracefully winked and started speeding in front of them.

"What an ass" Clary said.

"He is, isn't he? He is like the best at everything, strongest, fastest, jumps the highest and have you seen him?" Izzy says with an eye roll.

"What an ass" Clary repeated annoyed and Izzy chuckled.

"Anyways, you want to hang out tonight? Go see a movie?" Izzy asked.

"I'm actually.. hanging out with... Magnus after school, how about I text you... when I'm done if it's still a good... hour and we'll see?" Clary asked through every breath she desperately took.

"Sounds good" Izzy nodded.

"What sounds good?" Jace appeared by their side again and Clary gaped, had he just run the entire court and now catching up to them? Again?

"Right now? A mani-pedi, oh and a message" Izzy said and Jace laughed, "Sign me up with you guys?"

"Of course, Alberta would love to see you again" Izzy snickered, making Jace frown.

"It's funny when I do it, it's demeaning when you do it" Jace said.

"Lots of guys get mani-pedi Jace there is nothing to be ashamed of" Clary said, raising her voice more than necessary, two girls were walking past them and they gave Jace weird looks as Izzy and Clary chuckled.

Jace looked back at Clary with a scowl, "You timed that, didn't you?" he asked and Clary nodded eagerly a devilish smile on her face, taking pride in her actions.

She noticed a few of his teammates getting closer and she chanted again "Jace don't worry, no one is gonna make fun of you for doing a mani-pedi trust me".

"Jace? You get mani-pedis? How come when I ask you to go together you say no?" One of his teammates walked by their pace as he asked Jace, the look of hurt evident on his face.

"He's shy" Izzy said with a fake adoring expression on her face.

Clary matched her expression and added "It's his first time".

"You two are bitches" Jace muttered to the girls as he went on explaining "Henry come on, it's not like that".


Clary walked out of the school, her eyes immediately finding Magnus waiting for her on the steps of the main door, and how could she not? He was a walking mass of sparkle, an eye catcher anywhere.

"So do you have a car?" Clary asked and Magnus shook his head no, "Great, we'll get a cab".

A deep chuckle erupted from deep within Magnus' chest, "Cab? Where are we? New York? There are no cabs here biscuit".

"Train?"

"No"

"Buses?"

"Not really"

"Then what are we supposed to do? Walk?"

"Yes, it is barely a ten minute walk" Magnus said as the two started walking, "All of everything is pretty much together on one block, malls, cafes, restaurants."

"Why? How?" Clary asked.

"A history lesson? Almost every family in Idris has been around for generations, each family has lands and mansions and stables that they owned and passed down to their children, and with all the land belonging to houses and families, business was gathered in a specific area. I suppose in America it is different?" Magnus questioned.

"Depends" Clary answered, she has traveled to many parts of America, most cities don't have houses, it's almost always buildings with apartments and with at least one 'neighbor' above or below you. Malls, restaurants and cafes were everywhere especially in New York.

"So I have mapped out our visits by location as well, I figured while we are walking we pass them all as well" Magnus said.

"Great, I go wherever you go" Clary said with a shrug as she texted her mom her plans.

"Like a little puppy" Magnus muttered happily and Clary shot him a glare over her shoulder that quickly turned into an eye roll. The two kept talking and teasing each other all the way to the first store, which was a pastry.

Magnus looked from the outside at the place then back at Clary with one raised eyebrow and an unimpressed expression on his face, his nose scrunching a bit in distaste "Pass".

"No you don't" Clary said as she took a hold of his right wrist and ushered him inside, dragging him along with a bit of restrain from him against her hold. She smiled brightly as they walked into the small pastry.

It was very petite and bright, a light wooden color shaded the floor, and the table were of similar color. It was very small, it had only space for two tables, each with four wooden chairs surrounding them, and two booths in front of the window, facing the street, beige blinds covering the top third of it, doing very little to shield the inside from the afternoon sun and a display fridge with many kinds of cakes and muffins in it next to the counter where there stood a middle aged woman, flour covered apron and a smile on her face.

But there was this small Oreo ice cream cake in a plate on top of the fridge that captured Clary's eyes. That looks so good.

"Hello, how can I help you?" The woman asked. Clary noticed the bits of white in her dark hair she thought were because of the flour were actually gray strands.

"My friend here is looking for a job and we heard you are hiring" Clary said, giving Magnus a bit of a push, to stand closer to the lady. She looked over the piece of cake again, should she buy it?

The lady smiled a bit uneasily as she looked over Magnus, "I was actually, my daughter who used to help me out here went off to college. But do you know anything about pastry or baking?"

"Not a clue" Magnus answered truthfully, "But I catch on quickly and I do not mind late hours".

"And I am assuming you can only work in the afternoon?" the lady asked.

"Yes, I have school in the morning" Magnus answered.

"Have you worked before? As a cashier or..?"

"Here is a copy of his resume" Clary said handing her a sheet of paper, "How about you read it carefully, and there is a phone number down there you can call?"

"Thank you, I will consider this" the lady said and Clary nodded.

The two left the pastry with Clary thinking What a sweet lady, and Magnus said, "She won't be considering it".

"What? How do you know?" Clary asked, unbelieving.

"Because I am a people person" Magnus said, "And I bet you that resume is in the trash already".

Clary looked with the side of her eye to the window that looked over the store and she found, true to his words, the woman throwing the resume in the trash. Not such a sweet lady after all.

Now she feels bad for wanting her cake.

"You didn't even look, how could you-?"

"I know people" Magnus said with a careless expression, but Clary could see a bit of unease in his eyes, an almost sad expression.

"I think I forgot my phone in there, I'll be right back" Clary turned around, a dark scowl quickly taking over her features as she walked back but a hand on her wrist stopped her.

"No you didn't" Magnus said, knowingly, "Do not go yell at the old woman".

"I won't" Clary said and Magnus gave her his best unimpressed face with one corner of his mouth twitching up, a silent 'I don't believe' was clear in his eyes. "I just want to have a word with her".

"Clary" his voice was as if he was reprimanding a child, his head slightly crooked to the side, she reflected his expression and with the same tone she said "Magnus".

He opened his mouth to say something but Clary looked behind him, a confused expression immediately catching her face, "Alec?"

"Alexander?" Magnus' hand left her wrist as he turned around unsure, looking for Alec and Clary snickered as she slipped inside the pastry, Magnus calling her name after finding out her ruse.

That was too easy.

"Hi" Clary said as she walked inside, placing both her arms on the counter and leaning forward, propping her weight on them, hoping it would make her seem more intimidating.

"Now I could beat around the bush but that is not my style, so I won't. Now I don't know what your reasoning is for not even considering my friend's job application when you so desperately need a worker and I won't ask you what it is, because if it turns out what I think it is, you might just find out how temperamental I am" Clary said with a dark tone and low voice, the shock on the woman's face proved that she got her.

"But I will tell you that you would be lucky to have Magnus work for you, because he is someone willing to move heaven and earth for the people he cares about and you are an idiot for not seeing it" Clary said with finality and went to walk out, stopping after one foot and taking the Oreo cake in her hand, pulling out five euros from her pocket and slamming it on the counter as she took a bite of the cake.

"And you make great cake too" Clary said angrily as she slammed the door behind her.

She smiled as she saw Magnus anxiously waiting for her then looking over the cake in her hand confusedly. She shrugged off her encounter with the old lady, putting it in the back of her head as she said "I'm not sharing it with you".

"What happened?"

"Nothing" Clary shrugged her shoulders back then gestured to a clothes store "Oh I see our next target".

"Clary?" Magnus questioned as he followed her, keeping a suspicious eyebrow held up as his curious eyes raked her over.

"You are awfully curious for someone who didn't want me to go in in the first place" Clary said with a smirk as she took a bit of the cake. It was a good cake though.

"My wish for you not to go inside does not demolish the curiosity I have for her words. What happened?" Magnus asked.

Clary rolled her eyes, waving her hand showing little caring as she said, "Turns out it's not her fault. She has idiot syndrome".

"Clary"

"What? It's true but at least idiot syndrome doesn't affect one's ability to make cake" Clary smiled looking down at her cake.

"Clary"

"What?"

"Thank you" Magnus said with a genuine smile on his face, his expression making Clary smile as well. She rolled her eyes, not liking to be thanked so she joked with a straight face "Still not sharing my cake with you".

"That didn't work? Damn it" Magnus said with a smirk, playing along as they entered another store.


"No darling"

That was the first thing Clary heard as she entered Estelle's store. They had been out in the city for three hours and Clary was tired but she tried to stay positive, even though Magnus has not had even one job offer yet, he either refused to go into some stores to even check or it didn't soot him. So when Clary heard that, she was about ready to leave and try the next store.

"The colors do not match your skin at all, or your eyes, how do you have freckles when you are blonde? And how can you not wear heels with your height?" The woman in the store started off as she looked over Clary from head to toe, capturing her chin in her fingers as she examined her freckles and eyes.

"Because I value my life more" Clary answered dryly as she pulled away from the woman's touch. The woman waved a hand pushing back her short gray hair, which Clary guessed was a fashionable choice, as she adjusted her glasses which were hanging lowly on the tip of her nose. Her physique reminded her of models' bodies and she was dressed to perfection.

"I keep telling her" Magnus said with a sigh.

The woman turned to see the intruder and she stopped in her place as she caught sight of Magnus, her eyes raking over him curiously and she smiled, "You darling on the other hand".

"I know" Magnus smiled at the woman as he offered his hand to her and she took it excitedly, "Magnus Bane".

"It's a pleasure, Magnus Bane. I am Stella, how can I help you?" she asked.

Before Magnus could say anything further, they were interrupted by an older woman walking in, a model walking after her, wearing a white feathered dress and strutting, "Stella, come here. I think something is wrong. But I don't know what".

Stella smiled sheepishly as she walked over to who, Clary assumed, was the manger and looking over the design, "It's just... no" the manager said.

"It is wonderful Estelle, I couldn't imagine it any better" Stella said and Clary couldn't help but notice how automatic and robotic Stella's answer was, it seemed the words were more calculated than sincere.

So that was Estelle, whose name was on the sign at the entrance.

"It needs a design on the waist, it feels empty, also perhaps one shoulder strap, I find glitter adds even more flare and makes everything better. But I do believe feathers are running out of style" Magnus said with a shrug.

Clary's eyes widened as Magnus practically insulted the owner of the place he was applying for a job for, all air was sucked out of the room instantly as everyone turned to him with wide eyes.

"Who- Who is this?" Estelle asked.

"A- a customer" Stella said, a worried look on his face.

"Actually I am applying for a job here" Magnus said.

"You are applying for a job at my store with my name on the entrance and the first thing you do is critique my design?" Estelle said.

Clary gulped, a bit uneasy under the woman's tight glare, Estelle looked at the model, "I suppose you are right". Clary released a deep breath, she didn't realize how on edge she was until Estelle said that. What a crazy moody lady.

"You would like a job, you said?" Estelle asked, "Stella, schedule an interview with Mr..?"

"Bane, Magnus Bane" Magnus said and Clary rolled her eyes at his James Bond impression. Her eye roll capturing the attention of Estelle and Clary stiffened.

"Is the unfashionable little girl with you?" Estelle asked, looking genuinely curious.

Clary glared, not liking that everyone is taller than her and making fun of her height, "My name is not little girl".

"It's my little sister. She's 12, you know how girls are at that age" Magnus said as he leaned an arm on Clary's shoulders, pulling her in for a tight hug, his smirk teasing and unforgiving. Clary glared at him as she tried to get out of his hold. Magnus' towering height over her aggravating her further.

"I do, believe you me" Estelle said, a tired sigh escaping her and Clary wondered momentarily if she had a daughter or something, "Now I have work to do. Come Emily".

Estelle walked away, the model, Emily apparently, following after her. Clary turned to Magnus, her tone venomous and a glare was on her face as she said sarcastically, "Can we go for ice cream after this, big brother?"

"Of course munchkin" Magnus said as he pinched her cheek.

She slapped his hand away, "We don't even look related, idiot".

"Well with your blonde hair, you do look like Jace's sister more than my own"

Clary scowled at that, her nose scrunching up unattractively. The thought of being related to Jace repulsing her. What she thought of Jace was anything but 'sibling affection'.

"Don't talk about this again" Clary said. Magnus chuckled as he talked to Stella and the two agreed on a date for the interview.

"Thank you Stella" Magnus said as he smiled brightly and Stella smiled kindly as well, seeming genuinely happy for Magnus.

"What do you think do we go for more targets?" Clary asked as the two walked out.

"No need"

"That confident?"

"I just have a feeling, I know this is the one" Magnus said and Clary smiled.

"Then I believe I was promised ice cream" Clary said.

"Right this was little girl"

"My name is not little girl".


Clary had texted Izzy that she and Magnus were done and the two agreed on a time to meet up at the movies, Izzy said that only her, Jace and Alec were coming and Clary had suggested she invite Magnus to which Izzy eagerly said yes.

So now they were meeting up at the movie theater with Clary and Magnus being ten minutes late.

"I told you this girl is always late" Izzy said as she saw them both.

"Magnus?" Alec's eyes widened immediately in shock as he caught sight of them.

"Alexander" Magnus smiled and Clary could see the way his cat eyes shimmered slightly.

"Did I forget to mention Magnus is coming?" Izzy said offhandedly as she embraced Clary and Clary didn't know why but she thought she could feel Izzy grinning.

Alec did not answer Izzy but Clary could feel the tension as she pulled away from Izzy and looked back at the group so she cleared her throat, "So What are we watching? And where are the rest?"

"It's Jace's turn to choose" Izzy said, "And Sebastian's aunt is visiting so he and Aline are having family dinner and Maia's hanging out with her cousin who's here for vacation".

Clary waited for Jace to choose a movie and while he was distracted she took the time to look over him, his black jeans and black v neck top looked well on his light skin and blonde hair. The dark clothing making his light colors even more prominent and entrancing than it should be allowed. The more she looked him over, the more she admired his features, his hard jaw and his wonderfully golden orbs of his eyes. He looked more handsome every time she looked at him.

And that on some level made Clary angrier.

Her cheeks reddened slightly as her mind went back to the moment they had in the cafeteria this morning, I'll wait. Clary didn't know how but whenever she was with Jace there was this sort of feeling inside of her that tells her she is where she needs to be. And it is crazy since they hadn't known each other for that long so she pushed that feeling down every time it resurfaced.

The part of her that jumped up every time he took her hand as if he had done it a thousand times before.

"Clary" she snapped out of her daze at the sound of her name being called and her cheeks flushed as she realized she was staring at Jace and by the way he was grinning she figured he noticed as well.

"I asked where do you think we should sit?" Jace asked, his grin infuriating her and she blushed at the thought of being caught staring.

"Oh, I don't care, wherever is good" Clary said as she avoided his gaze, and Jace nodded.

She looked back at Izzy, only to find her, with her hands on either side of her waist a knowing expression on her face and an unforgiving grin, "You-"

"Not another word" Clary warned and Izzy raised her hands as if backing off but she still smiled wildly as they each paid for their tickets.

"How about you guys find your seats, Clary and I will get the popcorn" Jace said as he draped an arm over her shoulders and she immediately stiffened, chills ran over her back from where he was touching her, a flutter in her stomach at his presence so close, heat erupting from his skin that made her own body warmer.

"You and Clary will get what?" Clary questioned having not volunteered for anything.

"Popcorn, come on" he said with a bit of chuckle in his voice as he ushered her forward and Clary found herself despite her intelligence walking with him.

"You know this is very much kidnapping if you are taking me against my will" Clary muttered.

"Do I look like the sort of person who needs to kidnap girls?" Jace questioned, Clary turned around to look at him fully, studying him as if the answer was exceptionally difficult, which he did not like.

"Well I mean maybe from your left side" Clary made a face as if she was actually wondering and he scowled.

"What can I get you two?" the girl at the counter said, before she looked at Jace and her eyes started fluttering, "I mean besides my phone number?"

Before Jace could answer, Clary answered back interrupting "Just popcorn and coke would be nice". She didn't know what came over her and why she interrupted but she did and by the snide scowl she sent her.

She could feel Jace's eyes on her and she shrugged, "Three XL popcorn and five coke". When the girl turned around to make their order, Clary subconsciously looked at Jace who was grinning, "What?"

"You're cute when you are jealous" Jace said.

Her expression paled as her eyes widened, a rush of heat washing over her as her expression turned to shock, "I am not jealous". She wasn't. She just highly believed that good workers don't flirt with customers. It was unethical.

Jace paid the girl for the popcorn as he took a hold of two of them and three cokes and Clary was almost sure he would drop them as she held what remains. But it should come as no surprise to her that he was good at everything and didn't drop anything.

"You are so jealous"

"Why would I be jealous?" Clary said as she rolled her eyes but tried to hide her face in her blonde curls, knowing no doubt she was red. She has no reason to be jealous, why would she feel jealous from whoever that girl was?

"Because you do" Jace said grinning, "She was barely flirting with me and it made you seething with jealousy".

"Pfft... ha no... ha.. pfft no" Clary stuttered as she made incoherent sounds hoping it would make Jace confused and maybe think he is wrong and she was evidently failing, "I am not jealous because she flirted with you".

"Well if it helps your jealousy, I did not flirt with her" Jace said grinning, taking in the amusement of her embarrassment. As they reached their theater and found their seats and Clary scowled.

"I am not jealous" Clary scuffed annoyed. She wasn't, she really wasn't. He can flirt with that counter girl all he wants, for all she cares he can go ahead and marry that girl. She was just concerned with the popcorn and the movie and she really didn't want to be late because Jace was flirting with some girl.

But if that were true, then why did she feel a bit of relief when he said that he wasn't flirting back.

No! She will not let herself be jealous, even worse, she won't let Jace realize she was jealous.

The two found their seats, Magnus was sitting next to Alec on the edge, with Izzy sitting next to Alec and Jace beat her and sat next to Isabelle, which left Clary no choice but to sit on Jace's left, she gave him a puzzled look and he shrugged smirking, "Didn't you say you like my left side better?"

"I said this was the side that made you look less likely to kidnap a girl, very different from saying I like the side of your face" Clary argued, whispering as the movie started.

"Does that mean you like the front of my face?" Jace whispered teasingly, a chuckle erupting from his chest, earning himself a hush from an older couple sitting behind them.

"No" Clary said annoyed, because she let herself be baited. If she was honest with herself from a strictly artistic point of view his face was perfect from all sides. Frustratingly so. As she looked him over in the dark theater room, with only the dim light from the movie shinning down on them, her fingers itched to draw him.

She decided she better stop staring at Jace before he caught her again and maybe try to focus on the movie.


A/N: So I hope you guys liked that and thank you to everyone reviewing, I love reading your comments at the end of the chapter, they motivate me so much and I am happy you are enjoying this.