Jace was lonely. It had been a week since he got the video message from Izzy. He had tried calling both of his siblings dozens of time, but none of them had answered. Texts, video messages, Emails, whatever he tried, Alec and Izzy never answered. It was as if they had finally realised after all these years, that he was a shitty brother and didn't deserve them. But he was determined, one way or another he would win them back. Even if he had to spend the rest of his life doing it.

He also made a promise to himself, he would never prioritize his work over his family. From now his family and friends will always come first.

As yet another one of his phone call was ignored by Alec, Jace had enough. He packed his bags, said goobye to his friends in Spain, promised to keep in touch (made another promise to himself that this time he would) and took the first flight home, to New York.

He arrivee at Maryse and Robert's somewhere around midnight. Being night owls, his parents were awake at that particular hour. Although shocked by his sudden appearance, they seemed to guess that he was tired and didn't want to talk about anything at that moment. So, they just gave him tight hugs and told him to go to bed. His old room was waiting for him after all.

It was that moment he was truly grateful for having such understanding parents. He gave them both a hug and aplogized for his behaviour these past few years. Maryse just patted him gently on the cheek and told him to get some sleep, all was well.

The next morning, it was Alec's voice that woke him up.

"What do you mean he's here? Really?" Alec sounded surprised. "He's really here? And he's staying?"

"Well we hope he will stay till the wedding atleast." Maryse said in a soothing voice.

Jace could imagine the scene outside, Alec pacing the room like a caged animal and Maryse sitting on the posh sofa, trying to sooth her wayward boy with soft words and gestures.

"Where is he? I wanna meet him." Alec said suddenly.

"In his room." Maryse answered.

As expected his door opened after a few minutes. Alec stood in the doorframe. He looked the same, but yet different. He looked more mature, had let his hair grow a bit. He looked happy. Jace silently send a thank you to God, for bringing Magnus in his brother's life. Alec deserved to be happy.

"How long?" Alec asked, echoing his previous words "How long are you staying this time."

Jace looked at him. "I am staying. I have a job here in NYC. I am moving back." Even to his own years his voice sound desperate. Desperate to have his brother back.

Alec just nodded, but maybe he too heard the desperation, as he came and sat next to Jace, stretching his long legs in front of them. None of them said anything for a few seconds.

"I am sorry, you know. I really am." Jace said "I was so focused on making a career that I forgot the importance of family. By the time I realised it, it was too late. I was too late. When I got that offer, I didn't even think, I just took it. I missed you so much. I toured the whole world, met tons of new people, fulfilled all my dreams, but all the time I was so lonely. Never alone, but always lonely. You guys were everywhere. I missed you something chronic. But I am a fucking coward. Everytime I thought to call you, I backed out. I couldn't even hear your voice without begging you to come and take me home. I got what I wanted, I am the best in my field. But in the process, I lost the most important thing. And I came here in hopes that I can get it back..." Jace trailed off burying his head in his hands unable to continue. He knew he was about to start crying.

All the pain and loneliness if the past few years was coming out at once.

"I gave up on you.." Alec said, looking thoughtful "..I did. After the first year. But Izzy never did. Poor, naive Izzy. She said that this invitation was a last effort. If you didn't answer, its over. I had let go long time ago. So, I guess you deserve an apology too."

At this Jace looked up, confused.

"We let go too soon.." Alec clarified "I am sorry, I was just so hurt when you left. I thought it would be okay. You will visit, we will talk. But we were so busy with out lives, we didn't. And that was all of our fault. Not just yours. So, I am sorry. Lets begin again?"

Jace just threw his arms around Alec, and hugged his brother.

"Yes."

They finally broke apart, long after Jace's tears had dried.

"So, what's new?" He finally asked, trying to steer the conversation to better topics.

"My dog died." Alec answered, looking melancholy. Not what Jace had in mind but progress.

"Bruno? Seriously?" Jace was heartbroken. Bruno had been Jace's gift to Alec, on Alec's 11th birthday. He was their pet, their bond.

They spend the rest of the morning in Jace's bed, just reminiscing about the dog, his puppy years and everything. But it was time for Alec to go to his clinic. As he got up to leave, Jace couldn't help but tease him.

"Izzy is getting married within 3 years. You on the other hand, 6 years, nothing. Propose man."

Alec just smirked at him, and showed his left hand "Been there, done that."

Now, Jace was lost "And I wasn't told?"

"No one knows. Not even Izzy. Everybody thinks I wear it because I like it. Although I think Izzy suspects." Alec said laughing.

"When?"

"A few months ago. But didn't want to take attention away from Izzy's budding romance. And I still don't know how dad will react. So.."

Jace just laughed. Alec said goodbye once more and left, closing the door behind him.

Later in the afternoon, as Jace was lounging on the couch, bored out of his mind. He thought of the perfect way to make it up to his brother.

So, thats how he found himself, in front on Alec's clinic holding a 2 week old puppy, he had just adopted.

Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long. Alec was surprised to see him.

"When I said, don't forget us again, you do know I didn't by any chance mean you visit me every day?" He asked.

Jace just stuck his tongue out at his older brother. "Funny. I got a new dog. Look him over."

"Awww.." Alec looked at the puppy wriggling in his arms.

As the check up began, Alec asked "You adopted a puppy. For yourself?"

Jace shook his head. "For someone I love very much. Its an apology thing."

Alec just looked at him. "Who?"

Jace smiled. "You. I really am sorry. Accept this cutie as an apology." Jace said dramatically.

Alec just looked at him, and then smiled. A big genuine smile.

"Thank you. But if Magnus complains, I am throwing you to the wolves." Alec said, playing with his new puppy.

"Sure." Jace told him.

As Alec invited Jace to his home, for drinks with him and Magnus. Jace knew whatever happened, at least Alec had forgiven him.

The next morning Jace woke up to Izzy's voice. What is it with his siblings and shouting in the morning. This time though he didn't wait for her to come to him. He got up and dressed and went to meet her.

She was arguing with Maryse about something. Maryse just looked at her, picked up her purse and left with Rober in tow. Izzy sat on the sofa, a heartbroken expression on her face.

"Hey.." he said, sitting next to her and putting his arm around her "...what happened?"

"They were supposed to help me pick a cake and my wedding dress and everything today.." Izzy sobbed "...but they just left! I don't have anyone. All my friends, even Alec are busy. And Simon is not allowed to see the dress."

"I can help." Jace offered.

It was then that Izzy looked at him, properly and seemed to realise who he was.

"Jace..! You are here." Izzy screamed throwing herself at him.

Jace started smiling too. "Always and forever. A promise is a promise."

"Okay then let's go..!" Izzy said excited.

But it was only after Jace had eaten a hearty breakfast, he cooked himself, despite Izzy offering, that they left.

"So? Where's your car?" Jace asked her.

She pointed to a red convertible that though smoking hot was not his style. So he shook his head and took her to the garage.

Their was his baby. His Ashton Martin which he had kept there for safekeeping. He knew Robert took it out for a spin sometimes. But other than that it was his. He pointed at the car.

"That is our ride." Jace told his sister.

Izzy just smirked and went to sit in the passenger side seat.

The day was the most fun Jace had in a long time. They tasted a million flavors of cake before choosing the one they liked the best. But the best part was the dress boutique. Although Izzy had already chosen her dresses, she tried on the most weird and out of place dresses they could find. And Jace, ever the proffesional, took tons of photos of her.

Then it was Jace's turn. He needed suits and tuxedos for the numerous functions Izzy had kept. But other than that, he tried on suits in the most obnoxious and loud colors he could find.

And then they send those photos to Magnus. They only stopped when Alec called chastising them that Magnus was feeling queasy from the bad fashion choices.

Laughing Izzy collected her dresses, and they went in search of something to eat.

"So, I am guessing somewhere sophisticated? Course meal for the famous photographer?" Izzy asked, teasing.

"Are you kidding me? We are getting pizza." Jace said.

So, they did. They ate at the first out of place pizza parlour they could find. They ate with abandon, just like their parents taught them not to. With cheese dribbling down their chins and sticky fingers which they licked clean with no care about who saw.

As they walked back towards their car, Izzy stopped in front of a jewellery store. She was looking longingly at a gold bracelet with had a single ruby in its center.

"I love this one." Izzy said, voice full of longing.

"Then buy it." Jace said, because why not, they had the money.

"Dad said, it was too plain for me, for us." Izzy told him.

Jace felt a sudden anger at Robert Lightwood then. The first he had since that day all those years ago, when Alec came out. He couldn't convince him, but he could but her the bracelet himself.

So, he did just that. He bought her the bracelet and put it on her wrist. Her smile was the purest thing he had seen in forever. She truly did love the bracelet.

"You are the first girl, who didn't get the bracelet she wanted, cause it was too cheap." Jace said laughing at the irony. And just like that they were back to the joking siblings they were.

By the end of the day, as Jace dropped Izzy in front of the flat she shared with Simon, she gave him a tight hug.

"Don't ever go away for so long again."

"Izzy, don't you know? I am moving back." He told his siter with an indulgent smile.

"Oh my God..oh my God..oh my God." Izzy was again in his arms, squealing.

Jace just smiled.

As Izzy finally got out of the car, Jace said one last thing to her.

"Izzy, I really truly am sorry. Always and Forever?"

Izzy just smiled. "Always and Forever, Jace." With that she was gone.

As Jace drove back, he was feeling lighter than he had in years. He knew that whatever he did his siblings will forgive them, no matter what. Maybe he would have to bribe them a little, with dogs and bracelets, but they will be there.

Jace felt happy. But there was till one person who he had wronged. Maybe more than Izzy and Alec, and she deserved a apology too. But for now, he thought as Maryse started kisting his chores for tomorrow as soon as he entered the house, he was busy. His sister was getting married in two weeks.

And he knew she would be there at the wedding. He will have a chance to make it right by her. Atleast he hoped so.