Authors Note:

When it comes to the song that Jace is playing on the piano, I got the inspiration from the song "It's Hard To Say Goodbye" by Michael Ortega. I listened to it on repeat and it might be one of my favorite piano pieces out there and if you want to listen to it to see just how Jace feels, give it a go!

Chapter Eight:

Clary looked at herself in the mirror and took a deep breath. She was wearing a black dress, black stockings, black heels and a black headband that kept her little baby hairs out of her face. She grabbed her black coat and made her way out to her car. She was meeting Jace at the Lightwood's and than they were all heading to the cemetery to bury Max. They didn't want to have a viewing, and a service, and all of that. They simply wanted to lay to rest their son, and try and grieve in the privacy of their own home. Clary couldn't blame them for that. She knew today was going to be hard, and she vowed that she would be there for Jace the entire day.

Jace stair at himself in the mirror and couldn't believe that he was going to be attending his little brothers funeral. He never thought this day would ever come. He thought that Max would out live them all, and here he was, standing in all black and about to attend his funeral. Jace didn't want this to be real. He didn't want Max to be gone, and he didn't want to say goodbye for a final time but he had too. The doorbell rang and Jace made his way downstairs and when he opened the door there stood Clary, looking more beautiful than he'd ever seen her.

"Thank you for coming." Jace said and Clary smiled and gave him a quick kiss and stepped into the house.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." She said and Jace took a deep breath. "I'll be right there the whole time." She reassured him and he nodded.

"We aren't leaving for a little while, want to accompany me to the music room?" Jace asked and Clary nodded. Jace grabbed her hand and they walked in silence to the music room. They sat down at the piano bench and after a few moment of silence Jace started playing.

Clary was always captivated when listening to him play. He was incredibly talented and whatever he played always reflected his mood. Today it was a sad song. Clary didn't know it, it was obviously some song written by a composure that Clary had never heard of but it was beautiful all the same. They sat there in silence as Jace played the piano and Clary rested her hand on his thigh to show him that she was there for him. The past couple days have been extremely hard for Clary, after finding out about Max all she wanted to do was cry, but she refused to cry in front of Jace. She knew he was hurting, and she wanted to be strong for him because he needed her to be.

When Jace was finished playing they sat there in silence. Clary assumed Jace was taking it all in. He has been having such a hard time and Clary couldn't even imagine what it must feel like to lose a little brother. Finally Jace looked up to her and smiled before giving her a sweet kiss. When he pulled away Clary smiled and so did Jace but she could see the sadness behind it. Jace rested his forehead against Clary's and Clary twirled her fingers in his hair that rested on his neck. Jace took a deep breath and opened his eyes and they locked with Clary's.

"I love you." He said and Clary's eyes widened. "I know we have only been officially together for a few days, but I've felt like I've belonged to you since a week after knowing you." He continued as he took her free hand in his. "I feel like we have this connection that can't be broken no matter what happens. I feel like when we're together we're unstoppable, and when we're apart a piece of me is missing." Jace said and Clary was stunned at his words. "I've never felt so strongly for someone before, but with you it feels so natural. Like our souls were always supposed to find each other and now that we have, if something were to happen I'd be losing more than just you but a piece of me as well." Jace smiled at Clary. He knew he was probably freaking her out but he just didn't care. He needed those who he loved to know because life was short and tomorrow wasn't promised. "It's okay if you don't feel it yet, or you don't feel comfortable saying it yet I just need you to know how I felt an-" Jace was cut off by Clary's lips. His hand went behind her head and he immediately started kissing her back. They kissed for a few minutes before Clary pulled away and smiled at him.

"I love you too." She said and Jace smiled, a real genuine smile. "I've felt that same connection you were talking about. I have been so closed off since the incident with my brother because I felt like I would never be good enough for anyone." Clary said and Jace was about to protest but Clary put her finger over his lips to shush him. "It ruined me in so many ways that I thought I was going to be alone forever, and I had accepted that fact, because well, no guy wants a rape victim, especially when her own brother was the offender." She took a deep breath and looked into Jace's eyes. "But you came along and accepted that part of me like I was telling you my favorite flavor of ice cream." She said and she laughed. "Clearly it was a little more serious but you listened to my story, and you were there for me. You made me feel like I was a normal teenager who had a chance to find someone to love, and the moment that you sat on my bed and pulled me into your side was the moment I knew that I loved you." When she was finished Jace slammed his lips to hers again and Clary gladly kissed him back. They knew that it was early in their relationship, and some people would think they were absolutely insane for telling each other that they loved one another but for Clary and Jace it was easy, and it was natural, and it was right.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Izzy sat in the living room waiting for Simon to arrive. Ever since he came and helped her she had been feeling incredibly different towards Simon. He was the first guy to ever take a genuine interest in her, and he made her laugh, and feel safe. He comforted her when she needed it most and when they were apart all she wanted was for him to be next to her. She had been planning on telling him how she felt tonight before he went home, but she was nervous that he wouldn't feel the same way, which was new for Izzy. Every guy wanted her before, and she never wanted any of them. So for her to want someone, and him potentially not want her back was one of the most terrifying things she's ever experienced.

Simon pulled up to the Lightwood house and took a deep breath. Seeing Izzy completely broken really hurt Simon. He wanted to just lay in her bed, with her cuddled next to him until she was herself again, but Simon knew that wasn't possible. Izzy was way out of his league and would never consider him a possible boyfriend. Simon walked up to the front door and knocked and a moment later Izzy opened the door and smiled at him. Simon walked in and pulled her into a hug. Izzy melted into his arms and Simon absolutely loved that. When they pulled apart Izzy smiled once again.

"Thanks for coming Simon." Izzy said and Simon smiled.

"Of course Iz." Simon said and she welcomed him in. They walked into the living room and took a seat on the couch and sat in a comfortable silence until Izzy couldn't take it anymore. She wanted to wait until after Max's funeral to talk to Simon but all she wanted to do was cuddle into his side and feel him press his lips to her temple.

"Simon." Izzy started and Simon looked over at her. "I like you." She said and Simon looked confused.

"Come again?" He asked.

"I like you." Izzy said again and Simon smiled his polite friendly smile.

"I like you too Iz." He said and Izzy knew he was a little lost.

"No, I mean I really like you. Like more than a friend." She clarified and Simon's eyes widened.

"I beg your pardon?" He asked and Izzy sighed.

"Forget it. It doesn't matter. You clearly don't feel the same." She said and she got off the couch but Simon shot up and grabbed her hand.

"No, that's not what I meant. I didn't mean it in a bad way." Simon said and Izzy turned around. "I'm sorry it came out that way."

"Than how did you mean it?" Izzy asked.

"I meant it in the completely and totally shocked way." Simon explained and Izzy looked confused.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because Isabelle Lightwood just admitted that she liked me, as more than just a friend." He said like it was the most obvious thing in the world, which made Izzy laugh a little.

"Why wouldn't I like you?" Izzy asked.

"Because I'm a total nerd and we are from two totally different worlds. You're Isabelle Lightwood and you could easily have any guy you wanted." Simon said and they took a seat back on the couch and Izzy grabbed his hands.

"I don't know if you remember but I'm kinda at the bottom with you at the moment." She said and Simon laughed.

"But you're still incredibly gorgeous. You are insanely smart, and talented, and probably every thing else in the world. You could be dating any guy you really wanted too."

"And that guy is you." Izzy said and Simon couldn't believe it. "I admit, having my business spread around the school like wildfire wasn't the greatest thing I've ever experienced but without it I would have never met you, and you're the first person who has ever seen me as Isabelle Lightwood, not just as another pretty face and hot body." Izzy confessed and Simon cupped her face and ran his finger along her cheek.

"You are still a pretty face, and you most definitely have a hot body." Simon confessed and Izzy laughed. "But you're also incredibly kind, and intelligent, and selfless when you want to be. I've been convincing myself since the day we became friends that you would only ever see me as the guy who helped you out."

"I do see you as that guy, but that's one of the reasons I like you." Izzy said as she scooted closer to Simon. "I was a total bitch to you, and you still came over to me and comforted me when I didn't deserve it." Izzy said and Simon smiled. "You let me eat lunch with you, you gave me a sweatshirt, you invited me over to your house and let me kick your ass in Life."

"To be fair, I didn't let you. I just really suck at board games." Simon interrupted and Izzy laughed.

"You were worried about me and drove around town until you found my house and than spent hours comforting me." Izzy said and Simon could see how emotional she was getting. "You make me smile, and laugh, and you make me feel like I am the most beautiful girl in the world even when I'm wearing sweatpants, a hoodie and I hadn't showered for three days." Simon laughed at that last part. "I have been so ungrateful for the past couple years, and you have truly grounded me in ways that I never thought possible. I have never been the type of girl to be in a relationship. I had careless sex with random guys because I never wanted to give my heart to someone who could break me, but with you, I want to give you my heart because I know you'll protect it."

"Always Isabelle." Simon said and Izzy smiled. Simon leaned forward and when his lips met Izzy's she had felt something she never felt before. She felt cared for. She felt sparks, and she felt butterflies and she just knew that giving Simon her heart was one of the easiest things she's ever done. When they broke apart, they smiled at each other and Izzy actually giggled, for the first time in her life. "Would you like to be my girlfriend Isabelle Lightwood?" Simon asked and Izzy's smiled widened.

"I would absolutely love that." Izzy replied and connected her lips back with Simon's. She couldn't be more grateful for everything Simon has done for her over the past couple months, and she knew that no matter what happened in the future, Simon would always bet there for her when she needed him.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Alec had told his parents that he was meeting them at the cemetery. He still refused to step foot in that house but knew that he couldn't put it off forever. When he finally pulled up to the cemetery he took a deep breath and than felt Magnus touch his arm. He looked over and Magnus gave him a reassuring smile.

"You can do this Alexander." Magnus said and Alec took a deep breath. They both got out of the car. Magnus walks over and grabs Alec's hand. They can see his family standing around a casket and they begin walking towards them. Alec see's Jace standing there while clutching Clary's hand. Jace told Alec that him and Clary had started dating and Alec was happy for his brother. When he looked at Izzy he saw a nerdy looking boy rubbing a line up and down her spine while she rested her head on his arm. He kissed her temple and Alec was surprised because Izzy didn't say anything about having a boyfriend, but he hasn't really talked to anyone but Magnus for the past couple days. When they reached his family his parents didn't look at him. They were both too focused on the casket and burying their youngest son, and Alec couldn't blame them one bit.

"Today we bury Maxwell Lightwood, who was taken from this world far too soon." The priest said, or at least what Alec guessed was the priest. "I'm not going to prolong this at the request of the family, but if anyone wants to say a few words, now is your time."

"I'm so sorry." Izzy choked out and she started sobbing. The boy pulled her into his side and she continued to cry. Alec's mom started to cry soon after Izzy and when he looked at Jace he could see tears in his eyes. Alec looked at Magnus and he simply squeezed his hand tighter. Nobody said a word after Izzy, and the priest nodded and the casket started to lower.

They all stood there in silence as they watch Max lowered into the ground and Alec just couldn't believe that his 9 year old brother wouldn't be running around the house anymore talking about what he learned in school that he found really fascinating. When the casket was all the way down they all made their way back to their cars. Nobody spoke, but they were all meeting back at the Lightwood house, and Alec knew his parents were going to ask about Magnus.

The whole car ride was silent. Magnus didn't want to upset Alec anymore, but he couldn't help but want to pull him into a hug and never let him go. He could see how truly upset he was at the funeral. Alec had been moping around his apartment for days, not that Magnus blamed him, but it didn't make Magnus feel any better because there was no way he could help him.

They pulled up the a house and Magnus was in awe. The house was bigger than any house he'd ever seen before. When they got out he just stood there staring. Magnus was broken out of his mind when he heard Alec laugh for the first time in days.

"Are you okay?" Alec asked and Magnus laughed at the irony of the question.

"I feel like I'm the one who should be asking you that." Magnus said and Alec grabbed his hand. "This is just the most magnificent house I've ever seen."

"It's something alright." Alec said as he looked back at the house. "Come on, let's go introduce you to my family." Alec said and part of Magnus was happy because Alec was finally admitting to his family that he was gay, but Magnus also felt sorry because his family has just gone through a traumatic event.

When they walked in the house and made their way to the living room Alec saw his family. Jace was sitting with his girlfriend on his lap and she was explaining something which made Jace smile and Alec was glad to see him smiling for once. He looked over at Izzy and she was curled against the boys side looking upset but he was just glad she was out of her room. Finally his eyes landed on his parents and they were staring at him, or more likely, staring at Magnus and Alec's intertwined hands. They made their way over to them and Alec took a deep breath.

"Mom, dad, you remember Magnus right?" Alec said.

"Fashion major correct?" Alec's father said and Magnus nodded. Robert simply nodded but didn't say another word.

"Well, I've been prolonging it long enough." Alec said and he took a deep breath. "Magnus and I are dating." He flat out said and his parents eyes widened and the conversation that was dull in the background stopped. Alec could only assume all eyes were on him.

"How long has this been going on?" Maryse asked.

"Well, we were kinda seeing each other for a few months in the beginning of school, but than he broke it off because I wasn't ready to come out to you guys yet, but with everything that happened with…Max, I figured that life was way to short to be unhappy, and that I needed to come to terms with my feelings, and man up and tell you." Alec explained. "Plus I was very drunk and Magnus talked me of a ledge. Literally."

"Alexander." Maryse started but Alec cut her off before she could say anything.

"If you're going to lecture me and disown me mother I don't want to hear it. If you never want to see me after this, I'll leave and never come back, but I'm tired of hiding who I am because I'm constantly seeking your approval. I want to be happy, and Magnus makes me happy." Alec said and the last thing he expected was to see his mother smile.

"Alexander, if I've learned anything this past week, it's that life isn't guaranteed. I just lost my son, and I had no control over that. I'm not going to lose another one just because of who he chooses to love." Maryse said and Alec felt like a weight had just been lifted off his shoulders.

"I can't tell you how much that means to me." Alec said and Maryse got up and hugged him. Alec felt like he was on cloud 9. He had expected his parents to completely flip shit, and when they didn't, Alec finally felt at peace. He knew that losing Max was the worst thing that could ever happen to this family, but now that they had no secrets, and were finally completely and 100% open with each other maybe this family could grieve the life Max should have lived, and celebrate the memories that they all shared.