Chapter Fifteen
Clary and Jace were anxiously waiting for the ceremony to start. They didn't really care about high school anymore. They were both ready for college and the new challenges and memories that they would be given. Clary was ready to start decorating their new house and Jace was ready to be able to fall asleep and wake up next to Clary every night and morning. It was going to be amazing, and this was just the start of their future together and nothing in the world sounded better than spending the rest of his life with Clary. They were meant to be together, and he didn't even know what he would be doing right now without her.
When Jace got to the school he immediately started looking for Clary. Personally he just wanted to skip the whole ceremony and just get his diploma in the mail over the summer but Maryse wanted Izzy and Jace there so she could take a million and 3 pictures, but Clary also wanted him there so Jace figured it couldn't be that bad. When he finally spotted Clary he got the biggest smile on his face and made his way over to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and he felt her laugh. She turned around and pressed her lips to his.
"Hi." She said when they broke apart.
"Well, I'm here." He said and she laughed.
"It's your high school graduation Jace, I don't know why you wouldn't want to come." She said and Jace grabbed her hand and they started making their way into the school.
"I've already mentally moved on from high school. All I can think about is moving into our apartment and starting at Juilliard." He said and Clary nodded.
"I know, all I have been thinking about is furniture, bedding, and kitchen appliances." She said and Jace laughed. "Seriously, your mother knows what she wants and won't go down without a fight. She actually got into an argument with a man in the furniture store last weekend because she thought the sofa was overpriced."
"That doesn't surprise me. Maryse has always known what everything is worth even when the people who are selling it don't know." Jace explained which caused Clary to laugh.
"I'll just be happy when its completely decorated and we can move in without any care in the world." Clary said and Jace leaned down and pressed his lips to her temple.
When they got into the school they were all seating in the auditorium and waited for the ceremony to start. Thankfully the school wasn't concerned about where students sat so Jace and Clary could sit next to each other and completely block out everything that didn't matter. When it finally reached the end Jace was thrilled that all he needed to do was get his diploma and he was officially done with high school. When the whole ceremony was over Jace and Clary made their way out into the parking lot to meet their parents. Maryse pulled Jace and Izzy into a hug and squeezed them incredibly tight.
"I am so proud of both of you, well all four of you, but really proud of you two." Maryse said and everyone smiled.
"I'm just glad that's over. That ceremony was incredibly boring." Jace said and everyone laughed.
"It didn't kill you Jace, and it was out last time in that high school, appreciate the ending of this chapter of your life." Clary said and he pulled her into a hug.
"I do appreciate the ending of this chapter. High school gave me a lot of good things, especially you." Jace said to Clary, which caused her to blush.
"Well, I think we should all go out to dinner to celebrate." Maryse said and everyone nodded in agreement. They all reached the restaurant and talked and laughed and just had a great time. Jace couldn't stop looking at Clary the whole night though. He couldn't believe that he was looking at his future. He still couldn't believe it took him three years of high school to find her, but he was grateful for that detention that brought them together.
When the night was over Jace had asked Clary to meet him at the park that was in the middle of their houses. Clary obviously agreed wanting to spend more time alone with Jace. She knew that once they started college they were going to be spending a lot of time together alone, but still, this was the start of their future together and it made Clary incredibly happy that their future looked so incredibly bright.
It was almost 8 and Clary was getting ready to meet Jace at the playground. She had no idea why she was nervous. Her and Jace had been together for a while, and being around him shouldn't make her insides flip, but they always did. He was constantly giving her butterflies, and making her blush like crazy. When she reached the playground she noticed that Jace was already there. She made her way over to him and sat down next to him on the bench. When he realized she was there he smiled and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips.
"Why did you want to meet me here?" Clary asked after a minute.
"We were surrounded by family all day, I just wanted a little alone time." Jace said and Clary nodded and leaned into his side.
"Can you believe we made it?" Clary asked after a minute.
"We haven't made it until we're standing at the alter reciting our vows." Jace said which caught Clary off guard and she sat up and faced him.
"Jace." Clary said but Jace cut her off.
"I'm not purposing. Trust me, that comes after a couple years, but I want you to know that that's where I see our relationship going. I can see us spending the rest of our lives together, and I want you to have something that shows you that I'm serious." Jace said as he pulled out a box. He handed it to Clary and when she opened it there was a ring inside. "I love you Clary, and I know we've only been together for 4 months, but I know deep down that we're meant to be."
"This is the most beautiful ring I've ever seen." Clary said and Jace smiled.
"When I went to go pick it out I wanted something that reminded me of you, so I picked an emerald, I think it matches your eyes perfectly. You are my future Clary. I know that in my soul. This is a promise that one day I will make you my wife, and we will have an amazing future together because everything with you is amazing."
"I love it, and I love you and I can't wait for our future together either." Clary said. She slipped the ring on her finger and it fit perfectly. She looked up at Jace and smiled. She leaned over and pressed her lips to his. "This is the sweetest thing you've ever done."
"Just wait for the future baby. I have more up my sleeve." Jace said with a smirk and Clary smiled. She leaned into his again and Jace pulled her close. They stayed cuddled on that bench for awhile just looking at the stars. Both Jace and Clary had never imagined the future being very optimistic. They both were stuck at a point in their lives that was dark and full of false hope, but together they saw nothing but rainbows and sunshine. Clary was the light in Jace's life, and Jace was the light in hers. They knew that it was only going to get better for them. They knew they were young, but they were so incredibly sure of the future that it didn't matter.
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Today was the day that Izzy and Simon were moving into their new place and Simon was slightly freaking out. He knew for a fact that this was going to be an amazing adventure but being away from home kinda scared him a little bit. Simon and Izzy were driving up separate from Maryse and Simon's mom. They both needed their cars plus they needed a car to get all their stuff up, so here they were with three cars heading up to Connecticut. Izzy knew Simon was nervous about starting school, and so was she. Leaving her home was a terrifying thing but having Simon by her side while she transitioned from high school to college was exactly what she needed.
After the long drive they finally made it to their apartment and everyone got out of the car. Izzy wasn't moving, but just looking at her home for the next four years. Simon walked up beside her and put his arm around her. She looked to her left and smiled at him and he smiled back.
"You ready?" Simon asked and Izzy nodded.
"More than anything." She replied and they made their way into their new home. Izzy and Maryse had spent all their time decorating this place all summer and Izzy was really proud of her work. Simon couldn't care less what the place looked like, if Izzy was happy, he was happy. They unloaded everything that was still missing from the apartment and put it in it's designated area.
After about 5 hours of getting everything ready and organized Izzy and Simon were finally moved in and they were both really proud of themselves for getting to this point. Izzy had overcome a lot to get here, and having Simon by her side through it all made her even more excited to continue on this journey. Maryse and Simon's mom made their way over to their kids and pulled them into a hug.
"Lunch tomorrow?" Maryse asked and Simon and Izzy nodded. Simon looked at his mom and her eyes were welling up with tears.
"We'll talk all the time mom." Simon assured her and that's when the tears spilled out of her eyes.
"I'm gonna miss you Simon." She said and Simon pulled her into another hug. He knew this was hard for her, but he also knew that this is what he wanted in life, and deep down his mom knew he would be okay, but this was her baby, and letting go was hard.
"I'm gonna miss you too mom, but Izzy and I will be home for Christmas and Hanukah, and than you can come up here and visit in the summer. I promise mom." Simon's mom nodded and Maryse looked at Izzy and Simon and couldn't help but feel proud of how far Izzy had come. She knew Izzy was a wild child before she met Simon, and she was grateful that Simon grounded her.
"Alright, we're going to go head to the hotel. I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted." Maryse said and Simon's mom nodded in agreement. They gave their parents one last hug before they make their way out to the car. Simon and Izzy watched as their mothers left and they headed back into the apartment. When they got inside they both kind of just stood there looking around before Izzy spoke.
"Can you believe we live here?" Izzy said and Simon smiled.
"I still can't believe you're my girlfriend let alone the fact that we live together now." Simon said and Izzy laughed. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he rested his hands on her waist.
"I love you." Izzy said and Simon smiled as he pecked her lips.
"I love you too." Simon said and Izzy smiled. "So, what is the first thing you want to do in our new home?"
"I could think of a few things." Izzy said suggestively which caught Simon by surprise. They hadn't gotten that far in their relationship. Things have gotten heated before but never that far and to be honest, Simon was terrified for their relationship got to that point. He had no idea what he was doing in that department, and Izzy was clearly experienced and he didn't want to disappoint her. Izzy could tell that she caught Simon off guard with how quiet he was being. "Hey, are you okay?" She finally asked after a moment.
"I'm fine." Simon said but Izzy didn't believe him.
"What's wrong?" Izzy asked and Simon sighed.
"I know we've been together for a little while, and we're probably moving at a snail's pace in your eyes, but I just I don't know what I'm doing." Simon admitted and Izzy smiled.
"I don't mind how fast or slow our relationship progresses Simon." Izzy said and Simon gave her a small smile. "You're the first guy who has ever genuinely cared about me. You put me first all the time, you protect me, you take care of me, and you make me happy. This might surprise you, but this is my first real relationship." Izzy said and Simon laughed. "I want to do this relationship right, and if that means us working our way up to that, than I'm all for waiting and doing this right."
"Honestly Iz, you are so beautiful I have to control myself sometimes when we're together because I just can't take my eyes off you, but getting that intimate is really scary for me. I don't have any experience with girls. I mean, you're the first girlfriend I've ever had, and that's nerve wracking enough, and on top of it you're hot, and I just don't want to disappoint you."
"Simon, you could never disappoint me." Izzy said. "I know that I've been around the block a time or two, but that doesn't mean I'm all that experienced either. I don't really know how much you want to know, but every experience I've ever had has been quick. I've never wasted time with sex because it meant nothing to me, but with you I know it'll be amazing." She said and Simon smiled. "We'll get there Simon, but I don't mind taking things slow."
"I do love you Iz. So much." Simon said and Izzy smiled.
"I love you too." Izzy said and Simon gave her a sweet kiss. "So, what do you want to do?"
"How about we order some food, and watch a movie?" Simon suggested and Izzy smiled brightly.
"I think that's a perfect way to break in our new home." Izzy said and Simon smiled. Simon went to order some food while Izzy got the living room ready. When the food arrived, Izzy and Simon cuddled on the couch and ate Chinese and watched Star Wars. Izzy couldn't stop sneaking glances at Simon. She was incredibly happy that her life had turned around for the better. She was completely in love with Simon, they were living together and starting school soon. Everything couldn't be more perfect, and she was excited for her future with Simon.
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Magnus was still coming off his high from New York Fashion Week. The whole event had been everything Magnus could ever hope for and more. His collection was a huge hit, everyone loved it, and he even won a small prize for being the best new up and coming designer. Magnus was awestruck at the praise that he had received since that week. It seemed like Magnus's phone was ringing twenty four seven with designers asking what he planned to do after college. Honestly Magnus was overwhelmed but this was his dream, and it was coming true.
Alec couldn't be more proud of Magnus. His collection was spectacular but everything about Magnus was spectacular to Alec. New York Fashion Week was a complete drainer for Alec. Magnus had dragged him to ever party, and he attended every runway show to please Magnus, but he could see how much joy it brought him, and for that Alec didn't mind one bit. It was a normal Saturday and Magnus and Alec were supposed to be having a lazy day but Magnus had been on the phone all morning. It was annoying to Alec, but he also knew that this was the life that Magnus wanted to be in, and he had to accept that. Magnus came back into the room and plopped down on the couch letting out an aggravated sigh.
"Is everything okay?" Alec asked.
"They won't leave me alone." Magnus said and Alec immediately knew he was talking about the designers.
"Why don't you just stop answering their calls?" Alec suggested.
"I've tried. They just keep calling until I pick up." Magnus said and Alec started rubbing his back to calm him down.
"You had to of known this would happen. You were the talk of Fashion Week." Alec said.
"I know but I have one year left of college, I just want to be a college student." Magnus explained.
"Tell them that." Alec said.
"I feel rude saying that." Magnus said and his phone started ringing again. He groaned but before he could answer Alec grabbed the phone.
"Hello, Magnus Bane's phone, how may I help you?" Alec said. After a few silent moments Alec began talking again. "I'm sorry but Mr. Bane isn't interested in a contract at this moment in time. He still has a year left of college and wants to focus on being a full time student." Alec continued and Magnus's jaw dropped. "Of course I'll keep your number on file and I'll have Mr. Bane call you the moment he graduates." Alec said and he smiled. "You have a wonderful day as well." He said than hung up. When Alec looked back at Magnus he couldn't help but laugh. Magnus's jaw was practically hitting the floor. When Magnus finally came back to reality he was stunned.
"How did you do that?" Magnus asked.
"You just have to let them know that right now isn't the right time for you. They want you Magnus, not the other way around. You get to control this, which is insane because these are the top fashion designers in the world, but they are all pining after you. And when you're ready, you will give them a call and meet with them, and pick whichever company you decide is the right one for you."
"You handled that so well." Magnus said and Alec laughed. "Seriously, is it weird that I'm a little turned on with how well you handled that situation?" He asked and Alec laughed.
"Come on, it's supposed to be our lazy day. I'm turning off your phone and we're going to eat junk food and binge watch movies all day because you've been stressed and I miss you." Alec said and Magnus leaned over and gave him a kiss.
"I love you, and thank you for knowing exactly how to handle that." Magnus said and Alec smiled.
"I love you too. Now pick something to watch." Alec said and Magnus nodded. Alec went to order food while Magnus set the living room up. Despite how happy Alec was for Magnus being a hot commodity in the fashion world, he was also happy that he was able to turn that off for the day and just spend the day with Magnus like they normally would because lord knows once he graduates these days wouldn't come around often.