Sorry this has taken longer to publish, I wasn't happy with several things and again I wanted to try to make it longer for you guys! I love getting all this feedback so I know what you want to see happen so thank you for that and for all the kind comments! I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

Chapter 4

Clary POV

Finally the bell that marked the end of the day went off, Clary really couldn't be happier. Generally all classes that weren't Art tended to drag for her, and as for Physics, well that's a whole other level of awful. She packed up her stuff and walked out of the class, finding herself almost face to face with Jace, she smiled and almost said hello but without showing any recognition he turned and walked away. After Clary had been to his house and he had been acting so nice, she expected him to be nicer to her in school but now she figured that was too far-fetched.

She walked out of the school gates to wait for Jonathan; instead she found someone better.

The gangly, skinny form leaning against the walk was none other than her best friend in the whole world: Simon.

She screamed in delight as she ran into his arms, she couldn't remember ever being so happy to see someone.

"What are you doing here?" Clary asked excitedly, knowing that it didn't really matter.

"Well, I think my best friend lives in New York, she's a small crazy, uncontrollable red head. She's pretty feisty, you might know her?" He replied with a goofy grin plastered across his face.

"Idiot." She grinned back, shoving him slightly in a playful manner.

"Ah, so the knight in shining armour appears." A voice interrupted her response. She knew who the voice belonged to straight away of course and turned to face her big brother.

"Simon, you remember Jonathan, right? You may also know him as 'that asshole'" She laughed.

Jonathan laughed along with her, "I'm kidding, it's good to see you Simon."

They all talked in that old, familiar way the whole way home. This was most certainly the happiest she had been since her Mom told her she was moving to New York. When they reached the house, Simon grudgingly admitted that the house was beautiful even though it wasn't anywhere near the place she really called 'home'. Now that she looked at it, she guessed it was a beautiful house. Clary had been so focused on hating the house for taking her away from Simon that she hadn't even realised how great it was.

It was her Mom who opened the door; she was almost as happy to see Simon as Clary was - almost.

"Simon! This is a surprise, come in, come in." Jocelyn welcomed him in, "How have you been? It feels like ages since we last saw you."

Her Mom was right; it did feel way longer than it actually had been. Clary felt like she hadn't seen her best friend in about a year when really it was only a few weeks, it was strange how it worked like that.

They were all sitting at the table talking and laughing when Valentine walked in, even he couldn't be in a bad mood when Simon was here. Something about Simon just being here created such a happy atmosphere for everyone, like the whole world was just smiling at whoever was around him.

"Simon, my boy! Good to see you around here, son." Her Dad exclaimed while wearing one of his genuine grins. In all truths, her dad was like a dad to Simon. After Simon's dad died when he was younger Valentine was the only Father figure he really had.

Even though she loved being with them all, she did want to steal Simon away for herself for a while.

"Mum, is it okay if I show Simon my new room?" Clary asked, knowing that her Mum couldn't say no.

"Of course it is! I'll call you both down for dinner when it's ready." Jocelyn replied in her happy tone.

Clary led Simon upstairs to her room, knowing that really there was nothing to show him. She just wanted it to be like old times again, where they could sit and talk for hours and never run out of things to say, never getting bored of each other. It was this that made her confused as to why Isabelle could possibly want all those fake friends when she could have one great one like Clary had found in Simon.

"Um your room is uh nice..." He stammered awkwardly. She looked at him in confusion before she remembered what had happened last time they had been in his room together, those few moments when their lips met...it almost seemed like a dream to her now.

"We don't have to talk about that if you don't want to." Clary whispered, somehow feeling like it was too private to say out loud.

Simon nearly nodded and changed the subject. They had both been through far too much together to turn their backs on one another over something stupid like a kiss, they would just have to get on with their friendship like it never happened. It didn't mean anything though, right? She asked herself, but couldn't find the answer.

If Clary was happy before, she was ecstatic now. It turned out Simon was staying with the Morgenstern's all weekend, meaning she would get to spend so much more time with him Simon she originally planned. In all honestly she was surprised that Mrs Lewis actually let him stay, she was usually super protective in situations like these but somehow their friendship counted for something.

On Saturday they hit the streets of New York City together, Clary had yet to explore the city and she couldn't think of anyone better to do so with than her best friend. They had always done everything together so this was no different.

She spotted a little coffee shop across the road and dragged Simon through the door. Back home they had a coffee shop they always went to together to have coffee, they could stay and talk for hours without the conversation ever becoming awkward. This one was called 'Java Jones', Clary decided right there and then that she finally found something she liked about this city.

Clary and Simon had just sat down with their drinks when Clary began to feel uncomfortable as though they were being watched, she shifted uncomfortably something golden caught her eye – Jace. She could see Jace scowling at her and Simon, for what reason, she couldn't quite fathom. As soon as she met his eyes he looked away and walked out with his coffee, ignoring the blonde cashier trying her best to catch his attention.

"Do you know that guy?" Simon said suddenly breaking Clary out of her thoughts.

"Unfortunately I've encountered him a few times." She sighed shaking her head.

For a fleeting moment a strange look passed over Simon's eyes as he watched the door close behind Jace, however, it was gone so quickly that she began to question whether she had imagined it or not.

Simon filled Clary in on lots of gossip which she was missing at home, he told her about his band and their ever changing names; the more serious he got, the more she laughed. He could never be mad at her though, he laughed with her. Finally, she felt at home. Simon was her safety net, she understood that now. Without Simon, there was no Clary.

After they left to walk back to Clary's house, they met none other than the pretentious dick himself – Jace.

"So, Clary. Care to introduce me to your boyfriend over here?" He asked with the same cocky smile plastered on his face as always, as if he didn't quite care whether you answered him or not.

"He's not-" she began before Simon cut her off.

"I'm Simon, and you are?" Simon interrupted, edging slightly closer to her. Jace was grinning by this point, clearly enjoying seeing Clary flustered.

"Who am I? I am the Jace Herondale, don't tell me Clary hasn't told you all about me, my dear, I am offended." Jace gasped and clutched at his chest. She knew he was just trying to get under her skin…she hated to admit it was working.

"Sorry Jace, we have to go. I'll see you around." She sighed, shaking her head and taking Simon away with her before he could say anything stupid to Jace. Despite feeling annoyed at Jace's usual arrogant behaviour, she still couldn't help herself when her mind wandered to his perfect golden hair or his perfect face or…

"Clary! Are you listening to me?" Simon broke into her thoughts and she realised she had been ignoring him for the past five minutes with all her thoughts on Jace. "I asked if there was anywhere else you wanted to go or would you like to go home?"

"Home is fine, Simon." She said sheepishly, seeing he still didn't look overly pleased she added, "We can go and play Dungeons and Dragons if you aren't too afraid I'll beat you?"

"Oh you are so on." Simon laughed and ran after her as she began to run ahead. They were such children but Clary loved that, she was never one of those girls who felt they had to grow up really quickly and Simon understood that.

All too soon the weekend was over and Simon had to go home. Before she had come to terms with things without him again, she found herself back in the classroom, listening to the teacher drone on and on. Everyone around her was talking about some party that was happening on Friday night - it went without saying that she wasn't invited.

She kept seeing Jace around the school and they would sometimes half eye contact for a split second which made her think it wasn't all a dream, but sometimes he walked passed her without a glance. She felt like she was falling for him but she knew it was stupid to even think about letting her feel that way, half the girls in school were crazy for him and she swore she would never be that girl that went along with all that crap.

She hadn't been back to his house since that night though, her parents still argued about it sometimes. She wasn't exactly sure what was wrong between her Dad and Jace's but it was clear that it was serious.

"Watch where you are going, freak!" Someone screeched as she collided with them.

The apology was on her lips but as she looked up to see who it was she inwardly groaned and bit her tongue. Isabelle Lightwood.

When she didn't say anything, Isabelle snapped again, "Hey! I'm talking to you loser!"

"No you are screaming in my face." Clary said blandly from some found confidence.

"Oh you did not just-" she started to growl. Clary looked round to see what cut her off, none other than her brother. Isabelle made a big show of running up to him and hugging him, "Hey babe, I missed you. I was just taking to your sister, thought we could be friends."

Clary just stood gaping at both of them.

"I think that's a great idea." Jonathan said with a smile, making her want to be sick. Instead she didn't say anything but turned and made an attempt of stalking away to show her anger - although she probably just looked stupid.

When Clary arrived home by herself - Jonathan left her for Isabelle again - she found her Mom get dressed up to go out somewhere. She was confused, she hadn't heard anything about any plans.

"Mom?" Clary asked her quietly.

Jocelyn jumped and turned to face her, "Oh it's you, hi Clary. How was school?"

"Well I could say great but I'd be lying." She shrugged, "Where are you going dressed like that?"

Her Mom ushered Clary into her room without saying a word.

Once the door was closed her Mom sat on the bed with a sigh, "I'm going to dinner with the Lightwood's."

"Is Dad going?"

"No, he doesn't know. Your Dad and Robert have some bad blood between them. I don't want to tell him I'm going."

"Are you sure sneaking around is the answer?" Clary asked even though it didn't really matter to her, she was always a Mommy's girl, she would stick up for her no matter what.

"I don't think there is another way honey, I wish there was." Clary couldn't tell if her Mom really was serious but she didn't question her.

"Okay, but I get to come with you." She said, surprising herself, did she really want to go to some stupid dinner?

"Clary..." Her Mom started to say after getting over her surprise but realising it wasn't up for negotiation she agreed, "Sure, why not. Go get ready, we leave in twenty minutes."

She ran up to her room to find something half decent to wear, in the end she went with some black skinny jeans and a deep blue silky top along with her black combat boots. She gave herself a one over, applied some light makeup and headed downstairs to wait for her Mom.

It wasn't long before Clary and Jocelyn were in the car and on their way to the Lightwood's house. As they were passing through the street, she saw Jonathan and one of his friends from school – Sebastian she thought his name was - walking together and laughing, she thought quickly and ducked her head, her bright red hair wasn't going to do her any favours if he was to turn around.

Finally they made it to the Lightwood's house without much trouble.

"Well here goes nothing." She sighed as she opened the car door.

"Don't forget that you wanted to come, Clary." Her Mom reminded her, "At least try to be nice."

She put her hands up in a silent surrender and headed for the door. When she rang the doorbell, it was none other than the narcissistic blond ass himself that answered.

"I knew you wouldn't be able to resist my charms for long, Red." He smirked.

"Keep dreaming, also I'd rather you didn't call me that." She sighed before walking in. She heard him greet her Mom in a much nicer way and sighed again to herself.

"Hey, Clary! Look I got new books like the ones we were looking at last time!" Max greeted her with a grin, holding up some more of the manga books she had been helping him with on her last visit to the Lightwood's.

"Great! I'd love to see them later." She replied with a smile. No matter how she felt how his siblings, she just couldn't not like Max, he was the sweetest 10 year old ever.

Just on time, Isabelle emerged from her room. She took one look at Clary and walked back inside her room. At least she didn't say anything mean for a change she thought to herself - at least that had to be some sort of progress. Mayrse came out to welcome them.

"Jocelyn, Clary, great to see you both!" Mayrse said as she ushered them into the living room. Jace came in and leaned against the wall, the same arrogant look plastered on his face. Why was it always the best looking ones that acted like complete dicks?

"Hello Mayrse, how are you?" Jocelyn said with a smile, taking a seat on the sofa, Clary sat beside her. She felt a bit awkward and out of place even though no one really seemed to be paying her any attention – except Jace who was quietly watching from the corner. She hadn't realised she was staring at Jace until he moved and stood up straight, interrupting the conversation.

"Clary, do you want to come a walk?" Jace asked, he said it in a polite way that made her want to slap him for whatever reason. She was about to make a smart remark when she saw her Mom giving her a stern look that told her that it wasn't an option.

"Of course, Jace." She said in the most fake, sweet voice she could manage.

When they got out into the hallway, she turned to him.

"What exactly is going on?" For a moment he actually looked like he was struggling to find something to say.

"I don't know what you are talking about." He lied smoothly. She looked at him but let it slide and continued walking until he stopped in front of a room that she figured must be his own.

He walked across to stand in front of the big window, she stood next to him but didn't dare say anything. It was dark and there was a beautiful view of New York, she loved watching and suddenly wished she had a paint brush in her hand, it would have made a great picture. She glanced up at Jace at the exact moment he glanced down, she didn't want to break the eye contact but he quickly coughed and looked away awkwardly. She felt warm inside and mentally slapped herself for thinking of Jace in that way, there was no way they could ever be together, no way she would ever allow herself to want him.

"Tell me about yourself, Clary." He said quietly, breaking the silence.

"What?" She asked, completely caught off guard by the question.

"Well I mean, I don't know anything about you. Your mother and Mayrse seem to be good friiends so I figure if you are going to be here then I should at least know some things about you." He asked her, without looking away from the window.

"Uh okay, well I like painting and drawing." She told him hesitantly, unsure where the sudden personality change had come from.

"What kind of things do you draw?"

"Whatever I feel like I guess, people, places, objects, anything."

"Could you draw me right now?" He looked her as he raised one perfect blond eyebrow.

"Maybe if I had paper, but I don't so maybe some other time." She shrugged, knowing that if she were to be studying Jace for that long she would probably go insane. He didn't reply, just lapsed into another silence.

A thoughtful look passed over his face and finally he spoke, "I mean of course I already know about your boyfriend, anyone else that's special back home?"

"Simon isn't my boyfriend, he's my bestfriend, that would be like dating my brother, I would never do that." She said quietly shaking her head, somehow glad she was able to correct him on the matter.

He seemed to ignore her for a while before he spoke, "I just can't figure you out, Clary."

She looked up at him, words failing her completely as she drowned in her golden, tawny eyes. This time, he didn't look away. She felt him move a little closer to her...

"Clary, we are going home now!" She heard her Mother calling before either herself or Jace got to say anything.

She muttered an apology before rushing away, her thoughts swirling around in her head in a confused muddle. Every time she closed her eyes she saw those golden eyes staring back at her.

"You look a little flushed honey, are you okay?" Jocelyn said when she saw Clary.

Clary didn't trust her voice so instead, she just nodded and smiled.

The next day at school, she found herself staring in Jace's direction more and more. She didn't realise she was doing it most of the time, it had become an automatic response whenever she was sharing a class with him. She was sure he must have realised, probably a few other people had as well, she didn't really care though, she knew what happened last night was real.

At lunch he called her over to sit with him and his friends. This of course did not go unnoticed, she felt jealous and angry glares fixed on her from almost every girl in the school. Just to piss them off more, she walked over and sat down without giving them a second glance.

"Hey, Red. Attracting some attention I see." Jace smirked, but didn't bother to look at any girl other than Clary. That's when it hit her, he hadn't actually ever really spoke to her in school.

"Sup, Asshole, didn't I tell you not to call me that?" She tried to say seriously but ended up grinning.

"Hmm…" He pretended to think, "It might have come up somewhere."

She looked across the table to see that everyone at the table was watching Jace and Clary's exchange like they had both grown a second head. Magnus, however, gave her a glittering wink, she fixed him with a look that she thought looked intimidating but instead he laughed her off.

"Yeah, I'm not hungry anymore." Isabelle muttered before getting up and walking away. Jonathan shot everyone an apologetic look before turning to run after her.

"Maybe things haven't changed that much then." She laughed to herself.

She began to fit in comfortably with Jace and the rest of his group, even if he was an ass, she could get used to seeing that beautiful face every day.

At the end of the day, she realised that Jonathan had ditched her for Izzy and once again she would be walking home alone.

"Clary!" She heard someone shout from behind her – he recognised the voice instantly.

"Just when I thought my luck had run out." She said with as much sarcasm as she possibly could.

"Don't worry, it's not my place to go depriving the ladies eyes of Jace Herondale."

"Well aren't you a saint. What did I do to be sentenced to your company?" Clary knew she was being childish using sarcasm to cover her increasing attraction towards Jace.

"Thought you might want to go get a coffee or something." He shrugged.

"Why?" She asked him feeling confused.

"I told you, with our parents being friends, we need to get to know each other." He reasoned with her. Not that his sister seemed to bother with that, although Clary supposed Izzy was close enough with Johnathon and shuddered at the thought.

"I don't have any money with me."

"I'll pay."

"I have homework." She said and it was partly true, although she was mainly looking for excuses.

"Do it later."

"Okay." She sighed, realising she wasn't going to win that battle.

He smirked realising he has won before asking her, "Have you heard about the party this Friday night?"

"Ugh, not you too. I'm sick of hearing people talk about it." She sighed, knowing it was just because she was jealous. Jace was going to be there, surrounded by sluts in short dresses that would be all over him.

"Well I was actually going to invite you. If you would like to come?"

"Oh. I don't really know anyone though and I don't really have anything to wear." She said even though she surprised herself with how much she wanted to go.

"I'll be there, your brother will be there and I'm sure Izzy will help get you ready." He replied but after a look at her face continued, "Well possibly, I'm sure I can convince her."

She found herself nodding along, "Okay."

"What?"

"I'll go, besides I think it's about time I get out somewhere."

"Wow that was easy." He laughed, maybe he didn't have as much faith in himself as she thought.

Thank you for reading! Have a lovely day! :)