This chapter is brought to you by STL27'sHBAMWHS-FMAHFM (StriderLover27's Happiness Because Andy Murray Won His Semi-Finals Match And His Finals Match.) I'll discuss this more at the bottom if you're interested. (Pretend to be interested, okay? I need someone to gush to because literally no one in my family gives two shits about tennis. It's depressing.)

I have been singing High School Musical songs all week, because a couple nights ago the movies were on Disney channel. What even is my life?

Also I am just causally watching Mickey Mouse with my cousin. And one of you pointed out that I have been writing this story for almost a year. Has it really been that long? Oh my godddd.

Disclaimer: I don't own TMI.

"Isabelle, I don't have time for this," Alec insisted. "I have to help Mrs. Herondale with dinner preparations. You should help too. After all, it's the least we could do since your idiotic decisions are going to have to us staying here the next couple of days."

He watched as she ignored him and locked the bedroom door. Then she leaned against the door and folded her arms across her chest. She chose to ignore the jab he took at her. There was a scowl on her face. He mimicked her stance and took on a serious face of his own.

"Not so fast, Lightwood. You're not leaving this room until you tell me what that little fit you had earlier was about," Isabelle told him.

Alec looked at her incredulously. "Is that what the meaning of this is? You dragged me in here to ask why I was upset? I'm really not in the mood to deal with you right now Isabelle, if you haven't noticed by now. I have to go."

Alec took a step forward and Isabelle pressed her back against the door harder. "I'm sorry, but what part of 'you're not leaving this room until you tell me what's wrong' don't you understand?"

Alec shook his head. "I'm not telling you anything Isabelle. You're wasting your time."

"Alec just tell me what happened!"

"Isabelle, nothing happened! Get over it!"

"No I will not just get over it. You're my brother and I'm worried about you, so just tell me what's wrong."

"Why don't you just listen to me for once in your life?!" Alec shouted.

Isabelle's mouth fell open at his tone. Alec may have been aggravated with her quite often, it was the usual sibling irritation brothers and sisters felt about each other. That was normal. He had never resorted to shouting though. Her brother was a quiet and kind boy. Even earlier he had been relatively calm. It had never been her intention to get Alec angry. Ever. She was genuinely concerned about her older brother. And most of time she just liked to push his buttons and see his different reactions. But now that he was actually angry with her Isabelle wasn't quite sure what to do.

"You never listen to me! I get that you're sixteen, and you want to be independent, and you want your freedom, and you want your own life! But I'm your older brother, Izzy. I'm trying to protect you when I tell you things. But what do you do with my advice? You take it and you stomp all over it in your seven inch heels. Then you laugh and you throw it right back in my face.

"I get it. You're Isabelle Lightwood. You're beautiful, and smart, and you break boy's hearts, and you're in love with one of your best friends. You life is just one huge crazy misadventure after the last and you don't need to listen to anyone. But can't you at least just listen to me? I love you and I'm always looking out for you. And maybe I am a Mama Hen to everybody, but that's because I care.

"I care about everybody and I don't want to see any of my family members get hurt. Clary and the soccer team are basically our extended family, Isabelle. I worry because I care. I give advice because I care. I shadow you guys everywhere because I care. But it's painstakingly obvious that none of you give a damn about my efforts. Since when was caring about loved ones such a crime?

"But you know what, it doesn't even matter. I'm done. Forget I ever tried to help any of you. I'm sorry for bugging you for pretty much your whole life. I'm sorry for loving you like an older brother should."

And with Alec shoved her out of the way. Isabelle was too shocked to do anything but stumble forward. He stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him. Isabelle jumped at the noise. Isabelle felt the hot tears streaming down her face as she spun around to stare at the bedroom door.

"Oh my God," Isabelle moaned, burying her face in her hands, "I fucked up. I fucked up so much."

"Your cat- Chaton, wasn't it? -he's cute," Clary offered.

They were in Jace's room. Clary was perched on the very edge of the bed, her toes brushing against the carpet. She was trying very hard not to mess up the neatly made bed. She watched in silent fascination as Jace played with Chaton. He had offered to show her his room, seeing as this was the room Clary would be spending the night in. He had invited Jem as well, but Jem declined his offer and said he would be up later to check it out.

Jace hummed in agreement with her statement about his cat. She swung her legs back and forth as she allowed her eyes to wander around his room. It was pretty much bare which wasn't all that surprising to her. The walls were painted slate gray. The sheets and pillow cases were navy blue. The carpet was a boring beige color.

The bed was pushed against the right wall, and a window was next to it. A lamp was on the white nightstand, along with a blue, ball-point pen.

There was desk tucked in the corner of his room, papers scattered among the surface of it. There was a Manchester United poster above this desk, and on the desk was a framed picture of the middle school soccer team when they were in the sixth grade. Clary smiled slightly at that.

She walked over to the desk to inspect it closer. The picture had been taken after they had won their first game of the season. Jonathan and Sebastian had their arms wrapped around one another, and the camera caught them mid-jump with their eyes closed and their mouths hanging wide open. The coach was standing behind them, looking down at them with a look of exasperation and a hint of fondness on his face. Alec was the only other kid that was on the current high school team that had also been on the middle school team that year. He was smiling widely at the camera, an older boy ruffling his hair. Another eighth grader had Jace trapped in a headlock, and Clary remembered his name being Danny. Jace was the only kid not looking at the camera. He didn't even appear to notice Danny holding him captive. His eyes were latched onto something off to the side. Clary smiled to herself because that was such a Jace thing to do.

"Danny was annoying," Jace commented from his spot on the floor. He had caught Clary looking at the photo.

Clary turned to smile at Jace. "Was he the kid that was better than you? Because I distinctly remember a kid being better than you on that middle school team."

"No," Jace bristled. He walked over to the desk and stood beside Clary. He pointed to the kid that was messing up Alec's hair. "Patrick was the one that was better than me."

"Do you remember all their names?" Clary asked.

Jace shook his head. "The only other person I remember is Michael. He was the only other sixth grader."

"What are you looking at in this picture?"

"You."

"W-what?"

"You were talking to a boy from the other team."

"Oh?" Clary laughed as picked up the picture to study it closer. "Were you upset that I was talking to the already defeated enemy?"

"No, of course not. I was upset that the enemy was flirting with you," Jace said crossing his arms over his chest.

Clary blinked at him and her eyes widened slightly. "Were you by any chance. . . jealous?"

Jace didn't say anything. He turned away from her and stuck his nose in the air. Clary felt her face heating up at the thought of Jace returning her feelings. She set the framed picture back down on the desk and placed a hand on his arm. Jace turned his head to look at her and Clary gave him a small smile. She noticed Jace opening his mouth to say something and Clary was overjoyed.

'This was it,' Clary chanted in her head. The sudden urge to squeal out loud like a little girl on Christmas day entering her mind. She quickly dismissed this thought though, in fear of caring Jace away. 'Jace is going to tell me he likes me. He's going to tell me he returns my feelings and then we'll kiss and it will be magical. Finally we'll ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after with our two children and Chaton. How do you like that, Jonathan?'

Clary could have gone more in depth with her plans for their future together, but her thoughts were cut off when the door to Jace's room was slammed open. Sebastian flew into the room, his fists raised in front of his chest in a fighting stance. Jonathan followed after him, his hands tucked behind his head, a less than amused expression on his face as he took in the scene in front of him.

"See! Do you see that Jonathan?! She has a hand on his arm! Do you know where the hand ends up after it's on his arm?"

"Do you even know where the hand ends up after that?" Jon asked, arching a doubtful brow.

Sebastian chose to ignore him. "They are touching! Bare skin against bare skin! It's simply scandalous!" Sebastian exclaimed. He was jumping up and down wildly in the air, pointing an accusatory finger at the two.

Clary slowly retracted her hand and Jace took a step away from her.

"You see his face. That face had guilt written all over it. You can just tell by looking at him that he was thinking of doing unspeakable things to out little Clary." He skipped over to her and wrapped her in a tight embrace. He stroked her hair and rested his chin atop her head. "Shh, it's alright, Clary. The bad man can't hurt you anymore now that you're knight in shining armor is here."

Jonathan pressed his fingers to his temple and let out a deep breath. "Leave her alone, Seb. Now you're just getting annoying at this point."

Sebastian let go of Clary and glared at Jonathan, a child-like pout on his lips. "Well excuse me for looking out for your sister."

"I don't need your help in that department. After all, she's my sister and not yours, and I trust her, okay?"

"Oh really? Is that so? You really trust her? Because if I'm not mistaken just earlier today you were telling her who she could and couldn't marry. Now that doesn't sound like a trusting older brother to me."

"Yeah, well, who the hell asked you?"

Jonathan and Sebastian started arguing. Their voices were rising steadily as they both tried to out-shout the other. Jonathan baled his hand into a fist, raised it above his head, and started shaking it in a threating manner, as seen on cartoons. Jace had always know it was a matter of time before they both exploding and their friendship crumbled. After all, two idiots were just too much for a friendship.

Deciding he didn't want to hear anymore of their stupid argument, he grabbed Clary's wrist and dragged her out of the room. Jonathan and Sebastian didn't notice, too wrapped up in their own world. Chaton trailed after them. They bounded down the stairs together, Clary a step behind Jace.

"Let's go ask your mom if she needs help with anything," Clary suggested to Jace. Clary figured she probably would. After all, who's prepared for seven extra kids to spend the night in their house?

"Alright," Jace nodded. He took a step forward to lead her to the kitchen when the tips of his fingers brushed against the palm of her hand.

Jace's eyes widened as his gaze lowered to see that he was still holding her wrist. Clary bit her lower lip. His brows furrowed and his lips pursed into a thin line as he seemed to be contemplating something. He raised his head to look at her before he turned away. His grip on her wrist loosened a fraction, then his fingers clasped her wrist tightly again, and finally he retracted his hand completely and Clary's arm fell limply to her side.

Clary opened her mouth to say something, but then quickly closed it, because, what could she possibly say? This was so awkward. Heat rose to her face and she turned her back to him, thoroughly embarrassed, although there was no reason to be embarrassed. If only Jace was like a normal person, then this whole thing might have been a lot easier. But, if he was like a normal person, then he wouldn't be Jace. Clary smiled to herself.

"Ah, Jace and Clary, there you are! I didn't even have to walk up the stairs!" Magnus exclaimed as he came up to them. Clary turned her body to look at him. "Jace, you're going to take me to the garage and help me, and Clary you're going to go to the kitchen and take over my cooking duty."

"What do you need in the garage?" Clary asked curiously.

"An air mattress, of course. If Alec, Tessa, and I are meant to be sharing a bedroom, I think it's pretty obvious what the sleeping arrangement is going to be. Like true gentlemen, Alec and I are going to allow Miss Gray to sleep in the bed. But, I'm not going to be sleeping on that uncomfortable floor either. An air mattress isn't my preferred place to lay my head, but it is the next best thing. And actually, scratch what I told you to do, Clary. I need you to go find the downstairs closet and get the extra blankets and pillows out of there. Céline said you could just leave them on the coffee table and we'll sort it out after dinner."

Jace's brow twitched in irritation as his golden eyes flashed. "Did you just call my mother by her first name?"

"Calm down, Kitten, no need to bear your claws at me. Your wonderful woman of a mother gave me permission to address her by her first name. I mean no disrespect by it."

Jace's brow twitched once again. "Did you just call me Kitten?"

"Now you must just be hearing things," Magnus winked at Clary and she giggled.

Jace grumbled under his breath as he tore off. Magnus scrambled after him and Clary smiled at the scene.

Later that night, after everyone ate a wonderful meal of spaghetti and took turn taking showers -(Tessa had shared her pajamas with Isabelle. Will and Jem shared with the other boys. Some of Jace's old clothes had also been handed out, which is how Clary wound up in an over sized Manchester United shirt and shorts that belonged to Jace. She had blushed like crazy, and Jonathan had died a little at the prospect of his sister wearing another boy's clothes.)- it was around ten O'clock and everyone was gathered in the living room as Céline and Stephen conversed in the kitchen, cleaning dishes together. Dinner had been an interesting enough affair. The dining room table had only been large enough to accommodate eight people, which left Céline and Stephen seated at the kitchen table, and everybody else squeezed around the dining room table. Will kept flicking sauce at Jace who was easily able to dodge by leaning to the side. Jonathan had made a snide remark to William that Clary hadn't caught, but this led to Will grabbing Tessa, and them making out halfway through the meal. Everybody made gagging noises, but nobody really seemed to mind except for Jace, who eventually got up and left to join his parents. . . Who promptly sent him back and forced him to sit with his "friends". Sebastian's reaction was the icing on the cake though.

He had been thoroughly enamored with his spaghetti. He had an odd obsession with the dish, everyone knew. So, it was no surprise that he had missed everything that had went on. When he lifted his head, he choked at the sight of Will and Tessa lip-locked, not expecting it. The chewed up spaghetti noodles and sauce went flying out of his mouth and onto Jonathan's face, Everybody at the table became quiet then, and Will even managed to tear himself away from Tessa. And this led to Jonathan leaning across the table and dumping the rest of Sebastian's plate over his head. (They were the first two to take showers.)

Isabelle seemed to be distressed about something as she sat in the corner of the room, away from everybody else. Simon seemed to be comforting her. Clary had noticed that Isabelle seemed oddly quiet during dinner, and she kept glancing in Alec's direction the whole meal. Alec's behavior also seemed to be a bit off as he talk to Magnus and Will. Clary found herself conversing with Tessa, while Sebastian and Jonathan were talking to Jem. Jace was seated beside Clary, and he rebuffed their attempts to include him in the conversation.

"I'm not very big on the reading scene," Clary confessed. "I mean, I've read books like To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Catcher in the Rye, and A Separate Peace, but I feel like everybody has. And I've also read the Harry Potter series and Lord of the Rings, but once again, who hasn't?"

Tessa got a sly, half-smile on her face as she looked over Clary's shoulder. "I bet I know someone who hasn't. Isn't that right, Jace?" Tessa teased.

Jace's eyes flitted to her and he scowled deeply before crossing his arms over his chest, pointedly ignoring her.

"He doesn't have very good social skills, does he?" Tessa leaned over to whisper in Clary's ear.

"There's nothing wrong with him!" Clary said quickly, rising to Jace's defense. She was waving her hands in front of her as Tessa leaned back. It was second-nature really to act like this. Over the years that her and Jace had become friends, she couldn't count how many times people aaccused Jace of having a screw or two loose. But he was normal. And it go so annoying when people accused him of being otherwise. There was noting wrong with him. Nothing.

"There's nothing wrong with him," Clary said sharply, quickly rising to Jace's defense. Then she realized just how rude she must have sounded. "Sorry if that sounded rude. I didn't mean for it to come out rude. He's just not really interested in anything, much less people. Not that you're boring, or unlikable or anything. I actually find that you're a great person. Jace is just Jace, and he always will be."

Tessa laughed slightly. Not in a mean way, which made Clary feel better, After all, she didn't want to seem like a jerk to someone who seemed especially nice. "I take no offense from your words, Clary. I get it. Before Will even asked us to join him he told us about his brooding younger cousin, Jace. How he was a royal pain and all that. And, Jace is a lot better than Will made him out to be. I like him. He's funny."

"Really?" Clary asked, a relieved smile on her face. "Because a lot of people get upset when I word it like that. They take it personally because they think I've accused them of having something wrong with them. Just lack of better words, you know."

Tessa smiled reassuringly at her. "I have quite a few of those moments too."

Clary grinned at her. "You think Jace is funny?"

"He's a real riot. Honestly, I have never seen. . ."

They back into an easy conversation after that. Jace maintained his steely silence, and Clary and Tessa finally gave up on trying to include him in on the conversation.

Magnus seemed to finally catch on to Alec's strange behavior as well. He said something to Alec, a hand placed on his shoulder and a concerned look on his face. But Alec shook his head and jerked away from his touch. A flicker of hurt flashed across Magnus' face, but that only lasted about a second before a determined expression overtook his features. Magnus didn't say anything else to him. He got up in favor of sitting next to Isabelle and Simon. With Simon's arms wrapped around her shoulders, she explained something tearfully with him. Understanding dawned on his face and he nodded his head.

He walked over to the center of the living room and stood in front of the coffee table so that everybody had a clear view of him. He cleared his throat purposefully. Everybody quieted up at this, with the exception of Sebastian, who just kept blabbing. When he realized he was the only one talking he trailed off and gained a sheepish grin.

"Thank you for your silence. It ha just come to my attention that someone very important to me- someone very important to you- has been feeling like shit for the last couple of hours. And do you know why he feels like shit? It's because we made him feel like shit. And who is this person? Alexander Lightwood, the selfless bastard that actually gives a damn about all of you when most others wouldn't. He doesn't have to look out for you, but he sure as hell does. Hell if I know why because none of us deserve it.

"Alexander Lightwood. The Mama Hen of the soccer team. He has your back and he has my back, on and off that field. Even if you're not on the team, he has your back. He will always have our backs. And I think we've always known that, and because we know this, we take him for granted. We shove him around, and tease him, and ignore him when he's trying to help us for the most part. It's not meant to be mean or condescending. It's all in good fun, we know that. But I don't think he knows that. Because we are such unbelievably huge jerks, he thinks we don't appreciate him. But that can't be right. Because I know love Alexander Lightwood, and I know you guys love Alexander Lightwood. You guys do love him, right?"

There was a chorus of "Yeah, of course we do." around the room. Even Jace seemed to be listening to Magnus.

"So why, if we all admit to loving this precious gem, does he feel like shit? I think something needs to be done to change that."

Sebastian let out a loud, over-exaggerated wail, and launched himself at Alec. He settled himself on Alec's lap and wrapped his arms around his head, pulling him into his chest.

"I love you, okay man? You're so awesome, you know?I promise I'll listen to what you have to say now. Promise! Just don't feel like shit anymore, 'kay?"

This started a domino effect. Everybody started bawling, whether it be fake or real, and launched themselves at the exception of Jace of course. Tessa and Jem awkwardly offered Alec a hug. Even Will got in on the action, saying things like "I've only known you for like two hours, but you're one of the greatest guys because everyone else are fucking idiots, but I love you Alexander Lightwood. Marry me." He planted kisses all over his face as well. Magnus' brow twitched and he got a funny look on his face after witnessing that.

After everyone climbed off of and stopped crying their crocodile tears, they took turns facing Alec and apologizing, which he accepted graciously. Jace stood up at that point too. Everybody watched with curious gazes as he stood in front of Alec. Clary, who had been leaning into Alec's side, perked up.

"Yeah, Jace?" asked Alec, a huge, cheesy grin plastered on his face. Jace was silent for a moment as he scratched his cheek with his finger. He turned away from his sightly and bowed his head so that no one could see his facial expression. "You know I hold you in the highest regard, don't you?"

Everybody got rather quiet after he said this. Sebastian pouted a little, because even after being Jace's self-proclaimed best friend for numerous years, Jace had never said anything that nice to him. Clary got a proud smile on her face. Will was grinning, but it was a grin of disbelief. If possible, Alec's smile got wider.

"I know, Jace. I hold you in the highest regard too."Jace nodded. "Good to know.

"Later that night, Céline and Stephen went to bed, telling the kids to behave. They decided to pop in the first High School Musical movie and relive their childhood. It had been a box of movies that Jace's parents had gotten him that he never watched. They also found The Fox and the Hound, which Clary immediately screamed no, because she cried each time she watched it.

Clary had been assigned to making popcorn, and because she didn't know her way around the kitchen, the gang made Jace go with her. This was their not-so subtle way of having them be alone in a room together.

"That was really nice what you said to Alec," Clary said, leaning against the counter. "You made him really happy."

"I didn't say it to make him happy. I said it because it's true," Jace said.

"I know it's true. Everybody know you wouldn't say it if it wasn't true. Which makes it even more special to him." Clary smiled at him before she turned back to the microwave.

Jace stared at her back, trying to figure out his next words. "Clarissa."

"Hmm?"

"I- you know that- you're- ".

Clary laughed softly, cutting him off. She turned back to face him. "I know, Jace. I feel the same way about you."

Jace's usual stoic expression morphed into of shyness and joy. "Do you want to, I don't know, hug maybe?"

Clary looked at him strangely. "Do you want to hug?"

"Only if you want to."

Clary didn't waste any time wrapping her arms around his shoulders and burying her face in his shoulder. Jace tensed up at the unfamiliar contact but quickly relaxed into his best friend's comforting touch.

"You're my best friend," he told her truthfully as he rested his chin on top of her head.

Clary's eyes teared up a bit at this declaration and her heart ached, but really, what did she expect from Jace? He couldn't possibly know that he was breaking her heart by uttering those words. "I know," she mumbled, squeezing him tighter.

OLYMPIC TALK IS ABOUT TO PROGRESS. A WORD ON THE CHAPTER WILL BE AFTER THAT. IF YOU WANNA READ THAT JUST KEEP SCROLLING.

So, a very tennis-filled week. This was actually meant to be posted yesterday to celebrate Murray's win, but I was writing it during Nadal's match, and I honestly teared up a little when he lost. So then I was like, oh let's post it for Murray's gold. But, good for Del Potro, you know, he's a great player, and it was a great match. BUT OH YOU FUCKING LOST IN THE FINALS. MURRAY WIPED THE FLOOR WITH YOU. can you tell i was happy when Murray won?

And I watched the mixed doubles finals. That was a good match as well. America has the most medals. OHH. TAKE THAT CHINA. (Omg guys plz don't get offended it's a joke. not really but yeah. but just take a chill pill, yeah. cuz I honestly hate people that just take shit too seriously. I don't mean to offend anybody but I'm gonna say what I want to fucking say.)

And Phelps guyz. Gosh. We're saying goodbye to a legend. 23 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals, I'm going to miss watching him swim.

SO, IF YOU'RE HERE FOR THE AFTER-CHAPTER TALK HI.

So yeah. That chapter. Filler. I hate writing fillers but it can't be helped sometimes. and I mostly wanted to write a nice alec and jace scene and I think I really captured that.

and a guest reviewer was confused about the last chapter, but guyz, this has been explained before. I mean, I know I leave really long paragraphs that most ppl don't wanna read, but would it kill you to read them. I think not. i actually have interesting stuff to say, believe it or not. (that's a lie. a blatant fucking lie. eue. i curse too much. god, why do i curse so much? i hate ppl who curse all the time cuz it's annoying but I'm one of those people and ugghhhh. I'm a hypocrite.)

oh the clace. yessss.