Wow, I am taken aback by all the positive reviews Idris Academy has been receiving. Thank you guys, it really means a lot to me. Hopefully I can pay you back by delivering a chapter you are all satisfied with. I am going away on holidays for seven days so this chapter will be reasonably long. Hope you enjoy :) I acknowledge that all the rights belong to Cassandra Clare and Yoko Kamio, I do not own anything.

Chapter Seventeen: Reaching Out And Closing Off

"You want to...what?"asked Sebastian, confusion evident in his face.

"Do I have to repeat myself?"said Jace, staring out the window.

"Kicking Simon out won't solve anything' said Alec, who looked brighter than he had in a while, 'it will destroy your longest friendship and it won't bring back your relationship with Clary".

Jace snarled and turned around.

"I don't have a relationship with Clarissa Fray anymore. She has made it perfectly obvious that she thinks Lewis would make the better boyfriend and I am not going to force her to stay with me".

"Now you are being childish' said Sebastian, lounging on the sofa, 'if you saw me hugging Clary, you would laugh it off. If you saw Alec hugging her, you'd probably congratulate him on finally touching a girl. What's different about Simon holding her?"

"Because you don't like younger women and Alec is gay' said Jace, the snarl still in his voice, 'Lewis doesn't have any excuse".

Alec, for once not denying Jace's claim, tossed him a newspaper and said

"You're right, he doesn't. He's got some issues too".

Jace looked down at it and Sebastian said

"Dude just talk to her. You don't credit her with anything. I realise that you've never been in a relationship before, god help us all, but not every female who comes along is only after you for your money. Or your influence or even your looks".

"This relationship is possibly the best thing that's happened to you in a while' said Alec, 'so why are you hellbent on destroying it".

Jace picked up the newspaper and threw it back at Alec. It hit Sebastian who swore and stood up.

"What the hell?' he said, 'look all I'm suggesting is that you should consider how Simon and Clary feel. Don't chuck him out, for gods sake. He's your best friend".

Jace didn't say anything and finally Sebastian said

"I've had it. I'm leaving".

He stormed out, leaving Alec staring after him. He turned back to Jace and said

"Look.."

"Shut up" roared Jace and Alec stared at him before turning around and following after Sebastian. Jace sat there, his hands shaking slightly, staring into an empty space. Why? Why had Clary run to Simon first? Why hadn't she asked him about what had happened first? Why had his mother even gone round to her house? How could he protect her if she was so busy running around after everybody else, always leaving him behind? He was angry. But he couldn't shake away that fear at the bottom of his stomach, churning around. What would happen if one day she wasn't there anymore? If she had given up on him? Or if his mother did something to her family? What then?

The phone Jace had given her seemed to be staring at her. Every time she walked passed it, it gleamed. Her fingers ached to touch it, ached to break it, ached to throw it out the window but somehow her brain was telling her to keep it, just in case. Finally when she could stand it no longer and when she felt she had spent more than a reasonable amount of time thinking about it, she grabbed hold of it and shoved into her bottom drawer. She shoved it shut and it made a loud banging noise, making the ornaments and her books on top of it, wobble dangerously.

"Clary?' called her mother, 'are you trying to destroy your room? Is that the latest teenager thing to do?"

"Sorry' she called, 'distracted, I guess".

"Another sign you are definitely a teenager" said her mother.

"Or that she's in love" called her brother from the kitchen table.

"SHUT UP" she yelled and she heard her family laughing, obviously thinking she was in denial.

"Anyway, since I've been promoted at work, you even more fit to become Jace's bride" said her father.

Clary rolled her eyes and started pulling on some clothes. Ever since her father had come home one day, promoted to chief manager of his section, he had been waxing on about how he had never lost sight of his goal, putting in hours of work and dedication and impressing his boss with his abilities. And now, he had it in his head that she was going to marry Jace, he felt that his promotion placed her in Jace's league. She felt like telling him that a) she and Jace were well and truly finished and b) if she believed that leagues existed, they shouldn't even belong with the notion of love. That just destroyed the romance right out of it. But she didn't.

She grabbed her purse and said

"I'm going".

"Out with Jace?" said her mother, winking at her as she left.

"Yeah" said Clary, not wanting to create a huge commotion.

She walked down the stairs of her apartment block and out into the sunshine. It looked like a beautiful day. Simon had asked if she wanted to spend the day with him and she had tried to get Magnus to come to but he was busy, off doing something. She wondered if he was still pining over Will and this only got her thinking about Jace and how much of an aggressive idiot he was. Her hands clenched in anger and she stood there for a couple of seconds before relaxing. She needed to get Jace out of her mind. She was going to have a great day with her friend and that was that.

She turned around and stopped. Dead. Jace was in front of the apartment looking right at her. She stared at him, in shock and surprise and for a moment neither of them spoke. Then he said

"Where are you going?"

"Nowhere" she said, too quickly and flinched. Jace's question had been innocent but now his face was screwing up, as he realised she had something to hide.

"You're going out with Simon, aren't you?"

"So...so what?' she said, 'it's not like I need your permission to go out with a friend".

"Oh is that all he is? A friend. I wish I spent so much time with my friends".

"Don't be such a jerk' she said, 'it's ridiculous how much you think you own me or something".

Jace blanched and she walked passed him, angrily. The nerve of that idiot. Suddenly he grabbed her by the shoulder and swung her around, so she faced him.

"We have to talk" he said.

"Yeah?' she said, her anger getting the better of her, 'yeah? We need to talk? We needed to talk days ago. But you just acted like some selfish prick. I'm sick of it. I AM SICK OF IT AND I AM SICK OF YOU".

"Clary' he said, 'I want to.."

"Let go of me" she said, his grip painfully tight. He immediately dropped his hand into his pocket and said

"Don't go with Simon...let me explain"

"I wanted an explanation but you wouldn't give me one' she said, 'what the hell gives you the right to give me one now. I'VE HAD IT".

"Clary' he reached for her again, 'I realise I've been..."

"Don't touch ME' she said, shaking his hand off, 'that' not how relationships work. You don't understand the basic meaning of one. Ever since Day 1, you have never understood".

"You don't seem to understand WHAT A RELATIONSHIP MEANS EITHER, he said, his voice rising, 'relationships work TWO WAYS, Clarissa. Yet you preach to me..."

Clary ripped her arm out from his grasp and hissed

"Don't come NEAR me. Don't TALK to me. Just LEAVE ME ALONE. I'm tired of you".

She took off running, down the street and Jace watched her retreating back.

"Why can't you understand?' he said to himself, 'I need you".

"Where's Clary?" asked Sebastian.

Magnus rolled his eyes and said

"Isn't she out with Simon?"

"Huh?' said Alec, approaching him, 'is that why Jace wanted to kick him out? No wonder"

Magnus eyed him but before he could say anything, Sebastian said

"Simon's being totally reckless. But what's Clary doing? I thought she was more than that".

"Oh shut up' said Magnus viciously, 'Jace has been a total dickhead. And a tool. And a prick. She just wants someone to be her friend".

"What about you?' said Sebastian, slyly, 'aren't you her friend? Why aren't you invited to her pity party?"

"I was' said Magnus cooly, wiping the grin of Sebastian's face, 'but I thought I had something on...turns out that it was inevitably cancelled".

Sebastian said

"Was that comment to me? It was quite barbed".

"You aren't the only one in the room" said Magnus.

Before Sebastian could say anything else, Camille cooed

"Sebastian".

Everyone turned to her as she swung off the door frame and Sebastian said

"Huh?"

"It's so good to see you again".

"Yeah" said Sebastian, sending a help expression to Magnus.

"I've missed you these past couple of weeks".

"Really? I've been around".

"I've been thinking...let's go out tonight".

"Oh, I'm tied up completely' said Sebastian, 'it's can't be...inevitably cancelled".

"Yes it can' said Magnus looking up suddenly, 'he's just shy. Secretly, Camille. He's been talking about you for weeks. Can't get enough of you".

"HEY" said Sebastian, as Camille's eyes gleamed.

"Yeah' said Alec, 'my god. I thought he would never stop. He was even thinking about buying a share in your place".

"Alec' hissed Sebastian as Camille wrapped her arm around his, 'look, they are just.."

"Don't you worry' she purred, 'I've been out with plenty of shy guys".

She pulled him to the door and continued.

"Let's discuss your proposition over dinner. You can look after the shop, can't you, Magnus?"

"Of course' said Magnus, looking delighted at Sebastian's fear, 'it would be my genuine pleasure".

The door shut behind them both and Magnus said

"My god, that prick deserved that".

"Yeah' said Alec, 'that was revenge for leaving me behind in this shop when he was out playing detective".

"And because he was insulting Clary' said Magnus, 'she isn't like that, you know?"

"Of course, I do' said Alec, 'Sebastian's just upset. He may not show it but we are the closest family he has. He doesn't want us to be destroyed by a girl. He'll do anything for one of us".

"What about you?' said Magnus quietly, 'would you do anything for them?"

"Of course' said Alec, 'but I can see another side to the story as well".

"What about' Magnus took a deep breath, 'what about Jace? What do you think his side of the story is? Do you think...Will did something, said something to make him violent? Or is he just naturally..aggressive?"

Alec was silent for so long that Magnus didn't want to look up. Then he said

"Look. You might not believe me when I tell you this. Jace has always been violent. Ever since he was a kid. Whenever someone annoyed him, hurt him, betrayed him, WHAM. He'd beat them up. As he got older and more arrogant, he began to believe that he had the right to hurt people, that money and status allowed you to do whatever you wanted. Until Clary came along, a lot of us were worried he might go completely off the rails and maybe kill someone. And he'd get away with that. And then we would never be able to look him in the eye again without seeing this murderer looking out at us. I'm not saying the person he is now is perfect, hell he is far from perfect. But we've seen him change so much ever since Clary came into his life. I'm not going to speculate on what may or may not have happened because I don't know Will. But I know Jace and who he was. And who he has become. All I'm saying is, the person he is now, isn't someone who would use violence without it being warranted".

He took a deep breath, exhaling out. That was the longest speech he had ever made in his life. Magnus stared at the ground and at him, searching for something. He found he couldn't say anything. Alec had told him everything he needed to know.

Simon was sitting on a bench when Clary showed up. He smiled as she ran up to him, puffing and said

"Sorry. I missed...the bus. So..I ran..here".

"I'm flattered you are excited but seriously Fray. I've never had a girl this excited to see me before. Haven't you ever heard of being too keen?"

"Shut up' she said, 'I'm too tired to think up a witty comeback".

"Shall we?' he said, standing up, 'I figured you'd probably want something to eat first".

"Probably" said Clary and allowed him to lead her inside a small cafe. They sat down at a window table and a smiling waitress descended upon them to take their orders. Simon ordered a tea and sandwiches whilst Clary when she had finally stopped puffing, ordered a milkshake which was the cheapest thing on the menu. When the waitress had left, Simon said

"Are you planning on writing a book on How To Be Frugal anytime soon?"

"You suck at coming up with book titles. Nobody would buy a book with a boring title like that. They'd probably fall asleep reading the second word".

"It gets to the point quick. Go on, if you are so good".

Clary cleared her throat and said

"How To Live Like A Commoner: The Memoirs Of A Commoner".

Simon snorted and said

"And then you could do a sequel. How To Live Like A Commoner: Memoirs Of A Non-Commoner. Yours is worse than mine. Come on. What sells a title?"

"A bookshop?"

"I mean, if the first thing you see is a title, what about the title would draw you in?"

"Umm, How To Make Money In A Day, How To Get A's In Exams Without Really Trying, How To Deal With Arrogant, Wealthy People, How To Convince Your Parents Your Room Doesn't Need Tidying, you know. The usual".

Simon laughed and said

"All I got out of that was you are a materialistic, lazy and anti-rich slob. Seriously. Why did I ever see in you?"

It was like this the whole day. They went around to book shops and manga shops and read out parts from them in different voices. Simon took Clary to a music shop and played some tunes of the double bass, which he turned out to play. He was very good, she had never known he could play but she laughed a lot when someone approached him, wanting him to join their band and laughed even harder when the manager kindly asked them to leave before they annoyed anymore clientele. She then took him to her favourite place in New York, a Houston Street Restoration office trailer, which was part of a public arts program. She showed him the murals and graffiti decorating the walls, the amazing myriad of artwork spiralling along the building.

"I submitted artwork for one of their projects' she said, 'I don't know if its been accepted but who cares? I just love looking at it at all".

She gazed at the faces staring out at her, over her shoulder into the New York street and sighed. Simon said

"And this stuff..it's all around the place".

"You could drive passed it any day of your life' she said, 'you just have to open your eyes".

She realised he was grinning at her and she blushed.

"What?"

"It's just...I've never seen someone get so passionate about graffiti".

"It isn't graffiti' she said, 'it's art. Which the New York City council agrees to".

"It's the first time I ever seen you so..animated. And so unreachable".

"Nice compliment' she said, pulling herself away from the drawings, 'I like it. Animated and unreachable. Boy, you know how to flatter a girl".

He laughed but in an instant, she saw sadness flicker through his eyes. Then it was gone and he was turning away.

"So what do you want to do next?"

"Simon' she said hesitantly, 'what exactly happened between you and Isabelle?"

He stopped, obviously surprised by her question but he didn't say anything.

"I mean, you were so happy. Going after her, I mean. We didn't hear anything from you for weeks. Then you come back and you don't tell us anything and I know something is wrong. Tell me. Talk to me about it".

Simon leaned against a bike post, his fists clenched round the metal and he said

"What about you and Jace? You two either seem to making up, breaking up, on the verge of either or fighting off evil mothers and stalkers".

"Don't change the subject' said Clary, ignoring his comment, 'I am your friend".

Simon didn't say anything and she said slowly

"Are you using me to get over Isabelle?"

He turned violently and said

"What? What...no way. I wouldn't do that to Jace. Or you. I like you as a friend, Clary and even if I did like you more, I would not ever get in the way of your relationship".

"Maybe you should tell Jace that" she said coolly and he looked at her curiously. She sighed and said

"Jace and I...probably aren't going to get back together. I really don't feel we can make this work anymore".

Simon sat down beside her and she looked at her Converses.

"He is so..ridiculous. The other day, we went out with my best friend and his boyfriend. You know, Magnus. Anyway, I admit Will was making cracks at Jace and generally trying to rile him up but later on, when they went to the toilets together, he just started beating Will up. For no reason whatsoever as I later found out. I thought he was changing. I thought that the violent, arrogant, controlling person he was...was finally changing. I guess I was wrong".

They sat in silence for a while and Simon said

"She's engaged".

Clary turned towards him, already ready to put a hand on his shoulder but he said warningly

"Don't. I don't...want your sympathy. I just...when I went over there, everything was fine at first. It was exactly how we used to be, hanging out all the time, doing the things we loved, enjoying ourselves. I planned to tell her how I felt on her birthday, which was coming up. Someone had organised a party and although I wanted it to be just us, I was happy if she was happy. Then when I arrive at the party, it is her engagement party. She and her boyfriend had just got engaged before she had come to New York and he and her friends had organised a surprise one. She just stood there, this happy, loving smile on her face, ecstatic that he was there and they danced in each others arms the entire night".

He exhaled a shaky breath and then continued.

"I wasn't going to say anything. I love her but I wanted her to be happy. That's my only wish. But I got a little drunk and somehow we were up in her bedroom and she was gushing about him and the wedding and all of a sudden, I blurt it out like an idiot. The look she gave me, Clary, the horrified, shocked look she gave me. After she realised I wasn't joking of course. She just stared at me and in the end I left before she could say anything to further break my heart, I left. I left France the next day and came home, pretending nothing had ever happened, pretending I hadn't even gone after her. I bet the others know, they keep in touch with a lot of the international news but they haven't said anything and I just feel them pitying me. I hate it. I hate that I still love her even though she broke my heart. I hate that every time I look in a newspaper, I have my eyes glued to the pages, ready to turn the page if I see her and him in it. A invitation for the wedding arrived in the post and I tore it up but then I got my secretary to RSVP. And then I got him to change it. And then I got him to RSVP again. I am such a loser".

He rested his chin on his hands and Clary watched him, her heart breaking for him. She needed to be careful with her reply, she didn't want to make him feel like she was pitying him. She touched his arm and said

"Which relationship sucks more, yours or mine?"

The side of his mouth quirked up, which was a good sign, and she said

"Seriously. We should form a club. The Beaten In Love Club. Magnus can join too. Nah, better idea. The Awesome, So Over It Society".

He was full on laughing now and she said comfortingly

"I'm not going to say that it's gonna be alright. I have absolutely no idea. Look at the mess up I made of mine. But I am going to be here for you. Night and day. Ready to take you out so that you don't spend your nights RSVPing her. Ready to help you study if you can't concentrate. Ready to be your friend if you need a shoulder to cry...rest on".

"Glad you changed that' he said, 'real men don't cry".

But he was grinning at her and she smiled back at him.

"Thanks Fray".

"You are welcome, Lewis" she said back to him. She stood up and said

"Let's go. I have plenty more of New York to show you, rich boy".

"Yeah enough of this love fest".

"And don't worry about Jace. I'll talk to him".

"So' said Magnus, as they stood at the counter, 'you really think you and Jace are over?"

Clary nodded slowly and said

"And I can't believe you are still half defending him. He broke you and Will up".

"Yeah' said Magnus, 'but maybe that day helped me see Will for what he was. An arrogant ass".

"He and Jace should form a club' said Clary, 'but seriously. You liked him. A lot. Just because we are friends doesn't mean you should just accept what Jace did. Are you thinking rationally?"

"Are you?' said Magnus, 'I've had time to think. Jace...yes he was arrogant and controlling before but dude, he was changing. Even you yourself mentioned that. Will must have done something to make that part of Jace snap again".

Clary stared at him and then turned to Alec slowly who was sitting in the corner, brooding and said

"I bet you told him that".

Alec reddened and Magnus said

"Leave him alone. He's not doing any harm".

"Yeah but it's like your new boyfriend have brainwashed you into thinking his best friend and my ex-boyfriend had a right to beat up your ex-boyfriend".

"It's a paradox' said Magnus amused and Clary rolled her eyes, 'oh come on, Fray. Just talk to him. He isn't exactly the worlds best communicator. Just ask Jace for his side of the story again".

Clary didn't respond. The doors to the shop opened and Sebastian and Camille came in, Sebastian looking a little shell-shocked, Camille jabbering on.

"Hey' said Alec, 'how was your date?"

"You were on a date?' said Clary, amused now, 'wow. I wouldn't have picked you for that".

"No Clary' said Magnus solemnly, 'don't you remember. Sebastian has been talking about her all week. They make a good couple, don't you think?"

"Oh definitely' said Clary, catching on, 'wasn't he talking about buying a stake in the shop?"

"Yeah' said Magnus, 'that is exactly what I said".

Sebastian shot them daggers and Camille grinned soppily at him before saying

"I'll be back in a minute".

Sebastian exhaled loudly and sat down next to Alec. He said

"Is she like that all the time?"

Clary and Magnus nodded and he said

"We were out for four hours. In which time I found that I had been acquainted with more than twenty of her previous lovers. Through movies and history books. How old is she?"

"It's a work in progress" said Clary.

"At the moment, we are guessing between 0 and 450".

"Place her between 0 and 600. I am pretty sure she was going on about going out with Plato".

"What?' said Magnus, laughing, 'did they discuss deeper philosophical meanings and go out in their chariot?"

"Very possible" said Sebastian. He then noticed Clary and said

"Oh, you are back from your date".

Clary narrowed her gaze and said

"It wasn't a date. A girl and a guy can be friends".

Sebastian raised an eyebrow and said

"Is this your way of ignoring Jace? I think you should talk to him".

"WHY DOES EVERYONE WANT ME TO TALK TO JACE? I DON'T WANT TO".

"Relax' said Sebastian, holding up his hands, 'I'm not saying make up. I am saying talk to him. Why is it that some people can't stop talking and others shy away from it. There has to be a happy medium".

The door opened again and there was laughter ringing across the room. There was a couple standing there, arms around each other, engrossed in each other's eyes. Clary smiled and went to say something before she stopped. It was Will, his arm around a half Chinese boy. Magnus had stiffened as well and then Will drew his eyes away from the boy and caught onto Magnus. He didn't freeze but his eyes showed fear. He said

"Let's get out of here. None of this stuff looks good".

"Are you kidding?' said the other boy, oblivious to Will's discomfort, 'have you seen the quality of this? It's pure silk".

"It is' said Magnus, his voice shaky a little, 'imported from Turkey".

"Wow' said the boy, holding it up, 'this would look great when we go meet my parents".

Magnus had frozen now but Will seemed to draw pleasure from this and said

"Yeah, I'm sure it will look great with your eyes. Why don't you try it on?"

Magnus was shaking now and Clary took over.

"Would you care to try it on? Our change rooms are right this way?"

"Thanks' said the boy, following Clary's directions, 'coming, Will?"

"Yep" said Will but Clary stepped in his path.

"I have something to show sir that might interest you".

Will glanced over her shoulder but his boyfriend had disappeared, having not sensed anything was wrong. Clary said her voice hardening

"You might find it funny to play with other people's hearts. We don't. I suggest you apologise to Magnus and then get out of his sight".

"Or what?' said Will, 'you'll beat me up like your boyfriend".

Her teeth gritted, she said

"I don't have to beat people up to get them to do what I want".

"Of course not' said Will, patting her on the head, 'you just talk too much".

He turned around and Sebastian had stood up. His muscular physique was evident and Will took a step back.

"Alright mate' said Sebastian, 'I think it's time you left".

"I am every right to be here' said Will, 'I am a customer"

"And I don't care' said Sebastian slowly, 'but since you are making Magnus feeling uncomfortable, I suggest you leave".

Will looked over at Magnus who was staring at the floor and said

"He doesn't mind, do you?"

The doors to the change rooms opened and the boy came out, smiling.

"I like this..." he trailed off as he saw Sebastian and Clary standing very close to Will, 'what's going on, Will?"

His eyes took in Magnus' downturned face and said

"What's happened?"

Suddenly Alec was standing in front of him and his eyes widened.

"You are...you are Alec Lightwood?"

"That's right' said Alec, smiling, 'and you are?"

"James Carstairs' said the boy excitedly, 'though you can call me Jem".

"Jem' said Alec still smiling, 'well. It's nice to meet you. You seem like a nice guy. I'm just wondering why you'd being hanging out with a loser like Will here".

"Shut up you bastard" snarled Will but Sebastian blocked him from getting closer. Jem squinted and said

"What?"

"Well' said Alec, 'according to police records, he's in the deep. Dealing drugs, involved with several gangs, though to be honest, they find him a bit of an amusing play toy rather than anything".

Jem took a step back, shock swimming through his eyes and Will yelled

"That never happened. Don't believe him. He's just making it up".

Alec fixed a bored expression and said

"You know who I am. Someday I'll run these gangs. You think I don't have information that the police would die to get their hands on. That they spend time, resources and money to get their hands on? What makes you think I don't know every dirty little secret you possess".

Jem said

"W.."

Alec turned back to him and said

"Get out before he hurts you. He isn't worth the pain. Don't contact him. Don't see him. Tell all your friends about him. Don't let him sink his dirty little hands into you".

Jem nodded, not looking at Will and Alec said

"Go home. Rest. Move on from him, he isn't worth it. Live your life".

He kindly showed Jem to the door, Will protesting his innocence but Jem didn't listen. The door slammed shut and Will ripped his arm out from Sebastian's grip.

"What the HELL?' he yelled, 'I have never dealt drugs in my life. Gangs, what gangs? Who the hell do you think you are?"

He stopped at the steely expression in Alec's eyes.

"I'm the guy who will make your life hell if you ever come near Magnus again. You think I can't do anything? I can change records in an instance, make it look like you are the biggest drug dealer in New York. I can send gangs after you, I can have the police arrest you in an instance for association. Don't underestimate me, William Herondale".

Will stared at him, aware that he was drastically outnumbered in every possible way. He said

"Why didn't you tell him about me and Magnus?"

"Because' said Alec, 'Magnus is a million times the man you could ever possibly be. I am not going to drag him down just because you like playing the field. As far as I am concerned, he never dated you. You don't exist in his life. Get the hell out of here. NOW".

Will turned, a look of disgust on his face and Magnus said suddenly

"Wait".

Will turned back, a smile curving on his lips.

"I just want...' said Magnus, 'I just want to...say..that"

He trailed off and Will smirked.

"You are bloody useless, you know that? Fun to play with but really...useless".

Before Alec could get there, Clary was in front of him. He gazed at her and said

"What do you want now?"

She smiled kindly and said

"I've changed my mind".

"Huh?"

Her punch hit him straight in the face, so hard and full of anger that he stumbled backwards several steps before he hit the floor, his nose bleeding. He winced and said, his mouth full of blood,

"What the hell? You are exactly like your crazy boyfriend. Neither of you can take a joke".

"Huh?' said Clary, raising her fists again, 'do you want a second helping?"

"What do you mean can't take a joke?" said Sebastian and Will rolled his eyes.

"I said I'd introduce him to some girls. God, he is pretty pathetic just like the rest of you' he spat, 'can't handle a little affair. Think the whole world is perfect and everyone has to stay faithful in order for the relationship to work. What?' he said to Clary, whose face had changed, 'you really didn't know?"

She lowered her fists, her shock rendering her still. Had Jace...beaten up Will...to defend her honour? She stumbled backwards, unable to think properly and suddenly Magnus said

"I want you to get out now".

Will turned back to Magnus, who walked towards him, picked him up by the lapels of his shirt and hoisted him to his feet. He then pushed him out the door and said

"Get out now. Jace Wayland...couldn't possibly begin to comprehend a piece of human trash like you".

The door slammed shut and they all watched as Will stumbled down the street, leaving the shop in silence. For a moment, all there was, was breathing. Then Magnus turned to Clary and said

"I want you to talk to Jace".

"Magnus" Clary began and Magnus said loudly

"No excuses, CLARISSA. I'm not asking you to climb the Grand Canyon or learn two languages in a night or fly. I want you to ask Jace what happened. He deserves that much".

Simon was already there by the time Jace made it. He was standing there, his hands in his pockets, staring at the ground and didn't seem to notice as Jace approached the empty square.

"Hello Lewis" he said slowly.

Simon looked up coldly and Jace stared back at him, neither of them blinking.

"How was your date with Clarissa?"

Simon smiled a little and said

"It was fun".

"Really?' said Jace, 'well at least one of us can endure commoners dates. Must be a mark of a man".

"Well hopefully one day' said Simon, 'you'll show yourself to be a man as well".

"I'm not the one who needs the practice', said Jace through gritted teeth, 'but really it's wonderful you had such a fun time. I am pleased she showed you such a fun time".

Simon said quietly

"Can you stop talking about her like you own her? She isn't a present you can gift wrap and pass her from person to person".

Jace went rigid. Simon smiled and said

"No matter how you look at it. She's mine, isn't she?"

Jace stared at him.

"Seriously' said Simon, leaning back on the fence, 'this afternoon she was all over me. She didn't want to go home at all. I figured if I kissed her she'd leave but then she wanted more. I thought she'd be strong when it came down to it all, show a bit of fight but really when it comes down to it, she was submissive".

"What" said Jace softly, disbelievingly.

Simon looked at him and said

"Oh, it's alright Jace. I didn't do anything to her".

He walked closer to Jace and said

"It's Clary after all' he laughed, 'I couldn't help laughing. I couldn't do it".

Jace's fists clenched and Simon continued

"She's just so pathetic. If you compared her to Isabelle, she is so.."

"YOU SHUT UP" Jace snarled and he threw his fist forward. Simon flinched but Jace didn't punch him. His fist stayed in the air, centimetres in front of Simon's face, before slowly he dropped to it to his side. Simon watched him carefully as Jace stepped away. They were both silent, watching each other before finally Jace said

"What..what really happened with Clary?"

Simon raised an eyebrow and said mockingly

"Weren't you listening to me five seconds ago?"

Jace shoved his hands into his pockets, which were itching to clench again. He said

"She really wanted you?"

"It would seem that way".

"DON'T LIE" said Jace, his words echoing across the courtyard. Simon turned back to him and said

"I'm not. What are you gonna do about it, Wayland? What are you gonna do about the fact that for once someone hasn't followed your orders? Hasn't accepted your wealth and your status? Has chosen someone else over you? What are you gonna to do about it, WAYLAND?"

Jace stared at the ground, his teeth gritted before suddenly all the tension left his body. He looked up and said

"If she..wants you..if she chooses you...fine. I would rather see her happy. She deserves to be happy. And if you can make her happy, then...I am glad".

Simon snorted with laughter and said

"You are a pathetic excuse for a man. What loser would willing give up on something this easy?"

Jace shrugged and said

"I want her to be happy".

He turned around and said

"Good for you guys. You two deserve each other".

He walked off down the street, hardly noticing where he was going. His feet crunched over the pavement, as he aimlessly walked down a street that he didn't recognised.

"You are an idiot".

Jace didn't turn around.

"Seriously. You actually thought we would go well together?"

He didn't respond. Simon rolled his eyes and said

"Clary's nice. But I don't love her...and even if I did, I wouldn't steal another guy's girl. Anyway I could never love her the way I love..." he trailed off.

Jace looked back at his best friend and said

"How was France?"

Simon gave a brittle laugh and said

"You really don't know?"

Jace looked down and said

"I'm sorry...about Isabelle. I really thought..".

"Shut up about it, Wayland".

"Don't tell me to shut up, Lewis".

"What are you gonna do about it?" said Simon, mockingly.

Jace grinned and said

"Punch your face in. What happens in the street stays in the street".

"Hah' said Simon, 'and then what I am going to tell Clary? That I stepped on a landmine?"

Jace looked down and Simon said

"Oh for gods sake, both of you are a pair of twits. You need other people to fix your own problems".

He pulled out his phone and pressed a number. Jace looked at him in alarm and said

"What are you doing?"

Simon sent him a withering look and said

"Calling Clary".

"No dude. She doesn't wanna see me. No".

Simon ducked away from his grasp and said

"Oh hey Fray...yep. Nope, just hanging...no really? He actually did that. For him? Never thought Lightwood had it in him".

"What?" said Jace curiously.

"Nah, that's just Jace...yep Jace Wayland...yeah that prick. Yeah the rich one. Yeah he misses you too. I know you didn't say that but I can just tell. I am psychic. I'm putting you on".

He handed it to Jace who took it gingerly.

"Hello?"

There was a long silence and he could hear her breathing.

"Clary?"

There was still nothing and he held it out to Simon, shaking his head. Then

"I'm not saying I forgive you".

He took it back quickly and said

"What?"

"But...let's talk. I'm ready to talk".

Hey guys :) Hope you enjoyed that. I am going to Melbourne so I won't be able to personally answer any reviews like I normally do. Sorry, but here is an advanced thank you. I am really grateful for all the readers and reviewers of this story. Thank you for your continued support. When I get back, I will upload the next chapter. Until next time :)