Okay, I have to say that, as I'm typing this, I am driving to THE SUPERNATURAL CONVENTION IN SAN FRANCISCO AND I AM FREAKING OUT BECAUSE JARED AND JENSEN AND MISHA AND HNNNNG I HAVE BEE FREAKING OUT FOR THE PAST FOUR DAYS AND OMIGOSH I'M SO EXCITED! Well… Um… Moving on :'D Don't kill me, but it's another sad chapter I'll make up for it next chapter I swear you guys will love me! But this one ends better… Or not… O_o Well go on and read ahead to find out, my faithfuls! OH AND VERY IMPORTANT! READ THE BOTTOM NOTE!
I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on the door. I held my breath as Jace groaned sleepily, hoping to everything that he wouldn't wake up. Luckily, he snuggled back into his pillow, sighing contently. I slipped silently out of the bed, creeping over to the door where the knock began to get louder.
"What?" I hissed as I opened the door harshly, not expecting the person who was on the other side.
"What are you doing here?" Chris asked, voice too surprised to be accusing.
"I… Just… Don't wake him up." I resorted to not explaining, "Please."
"Why not?" Chris narrowed his eyes at me, but I just shook my head, stepping out and grabbing his arm.
"Just let him sleep as long as possible." I dragged him behind me, not waiting for a response. It was best for Jace to stay asleep for as long as possible, for him to not have to deal with today.
Since I was born, Jace's parents had raised me as much as my own, hence why I sometimes called them Mom and Dad, and Jace did the same with my parents. Even then, I couldn't imagine how it must feel for Jace on this day. No matter how close I was with Michael and Celine, they weren't my real parents, and I had no idea what it was like to lose someone that close to me. Even if my loss came pretty close. I released Chris right before I reached the common room, and gave him a look that spoke so many levels of Don't even try it.
When I stepped into the room, three sets of eyes turned on me. I sat down in the middle of Izzy, Aline, and Helen, and they all stared at me, volumes of questions behind their gazes.
"Go ahead," I breathed, "ask away."
"First off," Aline jumped on my offer quickly, "you don't have to tell us what happened yesterday, but how the hell did Jace seem to know exactly what would make you happy?"
"I…" was not prepared for that, "told him about some of my favorite things when we went on our dates. I guess he remembered some of them and thought it would cheer me up." They eyed me suspiciously, but gave up on trying to pry… At least on that subject.
"So where did you storm off to last night?" Helen asked, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively, "I mean, you are in the same clothes." My cheeks grew red, and I opened my mouth to reply, but I was saved by Kaelie bursting into the common area.
"I have a date card!" She shouted, then ripped the envelope open, "Clary." We waited for her to continue, but she just stared at the paper, brow furrowed.
"That's all it says." She announced, "Just Clary." I gulped, tears building in my eyes, knowing instantly where this date would take us.
"I better go and get ready." I smiled, but it didn't reach my eyes, "Bye guys." The girls both wrapped their arms around me.
"Clary, if there's anything you want to talk about…" Aline trailed off.
"We're here." Helen continued. I squeezed them, drawing back, a warm feeling swelling in my heart. "Thank you."
Now a real smile adorned my face. It was a small one, but real nonetheless. I eased back, standing up, then walking up the stairs and not looking back. As soon as I was out of sight, my tears fell silently. I walked faster, unlocking and opening the door with shaking hands. I searched through my closet, delicately picking up a nice back blouse, and paired it with dark skinny jeans and black heels. I then walked over to Jace's door, knocking softly.
I sucked in a sharp breath as he opened the door, messy haired, bleary eyes, tears running down his cheeks. It was hard not to burst out crying at just seeing him like this. Without a word, he pulled me into his arms, burying his face in my shoulder.
"Shhh." I ran my fingers through his hair, and we stayed like that for a few minutes. Eventually, he pulled away, swallowing hard as he stared at me. I brushed the tears from his eyes and his cheeks, and his tipped his head down, looking at the ground.
"Nuh-uh." I pushed his chin up, forcing him to look into my eyes, "We have to be strong for them." I took a risk, standing on my toes and pressing my lips softly against his. It was only a second, but he still stared at me like I was a different species.
At least it took his mind off it for a second, I thought as heat rushed to my face. This time it was him tipping my chin up. I met his golden eyes, and was surprise to find that there wasn't as much sadness in those glowing orbs. What surprised me even more was when he returned the kiss, then tucked my head under his chin.
"Let's do this." He whispered, stepping back, then sliding his fingers through mine. I squeezed his hand as we made our way downstairs. Bypassing some of the girls without even a glance in their direction. Soon enough, the cameras were following us, and, when we got outside, Jace grabbed hold of my other hand, turning me to face him.
"Listen, Clary," He started, voice thick with emotion, "We're about to fly to my hometown, New York, and I'm going to have you meet two people that are… very important to me. He offered a small smile, releasing one hand once again, and guiding me toward a very fancy private jet. We boarded the plane along with Chris and the cameras, quickly making ourselves comfortable on the couches.
It didn't take long for the jet to ascend into the clouds, and pretty soon, the pilot announced that we could "Move around the cabin as we please.". I was about to start a conversation, seeing as the silence was getting awkward, but noticed Jace's head lolling to the side. Between the sadness and the hangover, he hadn't gotten much sleep last night.
"Why don't you take a rest." I suggested, and he turned to face me, a question in his eyes. I nodded, and he lowered his head to my lap, stretching his legs across the length of the couch. I stared down at him, making sure he was okay, and one of his eyes cracked open.
"I know I'm attractive, but I think a picture would last longer." He teased, and a wave of relief flooded me. Every year, he seemed to get a little bit better, but he had never exactly been able to be even remotely happy on this day. Now, he seemed genuinely happy with his jab at me.
"Remember where you are, and where I am." I narrowed my eyes, raising my hand threateningly.
"You wouldn't dare ruin this flawless face."
"Not exactly flawless. I seem to recall a certain chip on someone's front tooth."
"Irrelevant. Except for that, I'm flawless."
"Do you really want to try me, Wayland?"
"No."
"Then go to sleep."
"If I didn't know better, I would say you're trying to get rid of me, Fray."
"You're right. I am."
"Well-"
"Sleep. Now."
He repeated my words in a mocking tone, but closed his eyes again nonetheless. Within two minutes, his breathing had grown deeper, and I knew he was out. Only then did I look up at Chris, who had obvious amusement at our banter written across his face.
"Shut up." I said simply as he opened his mouth, and his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.
"Okay, fine." I took the bait, "What is it?"
"You two already act like an old married couple." He joked, and I rolled my eyes.
"Maybe you should ask some questions or do a little interview thing while he's out." I avoided his comment. This time it was him who rolled his eyes, but relented, beginning to ask me generic questions. Throughout the whole ordeal, I couldn't stop thinking of the three words that I was most thankful to have ever heard.
Stay for him.
—-
After what seemed like an eternity, the plane landed, jolting Jace from his slumber, and halting all conversation. A somber air seemed to settle over everyone, and Jace's jaw was set tight. We exited the jet, and Jace's car lay parked almost right beside us. All of a sudden, Jace stopped dead a few feet from the car.
"You guys can't come with us." He said firmly, directing his words at Chris and the camera crew.
"Jace, we can't let you do that." Chris tried to reason.
"No." Jace's tone made it clear that he would not give in. Chris turned to me, eyes pleading for help. I sighed, slowly unraveling his fist and twining our fingers together.
"Chris," I spoke, "You can come with us, but the cameras stay here." Chris opened his mouth, about to speak, but I held my hand up.
"If you want, you can tell them everything that happens in there." I continued, "You can do an interview with both of us after, but the cameras stay." I settled him my No way in hell am I budging stare, and he got the message.
"Okay." he gave up the argument, turning to the crew, "You stay here. I'll take notes." I looked to Jace for confirmation, and he offered a slight nod before walking to the driver's side. I entered the passenger's, and Chris slid into the back. Silently, we drove out of the small airport. I glanced at Jace as we merged onto the street. His posture was stiff, but I could see the suppressed tremors slightly shaking his body, and his hands were gripping the wheel so tightly that his knuckles were turning white.
"Uh." Chris spoke up, "Jace, why don't you tell Clary where we're headed." That seemed to be the breaking point, and Jace started shaking so much that the car began drifting from side to side.
"Pull over." I commanded, and both men looked at me in shock.
"But, Clary-" Jace began to protest, but I cut him off.
"No." Again, my tone left no room for argument, "Pull over now." Jace did as I asked, already knowing what I was planning as he unbuckled, exiting the car. I did the same, but he grabbed my arm as we crossed paths.
"Thank you." He whispered, then pressed a kiss to my cheek.
"No problem." I pulled out of his grasp, and we entered the car on the opposite sides.
"Where are we going?" I asked as I buckled up, remembering that I wasn't supposed to know.
"Woodlawn Cemetery." I could see the slight glisten of tears in his eyes, "You're going to meet my parents."
"Oh…" Wow I could be an actor, "But I thought Robert and Maryse…"
"Adoptive parents." He answered my question without hesitation. I nodded, not knowing what to say anymore. Apparently, the other two didn't either, because the rest of the drive was spent in silence.
—-
I stopped as we entered the grounds, and the three of us stepped into the sunlight, closing the door behind us.
"Wait." I turned to Chris as we reached the headstones, "You have to promise me something."
"What…?" He asked warily. "You can't tell anyone what you see here, even if you have to lie your ass off." I said simply, and the two men turned to me, shocked by my behavior yet again.
"Clary," Jace warned, "don't."
"Don't? Don't?!," For some reason, years worth of things came bubbling to the surface.
"Clary," Chris interrupted me, "Not today. You can have whatever freak out you want any other day, but-"
"No." I snarled, "I am done with this game. If anything today should be the one day where I can do this."
"Can you stop thinking about yourself for one second." Chris spat, obviously fed up with me, "Your parents didn't die today! God, I didn't think you were like the other girls, but you're so much worse." Jace winced, knowing that wasn't the right thing to say, especially right now, but he didn't speak up for me at all, choosing to let me take this.
"Are you kidding?!" Now, I directed my anger at him, so furious that red seemed to fill my vision, "Not a peep in defense of me?! Every damned year you have today. You didn't watch the life drain out of your mother's eyes. Not once have I said anything, because you're the only damn reason I'm alive." I sucked in a sharp breath, not having meant for the last part to come out. Suddenly, Chris grabbed my arm, dragging me toward the car.
"You need to go. Now." He growled.
"Wait." Jace called, staring at me intensely, "What the hell do you mean." Chris stopped reluctantly, waiting for me to give an answer.
"I love you wasn't the only thing she told me before she died." I looked down, the anger quickly giving way to sadness, "Before that… She told me I had to live, but by that time, I had lost hope. I didn't want to live. I didn't want to keep feeling that pain. But she told me… She told me if I couldn't live for myself to live for you. To be strong for you, because you would need me. Jace, I was in that car for hours before they got me out. But all I kept thinking about was you. Your smile, your laugh, your smell, the way it felt when you hug me. When that started to fail, I thought of you at the funeral, having to look at us in caskets, and that was when I knew that there was no way in hell I was letting you go through that without me. Dying would have been so much easier, so much less painful, but I knew I couldn't go. They said that it was a miracle that I had survived, almost impossible. I didn't even know how it was possible… I lost so much blood. But the second I opened my eyes and saw you in that hospital room, and you hugged me so hard even though it hurt so much, when I learned that you hadn't left my side… I knew every second of the pain was worth it."
At first, I felt so light, like a weight had been lifted off of me, but when I met Jace's wide eyes, and saw his mouth wide open, a fear bubbled inside me.
What the hell were you thinking my mind offered Why would he care? Maybe he would be better off with you, and that stupid scar on you that's a constant reminder that his parents are gone. I jerked out of Chris's grasp, which had loosened due to confusion, and began quickly backing up, realizing that I had unintentionally spoken my thoughts. This seemed to snap Jace into action, and he covered the distance between us in five quick strides, grabbing my arms.
"Let me go!" I yelled, trying to yank away, but he was too strong, "Stop! Just let me go, let me go, let me…" My protests faded off as my legs gave out, but his arms wrapper around my waist, catching me mid-fall. He pulled me close, hugging me harder than he ever had before.
"Don't you dare say that." His voice shook, "I don't know where I would be without you. And that scar… Every time I see it, it reminds me of how close I was to losing you, and that I should and do thank God every day that you're still here. I didn't realize all these years… I'm so sorry… And… Thank you." That was when his voice broke, and we both tumbled into the grass, wrapped in each other's arms, tears cascading like waterfalls.
"Thank you." He repeated the words over and over again, his face buried in my hair, and we stayed there for what must have been ten minutes before collecting ourselves. I turned to Chris, who stood, gaping at us, and motioned for him to come over with us. Jace grabbed my hand, then unpacked the picnic basket we had brought with us, never releasing his grip on me.
"I'll lie." Chris broke the silence, "If you guys explain to me what's going on later, I'll lie. And Clary, I'm sorry, I had no idea…"
"It's okay." I smiled at him, "You couldn't have known." We all moved to sit on the red and white blanket, turning to the graves. "Hi Mom," Jace started, "Hi Dad."
"Hi Celine, Hi Michael." I interjected.
"So," Jace released my hand to wrap his arm around me, and I leaned into him, "A little bit has happened since we last came to visit." I snorted.
"A little bit?" I asked, "I don't think this stuff could be classified as a little bit. Jace and I are in…" I trailed of, looking at Jace, but he was staring ahead intently.
"You guys knew, didn't you." He asked, a knowing smile on his face. I laughed, realizing what he was getting at.
"It would have been easier if you just told us, you know." I could almost picture their duh smiles as we continued the conversation.
This is about the ONESHOT COMPETITION! I am giving the ONE MONTH WARNING NOW! It might be a little longer, but a MONTH IS HOW MUCH YOU GUYS HAVE LEFT SO PLEASE PLEASE SUBMIT! If I get AT LEAST 10 SUBMISSIONS I WILL DO A CHAPTER IN JACE'S POV. CURRENTLY I HAVE TWO SO (as my new saying that I stole goes) WRITE AWAY MY YOUNG AUTHORS! Until next time (Which will be very soon) my faithful followers.
-Shadowhunter5801