AN: Thanks for the reviews, follows and favourites! I'm excited to share more of this with you. Here's Chapter 2 already, just to get things moving a little!

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"That is the one unforgivable sin in any society. Be different and be damned!" - Margaret Mitchell

Chapter 2

The next day found Jonathan and Clary arriving in Alicante in the morning, as was usual for a weekday, to attend their training at the Academy. They were stabling their horses before heading in to the Academy.

Jonathan swung around and a feminine sound of irritation exploded through the stables.

"Jonathan would you watch where you're going! If you're going to carry that thing on your hip you should at least pay more attention to your surroundings," Isabelle scolded firmly, her dark eyes blazing.

"Now, now Izzy, don't get mad because you're jealous of Phaesphoros and you only carry that whip," Jonathan teased.

Isabelle's eyes glinted dangerously and she said, "I think we both know what I'm capable of doing with this whip, and you know I do think Phaesphoros is impressive, I just don't enjoy being knocked into with it."

"I know," Jonathan agreed, and they shared a comradely grin, their momentary spat over.

Clary had watched the whole interaction with interest. It was so easy for Jonathan, talking, joking, casually being friends with one and all. She had to smother a chuckle though as she watched her brother try to conceal his admiration for Isabelle, for he was not very successful in doing so. She could not really blame him. Isabelle was everything that Clary was not; tall, beautiful, with long black hair a – Lightwood family trait – and warm brown eyes. A family heirloom rested at her throat, a large ruby pendant, which only added to the striking way she looked.

"Hi Clary," Isabelle said, catching sight of Clary, who had been obscured behind Aura's flank.

"Hi Isabelle," Clary replied. "Sorry about Jon, he's always in the way."

Isabelle grinned at her, appreciating the usually quiet girl saying more than a distant greeting.

"I don't really mind, I'm used to boys getting in my way," she said with a wicked grin.

Clary smiled back uncertainly and watched a little worriedly as Jonathan shot her a mischievous grin and headed for the Academy without her, leaving her alone with Isabelle.

"So, where are your brothers?" Clary asked. "Do you need to wait for them or something?"

"Oh no, I'll walk in with you," Isabelle said breezily. "Max is at home, he's not quite old enough come to the Academy yet, and Alec and Jace are running late. They were involved in some squabble, as usual, so I left without them."

"Aren't they parabatai?" Clary asked curiously.

"Sure, and they're close and all that, but Jace loves to give Alec a hard time. They enjoy it really, it just gets tiresome for me though, so I've given up paying much attention to their antics," Isabelle explained. "You're lucky, only having one brother."

Clary listened closely to what Isabelle had to say, but was at a lost at what to say in reply.

"We should hang out, you know. I never hangout with girls, and you never seem to hang out with anyone but your brother. To be fair, the boys I hang out with are mainly my brothers too. But still, it might be fun, to spend time with another girl," Isabelle suggested brightly.

They were almost at the entrance to the Academy and Clary replied, "That might be nice. Jon was telling me only yesterday I should make some friends."

"Well, it's settled. You should come to my party tomorrow, your brother already is anyway. It's going to be great!" Isabelle exclaimed, as they headed for one of the practice rooms where they were scheduled for physical training.

"Okay," Clary found herself agreeing. "I'll come."

The rest of the day passed surprisingly quickly for Clary. She still kept to herself when they took a break for lunch, and she spent quite a bit of time thinking over her conversation with Isabelle, and processing the fact that she'd agreed to go to a party, and a Lightwood one at that.

At the end of the day, as Clary and Jonathon had mounted their horses and were riding out of Alicante, Isabelle waved at them and called, "See you both tomorrow!"

Clary found herself waving back and smiling.

"Well, that was quick," Jonathan said in amusement. "I thought you were going to kill me with your eyes when I left you with her this morning."

"I had thought about it," Clary teased. "And anyway, it wasn't actually quick. It's not like yesterday was the first time you and Mom had encouraged me to make some friends."

"True," Jonathan allowed. "So when you think about it, it's actually been a very long five or so years."

Clary just shook her head wryly and challenged, "Race you home!"

Accordingly they kicked their horses into a canter and headed for the Fairchild Manor.

Back at the stables Jace suddenly said to Isabelle, as she, Alec and he were saddling their horses, "I've never spoken to the redhead before."

"Well, to be fair, you didn't know who she was before yesterday," Isabelle pointed out tartly. "And she has a name, and I know you know it, so use it. Call her Clary, not the redhead, or I'll make things unpleasant for you."

Jace glowered at her, but refused to engage in a verbal reply of any kind.

"What were you doing talking with Clary?" Alec asked curiously. "I've known Jonathan for years, but I've never spoken to Clary before."

"Imagine my surprise," Isabelle said dryly. "She's just shy, and I decided to make an effort with her, and she met me half way. Or maybe a quarter of the way, and I did the rest. Anyway, she's coming to the party tomorrow night and I expect you both to make an effort with her."

Alec and Jace shared a look, one that was a mixture of amusement as Isabelle, as well interest in the fact that Clary Morgenstern was actually coming to one of their parties. Perhaps their night would be a little more interesting than the usual Lightwood soirees.

The next afternoon found Jocelyn in Clary's room, trying to give her daughter space as she readied for Isabelle's party.

"We could have a look at some of the dresses I had from when I was younger," Jocelyn suggested hopefully.

"I like my clothes, Mom," Clary objected.

"I know you do, but you don't really have clothes for parties," Jocelyn protested. "Your colouring is just like mine, and you'd look lovely in some of the things I kept."

"She's right," Luke agreed from the doorway, Val in his arms. "If you're going to go to a party, you might as well let your mother dress you up. There's no such thing as being overdressed at a Shadowhunter party."

Clary sighed and resigned herself to her fate.

"Do your worst, Mom," Clary announced.

"You know your mom has lovely taste, and that she's very artistic too," Luke pointed out with a grin. "You could give in more gracefully, you know."

"But where's the fun in that," Clary retorted, grinning back. "Are we heading for your room then, Mom?"

They did, with Luke taking Val to find Jonathan to discuss his travel plans for the evening, and to make sure that he looked after Clary and brought her home safely.

"So you and Jonathan are going to use the tunnels to get to the Lightwood's tonight?" Jocelyn asked, as she stood behind Clary, playing with her daughter's hair.

"Yes," Clary answered. "I would have been happy to ride, but Jonathan seemed to think that seeing as I was going to be dressed nicely that it would be better off if we use the passageways."

"You could use the carriage," Jocelyn suggested. "I know they're a little outdated, but we do still use them when we have to travel places together, especially with Val."

"I think maybe that might be better," Clary agreed. "We should keep the passageways for emergency use when possible, that's what they were designed for after all."

"I'll ask Luke to have it readied for you," Jocelyn said. "You try on a couple of those dresses, and I'll be back shortly."

Clary looked at the dresses laid out on her mom's bed and assessed them. They were all beautiful, her artist's eye could appreciate that easily. She fretted momentarily as she realised that she didn't know if Isabelle's party was themed, or what kind of dress code was accepted.

She eventually settled on a light weight, floaty chiffon dress, in an emerald green, and put it on.

When Jocelyn returned Clary was critically surveying herself in a floor length mirror.

"That looks lovely, Clary," Jocelyn said softly. "You're beautiful."

"You have to say that, you're my mom," Clary protested, a smile on her lips nevertheless. She didn't think she was beautiful, but she did quite like how she looked in the green dress. It was modest, in that it wasn't too short, just above knee length, and it showed plenty off Clary's delicate neckline without showing cleavage. Some of the permanent runes on her skin could be seen as well.

"I've got a pair of low silver heels you can wear with it, and a pair of Grandmother Fairchild's diamond earrings," Jocelyn told her, moving to grab the mentioned items.

Before long Clary was ready, with Jocelyn finishing off her daughter's looks by subtly styling her daughter's natural curls.

Clary walked nervously downstairs, feeling rather out of her comfort zone.

"Wow, you really look like a girl," Jonathan said in admiration. "If you're not careful guys are going to realise you exist and I'm going to have to beat them off you."

Clary flushed and Luke and Jocelyn glared at him. Luke glared because he didn't like the idea of anyone objectifying Clary, and Jocelyn because she didn't want Clary to feel any more uncomfortable than she already did.

"Well, let's get going," Clary said firmly, knowing the longer they put it off the more nervous she'd become.

"Bill will drive you," Jocelyn told them.

Bill was a mundane who possessed The Sight and worked at Fairchild Manor, caring for the horses and the estate. Jonathan and Clary contributed to the care of their own horses, but the family could not care for the estate alone, especially as Shadowhunting was a full time activity.

Clary and Jonathan were soon on their way, and they travelled most of the ten minute drive in silence, Clary lost in her own thoughts, and Jonathan sensing she didn't really feel like sharing.

At the Lightwoods they got out, and Jonathan took Clary's arm to lead her inside, where they were met at the door by Isabelle.

"Great dress, Clary!" Isabelle exclaimed, looking Clary over. "Jonathan, you're looking dashing."

"Thanks," Clary said with a shy smile. "It was my mom's. You look great too."

Isabelle did look great, and she knew it too. She was wearing a black mini dress and thigh high boots, which showed off her long legs and womanly figure, as well as her Marked skin. There was some cleavage on display too, just enough to make guys wonder what it would be like to see more, and it was certainly having that affect on Jonathan, who was looking lustfully at Isabelle.

"Jon, you should take Clary over to Aline so they can chat," Isabelle suggested. "Alec and Jace are around somewhere, and well, there are plenty of others around if you want to talk to them."

With that they were temporarily dismissed and headed off to do as Isabelle suggested. They made their way towards Aline, who was standing with a boy, about their age, with dark hair and dark eyes. He wasn't good looking in a typical way, but he had a pleasant face and looked like he could be good company.

"Aline, you know my sister Clary," Jonathan said as they approached the other pair.

"Nice to see you at one of our parties," Aline said pleasantly. "You two remember my cousin Sebastian? He lives with his aunt at the Paris Institute."

"Good to see you," Jonathan said pleasantly.

"Hi," Clary said softly.

Jonathan frowned as he realised the admiring look Sebastian was giving his sister.

"Sebastian, I was going to leave the girls to chat. Perhaps you'd like to join me? I'm going to find Jace and Alec," Jonathan announced.

"Thanks, but I think I'll stay here and talk to your sister," Sebastian replied.

"Seb and Jace had a falling out when they were ten," Aline said with a giggle. "Seb isn't too fond of Jace, and Jace is still Jace."

"I thought all girls thought everything about Jace was simply wonderful," Clary said with sudden honest, open curiosity.

Aline looked flustered for a minute, and then said funnily, "Oh, of course I think he's super hot, but I also know he's arrogant, which is hot enough too."

Jonathan left them and Clary continued to talk with Aline and her cousin, and before too long they were joined by Isabelle.

Clary felt almost relieved to see her, she sort of felt that Isabelle would look out for her in the social setting she had found herself in. In battle she was totally self sufficient and confident, but all of that confidence seemed to have fled her in the party environment.

"Why isn't anyone dancing, I love to dance," Isabelle said plaintively. "And no, I don't want to dance with you Sebastian, so don't bother asking, as much as I do like you."

"It's a pity Jonathan disappeared, he would've danced with you," Aline said with an amused grin.

"That he would have," Isabelle agreed. "He completely adores me, it's almost funny at times, but he is good fun. Oops, sorry Clary, I know he's your brother."

"Don't worry, I know his crush isn't exactly concealed," Clary replied, also grinning.

"Well, how about Clary and I start off the dancing?" Sebastian suggested. "You can find some other people to join us, Iz."

Clary looked like a deer in the headlights, and before she knew what was happening Sebastian was dancing with her.

"I take it you're not a big fan of parties," he said, looking down at her.

"I prefer riding, archery, painting, reading, anything I can do alone," Clary replied.

"You can do all those things with others too," Sebastian pointed out.

"Well, I mainly prefer to do them alone, or sometimes with my family," Clary said firmly. "What do you like to do?"

"Well, living in Paris does provide a lot of artistic options for entertainment, along with the usual training we all do," Sebastian replied.

Clary was at a loss for what to say in reply and was not particularly enjoying the sensation of dancing with Sebastian, who was trying to hold her too close.

Across the room Alec Lightwood and Jace Herondale had appeared, both summoned by Isabelle when she had found Jonathan with them and dragged him off to dance.

"So there's Clary," Alec said with little interest. "She doesn't look much like her usual self."

Jace barely processed what his parabatai had said, for he was too captivated by Clary. It was like he was seeing her for the first time and he liked very much what he saw. She wasn't traditionally beautiful, but there was something about her, and the green dress she wore highlighted her features only added to her charm.

"Looks like Seb's set his sights on her, so I guess we can head back to the weapons room," Alec said, deciding Jace was not planning on replying.

"You go if you want," Jace said, brushing Alec off. "I think I'll stick around to see what fun there is to be had here."

Alec walked off, shaking his head. When Jace was focused on something else there was no use in trying to get his attention.

Jace watched Clary, noticing the way she moved and her body language. He could tell she was rather uncomfortable and not enjoying being in Sebastian's arms, which pleased him oddly.

He watched as Sebastian started to slide his hand from Clary's waist down to her butt, which caused Clary to step back and say, "I think I've had enough."

But Sebastian grabbed her hand and pulled him to her again, trying to keep dancing with her.

Jace was about to interfere when he saw Clary take her hand out of his grasp and slap him.

"I said I've had enough," Clary said firmly, breathing shakily.

She enjoyed confronting demons, but people, and unknown boys, not so much. Still, she was Nephilim and there was no way she would meekly stand by and let Sebastian make her any more uncomfortable.

The others at the party had started to stop what they were doing to observe the altercation and Jace suddenly decided to step in.

He walked quickly, almost inhumanly quickly, across to where Clary was standing, glaring at a shocked and irritated Sebastian and said, "Oh, hello Sebastian. I think your partner is about done with you for the night. Clary, do you want to head outside for some fresh air?"

Clary nodded and Jace surprised her by taking her hand and leading her outside.

"Thanks," Clary said quietly, as they stood together on the back terrace of the Lightwood estate.

"You're a bit of a spitfire, aren't you?" Jace said, a little amused. "I never would have thought it."

"Well, two days ago you didn't know who I was," Clary pointed out tartly.

"That's true," Jace allowed, unabashed.

"I'm much better at fighting than I am in social situations," Clary shared unexpectedly.

"So am I," Jace said frankly.

"But everyone adores you, even though you are rather arrogant," Clary pointed out. "See, I come off as shy and socially awkward, and no one cares a bit about me, and you, you're not exactly the perfect example of social decorum, and yet everyone thinks you're absolutely wonderful."

"Odd, isn't it," Jace agreed. "I can't explain it. I've always been rather secure in my love of myself, and so has everyone else. Plus, I am rather easy on the eyes, so I guess I do get away with just about anything."

"And that doesn't bother you at all?" Clary asked curiously.

"Why would it? I do want I want, I do what makes me happy, and that's enough for me," Jace replied.

"You're not worried that one day people will suddenly realise you're a bit of a jerk and stop worshipping you?" Clary pressed.

"Yeah, really not so much," Jace maintained. "I mean, sure it would be a bummer, and I don't really see it happening, but if it did, I wouldn't care. I'll always have Alec and Izzy and Max, and they're the ones I actually care about."

"Your family, or rather, your adoptive family," Clary mused aloud. "Maybe we're not so different."

"I wouldn't go that far," Jace said in amusement.

Clary rolled her eyes, and couldn't be bothered to try to explain what she meant. Jace probably wouldn't get it anyway.

"We can head back in, if you like," Clary said. "I appreciate what you did in there, but your rescue mission is done now and I'm sure you've got better things to do."

Jace gave her a long look, one she couldn't read, and then said unexpectedly, "Would you like to see our weapons room? Alec and I like to hide there to avoid visitors."

Clary's eyes brightened and she said firmly, "Yes."

AN: Thanks for reading! Please review and let me know what you thought :)

I'll hopefully upload once a week or so for the moment. If there's lots of interest I'll try to surprise you all with a new chapter sooner :)