Clary

"No, I don't hurt her. Now, we need to talk about what you said. You said, 'why can't you leave us alone?' Us, it means someone else or other people and I. Clary, those questions...they were rather detailed. I...Is someone hurting you?" Jace asks.

"Uh, I think we should get Willow to bed. You know it's getting late, and she really should get some sleep," I deflect.

Jace grabs my arm and I flinch. Jace's eyes looks fierce. Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid! H...he can't hurt you. You are not defenseless anymore! "Clary, I really need you to talk to me about this. I...if someone's hurting you, I need to know," Jace responds. No! I can't let him see that side of me! He can't see it!

"Nope," I pop the "p."

"We're not done, I'll be right back. Stay in here," Jace orders. Something inside me makes my body freeze. I don't move my body an inch.

Jace

I walk into Izzy's room. "Iz, I know this is a huge favor, but can Willow sleep with you tonight?" I ask.

"Sure, is Clary going to be sleeping with you?" Izzy questions.

"I'm not sure, as you might've noticed, we're in the middle of a rather heated discussion," I reply.

"It's fine, I got her dressed since Clary had me take her naked! She's actually almost asleep, so it'll work out nicely," Izzy decides.

"Thanks Iz," I reply and walk back into my room. Clary is frozen in place where I left her. Shit! What did I do? What did I do? What did I do? I...told her not to leave.

"Clary," I try. "I...it's okay, you can move now." Clary just looks at me. "I...I didn't mean to make you freeze. I just didn't want you to leave. You're welcome to freely walk around anywhere in this house." Clary slowly unfreezes.

"Jace, I'm really tired. Let's just talk about this later," Clary yawns.

"Okay, but we're going to discuss this tomorrow," I temporarily concede. Clary nods and lays on my bed.

After everything that's just happened, I've decided against sharing my bed with her. I don't think she would say no, but she certainly wouldn't be comfortable. I go to my closet and pull out some extra blankets and a pillow. Clary looks at me funny. "What?" I ask.

"Do....I have to sleep on the floor?" Clary asks.

I laugh and she looks at me confused. "No, Clary I'm sleeping on the floor," I reply.

"Jace, d...did I scare you away?" Clary nervously asks.

"No Clary, I just figured you would be more comfortable sleeping by yourself in the bed, that's all," I defend. I can see her shoulders relax and her muscles loosen. She gets all tucked into my bed.

"Good night Jace," Clary whispers.

"Night Clary," I whisper back. We fall asleep without another word.

I abruptly wake up to my alarm clock. I swiftly stand and tap the snooze button. "Clary, I don't know when you usually wake up, but it's 6:30 right now. We have to leave at 7:50. How long will you need to get ready?" I ask.

Clary's eyes open and she blankly stares at me for a moment. "Jace, could wake me up at 7 please?" Clary asks.

"Of course, how are you feeling?" I question concerned.

"My head is better, but my side still hurts," Clary begins. "Don't worry, I'm fine." I don't really believe her, but I decide she should probably get some rest, so I'll talk to her later.

I go to into the ensuite bathroom. My back is sore from sleeping on the floor. I stretch my aching muscles. Stepping into the shower, I efficiently wash my hair and body. I comb my hair, brush my teeth, and get dressed. As I'm walking out of the bathroom, I hear Willow calling my name. I rush into Izzy's room.

"Hey baba," I smile at her.

"Dada, why me no seep wif dada and Cary?" Willow asks. ("Why didn't I sleep with you and Clary?")

"Dada's sorry baba," I reply. "Cary and dada needed to wok about suff."("Clary and I needed to talk about stuff.) "Let's go get some nummies (nummies are food in case you haven't caught on by now) from nana."

At school- Study Hall

Clary has avoided me all day! I don't want to push her, but I have to know she's safe. She's my friend, and I care about her. As I walk from lunch to Study Hall, an idea forms. I'll tell Mrs. Stewart, our study hall teacher, if Clary and I can go to the library. Then, I'll drag her to my car, so we can finally talk.

"Mrs. Stewart," I begin as I approach her desk. "Clary and I need to do some research in the library for US History."

"As long as you behave I don't see why you can't go," Mrs. Stewart smiles.

"Thank you Mrs. Stewart," I reply. I intercept Clary at the door.

"Play along," I whisper to her. She nods slightly. "Good news, Mrs. Stewart said we can go and do some research for that US History project in the library."

Clary looks at me and replies, "That's great Jace." We walk towards the library, but I abruptly stop.

"Jace, what are you doing?" Clary asks confused.

"We need to talk, and we can't do that in the library, so follow me," I reply. She follows me to the student parking area of the parking lot. When we get to the van, we simultaneously get inside.
"Clary, I need to know if someone's hurting you. I know you don't want to tell me, and I hate having to push you. I....it's Clary, please.

"O.....okay," Clary stutters. She's shaking like a leaf. She's nervous! Okay, try to make this easier for her!

"Just take your time Clary," I try. She nods slightly.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

I do not own any of the Mortal Instruments books, materials, etc. All credit belongs to Cassandra Clare.

Author's Note:
I hope you all like it! Please leave comments, votes, and feedback. I'm going to update, when I'm done and it'll be random.

Originally posted: 2/23/18