Author's Note: Shout out to powergirlehp. Thank you for your support.

Clary

I hear the door open downstairs. Jace must be here. I wring my fingers nervously. The last time I left, he thought it was because of him. This time, I'm doing it for him. He deserves to be happy. Maryse will help me. I grab my packed backpack and head downstairs. Jace is sitting on the couch relaxing with a smile on his face. Maybe he's thinking of her. I must make a noise because Jace turns his head towards me. "I can wait to tell you. Alec's date was a success. He and Magnus talked and had a good time," Jace explains with a bounce in his voice. This is going to be harder than I thought.....

"I'm so happy for them," I reply with a smile. I play with my shirt endings.

"What's on your mind Clary?" Jace asks curiously.

"I was talking with your mom earlier......well....you see.....I'm moving in with your mom this weekend in the guest room," I blurt.

"What?" Jace chokes out.

"I....I think this is best for everyone," I explain.

"So, when you need help getting out of bed, when you need someone to talk to at night, and when we...watch movies and play around, I...I won't be there," Jace falters. I never even thought about that. But doesn't he want to have the house to himself, so he can spend time with the girl he loves?

"T...this it's best for everyone," I reply. "Y....you can come over anytime you want."

"H....have I done something Clary? Did I say something wrong? Do something? Not do something?" Jace pleads.

"No, Jace. This is just something I need to do. It doesn't have anything to do with you. You didn't do anything wrong," I assure him.

"O-okay," Jace rubs his neck. "When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow," I whisper.

"T-tomorrow," Jace echoes. I nod. Jace blinks his eyes rapidly and clears his throat. "Can we spend tonight together before you leave?"

He's taking this a lot worse than I thought he would. I mean, he'll still see me and he'll be able to spend time with the girl he was telling his mom about. It's a win-win. "Yeah, I'd like that," I reply.

Jace nods slowly. "Let me get some snacks and we can watch a movie?" Jace asks gently.

"Yeah, a late night movie night seems like a great idea right now," I smile. Jace nods and goes to the kitchen while I look at the movies. Hmmm, there's the dog one. The girl and the cancer one. What am I thinking! Ugh! I don't want to leave Jace. He's the first person I've trusted since....he's nice and smart and he is handsome, but he doesn't boast about it. He never makes me feel like he's better than me. He doesn't brag or talk down to me. His arms are the safest place I've felt. He'll make us breakfast or hold my hand or talk me down when I'm having a panic attack. His presence feels like home. Just sitting next to him or sharing a meal, I feel like I belong. Whoever she is, she's going to have an amazing man to take care of her. I grab a movie about some war soldier and his PTSD after he comes back from war to his family. I get it ready and then pause it, plopping onto the couch. Jace comes back with popcorn, chocolate, peanuts, and apple juice. I've been craving apple juice lately.....

"What are we watching first?" Jace asks.

"A war solider come home movie thing," I vaguely explain.

"Oh, sounds good to me," Jace responds. He pats his side and I snuggle into him with my apple juice, chocolate bar, and a throw blanket. My eyes struggle to stay open after I get comfy. The last thing I remember was an airplane full of soldiers landing in a big airport.

The Next Morning

I feel warmth next to me, and I snuggle into it. Wait, warmth? I open my eyes quickly. Jace is still asleep as I lay next to him on the couch. We must've fallen asleep last night during the movie. I don't want to wake him yet. I take in his features. His broad shoulders I've cried on. The pad of his thumb that wipes my tears when I cry. His eyes that scramble my brain of all intelligible thoughts. The smile he gives me that takes my breath away. His dimples that melt my resolve when I try to be mad at him as we tease eachother. I turn away from him. I can't let myself think like that. He's in love with some other girl. Carefully, I slide off of the couch to make some eggs and toast for us. I find the pan and butter, setting the oven on high. I open the bread bag and get four pieces out. Then, I put the butter in the pan. Going to the fridge, I grab eggs and cheese. I crack six eggs into the pan and mix them, making scrambled eggs. Then, I put the bread down in the toaster. I add salt and pepper as well as a few secret ingredients. Once the eggs are almost done, I add some cheese. Grabbing two plates from the cupboard, I divide the eggs. The toast pops up and I butter it.

After everything's ready, I set the table. I go to the livingroom and find Jace still asleep on the couch. I giggle as I look at his sleepy face. "Jace," I gently whisper. "I made some food for us."

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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 do and it'll be random.

Originally posted: 7/2/19