Starting Over

Malec

Author's Note: Shout out to RedScott26. Thank you for being such a dedicated reader! I thought it would he interesting to read this from Jace's POV. Please tell me what you think.....

Jace

I'm driving with Alec to go to his date with Magnus. I agreed to sit at a table next to them, so he wouldn't be so freaked out. From the corner of my eye, I see Alec clenching his hands in the passenger seat. "Alec, it's going to be okay. We don't have to go," I offer.

"I like him Jace," Alec mumbles.

"I know you do otherwise you wouldn't have even come this far," I smirk. Alec doesn't reply. 

Ten minutes later, we arrive at Johnny's. I sit down at the table next to Alec. We purposely got here early, so Magnus wouldn't see us come in together. I grab a menu and look for some dinner.

"What can I get for you?" A waitress asks.

"I'll have a Johnnyburger and fries," I reply.

"Anything to drink with that?" She asks.

"Water please," I answer.

"Okay, I'll be right back with your water," She tells me.

I hear the chime on the door open and turn my head. Magnus! Good, he's 5 minutes early and he looks well dressed. My brother deserves someone who puts in that kind of effort.

Magnus approaches Alec's table. "Hey Alexander," Magnus comments. How he knows Alec's full name, I've yet to figure out.

Magnus sits across from Alec. "So, do you know what you're getting?"  Magnus asks casually.

Alec seems to be nervous, avoiding eye contact. "A...a sandwich," Alec quietly replies.

Magnus sighs, "Alec, I know you weren't exactly thrilled to come on this date." He called him Alec..... "I'm sorry I should've told Izzy no. You're clearly in distress." Magnus stands up. Alec says something! This guy seems like he's worth it.

"Stay," Alec manages, meeting Magnus's eyes, "please."

"Here's your food sir," the waitress says setting a basket in front of me.

"Thank you," I smile politely. I turn my attention back to Magnus and Alec when she walks away.

"Are you sure?" Magnus asks concerned.

"Yes, I'm sure," Alec assures him. "It's not your fault. I.....there's been....he, I'm just nervous."

"I'm nervous too," Magnus confesses. The waitress approaches them.

"What can I get for you?" A waitress asks.

"I'll have a BLT sandwich basket with a sweet tea please," Alec comments.

"I'll have the same," Magnus says.

"Okay, I'll be right back with your drinks," She replies.

"Alexander, we can take this as slowly as you feel comfortable with. I really like you, and I know you're worth the extra effort. So, I'll tell you something about me and then you do the same?" Magnus tries to break the ice. Magnus is really trying here and I feel really good about those two together.

"Okay," Alec agrees.

"Okay, my name is Magnus Bane and I work at a clothing store in the mall," Magnus starts easy. The waitress brings them their sweet teas.

"My name is Alexander Lightwood, but most people call me Alec," Alec replies.

"I'm not like most people," Magnus comments.

"I know you aren't," Alec mumbles quietly. "I work at a support group program that, uhh, helps people who've been abused by someone in their past."

"That's an...interesting line of work," Magnus comments. "I love that you give back to the community like that." I'm glad Magnus appreciates Alec's work. It's good to know he doesn't undervalue helping others.

"My mom actually owns a homeless shelter and I help her sometimes," Alec explains.

"Oh, trying to score brownie points with me already," Magnus smirks.

Alec blushes beet red. "N....no, I was thinking maybe you.....I...we could go there sometime....together," Alec stutters.

"Oh, already thinking of date number two, I see," Magnus comments. The waitress returns with their food.

"What? No, I mean...if you wanted to," Alec mumbles. Alec takes his eyes away from Magnus to grab his plate, but Magnus stares at Alec. Once the food is delivered, the waitress leaves.

"I'd like to go with you," Magnus announces. Alec nods slowly while eating his sandwich.

I stop listening to them as I realize there date is going well. I don't want to impede on their intimate time now that I know Magnus isn't a bad guy. I slowly eat my fries, letting my thoughts drift to Clary.

She said she wanted to tell me something when I got home from this. We'd been home for a while from my moms, but she was in her room. I didn't want to bother her as she seemed to be in distress about something. I hope nothing's wrong. I can't believe I told my mom I love her. I don't regret it because I do love her, but just saying it out loud to someone. It seems so.....real. I can't tell her though. She needs to focus on Guppie and herself right now. Just for a second I let my mind wander.

I'm holding Clary's hand as she sits on the hospital bed. There's a bundle in a blue blanket and Clary's eyes are glowing. "Jace look at him," Clary cries. "He's so beautiful. Say hello to daddy little one." Clary moves the baby towards me.

Gently, I make sure to brace his head with my hand and then my other hand secures his body wrapped in a blanket. "Hi Guppie, I'm your daddy," I manage as tears well in my eyes. Clary's eyes meet mine and I feel like the happiest most blessed man in the whole world.

I hear a noise pulling me from my fantasy. My phone. "Jace, we left ten minutes ago. I've been waiting in your car. Magnus is already gone," Alec comments.

"I'm on my way," I reply as I pay for my meal and head for my car. You can't let your brain think like that Jace! Guppie isn't yours. Clary would never refer to you as daddy to Guppie. Clary doesn't love you.

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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: 6/27/19