"He was abominable...and the most alluring, tortured soul I'd ever met."

Becca Fitzpatrick

Jace pointed at the sheet of paper. His finger traced the small blue squares that represented areas and doors. "So, Raph." He started, "You and half of your group are goin' through the back." The young mexican clicked his tongue slowly studying the blue print, dark eyebrows scrunching in thought. They were standing over a small wooden table in Clary's apartment room. A few bottles of beer were on the scratched kitchen counter and Isabelle stood at the corner of one of the walls, chewing on the tip of her finger. Her brother was near Jace, whispering things to him as they continued to plan.

"I'll need all my men. That's the second most guarded door. There are eight cameras on the rear and four when you enter." His curly hair fell into his eyes but he waved it off impatiently and twisted his position so that he was showing Jace what he was talking about.

Jace looked weary. His tawny orbs dimmed a bit at the statement but he felt that progress was being done. He wore only a tank top with tattered jeans. He was barefoot, choosing to not put on his shoes because it was uncomfortable. "Alright." He mumbled. "Alright. Take all your men there."

Alec placed his hand on his shoulder, his pale face tense. "Me and Isabelle will take the left exit. That exit has the least surveillance, right?" Raphael nodded, his pink lips pursed. "So we got that settled. Jace, Clary, and Raphael will take the front. You sure you can handle that?" There was no challenge in his voice nor insult, only worry for his closest friend.

Jace released a breath, a long tired one. He tilted his head upwards and stared at the yellow ceiling for a moment or two and then hit his fist lightly on the table. "Yea."

The rest was easily decided for. Weapons would be provided from Maia and Raphael's gangs. They would mostly be using PKMs, Walther pistols, and revolvers. None of them had much experience with them but Raph had stated that he knew some people who could help them with that. Jordon would hopefully come by the bank quickly in a vivid red Toyota to help keep them unnoticeable from the common crowds. With that, they'd head over to a vacant building at Hamilton street and give their shares before separating rapidly. It sounded short and easy when heard but when done it would be difficult. It would be a near death situation.

Jordon wrapped an arm around Maia's shoulders, a cigarette placed neatly in his mouth. He was always careless. If it wasn't for Jace's orders he would've put himself in a more dangerous role during the robbery. Maia was a different story. She was a strong girl. Probably the strongest next to Clary. She didn't have such a bad past in comparison to the others. She was a spoiled child until her mother died and her father became in debt. He was a ruthless man and before he could lay a hand on her, she ran off finding content in her hazel eyed boyfriend.

Alexander shook his head when he was offered a joint. He didn't do drugs much. He was brilliantly attractive with ebony colored hair and electric sapphire eyes that didn't miss much. Though he didn't like admitting it or throwing it around, everyone knew he was gay. Alec was probably the most cautious of them, always on alert. He'd rather come to an appointment an hour early than minutes late. It was just his motto. He cared deeply for his sister, Isabelle as if she was his lifeline. They didn't exactly get along but they understood one another. She was a beautiful girl with raven hair and matching eyes. She was a play thing with most boys and preferred not to allow herself to be in a relationship of any kind. With sleek long legs and the tiniest waists of the girls, she certainly grabbed attention. Good or bad.

Isabelle glanced at Raphael and watched him as he slowly grinned, his dimples displaying prominently. Raphael grew up in the East and lived alone practically his whole life. He was born with no parents and had to fight his way to where he was now. A drug dealer and the man for basically anything illegal. He wasn't kind. He wasn't harsh. He was truthful and wise, noticing things faster than others. His gang was large, the size about sixty to eighty. They were all loyal to him, knowing that they held worth in his eyes.

Simon was happily licking a strawberry lollipop, his glasses slanted below his nose. He wasn't like them at all and they had only accepted him because of Clary. He had a good future and a good past. Smart and well educated, Simon held true potential in life. His devotion to Clary, his best friend, was eternal and that was why he still stayed beside them or so he said. "Well, that took an hour to come up with." He checked his watch with a small smile.

Clary laughed a little, the sound so vibrant Jace felt her body shake against his and he shut his eyelids in a manner that comforted him. Her hair today was let down in soft locks, the hue like a burnt sunset on a sour day. Her green eyes were blazing almost like they were laughing too. She was so small and fragile but her life so heavy with grief and stricken with hard sorrows. Jace sometimes wondered how she acted so happy. So full. He brought his lips to her forehead and kissed it tenderly. She turned to face him, a grin on her freckled features. "What?" She whispered even though the others were already talking amongst themselves.

Jace shook his head. "I want to talk to you."

Clary searched his face and nodded, rising to her feet. She trudged outside of the apartment and stood waiting, tugging at the sleeves of her sweater. He stepped out after her and leaned his body against the wall across from her. She glanced up. "Is something wrong?"

He met her gaze and she had to blink twice to register the amount of emotion plastered on his skin. "I don't know about this, Clare." She knew he was talking about their plan and an angry scowl began to make its way on her lips. He continued, oblivious to her thoughts. "I can't have anything happen to you. I love you."

At the last three words, her knees melted. She reached her arms out to him and he reluctantly strode to where she was. She tightened her thin arms around his neck and he buried his face into her shoulder. "I love you too."

Clary tugged away so that her breath stirred his cheeks. He could practically count the freckles below her eyebrows and spread across her temples. She held the sides of his face with her palms. "I want to do this. I've got to, Jace. I've got to." He heard the desperation in her tone. The fear. The anxiety.

He answered her by brushing his lips against hers. Her mouth was hot and tender; he drowned in it immediately. Her fingers pulled at his curls and his hands played with the hem of her shirt. Clary let go of him hesitantly. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for making you put up with me."

Jace's eyes widened for a fraction. "I've never loved anyone like I love you. I swear it. I swear it." He repeated, his voice low and quiet.

She stared at the ground. "Promise me you won't try anything..."

His eyebrows knit in confusion. "What do you-"

"Don't go out of your way for me, Jace." Clary replied, firmly. "I know you will and I'm telling you not to."

He didn't know what to say. He didn't even know what she was talking about. She rose slightly to peck him on the forehead and he bent down because she couldn't reach his height. She walked into her room silently, the only thing telling Jace something was wrong, was her trembling shoulders.