This is just a really short one-shot about Alec and Clary's "friendship". The Mortal Instruments is Cassandra Claire's-not mine. Not really sure when this takes place, but there are some spoilers. I think it's probably around the third book. So, yea… You've been warned.

Clary was on her way of exiting the institute to see her mother. She was passing through the living-room when she saw someone out of the corner of her eye. Turning her head, Clary realized it was Alec. Usually, Clary would have just turned her way, but the look of him made her heart hurt. He was hunched forward, head in his hands. His white, funeral clothes still on.

"Alec?" she asked gently, moving toward him.

He looked up, surprised, and when he saw her, he almost seemed embarrassed. He straightened up. "What do you want, Clary?" he snapped.

Usually, if someone was rude to her, Clary would have just rolled her eyes and left, possible snapping back, but Clary didn't. Instead she moved closer to him. "I'm sorry," she said.

"About what?" Alec asked, the rudeness in his tone almost completely gone. It was replaced with sadness and curiosity even though Clary was sure he knew what she was talking about.

"About Max," she explained anyway. "She sat next to him on the couch he was sitting on, and smiled gently. "If Jace misses him, I know you must too."

"I'm fine, Clary," Alec said. He stood up and Clary stood up too, making Alec sigh.

"No you're not," she said gently.

"Clary-" he began.

"Why do you hide your feelings from everyone?" Clary asked him. "It's hard for people to see the real you."

"Because it's easier that way!" he yelled back. "In case you've forgotten, Clary, I don't necessarily want people to know the real me. ShadowHunters are supposed to be strong and be able to push their feelings aside."

"Everyone has to let their feelings out eventually," Clary said. "When was the last time you let people see the real you?"

"When you put the fearless rune on me and I told my mom I was gay."

Clary hesitated. "Okay… but I mean like your emotions."

Alec looked up, as if he was trying to remember something. When he made eye contact with Clary, he shrugged. "I don't remember."

"So…it's been awhile?" Clary could assume.

"What do you want from me?" Alec asked, irritable. "I don't what you want me to say."

"Just think about it, Alec," she said gently. "Why don't you ever talk to people?"

Alec sighed and looked at her. "You want the truth, Clary?" When she nodded, he continued. "There's no one to talk to here. At least not for me. Jace is a great friend, but…" he hesitated. "Well I couldn't talk to him about being gay for obvious reasons. And then there's Isabelle. She's nice but I just feel like I shouldn't burden my own sister with my problems. And my parents just don't get it."

Clary looked at him sympathetically. He defined the word alone. Smiling, she said gently, "you could always talk to me."

Alec looked at her, and then laughed. "What? You're joking right?"

Almost hurt, Clary shook her head. "Why would I be?"

"Out of everyone here in the institute, you hate me the most," he said it like it was obvious.

"Because of this act you put on. The emotionless jerk. But if you kept being you, I would like to talk to you more often."

Alec gave her a half smile and nodded. "Alright."

Clary smiled back. "Was that so hard?"

"Yeah, it was."

Clary sighed. "Well, I'm going to go visit my mom." She turned to leave, when Alec called her name.

"Clary?"

Clary turned around. "Yeah?"

"Thanks."

Clary smiled. It was more sincere than the time he said it to her after he was hurt and out of the infirmary. She could hear in her voice how much he meant it. She smiled and nodded. "No problem."
Wasn't too bad was it? Thanks for reading!