(My apologies for the eye color mix up, thanks to Moonlight Blizzard for letting me know. I realize that Jace's eyes are gold and Jamie Campbell Bower's are blue.)

"Is everyone ok?" He was worried by the look on Luke's face.

"Yes everyone is fine." He stood and began pacing the small room. "I know this isn't the place or time for this but if I don't tell you I'm afraid something else will happen and.."

"Is there something the doctor didn't tell me?"

"No, nothing like that," he shook his head. Walking back to his bedside he took his hand, "Jace this isn't how I wanted to do this but.."

"You're awake," Clary squealed as she walked into the room interrupting Luke. She rushed to the bed and gave him a hug causing him to gasp and wince.

"Easy," Luke gently pushed her back. "He's still in a lot of pain."

"Sorry," she blushed. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"Do you feel up to a visitor?"

He looked to Luke then back to Clary, "We were.."

"It's ok it can wait," he smiled at him reassuringly.

"Great," Clary smiled and went to open the door.

"Hello," Jocelyn said as she entered the room nervously.

Jace tensed, "Hi."

"We were worried about you," Clary said bouncing up to her toes like an antsy toddler. "I knew you would be fine cause you're a Nephilim and you heal fast. When can you go home?"

Luke looked at Jace then to Jocelyn before looking back to her. "Clary, Jace is still very sick and even though he has the ability to heal some things, this is not something he is going to get over quickly. He is still in very serious condition right now."

"But you just have to put the healing mark on him," she shook her head at him. "It's what shadow hunters do." She took out her steel and pressed it against Jace's skin drawing a deep mark.

He hissed and clinched his fist against the sting and the smell of his burning flesh. Luke nearly leapt across the bed to stop her. "No!"

She jumped back out of his reach. "What's wrong with you? Why don't you want me to help him?"

"It will hurt him worse," he explained.

"How would a healing rune hurt him?"

"Because of the other spells and marks that have already been used to help him heal even this much," Jocelyn explained as she hugged her. "Your healing rune would only 'heal' what the other things are doing."

"But," tears brimmed in her eyes, "you mean we can't make him better?"

"I'm alright Clary, honest. It's just going to take some time to heal," Jace rasped.

"Everyone is doing everything that can be done," Luke agreed. "He's going to be fine."

She nodded wiping angrily at her tears. "Stop being so stupid and reckless Jace Wayland!"

"What?" he asked in disbelief. "I got hurt trying to protect everyone and save YOUR mother and you're yelling at me for it? That's so typical! Nothing I ever do is enough!" The heart monitor started beeping more rapidly as his blood pressure and respirations climbed from his anger.

"Ok that's enough," Luke warned placing a hand on his shoulder. "Calm down Jace."

"No! I'm sick of this! I have done everything to prove that I loved you Clary but its never enough. First you throw Simon in my face then you say your mom forced you to get another boyfriend then..."

"Jace," Luke interrupted trying to stop him.

"You tell me you love me again because you're under a spell and when I save you from that spell you tell me every time you look at me you see..." He stopped and grabbed his chest gasping for air.

"Damn it!" Luke's voice was panicked.

Several nurses ran into the room and started working with him telling the others they had to go to the waiting area. Reluctantly Luke did as he was asked. "I'm sorry," Clary cried.

He pulled her into a hug. "He has to stay calm he just had a major heart surgery. We have to do everything we can not to upset him ok?" He felt her nod against his chest.

"I didn't realize it was this bad. I.. I thought he would be able to just heal like he always did before."

"It doesn't work that way honey," Jocelyn explained as she rubbed her back soothingly. "You have so much to learn about all of this still."

"Jace hides a lot of pain Clary. Healing runes help with the wounds themselves stopping the blood loss but it doesn't cure everything. Depending on how bad the injury is there will still be pain and even side effects."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt him. I love him."

This was not going to be easy Luke thought as he sighed. "It's going to take time is all."

Thirty minuets later Luke was ready to tear the walls down to get any sort of information about his son. Jocelyn approached and handed him a cup of coffee. "If he's anything like his father then he is strong. He will be fine."

He nearly spilt his coffee, "What?"

She laughed, "I knew Will too Luke."

"Oh yeah," he nodded. "He is a strong kid for sure."

"I want to thank you for taking care of Clary while I was under Lilith's spell."

"She doesn't take much looking after," he smiled "besides, I love her like she's my own."

"She feels the same you know?" She took a sip of her coffee. "I know you always wanted a family but you never had one."

"I was too busy chasing," he paused, "my dream. It all worked out in the end though. I've been able to watch Clary grow up and be a part of her life and now I have Jace."

"You really care about him don't you?"

"You sound surprised."

"I'm just wondering what's so special about him that you were willing to adopt him even though you knew how much trouble he was." She saw the anger on his face and back peddled. "I mean I'm sure he is misunderstood and was never given a chance since everyone thought he was Valentine's son."

"It's a good thing I never had that prejudice isn't it? After all you married him and Clary really is his daughter." She started to speak but he stopped her. "All you know about him are rumors and gossip Jocelyn. Even with all the bad things that have happened to him he is the best hunter I have ever seen and he's willing to die for the job with out any thought of benefit to himself. Who wouldn't want him?"

"Luke?" Rick called as he entered the waiting room.

"Is he alright?" he went to him.

"We got him stabilized and I gave him something for pain that will help him rest. I also started him on Atavin to keep him calm. What caused his stress?"

"I did," Clary said from behind Luke. "I said something that upset him. I'm sorry."

Rick nodded, "We have to try to keep from upsetting him ok?" He looked at Luke, "I think it would be a good idea to limit people coming in for now."

"Of course, what ever you think is best. When can I go see him?"

"I'll take you back now."

Luke kissed Clary on the head, "I will keep you updated on how he is ok? As soon as he can have visitors I'll let you know." He followed Luke into the ICU unit then went to Jace's room.

"M'sorry," he was groggy from the medicine. "Don't know what came over me."

He sat down in the chair next to him. "It's not your fault kid. It was just to much for you to deal with right now," he smiled. "Don't worry about anything ok? I just want you to focus on getting better."

"But it was my fault," he shook his head.

"Stop," he warned firmly. "Get some rest kiddo."

"No I've been asleep way too much," he whined causing Luke to chuckle.

"You are a few months behind if I remember correctly." He watched as the blonds eyes slid closed and he forced them open again.

"What did you want to tell me earlier?"

"It can wait until you get some rest." He pulled the blanket up and tucked him in.

Jace frowned and fussed, "I'm not a little baby."

"Funny cause that pout looks kind of cute," he teased and fluffed the pillow under his head.

"Luke," he whined. He would never admit to how much he liked the treatment. He felt safe and loved as his eyes slid shut and sleep overtook him.