Keep Moving On

Jace Herondale || 26 || Memories intact

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs​:

.｡.:*☆ Johanna rolled her eyes and threw one of the pillows at Jace in response. “You can really be a pain in the ass, but I assume you know that already, right?” She mused, shaking her head lightly.

“Also, thanks for not putting the shirt on again. Now I do at least have something hot to look at for the rest of the night.”

Jace caught the pillow easily, chuckling at her before nodding. “Yes.   You’re definitely not the first person to find me difficult.”  Dropping the pillow back on the couch, he couldn’t help the blush that darkened his ears a little when she made her comment.  “I was actually on my way to grab a shirt from my room. Wouldn’t want to distract too much from the movie..”  He smirked a bit, but shifted to move to the couch instead.  If she didn’t have any issue with it, he was certainly more comfortable with it off.

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs​:

.｡.:*☆ It really took Johanna a lot of willpower to not follow Jace. She ended up watching a pointless sitcom while searching the fridge for leftover food and something to drink, deciding that, next time, she would just kiss him, so they would not end up debatting over the topic first.

“Hey, don’t use all the hot water on yourself!” She called, loud enough so Jace would for sure hear her in the other room. “Told you it is a precious good.”

Jace was just about to finish up when Johanna called out, the young man laughing a bit before shutting the water off and drying off. Pulling on some sweatpants he moved into the common area, lifting an amused eyebrow at her.  “That’s something you should’ve thought of earlier.  Might have to take a brisk, cold shower.  Or wait until we get more from the pipes in the next...two seconds.”  He smirked, teasing only slightly.

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs​:

.｡.:*☆ “Oh, come on,” Johanna rolled her eyes at his response. “You are not more of a dirtbag than I am, if we are already going down this road. Also, who says that some pretty distraction isn’t exactly what I am looking for?” She was not romantic, and unable to believe the universe had planned something like an happy ending for her.

“But, fine.” Frowning still, she started to scroll through their movie archive while Jace was showering, even though, Johanna had thought about maybe just joining him there, instead.

“It’s not about being a dirtbag.  I can have very noble intentions when I want to, thank you very much.  Just as you aren’t a dirtbag either.  But.”  Jace turned around, backing towards his room.  “I also think rather highly of you, and I know without a doubt, I ruin everything fantastic I touch.”  

Jace moved into his shower, stripping and getting in rather quickly.  He forced himself not to think about Johanna actually joining him in the shower, deciding to just hum quietly to himself and get clean.

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs​:

.｡.:*☆ “Is that the part were you come over and kiss me, and all that?” Not that Johanna would mind. Some kissing and whatver it might lead to would for sure distract her from all that crap for a bit. But, she did not assume that Jace was that sort of person, even when everything he did in that very moment seemed to be very cheesy. Telling her all those things Johanna usually expected to hear in some sappy love story. Just, her life had not been like this. So, her natural reaction was something sassy, just so people would see that those words would not work on her…. usually.

“Just… the offer stands, I guess,” She shrugged and nodded when Jace talked about having a shower. “Go then. In the meantime, I can see if I can find a movie to watch.”

Jace met her eyes at the question, but thought for a moment on his response.  “If we were different people, maybe.  But....I meant what I said, and turning it into...something romantic felt cheap. I just..wanted you to know what I thought. You should be with someone who can make you happy, and I’m just a pretty distraction.  Maybe next time you get a pep talk they’ll be better with the romance”  He gave her a smile, having realized his role in most relationships fairly early on.  Clary had been the one exception, and that had turned into a mess.  He was a rebound, or one night stand.  And being that Johanna was someone he truly respected and cared for, he knew she should have better than him.  

“Maybe next time.”  Jace gave her another soft smile before moving to his room.  “Sounds like a good plan! I’ll be quick,”

[that-jaceherondale]

crossingstarsx​:

“I’m working as a tutor in the Institute at the moment. Things are kinda quiet but is good to get back to that place even though is not the one we used to have in New York it still feels like home” Céline said smiling. She nodded. “I’m glad to know they’re together, I mean, both deserve love, especially Luke after everything Clary told me about Jocelyn” she said still smiling and nodded. “So are you having a free time? I was talking with Stephen and maybe we should have a family dinner if you want to”.

“That’s great mom.  I’m glad you’ve found a place.”  Jace smiled, happy that she was so content.  From what he’d seen so far, she deserved this happiness she’d not been able to have the first time around.   “Yes, they did.  They were a good pairing too.  And free time? I mean, yeah.  Name a time and place and I can be there.  My boss is fairly lenient about my schedule.’

[that-jaceherondale]

imperfectmuses​:

“Jonathan?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at the man. There was no way, Jocelyn had the baby, he was barely a one year old. “No? I’ve never really had any plans to destroy the world.”

“Destroy the Downworld then.  And no, not your literal son.  My name is Jace Herondale.  You killed my parents, took me from my dying mother’s womb and raised me as if I was yours.  But perhaps you’ve not gotten to the all out murder part of your career.”

[that-jaceherondale]

imperfectmuses‌:

@that-jaceherondale​

“Oh, shit, what kind of a question is that?”

“A question I’d like to have answered.  You might be significantly younger but I’d recognize the man who raised me anywhere. Do you have any plans to destroy the world or no?”

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs‌:

.｡.:*☆ “Me? Strong?” Johanna had always been a rebel, she had hated the way the Capitol had treated the victors, and yet, her rebelling attempts had always been small ones. And then she had been kidnapped.

“I am broken, Jace. Not strong. I have learned to not trust anyone, because, hey, even those who act like they are your friends, only do it as long as they can use you for they advantage. Not to mention, there are other who would have deserved it more to still be alive….” She shrugged, looking down at her hands. “Like Prim. Or Rue. But… thank you. It’s still nice to hear. I guess.”

Jace studied her as she spoke, not expecting the answer from his tough as nails roommate.  But he recognized that worthless feeling, knew it was a dark shadow in his own heart as well, and he didn’t like seeing it in her.  

“Hey.”  Moving closer, he gently lifted her chin to look at him, making sure to stop the touch as soon as their eyes met.  “Broken doesn’t mean weak.  You’ve survived, you’ve fought, and you made it through hell alive.  But don’t mistake survivor’s guilt for a weakness Johanna.  You are human, flaws and everything.  But you’re no doubt a warrior, and you have a strong spirit.  Even I, your idiot roommate, can see that.”  He gave her a nod before shrugging and making sure she had space.  “Not that I expect my opinion to be entirely relevant either, but, I felt it necessary to say.  So, I’m likely gonna go grab that shower, and then, maybe a movie or something?”

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs‌:

.｡.:*☆ Getting into the kitchen, Johanna poured herself a drink. Her shoulders felt tense, thanks to all those memories coming back to her now.

“There was this girl, Katniss. She did volunteer two years ago when her sister was reaped. Prim was only twelve, the arena would have killed her.” She frowned, taking a large sip, the alcohol burning it’s way down her throat.

“But Kattnis… Katniss was a rebel. A fighter. She forced the president to let both her and Peeta win this year, when only the two of them were left. President Snow was boiling. The rebellion was only building slow, the Capitol knew how to keep people in line. Not to mention, they had all those…. cruelities they threw at us during the Games, only that they were now used to attack their own citizens….”

Jace listened to her closely, getting the idea this wasn’t something Johanna discussed often.  He didn’t understand all of it, but he could grasp enough to know it’d been a rather traumatic life she’d lived.  

“It sounds like she caused quite the stir.  Hopefully enough to change things?   I’ve seen and heard of some crazy stuff but that’s...your world was certainly intense.  You’re....You’re very strong, to have survived.”

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs‌:

.｡.:*☆ “It sounds like shithole, interesting is merely the word I would use for it.” Once they were inside of the apartment, Johanna shrugged off her jacket and kicked off her boots.

“They forced us to fight against each other, you know? Until death. Each year, two tributes from each District would be picked. A lottery no one ever really wanted to win…” Would it help to talk about it? Johanna was not sure, yet, she did continue, anyway.

“Fuck, I mean, we have been children. The youngest only twelve. They said it was to remind us that there was a price we need to pay for peace, but I very much feel like it was only for the entertainment of the Capitol….”

Jace stripped off his own jacket, neatly hanging it on a hook before kneeling to take care of his shoes, listening to her carefully.  The intensity of her world surprised him, not expecting that anyone would actually do something like that, much less that Johanna had had to deal with that.  “That’s horrific Johanna.  And you had to fight to the last man?”  

Standing, Jace studied her face, only respecting her more with the knowledge.  “Lots of things are offered one way, and are in reality another.  But, I’ve not heard of anything quite so terrible.  Did it ever stop?”

[that-jaceherondale]

crossingstarsx‌:

“Well you had some influence here and there to not like being bored” Céline said and chuckle a bit. “Izzy no, not yet. But I met Alec. He is a nice kid though. I heard he opened an Institute here. I’m thinking to join him there. And I’m down. I can talk  to your father and we can set up a date. I would love to meet the rest of the other Shadowhunters” she told him and let out a smile once he called her Mom, feeling warm hearing it from him. “I heard that Luke and Maryse are together. I swear I’ve never saw it coming” she said and give him a mug with coffee. 

“He did.  Alec’s amazing.   You should!  Really....Alec changed things in the Shadowhunter world for the better.  It’ll likely be different than Institutes you remember before.  But that all sounds great.  We’ll have to work it out.”  Jace chuckled before listening to her continue, much easier focusing on others than himself.  “They are, and quite happy the last I heard.  I hadn’t seen them in awhile before I came here.”

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs‌:

.｡.:*☆ “And some should be locked up somewhere, but that is only my opinion….” Johanna shrugged as they walked. She had been running into some very weird people since coming to Limbo, and really could not help to wonder why most of them were here.

“Also, I just wanted to save water,” Another shrug. “Back home, we often had not enough. That, or it was too dirty to use.”

“That’s a fair assessment.  There’s certainly some interesting people around.”  Jace nodded, able to agree with that.  He encountered all sorts in his cab.  

“Ohhh, gotcha.  Purely an economical choice.  Well, then I can assure you that’s unnecessary.   We don’t have to be near as careful here, and it’s clean, so...yeah.  Though the world you came from sounds challenging.”  Jace was curious about her, but he never wanted to pry, he himself prone to keeping his problems and past locked inside himself.

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs‌:

.｡.:*☆ “Honestly, I do not get the whole concept anyway, and would much more prfer to live on my own, instead.” Though, Johanna was glad that Jace had not asked her about the nightmare yes. They were still present, she knew for a fact after waking up sweating cold more than once.

“Also, since you already made that offer, how about we could shower together later? It’s going to save some water, for sure.”

“That’s fair.  But I think it was just easier, pairing people off. And making sure there was space for all the people who’ve randomly come into our free housing.  Plus...some people shouldn’t be alone.”  Jace shrugged a little, thankful the other hadn’t made any comments about his own nightmares.  He’d noticed hers, but being that he hated discussing his own, he’d assumed it’d be the same for Johanna.

“Oh now, moving straight up to showers together huh?  Careful, I might get the idea you’re genuinely into me.”

[that-jaceherondale]

imperfectmuses‌:

“Don’t do that. Although I’m pretty sure Magnus would have just used magic to get himself out, and maybe on you.” Alec chuckled softly before shrugging. “I guess so. Lydia nor our parents would have been in the way this time around either.” He admitted. “Yeah, and I figured if I try to get back into the Shadowhunter mode, maybe it’ll help me learn something more about this town.”

“I won’t do it now.  And I likely would’ve recruited one of your kids to help.  I’m sure Max could’ve helped me keep you two penned in.  And that is fair.  Once you brought yourself to flirting I think it would’ve been fine.  You two are made for ech other.”  Jace chuckled before nodding in agreement to his next statement. “I think that’s true.  Honestly...I’ve sort of been avoiding looking into it.  I like it here.  But I’m still nervous about why we’re here.  Seems too good to be true.”

[that-jaceherondale]

imperfectmuses‌:

“A cab driver, huh? I hope you’ve gotten better at mundane driving because if not, I feel bad for the cab company.” Clary joked with him. “I’m glad that you are doing okay though, that’s good to hear. Alec is making an Institute? That is awesome!” She smiled. At least something felt sort of normal in this town, even if they weren’t hunting demons or trying to save the world. “Good, because my life would suck without you in it. I’ve been alright, just trying to get used to this place. Going back to art school.”

“Yup.  It suits me alright.  I’ve got to talk to too many people, but it keeps me busy.”  Jace shrugged before smirking. “Only slightly.”  Nodding as they spoke of Alec, Jace smiled a little, happy for his counterpart. “Yeah.  He’s been working as a cop too, but I think the lack of structure when it comes to the supernatural around here is bugging him too.  The training room is pretty great at least.  Art school yeah?  I’m sure you’re doing great there.  You’ve always been fantastic.  But the adjustment to the city is an interesting one.”

[that-jaceherondale]

misfittcys‌:

Maia shook her head. “Yeah I uh… I met one of ‘em. It’s weird to think of myself as an ‘Aunt’ figure to them.” She admitted before shrugging. “I suppose you aren’t the worst person to be here.” She teased and offered a smile. “How you coping? What has the oh-so wonderful Jace been up to in this town?”

“That’s good to know though, that they all kept in touch with you into the future and that relationships between downworlders and shadowhunters didn’t just digress again.”  Jace smiled back at her and laughed.  “There are a few worse.   And I’m fine.  Been working as a cab driver actually. What about you?”

[that-jaceherondale]

ofcscavengcrs‌

.｡.:*☆ “You are lucky that I want to see you naked,” Johanna mused, grinning as she did. “Otherwise, I would have kicked you out already, maybe. Although, to be fair, you are more tolerable than other people in this place. Alright,” She finished her drink. “Should we go then?”

“All you had to do was ask. We do live together.”  Jace smirked playfully, finding the woman’s honesty refreshing as always.  “I figured so.  If it hadn’t gone great I likely could’ve just grabbed someone else to live with you, see how that works out or just go sleep in my car. Could’ve been a fun time.”  Smirking a bit before standing, he nodded.  “Thanks, glad to be tolerable.  And yeah, it feels like a good time to get out.”