Isaac didn't know how to feel anymore. The wedding was so close, it was the next day, and he still didn't know how to feel about it. He admitted, he was strongly against the marriage when he first heard of it, seeing the heartbroken expression on Magnus' face, but now he just didn't know how to feel.

Marriages were meant to solidify love, to bind people together forever who love and support each other and will be there through everything – through sickness and health. But Alec and Lydia didn't love each other, that much was clear.

Couples who loved each other couldn't keep their hands off each other. Couples would wrap their arms around their lovers and send love struck smiles and gazes at them. That wasn't them. Maybe that wasn't for Shadowhunters, to PDA, but at least you would be able to see that twinkle in their eyes when they spoke about the marriage. Isaac saw it. He saw how loveless they were in that meeting, Lydia talking about the elders and mentioning the wedding and there was no love in her eyes.

So it begs the question, why were they getting married in the first place? It was for family, Alec said, for the Lightwood name. But that named was tarnished, yet he sought to build it up again – restore it. And forever he would doom himself and Lydia to a loveless marriage, which was crueler than anything. Knowing that your spouse would never love you, that they just married you for family and image, not love.

He was lying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling and wondering if he would be subjected to a loveless life. If he would watch Isabelle do the same thing as Alec, marry someone for family. But that wasn't Isabelle. Isabelle was the girl who loved too much, liked to love people, but he had to remind himself that Isabelle was trying to change.

She was trying to become Alec. She was trying to become the one her family praised as well instead of the subject of her mother's disapproval. She wouldn't fall for Isaac, a werewolf, she would fall for a respectable Shadowhunter if she were to continue changing herself. And he would be there, probably, watching them get married and doing nothing about it. He wouldn't stand up, proclaim his love for her at her own wedding, he would simply watch as she looked up to the Shadowhunter with love struck eyes and watch as they got married.

He would give everything up for her to be happy, even if it meant he wasn't a part of her life. He would watch her fall in love a million times if it meant she was happy. He would support her every step of the way, be her shoulder to cry on if that's what she wanted. He would do anything for Isabelle to be happy, even if it meant he wouldn't be happy himself.

God, that wedding. It was messing with him more than it should. He shouldn't be wondering about his loveless life watching Isabelle be happy with someone else, he should be thinking about how beautiful Lydia would look in her dress. Or how the scenery would be on point, the food delicious, and everything perfect. He shouldn't be thinking about Isabelle, yet he was.

And then, his thoughts ended with a knock on his door. Slowly, he got up to open the door, not really wanting to, only to see Isabelle standing there with a smile. Instantly, he felt his mood lift up at the sight of her.

"Hey," he breathed, taking in the sight of her in that dress that looked to fancy and old for fun Isabelle to wear. But she wasn't the same person anymore, she was trying be her mother, he had to remind himself.

"Hi," she smiled, looking around his room before meeting his eyes, "Can I come inside."

Immediately he shuffled, "Oh, yeah, sure. Come on in." She swiftly walked into the room and made her way to his bed. "What brings you here?"

"What? I can't just be here to enjoy your company or anything?" she playfully asked.

Isaac chuckled, "No, you can. But the wedding is soon, so I assume that it has something to do with that."

"You're right, it does," she nodded, "I'm throwing a bachelor party for Alec, and I want to know what makes a bachelor party a bachelor party, if that makes any sense."

"It makes sense," he chuckled, trying to find the right words. It was hard. When he thought of bachelor parties he thought of weddings, which in turn made him think of love.

"I guess...it's kind of like a sending off. It's like saying 'goodbye to the single life, bro, have fun being married!' A time for friends to have one last hurray before getting married to the love of their lives," he winced then, "Sorry, or the woman who's going to help restore the family name."

Isabelle nodded, "No, it's fine. I get it. I thought that too, I was so against the marriage at first, but after what Alec did for me, I can't really say anything."

"Well, since Alec hasn't done anything for me, I guess I can talk," that was a lie. Him saving Isabelle did something for Isaac, "Weddings, at least for mundanes, is supposed to be for love. It's getting married to the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. It's supposed to be this magical day when you see the one you're marrying and realizing that you've made the right choice of marrying them. You get it?"

"I get it," Isabelle nodded, "It's just, well, with Shadowhunters, it's different. Everything we do is out of duty, protecting the mundanes from the Shadow World. That's our whole life, and reputation comes with that."

"But is it worth it if you're subjecting someone else to a loveless life?" Isaac stressed, "Like, when I was with Allison, I woke up every day happy that I was going to see her. It felt right when I was with her, seeing her smile. I can't imagine that life with anyone I don't love."

"Wow, you really did love her," Isabelle breathed, like she was trying to get rid of tension that she was feeling.

"Yeah...yeah, I did," Isaac confirmed, "But she's been dead for a while, and she never loved me, and I guess I just don't love her anymore. I've changed, I think for the good, and I don't love her anymore. I've moved on."

"With you?" Isabelle awkwardly chuckled. She was uncomfortable, Isaac noted, but he continued on.

"With someone else who will probably never return my feelings," he said, "She wants to be good for someone else, and because of that, she'll never notice me. And I guess that I'm used to that by now, but it still kinda hurts."

"Oh," was all that she could manage to get out.

"Yeah," Isaac nodded, not knowing what else to say. She was right there, the girl who managed to worm her way inside his heart was sitting right there oblivious to his feelings, and that was something. He talked about her, how she would never feel anything for him, and she didn't even know that that girl was her.

"Well, if it helps, she doesn't deserve you then," Isabelle tried to smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Really?" Isaac looked at her, but he didn't believe what she said. If anything, Isaac was the one that didn't deserve her.

"Yeah, I mean, you're a great guy. You're always there to listen, always there to give advice, and when it counts, you're always there to help. Even though you don't really like to show it, you care more about your family than you lead on. And," Isabelle sucked in a breath, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but that's the reason why I like you so much. I know you like someone else, but I just have to tell you that. I like you, Isaac, and I can't get you out of my head."

Isaac couldn't even comprehend what she was saying. She liked him as well? Isabelle Lightwood liked him? She thought that Isaac was good enough for her. That was something Isaac never thought would happen, and he was sure that he was dreaming. And, saying that, thinking it was a dream, he took his chance and kissed her.

He kissed her like his life depended on it. Passion mixed with fear, and soft lips on his. She cupped his face, holding him close and kissing him back just as intensely. Their lips molded together perfectly, like it was meant to be. And there was Isabelle, which was all that was on his mind, all he could think about was her. She was there and she was perfect, and nothing else mattered but Isabelle being there and kissing him.

Breaking away, his eyes fluttered open to see Isabelle panting slightly, seeing as they were losing their breath. He smiled and so did she, and everything felt complete.

€

Isaac sat with Clary at the wedding, which was about to start. She was still waiting for Simon to show up, since he was her date, and Isaac was just smiling and being incredibly happy. So what if he didn't agree with the marriage that was about to happen, he kissed Isabelle Lightwood that was all that mattered.

Finally, Simon did show up, in a mighty fine suit, Isaac had to agree. Even if he didn't like Simon, he could still appreciate when the boy looked nice.

"Simon, you look incredible," Clary said, eying him up and down before bringing him into a hug.

Simon chuckled, returning her hug, "Thanks. I borrowed one of Raphael's suits. Embracing the new me. So, how's your mom?"

"She's good," Clary nodded, "Uh, Luke is with her right now, watching over her."

Then, there was thudding, and large voice boomed, "Attention. The ceremony is about to commence."

Simon and Clary took their seats and everyone else settled down. Out walked Isabelle with a nice bouquet of flowers, a smile on her face as Isaac thought that she looked absolutely stunning in that dress, also thinking that how happy he was that Isabelle was now technically his. Or, would be soon when he asked her to.

Then, out walked the bride. Lydia looked stunning, she had a nice smile painted on her lips, not that it was genuine or reached her eyes, as she walked down the aisle and to her groom. Isaac had to admit as well that she did look gorgeous walking down.

"Wow," Simon breathed as Alec helped his bride up the small stairs and onto the platform. As soon as she was in place, she took a cuff and placed it on Alec's wrist. He then took a necklace and placed it around her neck.

Once that was done, the booming voice spoke again. "It is time for Alec Lightwood and Lydia Branwell to mark each other with the Wedded Union rune," it said, "A rune on the hand, a rune on the heart, a union is born."

Lydia traced the rune before preparing to mark it onto Alec's skin. Before her stele touched, the doors opened and in walked Magnus. Isaac felt a smile creep onto his lips at the thought of Magnus getting his man, someone he had longed for since they met and had many dreams about.

("After getting up, he pushed me onto the chair and straddled my hips. Mind you, the bow was still there, and god did I want to see what was under it," Magnus growled.)

"What's that warlock doing here?" Maryse spat out, looking at Magnus in disgust.

"Izzy," Isaac heard Jace whisper, "did Alec invite Magnus?"

"I did," she smiled, letting out a chuckle, "But I didn't think he'd show."

Maryse stood up from her seat, going to Magnus and telling him, "Magnus, leave this wedding right now."

The warlock put his finger up to silence her, "Maryse, this is between me and your son. I'll leave if he asks me to."

Jace asked Alec a question, but he didn't respond. Through everything that had just happened, his eyes were trained on Magus, never leaving him. Only the voice of his fiancé and soon-to-be wife snapped him out of his trance.

"Alec?" Lydia smiled, "Hey."

The Lightwood male breathed heavily, looking at her, "I...I can't breathe."

"I know," she smiled sadly, knowing what was going to happen next – something she knew was always going to happen even from the start. "It's okay."

"I can't do this," he spoke, and that sad smile drained from her face, "I thought we were doing the right thing, but...this isn't it."

"You don't have to explain," Lydia shook her head. She knew that Alec was in love with Magnus, there was no need for him to actually say it.

"Lydia, I'm sorry," he told her sincerely.

"Hey...you deserve to be happy," she smiled on, "Okay? I'll be fine."

Isaac stared at Lydia, amazed that she was letting him go. He never thought of her as a villain or the one holding them back, but he thought of her as someone who didn't care about love. Maybe he was wrong.

Alec walked down to meet Magnus, Maryse trying to stop him, "Alec, what are you doing?"

"Enough," was his only response before he pulled Magnus into a kiss, shocking everyone there. Isaac almost felt like squealing, but he had to remember that he was in a public place and that wasn't a manly thing to do.

Pulling away, Magnus smiled, "You never cease to amaze me, Alec."

"Yeah..." he breathed, "What did I just do?" It was more a question for himself, but he said it aloud.

They turned to see Maryse, who was mortified before running away, her husband following her. Seeing that, Isabelle went over with a huge smile on her face, "Alec, I am so proud of you."

Isaac went up behind her and gave her a gentle nudge to alert his presence. "I'm happy for you," he smiled, "Finally, I won't have to listen to Magnus drone on and on about you."

"I did not!" Magnus lied, glaring at the werewolf, silently pleading for him to shut up.

"Don't lie, Magnus," Isaac rolled his eyes, "Remember Christmas? I can't get that out of my head – I'm literally scarred for eternity now."

Magnus blushed at that. "Shut up," he whispered and Alec chuckled.

"Wait, come on now, you can't leave it at that," Isabelle looked at him, "Tell us all about this Christmas thing, all the details, please."

Isaac shuttered, "You wouldn't want that. I don't think Alec wants to hear that either."

Isabelle pouted, "Please, I'll give you another kiss if you tell me."

"Now why would I do that when I can just steal one right now," he smiled, leaning down to give her a small peck.

"Wait," Magnus stopped, "You two got together as well?"

Isaac nodded, "Happened yesterday, you missed it. I was going to tell you later when I saw you again, assuming that you didn't go this wedding."

Magnus only nodded at that information, looking at them and being that they got together as well. Isaac deserved someone like Isabelle, who would love him unconditionally. He didn't need to be hurt again.

After that, Magnus pulled Isaac away, claiming that he just wanted to chat real quick, and brought him to Clary and Jace. "Much as this will shock Alec, my visit tonight wasn't all for him. We need to speak privately."

The four of them, along with Alec, walked out of there and to somewhere else in the Institute where they could be alone. Using his magic, Magnus made items appear on the table.

"I pulled every time of magical importance from Ragnor's belongings," Magnus told them, "But I can't determine which will lead to the Book of the White."

Clary looked at everything on the table, "Wait, this bookmark. I've seen it before," she then turned to Isaac, "Don't you remember the book Magnus showed us with all the spells?"

Isaac nodded, "Yeah, you kept looking at it because it had such –"

"– beautiful drawings, right. This was in it. It must have been the Book of the White."

"If that's the case, we can use the bookmark to track the owner of the book," Alec said.

Jace nodded, about to grab the bookmark before Magnus snatched it right up. "Warlock tracking is stronger," he smirked. Then, he took the bookmark, held it close, and took a deep breath, concentrating on its location. Once he was done, he gave them a nasty look.

"Well, there's good news and bad news. The good news is I know the owner. The bad?" he paused, "It's Camille."

"Camille?" Clary repeated, shocked that she had the book they were looking for.

"Looks like Raphael has her locked up in the basement of the Hotel DuMort," Magnus gravely announced.

"Well, after I punched her, there's no way she'll help me," Clary muttered.

"That's why we use better methods than asking, Clare Bear," Isaac smiled, "Like torture. Anything to get the information, right?"

"No," Clary shook her head, "Why would you think that, Isaac?"

"I almost drowned to retrieve a memory of the location of where my friend was," Isaac deadpanned, "Actually, correction, I did drown and then was technically kinda brought back to life. It wasn't fun."

Clary blinked a couple times, processing this new information about her brother. "Okay," she whispered and Isaac smiled.

He turned around then, leaving. It had been a good day, it had been a good couple of days. He had gotten the girl, he had seen Magnus and Alec get together, and he saw himself, in the future, fixing his relationship with his sister. Maybe he didn't always express his love for Clary, maybe he was sometimes harsh about things she did, but he still did love her.

And finally, it felt like he was finally coming to terms with who he was, starting to believe that he wasn't nothing – that maybe he was something more than just a monster. And that was a good feeling to have.

they kissed! they finally kissed! I've been planning that since the beginning and I love it!!!!!!!