"Vamps" Simon cheered sounding pleased with himself "With me being a vampire, it's a perfect name for the band" I shook my head vigorously.

"What's wrong with 'Vamps'?" Simon laughed.

"Everything" Clary shrugged

Simon rolled his eyes but agreed.

"Anyway enough about my problems, How's it going at the institute?" Simon asked feeling his voice crack a little. Simon and Clary had hardly seen each other since she'd became a shadow hunter. She had Jace and a family that he knew would take good care of her. But he couldn't help feeling left out. Ever since Simon and Clary were best friends he'd only ever be where she was.

"Its fine, were still recovering from the battle with valentine meanwhile I've been training" Clary smiled innocently "Even you would be amazed at how much I've improved"

"And Jace" Simon mumbled.

"Jace ...he's still Jace" Clary concluded. She didn't like talking about Jace because she knew Simon felt as if she'd replace him. But that was in no way true. Clary loves Simon just not in the way he wanted her to. Sometimes she wished it was Simon she loved at least than she'd feel more normal.

Simon nodded and Clary could feel it was different between them. She hated that there was a wall she couldn't get through without feeling as if she was intruding. She'd lost him and there was no way to get everything back the way it was. But she would try.

"Simon?" Clary asked

Simon looked up into Clary's eyes and smiled at the familiar adoration in them.

"I missed you so much" She sighed

"I missed you too Clary" Simon mumbled.

"I'm sorry...I've been so caught up in the shadow hunting-

"It's ok" Simon interrupted

"No really Simon, you're my best friend and I hate that I haven't been spending time with you I promise ill try from now on" Clary chimed.

"Clary, maybe it's better for you to focus more on shadow hunting" Simon offered surprised at how harsh he sounded. He Wanted Clary to be happy and if that meant her being away from him that was a small price to pay.

"Simon Lewis, do you really think I'm going to fall for that" she rested her hand on mine "Your friendship is more important to me than anything in this world"

Simon couldn't find the right words to reply so he smiled and squeezed Clarys hand in assurance. Clary's touch was so very familiar to Simon that he cherished every moment of it. He knew how far apart their friendship drifted but he'd like to think she was still in some way his.

"Good, Because I've been thinking that maybe if you're up for it you can come out hunting with us" Clary mused "We could use another male , especially with your speed"

"Clary... I dont"

"Just listen, the more numbers we have the less chance of someone getting hurt, you're impossibly fast with good eyesight. We need you" Clary pleaded.

"Does Jace need me" Simon mumbled.

"Jace doesn't know what he needs. Does it really matter anyway" Clary rasped. She was certain Jace would have something to say about her request but it felt good spending time with Simon. If he was hunting with them shed still be around him without feeling guilty. Jace was still a bit uncomfortable with me spending time with Simon, If he was hunting with them it would seem more like work than anything.

"Clary, Id just get in the way. Think about it I'm a vampire every demon, shadow hunter or Warlock would spot me from a mile away" He shrugged

"But... Simon I really wanted us to-

"It's ok Clary; Just promise to see me whenever you can that will be enough for me"

"But it's not enough. I spent every day with you before all of this, being with you is the one thing I miss most about being normal. I just want things to be the way they were-" Clary breathed.

"Clary you're a shadow hunter, I'm a vampire I think its a little to late to refer to me as being normal. Obviously there's going to be times when we just can't hang out like we did before and I'm ok with that" Simon huffed. He noticed Clary's shoulders slump and the genuine sadness in her eyes but he continued "You're a shadow hunter I'm a downworlder maybe we should start acting like one"

Clary didn't know how to react to what Simon just said. She knew he was serious about this but shed hoped he was just as eager to make an effort. She could feel the lump in her throat deepen but she remained dazed. Did Simon hate her? Clary hadn't spoken to him for so long but she figured he would understand. How could he hate her, she needed Simon he was her only piece of normal.

"Clary, I have to go my mum's expecting me" Simon mumbled. He needed time to think. He would think of a way to be around Clary. But seeing the hope in her eyes was too painful to watch. He had to leave.

"Talk to you soon" I nodded with a tinge of doubt. Simon smirked and without another word fluidly sat up from his seat and left.