Second one about Simon...guess I just like writing about him :) I do love him... So, I don't exactly know when this would fit in in the actual story, it's more of a thought that grew into a one shot in my head. Actually, have to give credit where credit is due. I was listening to a podcast about A Very Potter Musical (best thing ever if you haven't seen it) and the writer (Matt Lang) was talking about the star (Darron Criss/Harry Potter) and said "He's like the Hercules to my Hades," which I thought was pretty hilarious. Then my friend said she wanted to write about it (plz still use it, and don't be mad lol) Thus, this appeared! Hope you all enjoy! Humor, love, forgiveness, and thought all rolled into one (or so I hoped)

As always, thanks to everyone who has reviewed! Lots of people out there who review every time, and I so appreciate that! Thanks a million. However, so many people read this and don't review. It would make my day if you would :) Thoughts, encouragements, constructive criticism, whatever!

Thanks!!



Simon sat grudgingly on Clary's couch, glaring at her with an expression of such utter annoyance that Clary fidgeted in the armchair adjacent him. "What, Clary?" he asked, voice tinted with irritation.

She wasn't looking at him. Her hands were clasped in her lap and she seemed almost as regarding him as a stranger, which disconcerted Simon. As long as he could remember, he and Clary had been best friends. Two peas in a pod, at the risk of sounding cliché. This sudden distance saddened him, and with a sigh he softened his voice and tried again. "What, Clary?"

She met his gaze with such sincerity that it was almost as if nothing had ever happened between them. "I just want us to be okay. I want us to be us again."

He watched her for a moment before responding. Her fiery red hair was still frizzy, slung back in a messy bun. Her eyes were still wide and easily readable, framed by dark lashes. Freckles still splayed across her nose, and a gentle flush still played against her cheeks. Yet somehow, it al seemed different.

"I don't see how we can, Clary."
"Why, Simon?" she pleaded.

"Because us is never going to be you and me again. It's always going to be you and him No matter what you promise, he will always come first, and you know it." He leaned forward, his knee almost grazing hers, and he contemplated for a moment grasping her hands in his, but decided against it.

"Clary, you know how I feel about you. How I always have and probably always will. But he is always there! And you always want him. He's the perfect guy, right? And I'm just the guy in the shadows. It's like…it's like he's Hercules and I'm Hades," he finished with a roguish grin.

Clary leaned backward and scowled. "Stop being so melodramatic, Simon."

He chuckled slightly. "You can't deny it. He's like flawless, and I'm the crazy undead guy." Clary laughed, a ringing sound Simon hadn't realized how much he missed. "See? You know I'm right. I'm even undead! And Jace has angel blood, so…close enough."

Clary covered her mouth as she giggled. "And who am I in this whole charade, then?"

"Meg, obviously," he answered without hesitation. "And see, no matter how Hades feels about Meg, she still loves Hercules."
Clary raised an eyebrow quizzically. "Didn't Hades manipulate and essentially kill Meg?"

Simon shook his head. "He just wasn't very good at showing his emotions. He didn't know how to tell Meg how he felt, and while he was trying to figure it out, she found Hercules."

Clary felt the prickle of tears in the corner of her eyes as they had long breached the joking stage of this conversation. "Simon…" she whispered.

"Don't…just, don't," he whispered painstakingly. He stood up heavily and began walking toward the door, not bothering to turn around or say goodbye. The next second he felt a small hand forcing him to turn around, and Clary's arms wrapping around his neck, her head pressing in the crook of his neck.

"I'll always love you, Simon. No matter what I feel about Jace, you'll always be my best friend, and you'll always have an equally important place in my heart. I love you," she repeated, and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. Nothing romantic about it, just a promise between two friends. Yet still, Simon felt it was the first step on the road to reparation, and smiled in satisfaction, giving Clary's hand a squeeze before slipping through the partially open door and into the cool night air.