Isabelle finished examining herself via the reflection in her computer monitor in her office, having concluded she looked flawless as always. She looked to her side, where a neatly wrapped present with pink paper and silver ribbons lay gleaming in the sunlight. She smiled at the thought of giving it to Clary later that day. It felt good to be able to celebrate someone's birthday that you actually liked instead of sucking up to some snobbish client at a huge party. Isabelle was strangely looking forward to a quiet night in with a few people and eating dinner together. As much as she often loved going out partying, staying in and having a laugh with loved ones wasn't to be looked down upon.
Standing up and heading out to check on Alec (he hadn't been very talkative over the last week and he barely spoke usually), Isabelle stopped at the sound of the elevator doors opening. Simon was stood there, eyes closed and subtly dancing and bobbing his head as he listened to some music through his earphones. She chuckled at the sight as he stepped out of the elevator, saw her stood there, and exaggerated his dancing further as he approached her.
"You're a dork." Isabelle laughed as Simon reached her and took out his earphones.
He smiled. "What else is new?"
"Does Jace wanna see you or are you after last minute present ideas for Clary?"
"I'll have you know, I'm all good to go for birthday celebrations; Jace wanted to see me. You still coming tonight then?" Simon asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"I don't know, I just…I don't really picture you going to birthday parties." Simon admitted shyly.
"Of course I go! I used to wear a princess dress to every birthday party I ever had or ever went to when I was little. I always overshadowed the birthday girl, naturally." Isabelle smirked.
Simon chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Hell, I'll be there tonight and I'm the coolest guy in the world so of course you'll be going."
Isabelle laughed and shook her head at Simon's cheeky schoolboy smile; she loved that he'd gotten much more confident around her. "Yes, you're the sole reason I'm going. Go and talk to Jace, moron."
Isabelle turned and headed towards Alec's office, looking briefly back at Simon as she went. Simon watched her go with a smile before heading to Jace's office, walking in and seeing Jace sat at his desk with his head in his hands. "Jace, what's up?"
Simon panicked. Had someone found out his secret? Was he going to jail? Was the firm being sued? Had someone been in an accident? Was Jace dying? It had to be important to him for him to look so agitated and broken.
Jace sat up straight. "I can't think of a single bloody thing to get Clary!"
Simon froze for a moment, bemused. "…You're getting her a birthday present?"
"No, I'm just pretending to and wasting your time." Jace rolled his eyes.
"Sarcasm not appreciated." Simon noted.
"What did you get her?"
"A crap load of art supplies. She used to paint and draw all the time when she was younger and she's starting to really get back into it." Simon answered.
"Does she like jewellery? It'd just be weird if I asked Jocelyn all about her daughter's interests. She liked the flowers I got her that time, should I get her some more flowers?" Jace asked.
"Flowers…just flowers?" Simon questioned.
"You're as useful as a blind optician, you know that?"
"I do now. Why are you so worked up over this?"
"…I'm not! Ugh, never mind. I've got a case to win in court in a few hours so just get back to work. I'll think of something for Clary on my own." Jace grumbled.
Simon stood at him, staring with a smile. "You so like her."
"Get out, Potter."
…
"There's the birthday girl! Happy birthday!" Simon smiled as he walked up to his cubicle and saw Clary sat in her own one next to it.
"Thank you! I feel old." Clary sighed, smiling nonetheless.
"Well, you are old." Simon smirked.
"Shut up."
"Looking forward to tonight?" Simon asked as he sat down and laid his things out on his desk.
"Yes! I can't wait. I love just having some quiet time with the people I love most. I hope you won't be uncomfortable with Luke being there; I know he's the big boss and all but he's such a sweet man. I've grown up with him always there for me and my mom." Clary explained.
"He's always been nice to me, so it should be fine. If anything, Jace is the only superior who gets on my nerves." Simon chuckled.
"…Speaking of Jace…do you think I should invite him over tonight? Or would that be weird?" Clary asked tentatively.
"Why would it be weird? You two get along, right?"
"Yeah, but…I don't know. I'm not sure why I can't make up my mind. I doubt he'd even want to come." Clary shrugged.
"I'm sure he would." Simon smiled to himself.
"I can always text him later. Well, get you to text him. I don't have his number. Not that I want his number, just…you know." Clary stammered.
"…Yeah. Sure." Simon grinned at Clary.
"Stop it! Besides, are you gonna be able to handle Isabelle tonight? You haven't seen the dress she's bought. Wow." Clary said.
"Look, I can handle anything she throws at me now. She likes being a tease but I've gotten over it. There's nothing Isabelle Lightwood can do to surprise me now." Simon stated.
"We'll see." Clary smiled. The elevator doors opened and Jocelyn walked out with another woman following behind her. She waved at Clary with a big grin before stopping to talk to the other woman. "Ah, that must be the new girl. Sandy's gone on maternity leave so they brought in someone to replace her while she's away. You're no longer the newbie on Floor 35, congratulations."
"Thanks, I guess. So she's just a new paralegal?" Simon wondered.
"Yeah. Can't remember her name. Maisie? May?" Clary speculated. Jocelyn moved forward, giving Simon and Clary a good glimpse at the new employee.
Simon's heart stopped.
He recognised her instantly. He'd spoken to her countless numbers of times about working in law and his dream of being a lawyer someday. She had been a great friend. She was supportive and kind. She hadn't seen him for a good year. She'd know there's no way he'd have legally gotten to the position he was currently. She was Jordan's ex. She was Maia Roberts.
Simon ducked down behind his desk and prayed he could just disappear and wake up from this nightmare.
…
Simon took it upon himself to take an early lunch and cycled home as quickly as he could. He ran up the stairs and through the apartment door. "Jordan!"
Jordan was sat on the couch eating toast as he watched TV. "What're you doing back?"
"We have a problem." Simon panted.
"…We? What's wrong?" Jordan asked, standing up.
"They hired a new paralegal at the firm. Maia."
Jordan's jaw dropped as his toast fell to the floor. "Holy shit. Did she see you?"
"I don't think so. If she finds out I work there she'd gonna know I couldn't have possibly gotten the qualifications I need! This could be game over! I thought you two broke up because she moved to another state to work?" Simon wondered through his panic.
"We did! Why the hell is she back here? I…okay, what did Jace say to do?" Jordan asked.
"He's stuck in court, I can't get hold of him." Simon said, shaking as he sat down on the couch. "I can't believe this is happening. I'm gonna go to jail. I actually thought it'd be okay after Jace and I patched things up."
Jordan sat back down next to Simon and put an arm around him. "It's gonna be okay, dude. We'll…we'll work something out. I swear."
The two looked up when there was a knock on the door. Jordan got up and quickly answered it, his face dropping and his body tensing as he opened the door.
"…Hi Jordan." Maia said calmly. "I'm here to see Simon."
Maia pushed past Jordan and into the living room, where Simon stood up at the sight of her. "Maia?"
"Hey, Si. It's been a while. How've you been?"
"…Maia…I…"
"I actually started a new job today. I took leave from my job to fill in for an old school friend at Lightwood Garroway for a month or two. She's just gone on maternity leave, you see, and I happily said I'd continue earning income on her behalf since she's raising the kid alone since we're old friends so arranged an online meeting with everyone I needed to so I could get the arrangements in place. So I walk in today and who is one of the first people I see but you, cowering behind a desk. Then I ask around and – crazy as it sounds – you're an associate? That's gotta be some sort of record, getting a law degree so quickly." Maia was furious. It was a side to her neither Simon nor Jordan had ever seen before.
"Maia, listen, things got complicated so quickly and…I know I'm in a mess but…" Simon began.
"Don't! I don't care how you got the job, I care that you have the job! You're breaking the law, you're better than this! We talked about law school and everything!" Maia shouted.
"I didn't have the funds and it was my dream, you know that!" Simon protested.
"That doesn't mean you can do this! If anyone finds out you're in jail for god knows how long!" Maia exclaimed.
"Maia, please. You have to understand. I never wanted it to go this far." Simon pleaded. "You know what I'm like. You know I would never do this maliciously."
Maia couldn't summon any words.
"Maia, we know this is a mad, crazy situation and we accept that. I never should have let him go through with it, so it's on both of us. But we have to make the best of it or else I lose my best friend or even go to jail myself. I don't want to emotionally blackmail you, mainly because I know it probably wouldn't work, but you need to know that this is a huge burden. And Simon is freaking amazing at this job, just like you always were. You both have that talent; it's why I was so glad you two got along when we first got together." Jordan expressed passionately. "I know this all may sound just like words and ramblings, and I would never ask you to understand or accept this. You have every right to tell someone. But I'm begging you to let this pass for the few months you're here. If for no other reason than to make sure you're not caught up in any of this. You know how much Si wanted this. It's not about the money or the power, it's about the dream."
Maia looked deep into Jordan's eyes for a long while and then back to Simon. "…I have no idea how to feel right now. Uh…okay…okay…look. I can't ever agree with what you've done…and I know it's been a while but I still deeply care for you both. I may not know how to process this but…I know I don't want you two to get in trouble. I definitely know I would never want to be the one who got you in trouble."
Silence for a while.
"…I'll keep it to myself. But I can't accept it." Maia said almost silently.
Simon nodded appreciatively, overcome with relief. "I understand. Thank you."
"You have no idea how much this means." Jordan said.
"Let's just…keep off each other's radars. At least for now. Give me time to breathe." Maia said. Simon and Jordan said nothing more. Maia stood in silence for a while before heading towards the door, turning back as she reached it. "…I-It's really good to see you guys."
"…Yeah. You too." Jordan smiled, his eyes bright. Maia smiled back and gave a little wave towards him before slowly heading out.
Simon fell back onto the couch, his hand over his mouth. Jordan sat back down next to him.
"…You never told me that." Simon whispered.
"What?"
"…About you sharing the guilt. None of this is on you." Simon said.
"Yes it is. That's what friends do." Jordan said firmly.
"…If this ever goes wrong, I…I just need you to know…I would never bring you into it. I swear." Simon vowed. "…I…I don't think I'd ever really considered how much this affects the people around me. Telling the truth could destroy any one of them. What…what does that say about me?"
Jordan gave a small, sweet smile and put a hand on Simon's shoulder. "Ironically, that you're innocent."
…
Simon was relieved to see Jace sat in his office when he returned to work and headed straight in. "Thank God you're back, so listen…there's this new girl working here called Maia and we've known each other a while and she knows the truth about me but I promise you so won't say a word and she's only here for a few months at most so yeah, okay, I'm rambling. Sorry."
"…Uh, okay." Jace shrugged mildly.
Simon knew instantly something was wrong. "What is it?"
"…I lost."
"Lost what? Your dignity? Don't worry, I lost mine a while ago." Simon laughed.
"…In court. I lost in court today."
"Oh. Crap. H-How?" Simon asked.
"I just…I wasn't focused. I was stuttering, handing the wrong evidence around at the wrong time…I guess I confused the jury so much they gave it to the other guys. I can't believe I was so stupid. The client got a fine and I'm gonna give him the money for it but…I've never lost until today." Jace admitted sadly.
"…Well, you know, you can't win them all." Simon offered.
"…I spent the whole goddamn session racking my brain for ideas for Clary's bloody birthday present instead of keeping my head in the game. That's NEVER happened before. Ever. I'm so angry with myself. How could I do this?"
"…You know, it's not a bad thing to be reminded that you're only human." Simon noted.
Jace's face was unreadable. "…I'm usually brilliant at keeping personal and professional things separate. Scarily brilliant. Coldly brilliant."
Simon smiled slightly. "But then you meet the girl you always want to carry with you."
Jace and Simon shared a look, but its meaning went unsaid. Jace smiled for the first time in what felt like years after the day he'd had. "Simon Lewis, you may have actually given me an idea."
…
"These are adorable! Where did you even get them?" Clary squealed excitedly as she observed some candles in the centre of the table sculpted to resemble roses.
Luke, who was laying out the cutlery on the table, simply smiled. "A magician never reveals his secrets."
"I just…I can't thank you guys enough for this. How did you make my crappy apartment look so good?" Clary wondered, looking around. Balloons, fairy lights and all kinds of decorations had been placed all over the apartment and made it look a far cry from the glum, cheap mess the place looked that morning. Jocelyn and Luke had taken a half day (and 'borrowed' Clary's keys) to sneak into the apartment and get it ready for the night's celebrations.
"We make a very good team, obviously." Jocelyn smiled, placing a hand warmly on Luke's shoulder. They shared a look that Clary had seen them unknowingly share many times over the years and held back a smile.
"And I can barely change a plug." Simon observed as he sat on a nearby sofa taking in the decorations. He'd placed Clary's gifts on a table specifically laid out for presents in the hallway and was instantly greeted with a glass of champagne from Clary (Luke had brought the most expensive one he could find).
"I feel bad for your future wife." Clary laughed. At that moment, the doorbell rang. "Ooh, that'll be Isabelle!"
Clary hurried off to answer the door. Simon felt uneasy to be left alone with Jocelyn and Luke, despite them still busy setting the table up. He was a grown man yet still felt like a small child in their company. Plus, Clary had decided against inviting Jace (or, as Simon assumed, got cold feet) and that meant the only person he knew really well was Clary. Well, Clary and maybe –
Isabelle.
Her hair had never looked so silky smooth as it ran down her shoulders and onto her deep pink cocktail dress, partially open at the front so only to tease and perfectly fitted to her figure like a swimsuit. Or, as Simon saw it, like a catsuit. He'd been reading too many Batman comics lately. Clary hadn't lied about Isabelle's dress choice earlier; she'd surpassed the high standard of beauty that she herself hat set in the first place.
It was only when he felt a slight dampness on his crotch that he realised he'd dropped his champagne glass on his lap. "Oh, crap! Sorry, I…I…my hands shake."
He could see Jocelyn and Luke biting their lips so as to not burst out laughing, whereas Clary didn't have the same curtesy and declared she would get Simon a towel in between laughing fits. Isabelle, unfazed, sat down next to Simon with a smile. "Happens to the best of us."
"I swear I attract accidents like the common cold." Simon said, embarrassed.
"Don't worry Simon; it'll dry out in no time." Luke offered from the table, still unable to look Simon in the eye without at least smirking.
"At least you didn't get any on your nice shirt." Isabelle said, noting the navy blue shirt Simon had chosen to wear with skinny black jeans and the nice shoes he wore to work. "You look nice."
"So do you. I mean, no, you don't. I mean…you do, but not just nice. You look stunning. Like, really stunning. I mean…wow." Simon blabbed, his cheeks going bright red. Jocelyn shoved a napkin into her mouth to stop herself from laughing as Luke hurried out into the corridor where no one could hear his laughter.
Simon was almost pleased to see Isabelle looked genuinely touched. "Thanks, Simon."
Out of pure embarrassment Simon didn't look Isabelle in the eye for too long, but he almost thought he saw her cheeks going red too. Clary came back in and handed Simon a towel. "Didn't think you'd need too big of a towel to dry your crotch."
"You're so funny. And old." Simon retaliated with a grin.
"Do you want me to dry it for you?" Isabelle offered. Simon looked at her in utter shock before she and Clary burst out laughing yet again.
"Is this whole evening just gonna be you all taking turns taking the mick out of me?" Simon asked.
"That's certainly my goal, yes." Clary nodded and turned to Isabelle. "Come on; let's see what wine you want to try first."
"Loving the 'first'." Isabelle grinned and stood up, following Clary towards the kitchen. She took another look back at Simon, who was busy drying himself, smiled and headed in.
…
As predicted, the majority of the meal involved the group making jokes at Simon's expense. Even Luke and Jocelyn managed to get a few good ones in. The food they had spent the day preparing in addition to the decorating went down a treat. Clary also loved the vast amount of presents she received, from art supplies to clothes to bits and bobs to her house and especially Isabelle's gift, a set of tarot cards Clary had mentioned to her once about being strangely intrigued and interested in when she saw them in a shop window and had considered buying on numerous occasions.
As the evening started settling down, Luke gave Jocelyn a lift home and after a few more drinks and mocking on Simon's behalf. Isabelle decided it was time to go home and that she would walk back since her place was only a few blocks away. Simon offered to walk her back and waited in the doorway as Clary and Isabelle said goodbye and Izzy got her things together.
As he waited, he noticed a birthday card that had been thrown in the bin. His curiosity got the better of him; he picked it up and read it. There wasn't much too it and it seemed innocent enough, so Simon assumed that Clary didn't have a particularly good relationship with whoever 'Sebastian' was.
Soon enough, Simon and Isabelle headed out of the building, where Simon's bike had been secured to a nearby lamppost. Isabelle watched amusedly as Simon unchained it. "I can't believe you still ride that thing to work every day. You make more than enough to comfortably afford getting a cab every day. Plus, there's less chance you'll die in a horrific accident. Especially since you attract them like the common cold."
Simon grinned at how obviously pleased Isabelle was with that last remark. "It keeps me active. I've had it for years so there's some sentiment there as well."
"I can't remember every having a bike. I'm sure I did but it's been years since I've needed one." Isabelle recalled.
Simon got an idea and grinned. "Here you are, then."
Isabelle looked confused as Simon handed her his bike. "What?"
"Let's race back to your place. You take the bike and I'll run. I'm good at running." Simon suggested.
Isabelle smirked. "I like the sound of that. If I win you have to owe me a favour. Just one to use whenever I want, but you can't say no to it."
"Fine. And if I win you're never allowed to make fun of me again." Simon smiled.
"…It's on, Lewis. End of the road, turn left and my apartment is the big white and silver building. Try not to look up my dress as I ride away from you." Isabelle grinned enthusiastically.
"You're gonna lose, Isabelle Lightwood." Simon announced confidently.
…
Isabelle Lightwood did not lose.
She was waiting on the steps of her apartment building as Simon almost collapsed in front of her. "You know, I see why you take the bike to work now. It's very freeing."
"You suck." Simon chuckled through his exhaustion.
"No, that would be you. I'll let you know when I want that favour. You can't say no, remember?" Isabelle laughed.
"Yeah, yeah. I know." Simon sighed.
"…You okay? You seemed a bit shaken earlier before it all really got going." Isabelle wondered.
Simon shrugged. "I, uh…I saw an old friend today and it made me realise something about myself I'm not particularly proud of. I'm trying to figure out how to deal with it, that's all."
"Well, I know you'll deal with it fast because I happen to think you're pretty amazing." Isabelle nodded. "Except when it comes to wagering races."
"You know, I'd have won if I wore a pretty dress too, so…" Simon smirked and Isabelle laughed.
"…Thanks for taking me home." Isabelle said softly.
"No problem." Simon smiled.
As if instinctive, Isabelle stepped forward and softly pressed her lips against Simon's cheek. "See you tomorrow."
Simon watched her turn around and head up the steps, waving as she walked through the front door. "Bye."
He could blame the cold night air for his red cheeks as he rode back home, but it wouldn't be the real reason for them.
…
Clary was surprised to get a knock on her door ten minutes after Simon and Isabelle had left. She didn't think anyone had left anything behind.
She opened the door to find Jace stood there clutching a small box in his hand. "Hey. I'm glad you're still up. Happy birthday."
"Thank you. What're you doing here?" Clary asked, not that she wasn't pleased to see him.
"Jocelyn gave me the address; I just wanted to actually give this to you on your birthday." Jace revealed, handing Clary the box.
"You didn't need to do this." Clary smiled.
"It's nice actually having someone new to buy birthday presents for." Jace smiled back as Clary opened the box.
Her mouth opened in surprise as she saw a silver necklace inside with a series of charms on moulded in silvers and golds; a paintbrush, a lily, a rose, Clary's birthstone and a graduation cap.
"I was talking to Simon earlier about mixing the personal with the professional and I thought of this. I know a guy who can get this kinda stuff done fast." Jace explained.
"…You got all of this made today?" Clary asked in surprise.
"Hence why it's a bit late getting it here. Sorry." Jace said.
"You don't need to apologise! Jace, I…it's beautiful." Clary expressed delightfully.
"You like it?"
"I love it. I…I don't know what to say. Thank you so much." Clary pulled Jace into a quick hug. "You really shouldn't have."
"…I just figured, I've been in a few dark spots lately and…well, you've always been the one to bring me back into the light. I was even having a pretty bad day today and yet here you are making it better with a smile." Jace said softly.
Clary looked at him, her eyes shining bright.
Jace winced. "That sounded so cheesy, sorry."
Clary laughed. "I don't mind cheesy. That's really sweet of you. Can you put it on me?"
"Uh…sure." Jace nodded, taking the necklace as Clary turned away from him and held her hair up. He delicately wrapped the necklace around her neck and clipped it on. His fingers lightly brushed the back of her neck, causing her to hold her breath for a moment. Her skin was deliciously soft to the touch.
Clary faced Jace again with a smile, running the necklace through her fingers. They stared at one another for a moment too long. They became aware of the silence yet neither of them broke it. Before they knew it, they were inches apart, drawn together like magnets and not sure who had moved closer and who hadn't.
Jace looked down upon Clary's soft and sweet face, unable to take his eyes off her. She looked up at him in what most would describe as awe.
"Clary, I…" Jace whispered.
"…What?"
"…I…I'm really glad you're my secretary's daughter."
Clary burst out laughing. "That sounded really weird."
Jace joined in with her laughter. "It really did, but you get what I mean…"
"I think I do, yeah." Clary giggled.
Silence again.
"…You never fail to keep surprising me, Jace Wayland." Clary whispered.
"…Is that good?" Jace whispered in response.
Clary nodded slowly, her eyes still intently locked with Jace's as they found their faces less than an inch apart. "Yes."
Jace practically closed the gap. "Then I promise to never stop." Jace said softly, his lip just brushing hers.
That was it. The tease of his lip against hers wasn't going to be enough.
Clary let out a sigh as she grabbed Jace's shirt and closed the gap between them, their lips meeting with the beautiful precision of two puzzle pieces fitting together. One of his hands found her cheek, moving a loose strand of hair behind her ear before caressing her face against his. The other hand gently caressed her lower back, holding her against him as her grip loosened on his shirt and her arms wrapped around his neck.
Her fingers ran through his hair as their tongues met. They took in the taste of each other and never wanted to be free of it. The kiss was fire; hot, blazing and growing stronger and fiercer by the second. They were lost and trapped by each other but neither of them ever wanted to escape.
They ran out of air at the exact same moment, breaking apart and stepping away from one another, trying to take in what had happened. Neither of them was sure exactly how long had passed, but both knew the answer would never be long enough. Their eyes were still locked on each other's as they rushed back together again, backing up against the wall as they kissed again.
Their lips danced in a blaze of heat before they both became truly lost in the moment; Jace's lips move away from Clary's and kissed all the way along her jaw and down onto her neck. She moaned as she ran her fingers through her hair and held his head into her, unable to comprehend how someone could make her feel so good.
She grabbed his shirt again as his lips found hers once more. His hands were on her hips as she held him close against her; there was no space between them at all as their kiss deepened even further. Jace never wanted to forget how she tasted; Clary never wanted to forget the warmth and joy his lips brought to her skin.
They ran out of air again, but this time only their lips parted; their bodies stayed as one. Jace ran a hand through Clary's hair as she rubbed her hands down his chest, feeling undeniably rock-hard abs underneath his expensive shirt. She desperately wanted to tear the shirt from his body and take as much of him in as she could, but she knew they'd played with enough fire.
"…We should, um…cool down a bit. We…we don't…shouldn't…rush." Clary said, out of breath.
"…Yeah…yeah…okay." Jace whispered into her, his forehead resting against hers. "I'll go…we both should…rest."
They parted and moved away from the wall as Jace pulled the door open. He looked at her again as she was surprised she didn't just collapse to the floor from the sheer weight of the lust that had appeared in her body.
He smiled radiantly. "…I'll see you tomorrow."
Clary blushed and nodded, unable to form any words. He didn't take his eyes off of her as he backed out into the corridor outside her apartment and slowly closed the door.
The second the door shut, Clary leaned against it and let her legs give in to the weight of her memory of Jace's taste, lips, body; she slid down it to the floor, gasping for air and smiling. On the other side, Jace was doing exactly the same thing.