Saturday update!? Sorry for going rogue on you :P Well actually, it is 1am so technically it's Sunday, but still. I was actually planning to post this on Wednesday but I fell asleep half way through (haha the joys of full-time employment) so I rescheduled for Sunday, but since I finished it tonight, I thought I might as well give it to you early! I'll get round to replying to you all in the next couple of days, though remember I can't do so if you're a guest reviewer or your PM feature isn't enabled, for those of you who have been asking. I'm not deliberately ignoring you guys, I just can't message you back! Thank you so much to you all anyway. OVER FIVE HUNDRED REVIEWS!? BLOODY HELL YOU LOT
Disclaimer: I do not own TMI or its characters. Nor do I own a bike with a basket. Though I've always wanted a bike with a basket.
Chapter 14: Trying not to become Quasimodo
I sit across the lunch table from Isabelle and Simon, wondering how best to break the silence. The contrast between their facial expressions is so stark, it's almost comical. Isabelle is wearing possibly the largest grin her face could physically bear, seeming like she's about to explode at any moment. Simon, on the other hand, looks like he might have accidentally drank the three-month old chocolate milkshake bottle I found in his underwear drawer a little while ago. Don't ask what it was doing there. Don't ask what I was doing there, either. Just, don't.
"Lovely weather we're having…" I blurt out, for lack of a better icebreaker.
"Indeed," Simon mumbles. His mouth hardly moves at all when he speaks, as if he really were trying not to projectile vomit the contents of his stomach all over me. He'd make a convincing ventriloquist act. "I do hope the weather stays this…mild."
"What are you guys on about?" Isabelle's grin falters as she glances between the two of us. "It's been overcast all day."
"But it hasn't actually rained," I point out.
"True," Isabelle considers this for a moment. "Okay, seriously though, why are you guys acting so weird? We're meant to be celebrati-"
"Aaaah ah ah," Simon interrupts her, his eyes widening.
"But Clary already-"
"Aaaah…" Simon wails again.
"Simo-"
"Aaaaaaaaah," he slaps his hand over Isabelle's mouth. Oh dear lord, he's finally lost it.
"SIMON!" Isabelle groans, her voice muffled by his hand. "She knows, Simon! She already knows!"
"About the two of you?" I ask, actually curious now. "Obviously, I know that. What else is there?"
Simon's head snaps towards me. "You know!?"
"Well yes, Isabelle told me this morning. Congratulations, by the way!" I grin toothily at the both of them. Simon's hand drops from Isabelle's face at the same time that his jaw falls open.
"That's what I was trying to tell you," Isabelle sighs. "What am I going to do with you, Lewis?"
"Why didn't you want me to know?" I say, actually feeling a little hurt now. I assumed he'd be dying to tell me.
"I did, I did!" Simon holds his hand up towards me. "I just…I didn't want to tell you in front of the whole school. I was going to tell you at our rescheduled Death Note marathon tomorrow."
"I'm sorry, Simon," Isabelle pats him on the head. "I didn't realise you wanted to tell her first. I just couldn't keep it to myself this morning."
"That's okay, Iz," Simon shrugs. They smile at each other for a little while, completely locked in the other's gaze. It's cute for the first few seconds, but if this is going to happen every lunch, I may have to find another table to sit at.
"Wait, you were going to wait two whole days to tell me!?" I gasp, the realisation occurring to me belatedly.
"I…" Simon looks at me apologetically. "Well…err…hey! Look, it's Jace! Hello, Jace!"
"Lewis," Jace nods at him, narrowing his eyes at Simon's uncharacteristic enthusiasm. He's magically appeared right behind my bench, Jonathan close behind. I force myself to turn my head slowly, trying not to seem too eager to see him.
"Oh, I didn't see you there Herondale," I say, playing it cool. I casually lean my elbow against the table, though the first time I completely miss my mark and end up bashing it against the leg instead. Once I've finally settled into my nonchalant pose, I dare to look up at him.
"Likewise, Midge," Jace smirks. "That's a really unnaturally low angle for my neck."
"That's what she said," Jonathan snickers, striding up to us.
"Ewww Jon," I whack him in the legs with my backpack as Jace bursts into laughter. "What are you guys doing here anyway?"
"Is it a crime for me to want to visit my little sister at lunch?" Jonathan pouts at me.
"You've never done it before, so I assumed it must have been," I deadpan.
"Well, I've decided to start living life on the edge," he rolls his eyes at me. "Okay fine, I'm not giving you a lift home today. That's what I wanted to tell you."
"What!?" I stand up, because really, my neck is starting to hurt from having to crane to look at them both. "Why?"
"We're taking Magnus with us, so there won't be any space for you." Jonathan says as if it's no big deal to just abandon your one and only sibling, though Jace actually looks a little apologetic.
"So what am I supposed to do?"
"Whatever you like," he shrugs. "Follow your heart. Live your dreams. All that crap."
"Jon!"
"Walk home."
"You walk home."
"Alas, as tempting as that sounds, I'm the only one insured to drive the car," he shrugs again, acting like this is some great burden.
"Nope," I say, crossing my arms. "That's not good enough."
"Well, there's nothing else I can do."
"Really?" I narrow my eyes, noticing a familiar group of girls making their way across the field. "I'm really disappointed to hear that, Jonathan. Very disappointed."
I push him aside, making my way towards them. It's Jonathan's very own morning crew, also referred to as the ones who now believe Jon is, in fact, Joanna.
"Clary?" Jonathan's tone takes on a hint of panic as he notices where I'm going. "Clary, what are you doing?"
"Walking," I say, continuing on my path. "Just like you told me to." He jogs up to walk alongside me.
"Clary?"
"You can go now, Jonathan."
"Clary, stop." He gulps as the girls finally look up from their conversation, noticing the two of us.
"Hello," I hold out my hand for the nearest one to shake. She's a dazzling blonde with angular features and a blood-red smile. "Clarissa Morgenstern. I thought it was about time I finally introduced myself."
"Errrm," she feebly grips my hand, glancing at Jonathan over my head. "I'm Camille. Camille Belcourt."
"It's very nice to meet you, Camille," I grin at her. "Jonathan's told me so much about you."
"He has?" She raises a single perfectly threaded eyebrow at him.
"Yeah, you're all he ever talks about…"
"I…errm…" Jonathan begins, then he grabs hold of my arm. "Excuse us for one second." He pulls me back a bit, turning so that I'm hidden from view.
"Clary, what the hell are you doing?"
"I was trying to talk to Camille before you so rudely pulled me away," I say as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"Okay, let me rephrase that, why are you so determined to ruin my life?"
"I'm just looking out for myself, Jon. I'm going to have to walk home tonight, and I seem to remember that those girls you're friends with don't live too far from us. Wouldn't you rather I had company? This way, I can walk home with Camille and her friends and talk to them the whole way there." I smile. "It's going to be a lot of fun."
"You are a demon, Clarissa Adele Morgenstern," he glares at me, nostrils flaring. "Straight from the pits of hell."
"Well, I am your sister."
"Fine, how much do you want?"
"Not much," I say. "I just want to make sure I won't be walking home tonight. I have a ton of books to take home for English Lit and I'd rather not come into school looking like Quasimodo tomorrow."
"Alright," he groans. "I'll figure something out."
"You do that." I pat him on the shoulder, then move around him to bid farewell to Camille and her pack. "Sorry guys, I'd love to stay and talk but I'm going to be late for class. Maybe some other time?" I don't wait for them to reply. "Great, see you later then."
"Yeah, err...bye." Jonathan smiles at Camille awkwardly one more time, then ushers me back towards the main building. "Stop it." He bats my hand away when I start to wave goodbye. "Just keep walking, Clary. Just keep walking."
-o-O-o-
"This!?" I say, gaping at Sebastian. "This is what you figured out?"
Sebastian stands proudly beside his bicycle, Jonathan grinning away next to him.
"Now you won't have to walk home!" Jon ruffles my hair. "Just like you wanted."
"I didn't want to ride on Sebastian's bicycle!"
"What's wrong with my bike?" Sebastian looks genuinely offended.
"Yeah, Clary." Jonathan tuts at me. "Look, it even comes with its own little basket."
"There's nothing wrong with your bike, Seb." I explain, though really, it looks like something that belongs on the side streets of Paris. "I just don't understand how I'm meant to ride with you. There's only one seat."
"Oh, that's easily rectified," Sebastian says, adjusting some sort of button underneath the seat. He pulls out a lever that he proceeds to move upwards and then, transformer-style, the small bicycle seat becomes an extended two-person contraption. He stands back, appreciating his handiwork.
"What just happened?" I stare at the bike with a mixture of awe and worry.
"I just made a few little changes to it," Sebastian shrugs. "My aunt…err…makes me give her a ride to the local shop sometimes." He twitches uncomfortably.
"See, now there's no problem!" Jonathan grins. "As soon as Jace gets here, we can all make a move together. Thanks for doing this, mate." He pats Sebastian on the shoulder and then walks off towards his car, leaving me alone with him.
"So…" I say, looking up at the dark-haired boy. "How's life?" Of all the band members, Sebastian's always been the one I've felt less familiar towards. My friendship with Isabelle has meant I've known Alec for a long time, and similarly Maia's relationship with Jordan has meant I've gotten to know him more personally. As for Jace, well that goes without saying, really. I've known him longer than I've even known Isabelle. So that just leaves Sebastian. Since he lived in France for a while before his aunt moved here, Aline isn't as close to him as she have been otherwise, being his cousin and all, so I haven't had a chance to get to know him through her either. From what I've witnessed of him over the years, he's just as cocky as Jace and Jonathan, but in a much more subtle way, and he's definitely been quieter this year since his aunt has cracked down on him. I secretly suspect the manic rhythm-guitarist attitude is more of just a cover to hide how much of a softie he really is. I mean, cycling your aunt down to the local shops doesn't scream rebellious teenager at me. But what do I know?
"It's okay," Sebastian smiles awkwardly. "How's err…your life?"
"Yeah," I nod slowly. "It's good."
"That's good."
"Yeah."
We stand in silence for a while.
"So how's your aunt?"
"She's okay."
"What's she up to these days?"
"Nothing much."
"Still working at that café? The one with the good hot chocolate?"
"Nope."
"Oh. That's a shame."
"Yeah."
I stare at my feet, wishing that Jace would hurry up so we can start to head home. Though by the way things are going now, I'm not sure I'd like to be stuck making small talk with Sebastian for the next thirty minutes.
"Clarissa?"
"Yeah?" I glance back up at him, glad that he's attempting to start the conversation again.
"I...errm…" He purses his lips. "No wait, I forgot."
"Oh, okay," I sigh. This is painful. Seriously painful. On second thoughts, I'd much rather walk home, even if I do look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame tomorrow.
"I remember!"
"Great," I force a smile.
"How's your dad?"
My smile falters. Seriously, I'm not all that surprised he's still single.
"He's not too bad, thanks."
"Cool."
"Yeah. Cool."
"Sebastian!?" A voice calls from behind. It's Jace, thank goodness.
"Jace!" Sebastian looks just as relieved as I am. Jace half runs towards us, his hair flying in front of his eyes. He flicks his fringe out of the way as he approaches us.
"Slight change of plan, man."
"What do you mean?"
"You're riding in the car."
"What, why?" Sebastian grabs hold of the handle of his bike, tethering himself to it.
"Just because. I'll take the bike." Jace reaches for the other handle.
"But my aunt won't let me…"
"I'm sure she won't mind this once, especially since you're not exactly in the right condition to be riding it. She'll want you to be safe, above all things."
"What's wrong with my condition?" Sebastian holds the bike closer to him, taking on a defensive position. I just stand by and watch. I don't even know what's happening, though obviously I have no qualms with Jace riding me home. It's a burden I'm quite willing to bear.
"You know," Jace gestures to Sebastian's leg. "Your little accident."
"What accident?" Sebastian looks down.
"Don't you remember?" Jace's eyes widen. "This is worse than I thought. You must have had a pretty bad concussion."
"I don't….I don't understand…" Sebastian examines his own leg.
"You had a pretty nasty fall when we were playing football earlier," Jace explains, nothing but concern in his expression. "Jonathan tackled you near the goal-line."
"I do remember Jonathan tackling me…but…" Sebastian furrows his eyebrows in confusion. "I don't remember passing out…"
"Well, you wouldn't, would you?"
"I guess…"
"Go on dude," Jace places his hand on Sebastian's arm. "You take it easy now. I've got it from here."
"I…" Sebastian looks between the two of us, still completely baffled, then shrugs and makes his way towards the car.
"Jonathan knocked Sebastian out?" I gasp, as soon as Sebastian is out of earshot. Jace swings his leg over the seat, settling himself on the bike.
"Hop on," he says, cocking his head at me. I drop my books into the front basket and then gingerly place my hand on Jace's shoulder as I sit myself down behind him. The seat has been extended, but there's still not quite enough space. Sebastian's rides with his aunt must be very uncomfortable indeed. I shudder at the thought.
"Are you cold?" Jace asks, looking over at me.
"Nope, I'm fine," I mumble. "You didn't answer my question though."
"Hold on," Jace begins to pedal, causing me to grab onto his jacket as the bike lurches forward. I wrap my arms around his waist, the tilt of the seat being just steep enough so that I can peer over his shoulder. "And no, actually. I lied."
"Jon didn't knock Sebastian out?"
"Nah, it was just a good tackle, is all."
"Then why did you…"
"He's not the safest of cyclists. I thought it would be in your best interest if I were to take over."
I smile despite myself, glad that he can't see me.
"Since when have you had my best interests at heart?"
"Since I decided it would be better for me to stay in your good books, rather than risk you brutally murdering me in an epic showdown."
Jonathan overtakes us in his car then, honking as he passes. Magnus and Jordan wave at us through the windows. I stick my tongue out in response, while Jace rings the little bell on Sebastian's bike. Within seconds they've driven far out of sight. It's going to be a long ride home. What a shame.
"So you admit you were Johan?"
"Johan is a fictional character, Midge," Jace chuckles. His laughter vibrates in his chest, sending little shocks down my arms. I'm suddenly very aware of how close we are. "Though I will admit, I do have a lot in common with him."
"And what exactly would that be?"
"Well, for one, many have compared my beauty to that of an angel."
"Many being your mother?"
"And my grandmother."
"Okay, what else?"
"Hmmm," he tilts his head, deep in thought.
Five minutes later, he still hasn't come up with an answer.
"Are you seriously finding it that hard to think of a similarity?" I say, finally. "I mean, let's face it, Johan is you."
"So you agree my divine looks and inhuman strength are such that they threaten the balance of the world?" He turns back briefly to look at me, smirking.
"I think you're definitely irritating enough to incite murder, yes."
"That hurts me, Midge. That hurts me right in my pure, innately good heart."
I can't help it. I burst out laughing.
"Though the real reason I wasn't speaking, is because I was just trying to coax my inner SatNav into telling me where we were. It's not being very cooperative, I'm afraid."
My laughter cuts short as I gaze around frantically. The streets around me look completely unfamiliar. Plus, since the evenings have been getting darker lately, it won't be long before we can't see much at all.
"Jace, what did you do!?"
"I don't know, I just kept cycling straight."
"I thought you knew the way to my house?" We're lost. I can't believe it. It's only a thirty-minute cycle home, and he's gotten us lost.
"I do, by car. The cycle lanes are completely different. It's an easy mistake to make." He sounds less confident than before. Oh god, he really isn't joking. He has no idea where we are, and neither do I.
"So why did you keep going!?"
"I was…err…distracted?"
"This would never have happened with Sebastian…" I grumble, shivering with the cold. "Wait, why are you still cycling? JACE!" I notice he's still going straight along the cycle path, probably getting further and further away from where we need to be.
"Do you want me to stop?"
"YES I WANT YOU TO STOP!"
"Geez, Midge. Right in the ear." He pulls on the brakes and the bike slides to a halt. I rely on him to hold it upright, since my own feet actually don't touch the floor. "What now?"
"We'll have to ask for directions."
"Ask who? You want to just knock on someone's door?"
"Well, do you have any better ideas?" I grip his arms as I hop down from the bike, rather ungracefully.
"I could cycle back the way we came."
"It'll be dark by then, and like you said, you don't know the cycle paths. You wouldn't be able to get us home anyway."
He glares at me for a few seconds before sighing and putting the safety brake on the bike.
"Fine, but I'm picking the house." He stalks away from me, heading towards the little cottages at the end of the street.
"How about that one?" I point out a cottage with a stout green door. "It has flower baskets. I doubt a serial killer would have flower baskets."
"I said I'm picking the house." Jace doesn't even turn to look.
"Alright, keep your hair on," I mumble, rolling my eyes.
"This one," he says, stopping at a house with a bright yellow Lamborghini in the driveway.
"Are you just stopping because of the car?"
"Serial killers would have less conspicuous vehicles," he explains, shaking his head at me.
"But really it's because of the car?" I stand beside him at the front door.
"Get behind me, Midge."
"Jace…"
"Get behind me." I look to see if he's kidding, but his expression is completely serious.
"Fine," I sigh, moving so that I'm half behind him.
"All the way, Clary."
"But I want to see…"
"Alright, three-quarters of the way."
"What the hell is three-quarters of my body!?"
In the end, I'm completely hidden by him, but he allows me to poke my head around his arm. He raps the wooden knocker three times.
"There's a bell, Jace," I point out to him.
"Shush," he covers my face with his hand.
"Jace...I can't see!"
I manage to push his hand away just as the door creaks open. Jace tenses up. I brace myself, prepared for some axe-wielding lunatic. The door flies open all the way, revealing a slight figure.
"YOU!?" The three of us gasp in unison.
Another cliffie muhahaha :P Though since I have one extra day now, I may well be able to get it to you by Wednesday. Again, I can't promise anything but I shall do my best! Thank you again for reading and while I have your attention, I'd really appreciate it if those of you who are on tumblr would do me a massive favour and check out the art from the blog with the URL jadejake. I don't normally do promos, but she's one of my bestest friends ever and she's recently read TMI and TID so she decided to start drawing fanart! She's also started on some fanart for THIS FIC which obviously I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED ABOUT, MY LOVE HAS NO BOUNDS, but I'll let you know as and when that's up. She's only got a couple of Shadowhunter-related drawings up so far, but she's got plenty more original ones coming so if you could just reblog one picture, we'd be forever in your debt. And they're not going to be just normal drawings either, they're the kind of ones where you have this amazing situation in your head, like what if so-and-so met this person. She just has the power to make them come to life. Spoiler alert: There will be TMI/TID crossovers! She's already a pretty established artist in her current fandoms, but she's new to being a Shadowhunter and I want her to stay, so a signal boost would be fantastic. If you guys have anything you'd like me to check out in return, I'd be more than happy to. THANK YOU!
Till the next time my lovelies...
smim xx