Fragile World

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these delightful characters, that honor belongs to Cassandra Clare. I have mostly followed the events of the show except for Simon's becoming a Vampire. For this story, I wanted Raphael to be his sire, so I followed the books version of his turning.

Chapter 9

Simon sighed as he looked at the clock. Why did it feel like had been at work for hours and it had only been 45 minutes! Normally he didn't mind, but he was feeling particularly antsy today. It had been several days since what they were all deeming 'the incident' and he was feeling much better. He was able to keep all of his meals down and he felt energized like he hadn't in months. He froze in his thoughts as he felt a tingle make its way down his spine. Someone was in the store…someone not human.

"Raph," he said calmly as he turned toward the action figure section of the store just as his Sire stepped into view. He spun back around to face the DVD shelf as he narrowed his eyes. "Lily," he called out after a minute, and she too stepped forward grinning at him.

"Very good pequeno," his Sire said with a small smile. "You have been practicing," he stated.

Simon nodded. He had been practicing. After the confrontation with Clary and his near brush with death, Raphael had gone back to the clan to relay everything that Simon had told him that night. While the clan was not yet ready to forgive and forget and let Simon back into the hotel, they did agree that he should resume his training as he was now healthy, and his senses had returned to that of a newborn. Raphael, Lily and even Stan had been helping him hone his senses. H was working on using his speed without being a clutz and tripping over his own feet as well as relearning how to control his hunger among crowds of humans.

"I've been working on it in my spare time," he admitted. "What else am I supposed to do while everyone else is out of the house chasing demons?"

"How are you feeling?" Raphael asked. "Any lingering side effects?"

"No," Simon replied. "Not even a little bit. I'm finally sleeping again, and I haven't thrown up a meal in days. I feel much better now that my body has returned to what it should be."

"Good, I'm glad that there are no lingering side effects. Now, keep practicing and we will see you tomorrow at our normal time." Simon nodded and waved as the other two vampires left the store. He glanced back at the clock and groaned. The whole exchange had only taken fifteen minutes… now he had been at work for a whole hour! Tonight was going to suck!

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After what felt like a hundred hours and three customers later, Simon finally put up the closed sign, locked the door and took the cash drawer back to the office safe. He was just shrugging into his jacket when he felt a shiver make its way down his spine. He stood still for a minute, concentrating, trying to determine who was there but he couldn't place them. It wasn't Raphael, Lily or Stan. He grabbed his scarf as he subtly scanned the office, but he didn't see anyone or anything out of place. He took his phone out of his pocket and pulled up Magnus's number just in case he needed a quick assist. He moved back through the store quickly and let himself out the front door, locking up behind him. He turned in the direction of the loft, keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious but other than the shivery tingle that had not left him since the office, he didn't see anyone. He made it back to the loft with no trouble and quickly made his way inside.

Maybe he was overreacting? He didn't think so though. He knew what that tingle meant…someone, not human, was around and they obviously didn't want him to see them. But who was it!? He let himself into the apartment locking the door behind himself and made his way to the living area. No one was there. Where was everyone when he needed them?

"Magnus?" he called loudly, hoping the warlock was just mixing potions or something in his work room.

"Hold on honey," he heard the muffled yell from the other side of the closed door, a little bit of smoke seeping out from underneath. After a minute, there was a brief flash of light and then the door opened, and Magnus came out bare foot and in torn jeans and a tee shirt. "Everything ok?" he asked when he saw the look on Simon's face.

"I don't know," he admitted as he shrugged. He felt a little silly. "I… I think I was followed home from work." Magnus looked startled.

"What? What makes you think that? Who do you think it was?" he asked, looking thoughtful.

"I don't know who it was but I'm almost positive they followed me all the way from the store. Raphael and Lily snuck up on me early in my shift. We've been practicing my skills of identification, so they like to sneak up on me and random times in random places. But when I was closing, I was taking the cash drawer to the safe in the office and I got that feeling that I was being watched. Just like when Raph or Lily try to sneak up on me. But it wasn't someone I was able to identify. I was trying to catch a glimpse of them the entire way here, but they never showed themselves. But that feeling never went away."

Magnus held his hands up and the blue glow that Simon associated with his magic flared to life. He flicked his wrist and sent a pulse of magic out into the building before lowering his hands to his sides.

"Whoever it was did not enter the building. The only person that has come through my wards is you."

Simon sighed. "Well that's something I suppose. Why do you think someone would be following me? Do you think it has to do with us looking into my mom and sister's deaths?" He asked, looking up quickly as that thought crossed his mind. It had been weeks since Magnus had started helping him investigate and they had turned up nothing but dead ends. But maybe they had hit a nerve and whoever it was had sent someone to keep an eye on Simon.

"I certainly wouldn't rule that idea out," Magnus said, nodding slightly. "It's very possible that our investigating has gotten back to the culprit and now they are worried about us getting close. You should definitely be on alert. Perhaps you should make sure to take someone with you wherever you go," the warlock suggested. "The wards here will keep you safe, but once you leave the loft you have only your newly honed skills to rely on."

"I don't know Magnus… I don't want to waste anyone's time making them escort me around town," he said, already feeling guilty about even thinking about taking his friends away from their daily lives.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Magnus exclaimed. "We can all make a little time in our days to make sure you get to and from wherever you need to go safely. Between all of us we can make a schedule. I'll call Alec and see if he can get Jace and Izzy on board," he said as he dug his phone out of his pocket. Simon shrugged. It was no use arguing when Magnus got that look on his face. Even if Simon tried to fight him on it, the warlock would win in the end. He made his way to the couch and flopped back on it letting his mind wander back over his day. Maybe he should ask Raphael to keep an eye out as well? If whoever was following him still thought he was estranged from the clan (and technically he was), then perhaps they wouldn't pay attention to the others and they would be able to help figure out who it was.

He started when he heard his phone chime, letting him know he had a text message. He pulled it from his pocket and opened to the message, groaning as he turned to throw a feeble glare at Magnus.

"You told Jace I need a bodyguard?" he asked trying to be mad but failing miserably. Magnus just raised an eyebrow and flashed a mischievous grin his way.

"What?! I though you would like to spend more time with him," the warlock said innocently. "Or I could ask Izzy to follow you around 24/7," he added reaching for his phone. Simon shot up from the couch moving to grab the warlock's phone from his hand.

"No no no!" he cried. "That's totally not necessary! Let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said desperately as the warlock danced away from him, his phone held high. Damn him for being so tall! Magnus laughed as he stopped moving away from Simon and patted his head soothingly.

"Good boy," he cooed, and Simon swatted his hand away with a huff. "Alec said he will let Jace and Izzy split time however they want so you won't have to go anywhere alone," he said with a fond smile. "I will take over if they are not available and Alec will help as he can but he doesn't have much free time these days."

"Great," Simon pouted. "I'm not a child Magnus. I don't need a babysitter 24/7 you know."

"Oh come now," the warlock said. "Are you really going to tell me you won't be looking forward to spending so much time with Jace?" he asked looking pointedly at the vampire, one eyebrow raised, a slight smirk on his lips. Simon threw his hands up.

"What is it with you awful people!? Izzy was trying pushing us into doing things together the other day too. Could you all just stop meddling for five seconds!" Simon went back to the couch and flopped back dramatically. "I'm still trying to figure out every confusing thing going on in my head right now, I don't need everyone else trying to complicate things for me!" Simon threw his arms up to cover his face as he slid sideways to lay on the couch. He peaked out from under his arm when he felt the cushion next to him dip slightly as Magnus sat down. He gazed up at the warlock and lowered his arms. "When things get complicated, I'm usually running away," he admitted quietly. Magnus's gaze softened as he looked down at the fledgling.

"Simon, just because things feel complicated doesn't mean that they actually are. Have you seen how Jace looks at you? Or how much time he spends with you? He's practically a permanent fixture in the loft. He spends hours watching stupid tv shows with you just because he likes spending time with you, being near you. Do you see him hanging out with anyone else this much? He doesn't even spend this much time with Alec or Izzy and they are his siblings. He likes you. You like him. What's complicated about that?" the warlock asked, squeezing his shoulder gently.

"I don't know," Simon admitted. "I think I've just spent so much of my life obsessing over Clary because it was safe and I knew deep down that it was never going to happen that I never took the time to think about what I actually wanted or who I actually liked. I've found people attractive before I guess, but I don't know if I actually did or if it was because my friends all thought those people were 'hot'. I don't even know how to ask someone out or be in a relationship Magnus! What if I suck at it!?" The warlock chuckled softly and squeezed his shoulder again.

"You're thinking way to hard on this Simon. As long as you go with your feelings and are honest with the other person you can't really go wrong. I'm not saying it will always be easy or that you won't fight or have issues from time to time but as long as you are honest and tell them what you are feeling and vice versa it will all work out." Simon sighed and sat up, resting his head on Magnus shoulder.

"I hate it when your right," he said as he brought his hand up to brush some stray stands of hair out of his eyes. "I'm going to lay down… my head hurts." He stood and made his way down the hall to his room, slipping inside and closing the door quietly behind him.

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Simon looked up from his spot on the couch when the door to the loft opened. He smiled when he saw Jace make his way into the living area carrying two cups. He handed one to Simon as he sat down, blowing at the hot liquid in his own cup. Simon sniffed at his cup and smiled as the smell of blood and chocolate hit his nostrils. He had recently discovered blood cocoa from Taki's and he was addicted to it now that he was able to keep things down.

"Thanks," he said as he took a sip of the warm liquid, sighing as he felt the warmth all the way down to his stomach. Jace just made a humming noise as he took a sip of his own steaming hot coffee.

"It's freezing out there," he said. "I think it might snow." Simon glanced out the window at the gray sky. It certainly looked like it could snow.

"You sure you want to play babysitter with me out in the cold?" he asked the blonde, looking at him intently. "I'm really sure I could get to work just fine on my own." Jace shot a half-hearted glare at him.

"Don't be stupid. We don't know who has been following you. I'm not going to just leave you by yourself because it's cold out. If there is one thing I've learned, it's that you can never have too much back up! Especially when you don't know who or what you're facing." Simon held up his hands in surrender.

"Alright, down boy," he chuckled. "I just wanted to give you an out if you wanted one. Maybe you wouldn't freeze if you wore real winter clothes," he added eyeing Jace's outfit. The blonde had on ripped jeans and combat boots and a tight t-shirt under his every present leather jacket. It didn't look like a warm jacket, but maybe it was. Simon didn't own anything leather so he didn't know. He stood up and made his way down the hall and returned a minute later tossing one of his favorite scarves at Jace. "Here, at least put that on, it will help."

Jace quirked an eyebrow but looped the scarf around his next twice while Simon sat back down and fumbled under the coffee table for his shoes. He pulled them out and laughed when he found Chairman Meow curled up half sleeping in one of his high tops. He hissed in pain when he earned a sharp claw to his hand and a yowl for moving the cat from his chosen nap spot. "Stupid cat," he grumbled as he quickly put his shoes on and stood up, heading toward the entryway and the pegs with the coats. He shrugged into his worn winter coat and looped a scarf around his neck before going back to grab his cup of cocoa.

"Alright, ready for a thrilling afternoon at the comic bookstore. You're going to regret this decision sooner rather than later I think," he told the blonde as he turned and made his way out of the apartment, pausing to let Jace exit before he locked the door securely behind them. The two made their way out of the building and turned to walk in the direction of the store chatting easily about the show they had started watching the night before. About 3 minutes into their walk Simon felt the familiar tingle return and he let his eyes dart around trying to pick out anyone out of place or suspicious among the people walking past them. He caught Jace's eye, nodded ever so slightly, and then stopped, kneeling to 'tie' his shoelace so that he could take a better look around as well as giving the shadowhunter a chance to scope out their surroundings. He stood again and they continued the rest of the way to the store, still making small talk.

Simon's boss glanced up as they both made their way inside and waved.

"Hey Simon! I can't stick around today but there are two boxes in the back that need checked in and put out on the shelves. No rush, just get them out by the end of your shift, yea?" he said as he came around the counter. "Who's your friend?" Simon smiled at the older man and motioned to Jace.

"This is Jace," Simon said with a smile at the older man. "I'm determined to open his mind to the wonderful world of comics… he isn't a believer," he whispered conspiratorially. He grunted when he felt Jace's elbow connect with his ribs.

"Shut it, Si," the blonde huffed. "It's not that I don't like them… I simply don't have time for them. I'm a little busy with other things and you know it." Simon's boss laughed at their antics as he made his way toward the back.

"Stick around then, make some time. Simon will hook you up with the comics worth investing in," he said as he disappeared into the back room for a minute before reappearing with his jacket. With a wave at them both he left the store and Simon made his way over to the counter. He gestured at the chairs in the corner.

"Get comfortable dude, unless you want to go hunt demons or something while I'm working," he said as he pulled out the notebook that his boss liked to keep his to do lists in. Check in and put away the two boxes… that was it. Easy enough. Jace flopped in one of the chairs, throwing his leg over the arm and glancing around.

"No way, only if I get called for an emergency. Are we still being watched?" he asked as he picked up a Dr. Who magazine and started flipping through it. Simon shook his head.

"Not at the moment. I'll let you know if that changes though," he assured as he walked toward the back room and returned with the boxes of new inventory. He took the packing slip off the top box and began pulling items out, putting a check mark next to the items on the list as he put them on the counter. Once he checked everything in the first box off, he went about alphabetizing the comics so that they were easier to place when he got to putting them in bins or on shelves.

He glanced over to where Jace was sitting and was surprised to see that the blonde was looking at him intently. He didn't look away as Simon met his eyes and they just stood staring at each other for a minute until the dinging of the bell on the door made Simon jump and glance toward the entrance. His eyes narrowed as the red head made her way into the store.

"Get out Clary," he growled, pointing back at the door. She ignored him and walked further into the store. Simon felt Jace come to stand behind him, his hand briefly touching his lower back in support.

"Simon, I just want to talk to you," she said, taking a few more steps toward him, glancing over his shoulder and scowling. "Alone," she added. Simon clenched his teeth and dug his nails into his palms to keep from doing something he would regret later.

"No. Get out," he said more forcefully this time. Clary paused and then moved forward again. Simon snapped. He bared his fangs, growled lowly and grabbed her wrist, dragging her forcefully to the door, yanking it open and pushing her outside. "I don't have anything to say to you. Please leave or I'll call the cops," he said angrily as he slammed the door behind her. He leaned heavily against it for a minute trying to reign his anger in. He was startled when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently.

"Hey," Jace said softly. "Take a couple deep breaths, ok? I know you don't need to, but it will help," he said as he took a deep breath in, holding it for a second before exhaling. Simon did as he was told and after several deep breaths, he let his body relax and he slumped forward a bit, his forehead resting on Jace's chest. The blonde brought his hand up to run his fingers through his hair. Simon sighed and let the comforting feeling wash over him for a few minutes before he composed himself and stood up straight again, shooting an embarrassed look at Jace.

"Sorry," he mumbled rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously. "Totally didn't mean to snap like that," he admitted, glancing back out the window to see if Clary had left. He didn't see her, so hopefully that meant she had taken the hint and gone about her business. "She has to be the most stubborn person I've ever met! Or she has a death wish. Take your pick." He huffed as he went to move past Jace and back to the inventory he had been unpacking. He let out a startled yelp when Jace snagged his wrist and pulled him back toward him.

"Simon," he said seriously, looking at him like he could see through his very soul. Simon gulped but didn't look away. "Are you okay?" Jace asked. "I mean, really okay. You've had a lot going on lately and I know how easy it is to just move on and pretend nothing happened or that everything is fine but that doesn't usually end well. So… are you okay?"

Simon blinked. Nobody had asked him that during this mess. Sure, in the beginning when he had first turned up at Magnus's door everyone was hovering and worrying but not in several weeks. And Jace was right. A LOT had happened. Everyone was busy helping him try to get better and track down his family's murderer, but no one had asked him if he was okay.

"Um… yes… no… I don't know," he managed to get out. Apparently words were hard right now and he was having a hard time finding the ones he was searching for. "I guess some days I'm more okay than others," he settled on, shrugging his shoulders and glancing back at the blonde. "I prefer not to dwell on it and ignoring my feelings is about as close to running away as I can get without actually doing it…" He trailed off, looking sheepish at his admission but Jace just nodded and looked understanding.

"Dude, I get it. We are quite the emotionally stunted pair, aren't we?" he laughed a little before he returned to serious. "I'm the last person to preach about talking about your feelings. I mean, shit. Until I met you I don't think I ever talked about them quite so much. Maybe a little bit with Alec, but I don't have to talk as much with him. The parabatai bond is useful like that. He can feel what I'm feeling and I don't have to actually say it…out loud. I know that leaving feelings to fester within ourselves isn't always the best option either. So, I'll say it once and we'll leave it open… if you want or need to talk I will do my best to listen and offer advice where I can, whenever you need, with no judgement, alright?" Simon blinked, feeling the familiar burn that meant tears were threatening to well up in his eyes.

"I… yeah… thanks Jace," he said softly. "Really, I appreciate it." The blonde smiled and reached up to pat Simon's cheek softly.

"Great… so how bout I go use the bathroom and then you get me some comics 'worth investing' in" he said, making air quotes around the last phrase. Simon chuckled and waved him over to the back corner of the store where the restroom was.

"Let me run to the back and get you my favorite. It's a good place to start," he teased as the two separated and went in opposite directions. Simon made his way to the office where his boss kept a bookshelf filled with his personal comics. Since business was often slow, he kept a collection for him and his employees to read so that they didn't have to break into the store inventory. He was just crouching down to look on the bottom shelf when the familiar tingle returned and he quickly whirled around. Despite his vampire speed and reflexes, he was not fast enough and he found himself being propelled backward and his body pressed tightly against the wall, a slim arm pressed across his chest and another pressed to his throat. His eyes widened as he took in the familiar face, the shoulder length brown hair, the ample bosom and the unmistakable look of anger and hatred in her eyes as the other vampire pushed him more firmly against the wall.

"Camille," he spat as he narrowed his eyes at her. She smiled, that obnoxious seductive smile of hers as she looked him over from head to toe. He shivered in revulsion as she pressed her body against his and leaned in so her lips pressed softly to his ear.

"I believe we have some business to discuss, daylighter," she purred.