October was nearly upon them, and Simon was starting to feel like he was really being assigned homework again. His life consisted of work, school, and friends; which was fine by him. Living with Clary was turning out to be rather fun. It lead to more spontaneous long chats over tea at strange hours of the night than ever before. The more surprising thing to him was that Simon really did count all three of the people he lived with as friends. Jace his friend. It was a strange concept to be sure, and it made Simon believe that any relationship could be turned around. So when he spotted Brett sitting alone in a corner of the University on his way out of the cafeteria, Simon moved towards him.

"Hey, Brett," Simon said, smiling. Brett looked up from his book as Simon sat down across from him.

"It's Simon right?" Brett asked. "Friend of Clary's?"

"Ex of Clary's technically, but friend is more accurate," Simon replied, still with a smile.

"Yet another person who knows what it's like to kiss Clary," Brett groaned, lowering his head into his hands. Simon knew that look well. He also knew Brett hadn't taken in a word of his textbook.

"And yet ironically an expert on the friendzone," Simon replied with a chuckle. He sobered before adding, "Clary told me what happened when you told her how you feel."

"Oh great," Brett said sarcastically. "More people to witness my humiliation."

"Hey, I don't judge. I've quite literally been there," Simon chuckled.

"What do you mean?" Brett asked.

"I had that exact same moment with Clary years ago," Simon answered. "I told her how I felt, and she didn't feel the same. The only difference being that we then tried to date for almost two years."

"Sounds like your moment with Clary went a hell of a lot better than mine," Brett grumbled.

"Not really," Simon argued. "I could call her my girlfriend, but she couldn't think of me the way I thought of her. It made no difference what names we gave each other because she didn't care for me in that way. Even when we were together, I was still king of the friendzone." Simon laughed, then marveled at how easy it was to laugh about now.

"How can you laugh about something like that?" Brett asked, clearly thinking along the same lines as Simon.

"Time, distance," Simon replied. "A little perspective, and a beautiful women with long brown hair." Brett just stared at him for a moment, as if trying to figured out what exactly he meant by that.

"Anyway," Simon continued. "The point is that I can speak from personal experience when I say I know how much it sucks."

"Doesn't really make me feel better," Brett sighed.

"Oh, but I thought misery loved company," Simon grinned.

"Maybe if I had a time machine," Brett said. "I could go back and hang out with miserable Simon. This one laughs way too much."

"Remember what I said about the girl with the long brown hair?" Simon replied. Brett nodded. "I might be over Clary, but that doesn't mean I can't keep your misery company."

"Thanks," Brett smiled. Then after a moment he said with a sigh. "So, what do you think I should do now?"

"You have two options," Simon began. "Either you can just be her friend properly, without any ulterior motive, or hope that she is going to change her mind."

"And my other option?" Brett asked.

"You could let her go completely," Simon finished.

"I don't like either of those," Brett grumbled.

"Yeah I know," Simon replied. "But trust me, Clace isn't breaking up anytime soon, so there's no point hoping for it."

"Clace?" Brett asked.

"Oh, sorry Clary and Jace," Simon corrected.

"That is the stupidest word I've ever heard," Brett announced.

"I know right," Simon chuckled.

"But Clary can do better than him," Brett commented, when they both stopped laughing. He looked suddenly serious.

"She can," Simon agreed. "Though she could also do worse."

"I'd be so much better for her than Jace," Brett complained.

"Doesn't matter," Simon replied with a shake of his head. "She picked Jace. Case closed. Clary's decision is the only one that counts."

"How can you be so calm?"

"She was my best friend before," Simon stated. "It took me a while, but we got back there again. Actually, I live with her and Jace now."

"That must be strange," Brett commented.

"It is," Simon replied. "But in a good way."

"I hope I can get to where you are someday," Brett said, with a smile. "It would be nice." He paused then added, "And thanks. I think I know what I have to do now."

"Happy to help a friendzoned bro in need," Simon said trying to imitate Barney from 'How I Met Your Mother' without much luck, but as it turned out, Brett rather liked that show, and they were able to keep up a conversation on the topic for a solid fifteen minutes before Simon had to leave for his next class.

Class was… interesting? This semester he had a class that was literally about how to research, and another on interpersonal communication that seemed to be all about how to change how you react to people in order to change how they react to you. Simon wasn't totally sure what he was going to do with a communications degree, and he was trying very hard not to picture himself as a very well educated barista in a few years time. In theory it's a generic enough degree to apply most anywhere, but practice and theory weren't always the same thing.

When classes finally ended for the day, Simon headed home all the while counting up the number of essays he had to write in the next two weeks. It was a crisp fall day, with leaves on the ground and a chill in the air. Simon wasn't super excited for winter, or more accurately he wasn't excited about trudging through the snow every morning on his way to class, and the commute to work was going to suck in the snow as well. Stupid winter city, though it was pretty. He couldn't help but admire the beauty created by the cold. Opening the door to his building, Simon went up in the elevator until he reached his floor, but as Simon approached the door to his apartment he heard two people arguing.

His first thought was to back away and just wait till they were done, but then he recognized the voices. Unable to resist his curiosity, Simon moved closer to hear what they were saying.

"All I'm saying is that your parents are infinitely better than mine, and you shouldn't give up on them," Maia voice came through the door.

"That isn't the same at all," Jordan replied, his voice just as loud as Maia's.

"I don't want you to regret not speaking to them because of me," Maia continued.

"Why do you care?" Jordan snapped back.

"You're so smart Jordan," Maia yelled. It was strange to hear her almost being sweet, and yet in that tone of voice. "You shouldn't be at this school. It'll just slow you down. Make up with them and you could do anything."

"They sucked before they didn't believe in you," Jordan yelled back. "I don't want to make up with them."

"And really I'm touched, but we aren't together anymore Jordan," Maia said. "So why push them away when it costs you so much?"

"I don't need them," Jordan replied.

"No," Maia yelled. Simon was suddenly picturing a snapping turtle. "You are just clinging to false hope that we'll get back together, and it's keeping you from making things right with them. They're your parents Jordan!"

"I know that," Jordan screamed. "And trust me, you've made how you feel perfectly clear. I'm not deluded."

"Good," Maia yelled back. Jordan didn't say anything, but Simon could imagine only too well the pained expression on his roommate's face at this moment, and Simon knew how much of those words had been lies.

"I'm gonna leave then," Maia said. "Goodbye, Jordan."

Then Simon heard Maia's footsteps and scrambled to get out of the way. He just managed to hide behind the door before he saw Maia storm past, clearly too preoccupied to notice his presence. Slowly, Simon walked inside the apartment to find Jordan standing, staring at where Maia had just been.

"She's really never going to take me back, is she?" Jordan said very quietly, his voice weak with grief. The hope Jordan usually had, seemed to have faded from his eyes.

"I don't think so, no," Simon said as kindly as he could. He moved forward, and put a reassuring arm around his friend's shoulders. A single tear ran down Jordan's cheek, but he didn't move.

"Our old fights were like that," Jordan said after a moment. "They'd start from something small, and we'd both rise to the occasion until we were fighting about big important things, saying things that we didn't mean, or at least I didn't mean them. I can't say if she did." He paused, wiping the single tear from his face before speaking again. "Maybe we aren't meant to be, we're just too different, or maybe too much the same."

Simon pulled his friend into a hug, and felt Jordan's arms tighten around him. Simon didn't know what it was like to be in Jordan's shoes exactly, but he knew enough about heartbreak to know how much Jordan needed the hug.

"We are so not staying in tonight," Simon stated as firmly as he knew how.

"Can't I just lay on the couch and stare at the ceiling," Jordan whined. "In sweats."

"Oh, hell no!" Simon counted. "Nice jeans at the very least, and a dress shirt."

It took a solid half hour to convince Jordan to leave the house, but Simon managed it, and in the correct clothes and everything.

The closest bar was a little ways past Campus on the other side from their apartment, but still it wasn't too long a walk. Even if they'd have had to drive, Simon could have taken a bus. He planned to make sure Jordan was in no fit state to drive before he got home tonight. Neither of them spoke much on the walk. Simon sensed that Jordan didn't want to talk much at all, but he knew that it didn't mean Jordan wasn't drowning in his own thoughts. It was definitely time to turn that big brain of his off for the night.

When they walked in, Simon went straight to the bar and ordered them each two shots. Jordan drank them, but without much enthusiasm.

"To moving on," Simon tried to make a toast, but Jordan just downed the whole shot without so much as a clink.

"You know what's the worst part," Jordan complained, now five shots in and looking a little tipsy. "She's probably right."

"About?" Simon asked, hoping for clarification. He could feel the affects of the alcohol in his system, though he seemed to be in a better state than Jordan. Whether that was from a better alcohol tolerance or not was up for debate.

"Push them way," Jordan mumbled. "Parents go away. Maia right, shouldn't do that. No point without her."

"Okay buddy, maybe drink some water," Simon ordered them both water and made sure Jordan drank it. Now Simon was sure Jordan had downed at least three more shots than he had. Actively deciding to cut himself off at this point so he could watch out for Jordan, Simon switched to club soda.

About an hour of whining and sulking into his water later, Jordan was starting to make sense again. Simon was feeling pretty sober by now. Sober enough to notice the two women watched them. One had lightly tanned skin, dirty blonde hair. She was wearing a casual top and bootcut jeans, and had been watching Jordan for the last ten minutes. But it was the woman beside her that caught Simon's eye. If he didn't know better, he'd have said it was Izzy. She had the same long brown hair, same deep emotional eyes. Of course, he knew it wasn't Isabelle. Simon was sure there wasn't another woman on this earth he'd physically know so well as Izzy, and there was no mistaking this woman for Isabelle, but all the same, they looked so much alike that Simon couldn't take his eyes off her. He turned his head to keep her in view as she pulled out from her chair and came towards them, her friend following behind.

"Hello," not Izzy said as she smiled at him. "I'm Natalie."

"Simon," Simon said, still a little stunned. "And this is my friend, Jordan."

"Jordan," Natalie's friend said with a smile as she turned to look at him. "That's a nice name." Jordan didn't respond, and Simon felt the need to explain the situation.

"His ex stomped on his heart a little tonight," Simon explained. "So I told him he needed to get drunk."

"Good thinking," Natalie chuckled. He'd come here tonight for Jordan, so Simon tried to tune his brain into what was happening with Jordan.

"I'm Paige," the woman was saying to Jordan, who was looking at her now with more attention than before.

"Hi," he said, looking better than he had since his fight with Maia, but still gloomier than most.

"She really did a number on you, huh," Paige added. "How long ago did you two break up?" Simon didn't hear Jordan's reply, but he heard Paige speak again. "Even after so long and you still care. Wow that's rare. Her loss I say."

"See, rationally I know you're right," Jordan replied. "But rational thinking isn't really my thing right now." Paige chuckled, a cute easy laugh that even managed to get a smile out of Jordan.

"Do you want to go sit over here?" Natalie asked, pulling Simon's attention back to his situation, and away from Jordan's. He turned and saw that Natalie was gesturing to a few chairs farther away from the bar.

"I should probably keep an eye on my friend," Simon said holding his ground, his attention threatening to return to listening into Jordan and Page's conversation.

"I promise you he'll be fine with her," Natalie replied, kindly.

"But I don't know her," Simon said. "Or you."

"So guarded," Natalie said thoughtfully. "Have I done something to offend you?"

"No, sorry," Simon sighed, covering his face with his hands for a moment before looking at her again. "It's just that you look almost exactly like someone else I used to know."

"I see," Natalie replied with a smile. "Your ex?"

"Sorta," Simon answered awkwardly. He moved as she'd directed, and went to sit a few chairs away from Paige and Jordan.

"Oh, well that sounds complicated," Natalie laughed. "I do confess I had a feeling the two of you would be rather interesting when I saw you walk in."

"How do you make interesting sound like a good thing?" Simon replied.

"Because it is," Natalie said. "Just imagine, if life weren't interesting, wouldn't that be horribly dull."

Simon couldn't help but laugh. "I can't argue with you there," he smiled. This women was lovely, though he was neglecting his friend duties. When Simon turned his head absently to check on Jordan, he felt his jaw drop. Jordan and Paige were kissing, their arms and lips locked together. Simon just blinked for a moment, stunned.

"I think I got him drunker than I realized," Simon whispered.

Natalie chuckled, and Simon found his attention once again fixed on her. "And how drunk are you?" she whispered.

"Not that drunk," Simon whispered back, but Natalie was moved closer.

"I believe in going after what you want," Natalie whispered so quietly Simon almost didn't hear her. "So does Paige."

"Do you now," Simon gasped. He knew she wanted him to kiss her, but he also sensed that she wasn't going to go all the way in for it. She wanted him to move forward and initiate the kiss. Simon's mind was in a whirl. If he closed his eyes, he could so easily pretend she was Izzy, but where would that get him? Izzy hadn't been his even when he'd been kissing her; kissing someone else while thinking of her was yet another step farther away from where he wanted to be.

"I'm sorry," Simon said quickly as he pulled away. "I know the 'it's not you it's me' thing is super cliche, but in this case it's true." Collecting his jacket from the back of his chair, Simon turned back to her and added, "It was nice meeting you Natalie."

As he moved away, Simon could tell there was still alcohol in his system, but not enough to make him feel better. Jordan knew the way home, and didn't have access to a car. He could get home on his own, or he'd go home with Paige. Either way he'd be fine, and Simon just wanted to go home. He walked out onto the street. The asphalt was so black tonight, the moon low in the sky. Quickly glancing both ways when he crossed the street, Simon walked forward quickly. Then two things happened at once.

Simon's foot slipped on the thin ice covering the road. He fell and felt the sharp hard ground dig into both his palms and knees. Simon turned to look up, and saw a car coming straight for him, it's wheels skidding on the black ice.

*Insert evil laugh here* And yes my beta did yell at me after reading this and I had to offer up a bunch of spoilers to make it up to her. ^_^ Also wow chapter 100! That's so cool. Now I just need 50 more to catch up with L&B.

So…. my Flash addiction is going strong… I'm on season 4 episode 5. Yes, this means I have watched basically a whole season since last updating this story. (If I am right in thinking I had just started season 3 when I last updated...) One more episode and I am going to be totally catch up and reduced to binge watching Arrow. This is the same way I got sucked into the Flash… watching it while I waited for more Supergirl. Sigh. I have a problem. I have like NO excuses for not updating this story faster… except my new CW addiction. More sighing. iZombie, Supernatural and the Vampire Diaries are also CW show which means I've been watching NOTHING but CW shows for like ever at this point! #NeedsALife

Guest Review:
that part, "That, or there is some sadistic person writing this that wants us all to suffer," Maia counted
...that sent me into a fit of laughter that soon turned to coughing, I think I am dying. That sneak peek...I FUCKING HATE BRETT, WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS, HATING ON MY CLACE. CLACE IS A FUCKING BEAUTIFUL WORD. Anyway sorry bout that again I think I am dying. But seriously Jace is Bae, and Brett is extra. Simon get your head out your ass, no scratch that IZZY get your head out of YOUR ass and start a relationship with Simon. JAIA YASSSSSS! My heart broke I just love Jordan so much, and I can't, I just can't...*tears/sobs*. *deep breath* (pulling myself together)...anyway Thanks for this chapter, no matter him much emotional stress it may cause me I love it so much and I can't stop reading it. Please update soon, and yes I know what you are going to say it my be a while before you update well I will keep saying it because it is a habit and because I really do mean it. THANK YOU FOR THIS STORY.

My Reply:
Hehe glad you liked that part. I did have a little too much fun there. Oh wow I did too good a job making people dislike Brett…. The weird thing is that wasn't even what I was going for! LOL. Brett doesn't know Clace like we do. And yes scratch that indeed since it is all up to Izzy at this point. Okay breath girl! Breath! And awws thanks. I'm glad you want updates soon. I am gonna try and write faster despite the CW distraction.

Sneak Peek Chapter 101

"I miss sleep," Jem whined as Lucie started crying. Tessa groaned and covered her head with her pillow.

"I'm up," Will sighed and Tessa felt him move on her left as he got out of bed. Through her closed eyelids Tessa saw the light of the door open and Will leave. She wasn't sure if she dozed off again or not but she saw the light again when Will returned. Tessa felt his weight return to the bed, but she also sensed someone else.

"Why isn't she crying?" Tessa asked turning and opening her eyes. Lucie was laying on Will's chest with his fingers in her mouth.

"She's chewing on me," Will replied, his eyes half closed. Tessa didn't even want to check the time, but she knew from the level of fatigue in her body it was some ungodly hour of the morning.

"My hand is soaked," Will said. Tessa knew he was too tired to laugh but sensed he might if he'd had the energy.

"That won't last long," Jem said. "I have some grapes in the freeze that might be frozen by now."

Tessa's whole body begged her to sleep, but instead she moved, lifting herself and moving down the bed to exit at the bottom since Will and Jem were on either side of her. Feeling a bit like a zombie Tessa walked to the kitchen opened the freezer and pulled out what she needed. Placing a few in a small child's bowl Tessa went back to bed. At the moment she couldn't even care if their bed was covered in grape mush in the morning, so long as they got to sleep in it uninterrupted.

Crawling into bed Tessa placed the grapes on Will's chest, before collapsing back down onto her pillow. Tessa's eyes shut instantly and she was asleep in seconds, only to be woken by her daughter once again.