Chapter Text
Sometimes when you least expected, life would throw the most hilarious metaphorical cement block at you and hit you repeatedly until you’re numb to the feet.
Simon knew this.
And it could happen to him, theoretically, except Simon prided himself to be the kind of guy who would be prepared for anything. He had planned his future right to the very meticulous little details, of which he provided numerous different solutions and scenarios, thus, leaving no room for errors or undesirable possibilities.
This was mostly why he was upset at himself―and Clary, for that matter―that he didn’t see it coming. He didn’t think that a simple decision to do homework at Clary’s house today, like he always did, would be a pinpoint to a dramatic change in his life. (Butterfly effect, he scoffed).
They were lounging in the living room that evening, homework scattered across the round table. It was awfully ordinary and boring, a feeling that Simon was familiar with and grateful for.
Everything was normal right until Clary started her daily obsession rant about her long time crush, Isabelle Lightwood. This rant was particularly amusing, though, because Clary confessed with a huge grin that Izzy had finally decided to ask Clary out on a date this weekend.
Simon, who was happy for her, just smirked before congratulating her.
This news, however, was unacceptable to Jocelyn, who had apparently been eavesdropping, and it resulted in a screaming match between her and her daughter.
“I am not allowing you date someone before I think you’re ready. You need to earn that right first and that is final.” Jocelyn said with a calm demeanor, a contrast to how she had been for the past five minutes. Simon could pick up that she was getting tired from arguing with Clary, but her decision could not be reversed.
“Why? You say that over and over, but I don’t hear any reasoning at all!” Clary retorted, clearly not backing up either. If it had happened any other time, Simon would've smiled at how similar she was with her mother.
“I did say why.” Jocelyn replied. “I love you, Clary, but you’re way too young. I was your age once and I know for a fact that you’re not ready.”
“That is not even a real excuse. I’m seventeen years old, mom.” Clary rolled her eyes. “And I’m not you. You can’t say I’m not ready. I’m a responsible girl who can show you that I am, if you just let me!”
Simon, who had been silently following this conversation, turned his head to Jocelyn to see what her answer’s going to be.
Honestly, he felt like he was intruding something and wondered if he should just leave the house. He bet neither Clary nor Jocelyn would notice if Simon just disappeared, they’re too engrossed and hot-headed right now. Before he could escape, though, Jocelyn let out an exasperated sigh and surprised them all.
“Fine. You can go.” She finally relented with a stern look on her face.
Clary seemed ecstatic for a second before her eyebrows furrowed and her eyes zeroed in on her mother suspiciously. “But?”
Jocelyn smiled wickedly, too pleased at herself. “You can only date this girl if Simon is dating someone too.”
Simon felt himself froze. Two pairs of eyes were suddenly on him but he couldn't get past the ringing sound on his ear to respond. He knew he should have left the place right after the screaming started.
“Okay?” Clary, more confused than ever, brought Simon back from his sudden mental shock. “Why are you bringing him into this? That is so random, mom, even for you.”
“Because I know that he’s a good boy. He isn’t looking to date some kid. He’s focused on his school, his future, and his life. He’s smart, he can decide which things are important in his life. You should be more like him.” Jocelyn narrowed her eyes. “And beside, you don’t need romance. Simon is fine without it.”
“Mom,” Clary said flatly. “Simon doesn’t date because he never puts himself out there.” She continued. “No offense.” She quickly turned her head at Simon apologetically.
Simon only cleared his throat, feeling awkward and hesitant to respond. The statement was not even a little bit accurate.
Simon had put himself out there.
Too bad it had been for her.
It was a very unpleasant feeling, he decided, to be in love with his best friend. He couldn’t tell her exactly what had been eating him inside, too afraid of ruining their friendship with his confession. He couldn’t tell her how he would do anything for her, even if it made him look stupid.
And recently, Simon had enough of it. He had resolved to get over his little crush and established that he would always love Clary, no matter what. But, the romantic feeling coloring his love for her had gone completely.
They both had grown up together and he would always be protective of her as if she was his own twin. There was nothing that could break the bond they have and they would always have each other, no matter where they were or who they were dating.
For Simon, it was much better than being romantically involved with her. Which was why he was genuinely pleased when he found out that Isabelle had reciprocated his best friend’s feelings.
“This is my only condition, Clary, the only way you can start going around dating someone is when Simon gets himself a date too.” Jocelyn insisted.
“You don’t know Izzy, Mom. She’s a great girl. She’s funny, kind, and she won’t be a bad influence for me. I really like her and I think you will, too.” Clary pleaded. “This is my only chance and I would hate to let it slip away because I have to wait for Simon to date someone.”
At this, Simon sensed like he needed to say something. He hated the way he hadn’t opposed to anything they were saying, especially when he did find a little bit of truth and logic in the argument. But he also felt like he needed to defend his dignity, too. So, if in the end it came out foolishly, well, at least he could say he'd tried.
“Guys!” He clapped his hands, earning a glance from the two ladies in front of him. “For all you know, I may not even be single.” He said, trying and failing to look smug. “And I don’t think we’ve actually talked about my dating life before, so, I could be dating the hottest student from school, and you guys won’t even realize it. Let’s not forget that it’s a possibility."
Clary raised her perfect eyebrows dismissively. “You are not dating Jace Wayland, Simon.”
Simon gasped and choked on his own breath. He disapproved the way Clary would just assume Simon agreed that Jace Wayland was hot.
Jace Wayland was an arrogant prick, an asshole classmate, and an annoying bastard. Him being hot was definitely not the distinct quality, even if he was attractive, charming, suave, and smelled faintly good when there was a rare moment the boy would pass Simon in the hall.
Simon shook his head before his brain went to the places he would rather not visit. “I would consider him to be more like Justin Bieber, actually. By this, I mean he’s a total jackass.” He said weakly and mentally slapped himself for not being able to flat out say he did not find Jace hot.
His response was met with a silence and another arched eyebrow, this time from Jocelyn.
“But, never mind.” He waved his hand, an effort to save himself from further humiliation. “I could be dating anyone at the moment, so please don’t base your terms around me, Jocelyn, thank you.”
“Yes, mom. Please just let me date Izzy on my own terms, thank you.” Clary parroted back, jumping on the train to urge her mom to change her mind, yet again.
Unfortunately, while Jocelyn was a considerate and compassionate woman, when she had set her mind to something, Simon did not believe anything could shift her determination. And he was sort of dejected, too, when she shook her head disapprovingly.
“Either you accept my offer or you don’t go out with this girl at all.” She decided. “And don’t you dare sneak around behind my back, because I will find out and you can forget dating before college.”
Simon glanced sideways to see how Clary was doing and was met with hopeful and pleading eyes.
Simon understood how important this was to Clary, could see how important Isabelle was to her, but would he be willing to put himself out there right after he'd finally gotten over Clary? And, if he was honest to himself, that was not even the only problem he was facing.
Simon didn’t know a damn thing about getting himself a date. Who would he even ask? He only had a limited amount of friends who, if were not already dating someone else, were not close enough to him that Simon could ask them out so suddenly that it wouldn’t be weird.
Before Simon could show any resemblance of agreement to Clary, though, Jocelyn rose up from her seat on the living room sofa and moved about to leave the room. The rustling of her skirt against the sofa sounded louder than it should have been, forcing both of the teenagers to put their attention on her again.
Clary panicked for a second, and then with a hysterical pitch she shrieked “I’ll do it.” She moved to stand up too, as if trying to follow her mom. “I will wait until Simon finds a date. And I guarantee you it’s gonna be soon.”
Simon blinked and shot her a betrayed look.
He should have more say in this. Simon was simply not ready to date anyone, let alone doing it right now. That was what he had been trying to say to her.
And to make it worse, Simon heard Jocelyn chuckled disbelievingly from where she was currently standing. He felt rather offended, but even he couldn’t believe that he would score a date soon.
“Oh, honey. Just remember, if Simon doesn’t get a date this weekend, you’re not going anywhere. And you’re not going anywhere the week after, and the week after, and the week after!” She outright laughed at this.
Clary grunted angrily at her mom, which was understandable, and gave her the most determined expression Simon had ever seen on her face. Isabelle must be really worth it for Clary. “We both will go on our dates this weekend.”
“I believe you, Clarissa Fray.” Jocelyn chortled before leaving the room.
Clary huffed, frustrated, and plopped back down into her seat. The following silence was awkward enough it almost made Simon joke about the situation. After all, he’d like to think he was the comic relief character, if they were in a movie.
The joke was at the tip of his tongue when Clary whispered a soft apology. Simon was quiet for a moment. He turned his head sideways and made a face.
“For what?” Simon asked.
Clary took a deep breath and let it out in one go. “For involving you in this mess. I can see you don’t want any part of it.” She uttered. “I should just go admit defeat to my mom, shouldn’t I?”
Despite everything, Simon gave Clary a small smile. She was hunched down and her lips thin. A few stray hairs made their way down her face. Something deep in Simon's chest tightened into a ball of protective rage. Saying no to Clary had always been a problem for him, anyway.
“Do you want to go out with Isabelle or not?” Simon pressed their shoulders together gently.
Clary glanced up with a hopeful look on her face and nodded slowly. “Then you’re going to!” He chirped fake-enthusiastically.
“You’d do this for me?” She asked. There was a hint of guilt in her voice. Simon wanted it gone immediately.
“The right question would be what I wouldn’t do for you, Clary.” Simon grinned playfully, only meaning all of it.
A smile broke on Clary’s face and it lighted up her whole demeanor. “But you really are not dating anyone, right?”
Simon shook his head, trying not to think about it. “Nope.”
“So, how do you want to do this?”
Before Simon could answer, Clary went on an interrogating spree. “What are you going to do? Who are we asking to be your date this weekend? How can I help more?”
Simon just put his hands on her shoulders until she stopped talking. “Clary, you don’t need to worry about me.” Simon said, giving off false assurance. “You just sit back, relax, and prepare for the weekend. I can get a date by myself.”
As soon as he said it, though, he realized how unrealistic it sounded and his confidence depleted significantly.
“In the span of three days?” Clary smirked teasingly. “I didn’t know you were that confident.”
Simon faked offend and puffed, clutching at his chest. “That hurt, Clary.”
He got a loud laughter in response, and decided this was all worth it. “Fine. You’ll tell me if you need help, okay?” She insisted.
“Yes, ma’am.” Simons saluted Clary, getting a shove in the arm from her.
He hoped Clary could not see right through him, could not see how distraught he was inside and how uncertain he was inside. But somehow, he was sure that Clary could, only everything would turn up awful and it would all be his fault.
When Simon mentioned he was confident to get a date before the weekend, he had lied. He knew he was not fooling anyone with this, especially Clary who stared expectantly at him the moment he walked in to AP Biology that Friday. He ignored her gaze and took his usual seat beside her. It was only when he opened his binder to review the previous session that she started talking impatiently.
“So?” She nudged his left thigh with her knee.
“Hm?” Simon feigned innocence. “Do you have a question about the syllabus for today?”
“Simon.” She said flatly.
“What?”
“Let’s not do this, okay? I need to know if everything is set.” She crossed her arms, irritated. “I already said yes to Izzy for tomorrow and I’m going to look stupid if I suddenly bail on her because my mom doesn’t let me go.”
Simon sighed. He debated whether or not to come clean about his failure. Though, he would very much like to keep affirming her that everything was great. He did feel bad for Clary, really, and she sounded petulant enough that Simon had the urge to just tell her the truth.
It wasn't like he had forgotten, what with Clary reminding him constantly through texts and direct conversations. The first person on his mind had been Raphael. Simon had asked him out two days ago and had received a snicker and words that would always turn his whole body red from embarrassment every time he tried to recall them.
Camille was the next person he'd asked, just because he'd thought that she would've loved to have more company, even only for one day. But unfortunately for Simon, she had flat out rejected him saying she could not handle more sides. It would have annoyed Simon more if he was not too preoccupied by being amazed that player like Camille could find her relationships too much.
Simon had considered asking Maureen, but he knew for a fact that it would be the wrong thing to do. Simon had noticed the way she looked at him and the way her eyes were always full of affections. He might be oblivious sometimes, but he was not stupid. Also, he had been pining for his best friend for as long as he could remember. He would definitely recognize the look on anyone else.
The expression of wanting something you couldn't have was an easy one to read. When you saw the object you were longing for, sometimes you forgot about what was around you and just let loose. It was a dangerous territory to tread and Simon did not wish to play with her heart. He preferred to have their friendship intact and asking her out on a date would absolutely dismantle any affiliation between them, as he would lead her on.
He had tried to ask random guys and girls he'd met in the hall but they mostly had just looked at him funnily and proceeded to walk away. He guessed everything was fine, considering that no one had really insulted him, but being rejected still sucked ass.
In the end, though, he was left with no other choice. And he needed to tell Clary that when he finally got the courage to throw away his pride and admit his lack of success.
A sigh brought him back from his depressing musing. “I don’t mean to come off whiny, but I’m just checking if you need my help.” Clary murmured, her dampened mood recognizable through her tone. “I can play match-making and give you more opportunities.”
Simon fixed his eyes on her and deliberated his next move carefully. “Can’t you just say that I am going on a date without giving anything specific?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Besides, my mom wants you to go out each time I go out with Izzy, too. At least until she trusts and accepts Izzy.”
“So, what? The amount of date you’re having will depend on the amount of date I’m going?” He asked, feeling incredulous.
“That’s exactly what she said.” Clary groaned.
“How will she even know?”
“Are you forgetting that we live literally next to each other and our moms are best friends?” She rolled her eyes. “Trust me, she’d know. And I can’t just say you’re going out and have you not really going out.”
“Right.” Simon licked his lips, suddenly feeling more nervous.
“I really like her and I’m going to be the joke of this school.” Clary crossed her arms on the table and laid her head there quite dejectedly, burying her face. “Izzy’s on the cheerleader squad, you know. Her teammates are the worst. They’re going to make fun of me if they find out I can’t even go on dates.” She continued on, her words muffled.
Simon felt a tug on his heartstring. He hated how sorrowful Clary sounded. Simon and Clary were not what anyone would consider as the cool kids. They were free-spirited teenagers who liked too many form of arts and sometimes smoked weed under the bleachers just because their friends did too. It was a miracle that a fairly popular girl like Isabelle would fall for anyone from their clique, but if anyone could sway her, it would most definitely be Clary.
And Simon sympathized with Clary and her dilemma. He would hate to let this rare opportunity go. He scooted closer to her before rubbing her shoulder soothingly.
“Hey, I still have a couple of people I could ask around.” Which was obviously a lie. “And one of them is bound to say yes, eventually. I mean, how could they resist me, right?” He chuckled depressingly.
Clary turned her head to him. “Of course.” Her eyes are sad but her lips twitched upwards. “Even if you can’t find a date, it’s okay, Simon.”
She rose from her slumped position and started to lean back on her chair. “I’m going to wait. I’m not pushing you anymore. There’s no more pressure, okay?” The girl took his hand from her shoulder and squeezed it lightly. “I’m not sure if Izzy will understand, but she won’t be a bitch about it. Izzy is great that way.” She finished with a grin.
“Thanks, Clary.” Simon nodded. “Give me time until school lets out?”
“No problems.”
Simon took his hands and opened his mouth to respond with a playful remark but got interrupted when Mr. Garroway sauntered into the classroom to start their lesson for today. They worked in pair as usual, making short summary for the subject they were covering after a brief explanation from the teacher.
Simon, who knew cell division by heart, felt the class pass by and before he knew it, they were gathering their things to go to lunch. He took a separate route from Clary, opting to take his History and Chemistry books from his locker before going to lunch.
Just his luck, after taking out the books for his next classes, he spotted another person he was vaguely familiar with and decided to ask him out, reminding himself that this was all for Clary. And this guy was Isabelle’s brother. Surely he could not be that bad.
(Honestly, Isabelle terrified him, but Simon’s sure everyone was a little bit terrified of her).
“Hi, Alec.” Simon greeted him, flailing his arm in an excuse of a wave.
The guy turned around from his locker and look at him disinterestedly. Simon did not even get a verbal response, just a raise of an eyebrow. This action was enough to put a halt to his whole confident demeanor.
“Um, do you know that my best friend and your sister are kind of dating now?” Simon stuttered out.
Apparently, Alec decided that Simon was not worthy enough of a proper answer so he turned back around to his locker to organize something that Simon’s sure did not need organizing.
“My best friend is, uh, Clary Fray. And I’m Simon, I think you know me. And your sister is, I think, um, Isabelle Lightwood?” Simon rambled on, feeling disoriented and anxious as to how he could bring up the subject of asking this guy who was definitely not interested out on a date. “Which I guess you’d know, being her brother and all, I mean―”
“Do you have a point?”
“Yes, do you want to go out with me?”
There. It was all out there now. He finally blurted it out and cheered internally when he managed to get a little bit of reaction out of Alec.
The taller guy stared at him with a slightly shocked expression on his face, his mouth fell open, eyes wide and full of astonishment. Simon’s only glad he did not find a trace of disgust at all.
“Are you joking?” Alec replied while closing his locker, the steel door slammed shut with a clang.
“Sadly, no.” Simon looked down on his feet, finding a weird black spot on the floor particularly interesting. “There’s a whole story behind this, I promise you, I’m not nursing a creepy crush on you or anything, but it’s long and I won’t bore you with it.”
“I’m not gay.”
Simon heard Alec’s respond but blinked and took a moment to make sure that he had heard him right. He promptly looked up to ask for a repeat when he found Alec with a thoughtful expression on his face.
Simon was sure he had seen Alec kissing a guy at some party, though. Granted it had been dark and Simon had been a little bit tipsy, but Simon was certain it was him.
In the end, it was not such a stretch to think that he was just not interested in Simon and was trying to let him down gently. Noted.
“Okay, well, at least I tried, right?” Simon chuckled nervously and punched Alec lightly on the shoulder. He earned an eye roll and was left alone in the empty hall.
Simon felt relief washed over him when he found out that everyone else had gone to the cafeteria for lunch and nobody was there to witness yet another rejection thrown at his way.
At the end of the day, Simon strolled away from his last class with heavy feet and stooped towards the cool metal of his locker when he finally reached it. He punched in his combination and started taking out the things he needed for tonight.
True to her words, Clary had not approached him once since lunch and he appreciated her for trying to be patient and understanding. Simon would apologize to Clary, eventually, for not being able to keep his promise. But, he would do that in the safe confine of his bedroom, not out in the open where anyone could come up to him, even though almost everyone had left the building, eager for the weekend.
He was in the middle of taking out his notebooks and homework when he heard a deep voice he would recognize anywhere.
“Lewis.”
As soon as he turned around, he cursed his brain for knowing exactly who the voice belonged to. He fought the urge to run away and collected himself instantly, a thing he had perfected when he was around this guy.
“Wayland.” He replied as composed as he could. “What are you doing here?”
He got a smirk and a simple “Nothing” in response. The blond proceeded to lean back on the locker right beside Simon and crossed his arm before turning his head with a smirk. His shoulders were on the metal behind him but his hips were jutted forward in a position that Simon would consider illegal.
Simon felt highly alarmed and adjusted his glasses for the lack of something to do.
It was odd, being this close to the other guy. Their interactions had mostly consisted of him trying to annoy the living crap out of Simon, which he had done in almost every class they’d shared.
They had not shared that much class together and frankly, it had been a while since their last shared class. But, they were sharing Chemistry this semester, so, he was put under the blond’s radar, yet again.
Simon had never let his anger got the better of him, though, and apparently it was rather amusing for Jace, since it only fueled the frequency of his torment.
And even though they were painfully aware of each other, they were not what he would call friends, which was why it was so weird to have the guy nearby for more than thirty seconds.
To make everything worse, the way Jace smelled this close was nothing compared to when he was only passing by. This close, he could make out something musky and earthy with a trace of mint and a hint of sweat coming from the blond.
They were all so naturally delightful and Simon hated the way the combinations made him feel heady and intoxicated. Simon was sure it would destroy his senses sooner rather than later as he could feel his inside went hot and cold at the same time.
He tried to seem as indifference as possible and turned away carefully to continue taking his stuffs out from inside his locker, hiding his face in the process.
“I heard you asked Alec out on a date.” Jace spoke up. Simon could hear the mocking twitch of his lips.
Simon shrugged in response. “So?”
Jace chuckled softly and Simon felt dizzy. “That was a bold move coming from you, Lewis.”
Simon took a deep breath and closed his locker, turning his head to face the other guy. “I can be persistent if I want to.”
“I bet.” Jace snickered. “The funny thing is, I heard that you’ve been asking a lot of people out, too. Is this a weird social experiment you’re doing or are you just trying to embarrass yourself?”
Simon felt the blood boiling inside his brain. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m doing this for Clary and Isabelle. Of course I’m not doing it to make a fool of myself, Jace, contrary to what you may think, I’m not a complete idiot.”
Jace leaned forward with a frown. “What do Clary and Izzy have anything to do with this?”
Simon stared after him with a murderous look on his face, before slowly turning his eyes sideways in defeat. “Clary isn’t allowed a date if I don’t have one.”
He didn’t know why he told the blond this but his only goal was to be done with this conversation and sulk under the warmth of his blanket. He just hoped that Jace was not too big of a jerk and kept this information to himself.
“Oh.” Jace blinked. “So you’re not really interested in Alec or those people?”
Jace’s poisonous body smell must have really done a number on his brain because it almost sounded like there was a small hint of anticipation in Jace’s tone. It was so absurd that Simon decided to just ignore it.
“No.” Simon replied in the end. “And for the record, Alec rejected me.” He added, trying his best not to sound too disappointed. “So you can stop your protective-brother act and please leave me alone.”
Simon moved to walk away but was stopped when a grin broke on the blond’s face. “Well, did anyone say yes or were they all creeped out by you?” Jace said, his tone teasing.
Simon hated the way Jace always tried to make everything to be a joke. He hated how Jace always ended up taunting or mocking him every time they talked. He hated how their conversations were always stuck in his brain, for some reason. And most definitely, Simon hated how he would never be able to do anything about it. But, he'd always try.
“Why, are you offering a date?” Simon furiously retorted.
For a moment, Jace looked startled, and Simon was overjoyed to finally be the one who wasn’t at the end of the joke for once, but soon Jace’s face was back to his usual cocky and arrogant expression, traces of surprise gone.
“I’m nothing if not generous.” He winked.
Simon felt his knees buckle and kicked himself mentally. It was ridiculous how a small gesture could have such effect on him. He pinched the bridge of his nose while breathing out “Just leave me alone, man.”
Apparently, Jace was not done playing around. “I’m serious. Hot nerd is definitely my thing.”
Simon felt his throat close up before successfully forming up a decent response.
“Can you please stop being stupid?” He delivered dryly, attempting to sound unaffected.
To his surprise, Jace let out an annoyed sound and slicked his hair back with an abrupt hand. His hair looked golden and soft and would probably feel even warmer and softer in Simon’s hands. Simon hated it so much. “Do you want my help or not?”
Simon, who was too preoccupied by Jace’s hair, looked back down and licked his lips. He was having trouble thinking straight for how close the guy was; his eyes were too vibrantly blue and distracting.
Anyway.
Jace offering his help was very suspicious to the core and Simon would never let himself be the victim of his yet another dangerous antics.
“What’s in it for you?” Simon asked.
Jace only stared at him.
“What do you want, man?” Simon repeated.
“What, you mean, like, payment?” The blond raised his eyebrows. It was hard for Simon to determine whether he was being genuinely confused or just being a jackass as usual.
“No. Sort of.” Simon shrugged. “What could you possibly want to get from all of this? The whole thing screams humiliation to me, alright?”
“You’re kidding.” Jace said flatly.
“Well, you can’t blame me for being suspicious!” He spat out.
Jace was silent and resorted back to staring. Simon hated being under the blond’s scrutiny, it was too intense and it made him uncomfortable even being in his own skin. He wanted to squirm but preferred not to look weak in front of the guy who had made it his mission to make Simon’s life a living hell. So he stood his ground.
If only Jace really did mean it, it would absolutely make Clary happy to find out that she could go out with Isabelle tomorrow. Even considering accepting Jace’s help made him sick. But, he was literally Simon’s the last option right now. So maybe it was desperation that finally pushed him over the edge.
“If you want money, I can give you three hundred bucks, tops.” Simon proposed.
Jace’s eyes widen and his mouth opened slightly, a faint gasp coming out. “You’re giving me three hundred dollars to date you?”
Jace sounded ridiculed and Simon felt dumb for even suggesting that. Of course it was not enough. Jace came from a wealthy family, what would three hundred dollars from a low-life peasant like Simon mean to him?
“Fine, I will also pay every time we’re going out on a date.” Knowing Jocelyn, they were going to have a lot of dates before she finally warmed up to the idea of Clary and Isabelle dating. Simon really needed to start saving up his money more. “And before you say anything mean, yes, I am that desperate.”
“Simon―”
It was still weird hearing his first name being spoken out by the blond. It happened almost rarely that Simon would never get used to it. Also, Jace sounded like he was going to turn down his offer, and Simon was having none of that. He’d had enough of rejection for today.
“I will do your Chemistry homework for as long as we’re pretending to date, too.” He let out hastily. “But that is as far as I’m willing to go. Either you agree or not. And, we can always forget this conversation ever happened.” He shrugged. “Whatever suits you.”
If they were going to do this, he damn sure would make sure it was done in his conditions. And Simon felt a little bit proud of himself. He had managed to make a foolproof plan that provided mutual benefits for the both of them. If Jace received his money, surely he would not humiliate Simon in front of the whole school? He would get the payment in the end. Simon expected Jace to have more honor and resisted the urge to screw him around for shits and giggles.
It took a really long time for the blond to make his decision. Simon let his eyes wander around the hall for a bit, finding it almost deserted, if not for a couple of busy students at their lockers.
He then put his attention back to the guy in front of him, who appeared to be very deliberately calculating the best move for him. He had his lips pursed and his eyebrows furrowed. Simon hated himself for thinking for a second that it made him even more attractive.
“We’re breaking up as soon as Clary is free to date whoever she wants.” Simon reasoned out loud, giving the blond another push to accept the agreement.
Jace darted his eyes to Simon’s then his face turned stoic and vacant. He gave a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. His tone cocky when he spoke up, though.
“Alright,” he drawled. “I’ll be your fake boyfriend or whatever.” He reached out his right hand to Simon. “I’m failing Chemistry, anyway, so, deal?”
Simon stared blankly at the hands in front of him, stunned and floored to realize that it had actually worked.
Jace Wayland had agreed to go out on fake dates with him.
Football captain, most eligible bachelor of Falmouth High, tall and blond Jace Wayland was willing to be his boyfriend for a price.
It was unclear for him if this was all his imagination or if he was just stuck in an episode of Twilight Zone. The one thing he knew for sure, though, was that this would all end up really badly, or backfire to him somehow.
“Yeah, um.” Simon took Jace’s hand on his and felt a burning sensation that he hoped was a onetime thing. He felt his whole body go red from the warmth the other boy was emanating. Simon forced himself to look up and shook both of their hands. “Deal.” He stuttered out.
As soon as Jace let his hand go, he wiped his wet palm on the thigh of his jeans and put both of his hands on the strap of his backpack frantically. Simon noticed that Jace had watched this whole awkwardness with a blank expression, though his eyes seemed disappointed. In what, Simon wouldn’t know.
“I will text you my address and the details for tomorrow.” Simon said, looking anywhere but the blond’s eyes. He curled and uncurled his hands into fists.
“Alright.” Jace grunted calmly. “Ask Izzy my number. She’ll give it to you.”
Simon nodded. He opened his mouth to give a proper response, a thank you maybe, but they were both startled by a flurry of flaming red hair and a chipper greeting. Simon jumped from the place he was standing, only regretting the broken moment between him and Jace a little.
“Hey, guys!” Clary put her hand on his shoulder, looking back and forth between him and Jace.
Simon, who felt jittery and restless, cleared his throat before smiling at her. “I thought you were on your way home already.”
“I was with Izzy.” Clary said simply, like it explained everything.
Simon could feel the questions emerging in her eyes. She wanted to ask if everything was okay. She wanted to know if he had succeeded in his quest. She wanted to find out what Jace, of all people, was doing here talking to him. Simon was willing to give her all the answer she wanted if he could just phrase it in a way that wouldn’t make him sound like a complete moron.
Thankfully, Jace saved him from the trouble. His smile smug and his eyes full of mischief, almost as if the Jace who had been there two minutes ago had never been there at all. “Well, I gotta go.” He sounded overly cheerful, too. “See you tomorrow for our date?”
Clary let out a shocked gasp and covered her mouth with her hand that was not on Simon’s shoulder.
“Yep.” Simon said, equally fake.
Jace surged up from his sinfully seductive position with a smirk then patted Simon on the cheek. He walked away with a confident stroll, unaware of how pink Simon’s ears were or how his skin was burned from the brief contact with the blond’s palm.
Simon gulped and looked over to his right only to find a beaming girl with the widest grin he had ever seen on her face. Simon disliked the way Clary’s eyes lighted up with amusement.
Simon also cursed his brain for already missing the way Jace smelled. It was almost like his brain had lost its tether to function when there was no Jace’s sweet body smell to comfort him, which sounded positively dumb.
“So, Jace Wayland, huh?” Clary teased, her fingers poking his ribs gently. “Fantastic choice.”
Simon was not sure how to respond to that. “Um.”
“Thanks for doing this.” She proceeded to hug him and bury her face in his shoulder. “I hope you know how grateful I am.”
Simon looked down at the top of her head then ruffled her wavy hair. He was satisfied at how happy she sounded. “Don’t even mention it.” He smiled genuinely and pulled apart when Clary burst out into a fit of giggles.
“Simon, you’re going on a date with the hottest guy in the school and I’m going on a date with the hottest girl in the school.” Clary pointed out, which, Simon realized with a slowly sinking feeling in his stomach, was completely and totally true.
“Oh, God.” Simon said, feeling a massive headache coming on. “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?”
“No, you’re not!” Clary exclaimed, slinging her arm around his waist and steering him away from his lockers towards the door. “Now, come on, we have a date to prepare.” She continued lively.
Simon gulped. “I guess we do.” He let out hoarsely.