Not Just a Mundane//An Alec Lightwood Story

- 10 -

Selena's POV

That evening, I went to dinner with my mother. I told her what I could—that I was helping Clary with some things while her mom was away, which meant I'd be gone for a while. She listened, nodding thoughtfully, and reassured me that if I ever needed help, I could always come to her. I thanked her before heading back to the Institute.

Once in my room, I was changing when I received a summons to the Ops Center. I rushed out and, on my way there, spotted Simon heading for the exit. I hurried to catch up.

"Simon, shouldn't you be in the infirmary? Where are you going?" I called out.

"Simon, what are you doing?" Clary's voice followed behind me.

"I already told Isabelle—they can't keep me prisoner here," Simon snapped, not slowing his pace.

"Prisoner? Wait... Simon..." Clary panted, struggling to keep up.

"Where are you going?" I asked again as we finally caught up to him.

" I'm going home, Selena. And if you two haven't already completely drunk their Kool-Aid, then you're coming with me." Simon's voice was firm.

"You know we can't," I said, shaking my head.

" Yes, you can, it... It's not safe here," Simon insisted, his eyes wide with conviction.

" In fact, this is the safest place they could possibly be." Jace's voice echoed from behind as he stepped out of the elevator.

Simon scoffed. "You don't get to talk to me, Captain America," he said with a mocking laugh.

" Considering I'm the guy with the weapons, I get to say what I want," Jace shot back, irritation evident.

"Oh yeah? Come at me, bro!" Simon suddenly shouted, lunging toward Jace.

" Oh, yeah?" Jace smirked, looking bemused.

" Simon, settle down. You too, Jace." I scolded, stepping between them. Clary joined me, holding Simon back.

" Yeah." Simon bites.

" Hey, what is your problem?" Clary asks him in disbelief.

" He's my problem," Simon muttered, glaring at Jace.

"Why?" I asked, exasperated.

" He's just like Kirk Duplesse from high school. Do you two remember him? Total jerk with the square jaw. Smelled like body spray, always bullying people. 'Why don't you do your own homework, Kirk? Just once, yeah?'"Simon babbled, his frustration spilling out, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"Simon..." I groaned, feeling the absurdity of the comparison.

"I can take care of myself," Simon muttered as he headed for the exit.

"Fine, let him go," Jace said, crossing his arms. "I'm not saving his ass a second time."

I sighed, arms crossed. "Really, Jace?"

"Simon!" Clary called after her best friend, rushing to follow him.

"You're an idiot," I muttered to Jace, turning back toward the Ops Center.

"No, I'm not," he retorted, defensive.

"Yes, you are," I shot back, dropping into a chair. Jace glanced at one of the monitors, his gaze drifting to Clary and Simon, now heading out the door.

Clary returned moments later, looking resigned.

"He left?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"He left," she confirmed, sitting across from me.