FROM THE SHADOWS

[13] SIMON

"Izzy, I need your help." Mabel burst into Izzy's room.

Izzy jumped to her feet. "What is it? Is everything okay?" Her hand was already reaching for her whip, while her eyes scanned Mabel up and down.

"What? No, yeah. Sorry. I didn't mean 'life-or-death' kinda help." Mabel smiled sheepishly. Izzy let out a breath and relaxed.

"Alright, so what's going on? You look like a woman on a mission."

"Oh, I am. What would you say to helping me set up a date night?"

Izzy squealed, a radiant smile taking over. "Yes! Let's do it. Tell me everything."

. . . . .

Mabel had changed into some dark red sweatpants and a black T-shirt and was on her way to find her soulmates. She caught sight of Jace in Ops and grinned. She ran towards him and jumped onto his back. Jace barely managed to catch himself.

"Woah! Hey. What are you doing?" He laughed, looking back at her over his shoulder. Mabel beamed and jumped down.

"I was looking for you. Are you doing anything right now?"

"I'm talking to you." Mabel shot him a look at that answer, making him smirk. "No. I'm free. Why?"

Mabel grabbed his hand and began dragging him along. "Great. Where's Alec?"

"This way." Jace gently redirected her and pulled her along instead. They headed towards training room, where Alec was practicing with a wooden staff. Mabel's jaw dropped as she openly stared at his defined muscles and quick, deliberate movements. God, he looked far too sexy like that.

Jace leant down next to her ear, "I know, right." His breath tickled against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

The duo stayed in the doorway, watching Alec practice. It wasn't until Alec made a turn that he noticed them standing there. He finished the move and turned back to them, putting the staff down. "How long have you been standing there?" He grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat off his face (and hide his blush, but they didn't need to know that).

"Not nearly long enough," Jace sighed theatrically. "But, Mabel here seems to be up to something, so unfortunately, the show's over."

"Hm, I don't know... Just staying here to watch sounds like a good way to pass the time too." Mabel smirked, winking at Alec. He shook his head with a smile, so Mabel sighed. "Alright. Back to plan A then."

"What's plan A?" Alec asked, glancing at Jace, but he was just as clueless.

"Wouldn't you like to know." Her grin was back and she grabbed both their hands, pulling them along with her. Alec and Jace shared a fond look behind her back.

Mabel led them back to the hallway their rooms were in and pointed both of them to theirs. "Get changed into something comfortable."

"Yes, Ma'am," Jace agreed. Mabel blinked, quickly pushing back the unholy thoughts that sprung to mind.

. . . . .

Alec had jumped in the shower and was out in record time, not wanting to keep his soulmates waiting. Both him and Jace were beyond curious about what Mabel had up her sleeve. But her lips were sealed and even when the two of them realized she was leading them up to the roof, they still had no clue what was happening.

That is, until Mabel pushed the door leading to the roof open and revealed something straight out of a fairytale. Small lights lit up the roof, revealing a bunch of blankets and pillows set up in front of a white screen. There were heaters to battle the cold night air and all kinds of snacks.