City Of Bones

Chapter 18

The sunset sent orange and yellow rays of light across the sky, shining brightly on Clary's tense face as she walked stiffly between Simon and Jace. The awkward silence between them was quite uncomfortable for Clary as she stared in front of her. Fortunately, they were only a few minutes away from Simon's house now. Unable to bear the silence, Clary spoke up cautiously.

"So..." She spoke hesitantly, glancing at the boys beside her. Jace had his hands in his pockets, staring off at the sunset on the left while Simon walked with his head down, his eyes glued to his feet. "Pretty sunset, don't you think?" Jace looked at her in amusement, realizing what she was trying to do.

"I've seen better," he replied simply. "The sunset isn't that great when you think of all the dangers it brings with it." Clary frowned and didn't answer.

"Then why don't you go back if you dislike it so much. We don't need you." Simon quipped and Clary shot him a look he ignored.

"You couldn't handle the things that go bump in the night, mundie." Jace scoffed. Clary rolled her eyes thinking; here we go again, as she let out a groan.

"Like I haven't been, Goldie locks?" Simon shot back angrily. "Come on Clary, we don't need him right?" Simon draped his arm over Clary's small shoulders, smiling at Jace. Jace glared at the appendage like it offended him, as if he wanted to rip it off.

"Simon -" Clary began hesitantly, resisting the urge to pull away from his arm.

"Yeah Clary, tell him how you don't need me. I really don't care if you need me or not, I'm coming. End of story." Jace said, irritation dripping from his voice.

"Pretty boring story if it has anything to do with you." Simon jibed.

"Anything that has to do with me could never be boring, weasel boy." Jace looked at him with mock horror.

"By the Angel, please let us get there soon." Clary mumbled lowly, feeling slightly hopeful as Simon's home came into view, but both guys heard her.

"See she can't wait to get away from you." Jace laughed cheerfully, while Simon glared, Clary shrugged off Simon's arm, which was still on her shoulder, and spun around to face both of them, stopping them in their tracks. "That's enough! Jeez! Will you two please stop bickering like little girls! I can't take it anymore!" She yelled in frustration.

"I am no girl," Jace glowered, yet held some amusement.

"I don't know. It's possible." Simon threw in.

"Says the blind mundane," Jace barked back.

"Ugh!" Clary threw her hands up in the air. "I give up!" She turned around again and stalked off down the street, the two guys rushing after her.

"Look at that, you mad her mad. Sorry to say but that won't get you any points." Jace chuckled.

"Me? I don't think so, Goldie. This was all your doing." Simon huffed out, looking a bit red in the face as he realized the meaning in Jace's words. Fortunately, Clary remained oblivious. It was much harder for him to speak while keeping up two trained shadowhunters.

"What's the matter, mundie? Can't keep up?" Jace tormented, looking extremely amused.

"I hate you." Simon spat out, striding forward so that he was in pace with Clary who was acting like they weren't there. Jace only laughed.

"Believe me, the feeling's mutual," he shot back.

"You guys are going to make me rip my hair out!" Clary exclaimed angrily, glaring at Jace who looked at her innocently.

"It'd be a waste of great hair," he replied and she just shook her head.

"Yes it would so if you don't mind, I'd really appreciate not hearing your bickering. We'll be there in two minutes; would it be too much to ask to just keep quiet for that long?" Clary said and Simon grunted.