[ No, not even a little bit nailed it, thank you. There's so much to unpack in that quick rundown that it throws him off the trail for a second, though — switching bodies, Seelie Court, Herondale. Alec taking over the Institute, which maybe shouldn't be a huge surprise. Simon's trying to remember what exactly Herondale's supposed to mean (something important, apparently) when she gets to the part about murder. ]
Why would someone— [ This should probably be the priority. It somehow isn't, and he reminds himself that she said tried, which hopefully implies failed. Simon cuts the question off, hands dropping to his sides and closing into fists as he tries to regain some composure.
He's only sort of successful. If anything, the fact that being short with Clary doesn't come naturally is his only saving grace. He could push. Ask why, try to dig out whatever information she's clearly dodging — but he doesn't particularly want to hear it. Hearing it won't make it more real, and it won't make it his own memory.
The consequences are real, though, and Simon swallows as he collects his thoughts, jaw tight while he works through it; Clary wanting space, telling him to back off. ] So you don't want to be with me.
[ The question doesn't feel fair. He isn't going for petty. He's trying to keep his voice steady, his expression even, trying to get an honest answer and regain any kind of footing. If it's guarded, it's because he's bracing for a no. ]
no subject
Why would someone— [ This should probably be the priority. It somehow isn't, and he reminds himself that she said tried, which hopefully implies failed. Simon cuts the question off, hands dropping to his sides and closing into fists as he tries to regain some composure.
He's only sort of successful. If anything, the fact that being short with Clary doesn't come naturally is his only saving grace. He could push. Ask why, try to dig out whatever information she's clearly dodging — but he doesn't particularly want to hear it. Hearing it won't make it more real, and it won't make it his own memory.
The consequences are real, though, and Simon swallows as he collects his thoughts, jaw tight while he works through it; Clary wanting space, telling him to back off. ] So you don't want to be with me.
[ The question doesn't feel fair. He isn't going for petty. He's trying to keep his voice steady, his expression even, trying to get an honest answer and regain any kind of footing. If it's guarded, it's because he's bracing for a no. ]