"Finally! We're here!" Clary inhaled the fresh night air ― well as fresh as the air could get in New York. She ran up the stairs excitedly and was about to open the door when she turned around to look at Simon, realizing he wasn't following her. "Aren't you coming?" she asked.

Simon looked reluctant to follow her. She stood at the Institute's doors, her hand still on the handle, not breaking her gaze on him. Simon sighed in defeat, knowing that Clary wouldn't enter without him. "I would go in, but isn't there some Shadow Hunter magic that keeps Downworlders from coming into the Institute? What if some ―I don't know― seraph blades start heading towards me?" Simon explained. Realization dawning on Clary's face, she became hesitant as well, but smiled at Simon comfortingly.

On the other hand, Simon tried to suppress the butterflies in his stomach as Clary looked at him. Her brows furrowed in frustration and worry for him. Simon used all the strength he had to restrain himself from striding over to Clary and giving her a kiss to take away all the worry and frustration.

"Not to worry, my dears, I took that spell down already. Only the rooms in the Institute that are absolutely forbidden to Downworlders still have the spell on them. It only lasts for tonight, so we're good." explained a familiar voice.

"Magnus!" Clary cried, rushing over to the warlock and giving him a hug. Simon clenched his fist in annoyance. He really wanted to punch Magnus now. Magnus smirked as he hugged Clary even tighter, sensing the anger coming off Simon and decided not to tease him any further – about Clary at least.

"Hey, Clary. Hey, Daywalker." Magnus greeted interestedly.

Simon glowered at Magnus, "I have a name you know."

Magnus responded indifferently and shrugged, "I am aware…"

Clary, tired of the tension and awkwardness, decided to ask, "So what are you guys doing here?"

"Well, its my sister's birthday, so I'm obviously going." Alec said stating the obvious and desperate to get inside the Institute.

"Yeah. Well I'm here with my boo." Magnus replied cheerfully, attempting to lighten the mood and holding up his and Alec's intertwined fingers. Alec blushed deeply and loosened his grip on Magnus' hand. Magnus aware that Alec would try to let go, gripped Alec's hand even tighter, making Alec blush even more. Simon watched the pair, coughing to hide his amusement at the Magnus' playfulness and Alec's bashfulness. Deep down, however, he envied the two. He hoped that one day he could have a relationship like that with Clary.

Clary grinned as she watched the scene.

"Umm, can we go in now?" Alec inquired still embarrassed by Magnus' statement.

"Yeah, come on!" Clary urged going up the Institute's steps once again. "By the way, love your outfits, guys." Clary added, eyeing Magnus in his blue jeans, rainbow belt, loose top and the blue sparkles glistening in his sleek hair.

Simon glanced over at Alec seeing that he was wearing black dress pants and a white flannel shirt. Around his neck was a pendant that glowed different shades.

"Nice necklace." Simon sneered.

"Magnus made me wear it, ok?" Alec defended.

"I figured." Simon said, no longer able to contain his laughter. He turned around and chased after Clary before Alec could do anything.

Alec grumbled in embarrassment. "In my opinion, you look very cute." Magnus comforted Alec, then gave him a quick kiss. Alec was stunned into silence. He blushed a deep shade of red and hoped that no one had seen his exchange between Magnus. The playful warlock held onto Alec's hand and tugged him along. "Let's go join the party." he exclaimed happily.