The dance floor was crowded with party goers, the air intoxicated with alcohol and some sickly fumes some of the Downworlders emitted. The music blared from the speakers almost on the point of shattering the Institute's windows. Luckily, to the mundanes the Institute didn't exist and they could not hear nor see the people of the Shadow world.

In the middle of the dance floor, Isabelle and Simon danced around enthusiastically, matching their steps to the rhythm to the music. "This is best party in the history of the Shadow world!" Isabelle heard someone shout, she grinned proudly in spite of herself. When the DJ announced it was time for a couple of slow songs, people scrambled around desperately looking for a partner. Isabelle shied away from Simon, unable to overcome the butterflies fluttering inside her. So they walked off the dance floor and she and Simon awkwardly stood together on the wall, watching as other couples twirled on the dance floor.

She glanced around and saw her brother with Magnus; Alec was blushing and looking down at his feet as Magnus laughed at him and tried to get Alec to look into his green cat-eyes. She looked over at the other couples; Camille moved around gracefully as she swayed across the ballroom which a sharply dressed gentleman, who Isabelle did not recognize. She stared longingly at the couples, watching as the men held their partners gently and they lead them across the ballroom. She observed the ladies giggling at sweet nothings the men whispered into their ears. Isabelle looked at Simon out of the corner of her eye; would he ever lead her across the dance floor and mumble romantic nonsense to her too?

A couple suddenly swooped passed her and she quickly stepped back just before she got knocked over. She realized the pair was Jace and Clary. Jace grinned at Clary mischievously and spun her around expertly. She laughed impressed by his dancing skills. Isabelle watched the two in amusement. At one point, as Jace and Clary waltzed around the room, Jace caught Isabelle watching them. He looked between her and Simon and smirked challengingly as if daring her to ask Simon to dance with her. She gulped nervously and planned a way to ask Simon to dance.

* * * *

Simon stood on the side of the room with Isabelle, watching Jace and Clary with jealousy. He was going to ask her to dance with him. He balled up his fists, frustrated that he had practiced ballroom dancing for nothing. When they swayed past him and Isabelle, he scoffed thinking that Jace wanted to flaunt his relationship – and dance moves – to them.

How would he get Clary to notice him now?

A sudden idea popped into his head, remembering all those cliché teen shows. He would try and make Clary jealous. That's it! It'll clearly get her attention! he thought, now full of hope. He glanced over at Isabelle beside him, maybe she would help him with the plan. They had been good friends for a while now so maybe she would want to help.

He turned to her and open his mouth to ask her, but was interrupted by Isabelle saying, "Simon…. will you please dance with me?" He agreed immediately, glad that things were off to a good start. Unfortunately, he didn't notice the blush that crept upon her face as she asked him or the way she perked up when he had said, "Yeah, sure." he smiled and took her by the hand.

They danced elegantly to a handful of songs, with Simon glad he had mastered the steps he learned and Isabelle trying her best not to step on Simon's feet – Demon hunting was easy and one would think dancing would be a piece of cake, but for Isabelle it had never been her best talent. They chatted idly, enjoying each other's company, when Simon finally decided to ask for Isabelle's help.

"Um, Izzy?"

"Yeah?" she looked into his eyes curiously, waiting for his response since he hesitated at first.

"I actually wanted to ask you something." he explained. "Well, we've been really good friends and all, so I was wondering –" Isabelle's heart fluttered in excitement, it was finally happening. Simon was going to ask her out! She couldn't believe it; Isabelle grinned happily to herself and had to suppress the squeal that wanted to be heard. She would have to remind herself later to thank Jace for encouraging her to ask Simon to dance. " – if you could help me with something." Isabelle's smile faltered a bit, but she continued to listen. "Well, I've always liked Clary and –"

"W-what?" she stuttered. She could feel the heat sting the back of her eyes as she struggled not to cry and appear normal. Isabelle tried to get her emotions under control, her breathing hitched and her movements shaky. She tried to suppress the sob the wanted to escape her throat, but forced herself to smile and pretend to listen to what Simon was saying. Simon didn't like her, he liked Clary. She felt like someone had stabbed her and she felt as if her heart was shattering.

"Isabelle? Did you hear what I said?" Simon's voice cut through her daze, snapping her out of her thoughts. She looked at him with wide eyes that held confusion as well as something else Simon couldn't quite pinpoint. He took it as a sign that she hadn't heard him and repeated himself, "I was wondering if you could be my pretend girlfriend and help me make Clary jealous. I've always liked her and I want to get her to notice me." Isabelle remained quiet for a while and Simon became worried that she would refuse and he would have to come up with a different plan if he could find a "girlfriend" soon.

"So, Isabelle will you help me?

* * * * 

nger boiled up in Isabelle as she listened to Simon's explanation and plan – no scheme – to win Clary over. She thought the idea was quite cliché and wouldn't be fair on her part. How could she help Simon get another girl to fall for him, when she had already fallen for him herself? Couldn't he see how much she liked him? She liked Clary and thought of her as a friend, but she had Jace already, did she really need to have Simon too? She considered walking away and ignoring Simon for as long as it would take, but she knew that would be impossible for her.

She thought about the plan for a while and finally decided what she would do.

"O-okay, Simon. I-I'll be your … girlfriend." she answered struggling to get the words out.

"Yes! That's great!" Thank you so much!" Simon cheered gratefully and hugged Isabelle tightly. Her hands stood at her side lifeless as if they weighed a ton, but soon enough she lifted up her hands to hug Simon half-heatedly. "I owe you one, Izzy!" he promised.

She rested her against Simon's chest staring at nothing as she took in her situation. Yeah, you do. You owe me big time, Simon Lewis. Isabelle thought sadly as a lone tear escaped her eyes and rolled down her cheek slowly.

~~ ^W^v ~~

A/N:  Poor Isabelle, eh? I feel for her I really do.. we don't have to go into depth but how many of you have ever felt this way to some sort of extent?

What do you think will happen next?

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