[ Scott hasn't really made a huge effort to make friends; there aren't any memories that make him that way, but there's just enough echoes of a life in a bunch of foster homes at various points that say 'don't get attached' that he's more willing to listen to than some councilor he knows is just trying to get through their day without reaching for the Jack in the bottom drawer.

...it's not pessimism if you're at least 50% sure you saw it there when they pulled out your file the last time.

But Scott is still a teenage boy. And Clary is an exceptionally pretty girl. You don't need to have his skills at math to do this equation. ]

You're not in my way.

[ A tilt of his head towards one of the tables. ]

And the lemon bars are pretty much the best thing I've had all afternoon. I mean, if you like lemon.