Fifty Sixth One Shot:

Lawyers

Clary POV:

"You won't win the next one." I said as we exited the courthouse.

"Do you doubt my abilities Miss. Fairchild?" He said with his signature smirk.

"No, I doubt that your client is innocent." I said defensively.

"Innocent until proven guilty sweet cheeks." He said and I rolled my eyes.

"That only applies when the law is upheld." I said and we stopped and he looked at me.

"Are you saying that my client didn't deserve to walk free?" He asked and I crossed my arms over my chest.

"You are very good a planting reasonable doubt. There is a reason people call you to be their defense attorney." I said and he smiled.

"I do my job. Just like you." He said and I let out a humorless laugh.

"My job is to make sure that the law is being followed, and those who are breaking the law are punished accordingly. You job is to get your client, innocent or guilty, out of their crime." I said and his eyes narrowed. "We're on two totally different sides of the law Herondale." I said as I started walking again. I was really pissed that I lost this case, and I knew he could tell.

"We aren't so different Fairchild, you'll see." He called after me but I kept walking. I got into my car and drive away. He's been a pain in my ass since college, and for some reason I can't get rid of him.

When I get back to my apartment I put my keys down, kick my heels off, and started making dinner. Living alone wasn't the worst thing in the world, sure a little company would be nice, but all my friends have families that they have to take care of. I chose work over starting a family, and there were days that I wished I had someone to come home too, but I love my job. I love putting criminals in jail for the crimes they committed. It was my dream job as a little girl, and now I'm living it. I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Jace POV:

There weren't many women in the world who denied me, but Clary Fairchild was one of them and it drove me crazy. We met in college, and for some reason we have always been in competition with each other. If it wasn't on a paper, it was a test. If it wasn't a test, it was a project. If it wasn't a project, it was our countless mock trials. She always wanted to beat me, and I always wanted to win. Once our professors realized what was happening between us, they purposefully put us against each other just to see what the outcome would be. And it wasn't a bad move on their part, we brought out the competitive side of each other, and it made us work ten times harder.

When I got back to my place, Alec and Magnus were on the couch watching TV. I walked right to the kitchen and got whatever leftovers were in the fridge. You would think since I moved out I would have learned to cook, but it wasn't a skill that I picked up. I made my way back into the living room and took a seat.

"How'd you so?" Alec asked and I smiled.

"I won." I said with a smirk.

"I bet Clary was pissed." Alec said and I just laughed and nodded. They had had the pleasure of meeting her once or twice and they said just by being in the same area as us they could feel the tension between us.

"Yea, she wasn't too pleased, but that's how it works." I said.

"Was your client even innocent?" Magnus asked.

"It was questionable. I asked him a lot of questions before that trial, and spoke to witnesses. He wanted to plead not guilty, and my job is to help my client." I said and they nodded.

"What was he being tried for anyway?" Alec asked.

"Hit and run." I said and they nodded.

They went back to watching TV, and after I finished my dinner I decided to go to bed. It had been a long week, and tomorrow I didn't have to go into the office, so I could finally sleep in. After I got ready for bed I climbed into my bed and for some reason I still couldn't get Clary out of my head. It was weird for me to still be thinking about her at this point, normally after a case I just forgot about her, but something was different, I just didn't know what.

Time Jump – Two Weeks Later

Clary POV:

I was in court again today against Jace. I never understood how he could be a defense attorney. I would never be able to fight for a client that I knew was guilty, but wanted to plea innocent. That never sat well with me, and I didn't know how Jace slept at night. I walk into the courthouse and of course, Jace is standing right there.

"Good morning Miss. Fairchild." He smugly said. "I got you some coffee. Figured you want to be awake when I kick your ass." He said as he handed me a cup. "Don't worry, I got your order right. Black, like you soul, correct?" He said and I rolled my eyes. I tell him something once, one time during our sophomore year of college, and yet he still remembers.

"How the hell do you remember that?" I asked as I took the coffee. I may not like the guy, but I was never one to turn down free coffee.

"I remember getting you nearly 30 cups of coffee that night. I can't forget it even if I wanted too." He said with a smiled. As much as we constantly battled in our academics, we found each other very good study partners when it came to exam times.

"Can you blame me? Professor Wright's class kicked my ass that semester, and I needed a good grade on the final." I said and he laughed. If only he wasn't so damn irritating me might actually get along.

"Not at all. You had coffee, I had RedBull." He said as we entered the courtroom. We walked to the front and I looked at him and smiled.

"Good luck Herondale." I said and he smirked.

"You're going down Fairchild." He said and we went over to our sides. One of my favorite parts of this job was battling him. Our little back and forth game had been going on for years, and it was always fun to kick his ass in court.

Time Jump – Later That Day

Clary POV:

"Better luck next time Herondale." I said as we left the courtroom.

"I tried to convince him to plead guilty, but he wasn't having it." Jace said as we walked to the parking lot.

"Just another tally in my 'Times I've kicked Jace Herondale's ass journal.' It's getting kinda full. I might need a new one soon." I said and he smirked.

"You keep a journal of my ass? I'm flattered Clarissa." He said and I rolled my eyes. "And here I thought you didn't like me." He said and I laughed. When I scanned the parking lot for Jace's car I noticed it wasn't there. And I know what this looks like, but Jace was a flashy guy, and his car showed it, so when it wasn't around, I noticed.

"Take the bus to work today?" I asked and he laughed.

"Car is in the shop. My brother drove me." He said as he looked around. "Looks like he didn't get my message. He's probably sexing it up with his boyfriend." Jace said and I laughed.

"Jealous?" I said and he laughed.

"Never. The guy wears too much glitter for me." Jace said and I shook my head.

"I'll give you a ride." I said and he looked at me.

"What's the catch?" He asked and I opened up my door.

"No catch. You got me coffee this morning, I'm returning the favor." I said as I got in. "Are you going to get in or what?" I asked as he made his way over to the passenger side. He got in and I started the car. "Plus, I never want to be in your debt ever again." I said and he laughed.

I pulled out of the parking lot and followed the instructions Jace gave me. Surprisingly he didn't live that far away from me, but I was never going to tell him that. I pulled up to the curb and put the car in park. I looked over and gave him a friendly smile, which he returned.

"Next case we go back to enemies. This idea of friendship freaks me out." He said and I laughed.

"Deal. Now get out of my car." I said and he laughed and got out.

"Thanks for the ride Fray." He said as he slammed the door. I shook my head at the ridiculous nickname he gave me years ago. I pulled away from his building and started making my way back to my place feeing something different towards Jace, but I sure as hell was never going to admit it out loud.

Jace POV:

I walked up to my floor and unlocked the door to see Alec and Magnus going at it on the couch. Nothing too inappropriate, but they were in the middle of one heated make out session, and I was a little upset that I walked in on it.

"Now I know why you didn't come get me." I said and they sprinted apart.

"By the Angel Jace, don't do that." Alec said breathlessly and I laughed.

"Than don't start a heated make out session with your boyfriend and forget to pick up your brother." I said and he cursed and looked at his phone.

"I'm sorry man." He said and I waved him off. "How did you get home?"

"The spawn of Satan gave me a lift." I said and they both looked at me. "Clary." I said and they nodded.

"You two have the strangest relationship." Magnus said and I laughed.

"We don't have a relationship." I pointed out.

"Yes you do, it's just really weird." Alec said and I gestured for him to continue. "You two are constantly battling it out in court, and whoever wins brags, and whoever loses whines, but you buy her coffee, and she brought you home. You two talk about college like you were the best of friends, and on some really strange level you two really understand each other."

"How do you know I bring her coffee?" I asked, which might not have been the right thing to ask seeing the looks I got from both Alec and Magnus.

"Please Jace. You only remember two coffee orders. Yours and hers. Forget the fact that we're brothers, you can't remember what coffee I like, and you never remember what Izzy likes." Alec said.

"In my defense, Izzy always changes hers, and you just like regular coffee." I said and Magnus laughed.

"He doesn't drink coffee." Magnus said and I looked at Alec.

"Since when?" I asked.

"I gave it up for lent when I was 18, and I realized that I didn't need it anymore, and I haven't touched it since." Alec said and my jaw dropped.

"You haven't had coffee in 12 years?" I asked.

"No. And if you remembered other peoples coffee orders, you'd know that." Alec said and I shook my head.

"Look, Clary and I don't have a relationship. We're co-workers at best, and college rivals after that." I said and they both rolled their eyes.

"Deny it all you want Jace. You're different when it comes to her, and one day you'll figure it all out." Alec said and I walked away. Clary and I didn't have a relationship, did we? I mean yea, the first time I saw her I thought she was hot, but she didn't give me the time of day, and since then we've been rivals, but I couldn't shake what Alec and Magnus said all night, and I fell asleep thinking about that stubborn, and intelligent redhead who I couldn't seem to get away from.

Time Jump – One Month Later

Clary POV:

I didn't have a case lined up this week, so my boss told me that I could come into the office late, and catch up on whatever sleep I missed after busting my butt on the last case I had. I wanted nothing more than to put that man in prison, so I barely slept while trying to get everything I could to get him away. There was a loud knock on my front door that woke me up. I looked at my phone and realized it was nearly 9:30. I rolled out of bed and made my way to the door. When I opened it, it was the last person I ever thought I'd see. Jace Herondale was standing there, looking completely and totally wrecked.

"How the hell did you find out where I lived?" I asked as he made his way into my apartment.

"I need your help." He said and I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Why on earth would I help you?" I asked.

"Please Clary. I need you." He said and he sounded so incredibly desperate, and my heart nearly broke for him.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"My little brother, he was killed last week, and the guy is pleading not guilty in court." He said and I gasped. "I need that son of a bitch in jail Clary, and you're the best prosecutor in this state." I lead him over to the kitchen table and made us a pot of coffee. I set it down, and grabbed two mugs with cream and sugar and took a seat.

"Tell me everything." I said and his eyes lightened up.

We sat there for 3 hours talking about everything that we could do to make sure this man was sent to prison. He was driving while intoxicated but he was technically under the limit and was trying to get the DUI charges dropped and just plead to manslaughter, but Jace and I both knew that wasn't enough for him. Jace and I both knew that he should be charged with vehicular manslaughter and face the higher amount of jail time the system will allow, but even that didn't seem like enough.

"How did it happen?" I asked hesitantly.

"He was playing in the front yard with the neighbor. They were just throwing a football around and having fun, and the ball landed in the street. Max looked both ways and there were no cars coming, and he went to get the ball, and when he was on his way back over the yard, that's when he was hit. They did everything they could, but they couldn't save him." Jace said and my heart truly ached for him.

"The neighbor is a witness, right?" I asked and he nodded.

"He told the police the man that after he hit Max he didn't even flinch. He just kept driving." Jace explained, and I did something I never thought I'd do. I reached my hand over the table and took his hand in mine.

"I'll nail this son of bitch's ass to the wall Jace." I said and he gave me a sad smile. "When was the last time you slept?" I asked.

"I don't even remember what day it is." He said and I laughed.

"It's Wednesday." I said.

"I haven't really slept since it happened." Jace said. "So it's been about 4 days."

"You need sleep Jace." I said and he shook his head.

"What I need to do is get justice for Max." Jace said.

"I'll do that, you go over to my couch, and take a nap. I'll wake you up when dinner is ready." I said and he looked at me with confusion.

"I get helping me with the case, I mean I practically begged, but why the hospitality?" He asked and I shrugged.

"I guess I know you'd do the same for me." I said. "Look, we get on each others nerves like it's our second job, but I don't think I'd be as good a lawyer as I am if it weren't for your constant pushing in college." I said and he laughed. "Despite how competitive our professional career has been against each other, I do consider you a friend Jace. And if there is one thing I want you to know about me, it's that I will always help a friend out. No matter what." I said and he smiled, an actual smile at me. "And right now, you need sleep."

"Thank you for doing this for me. I know my family really appreciates it." Jace said and I nodded. Jace made his way over to the couch, and I went and grabbed my laptop and started on my research for this case. If there was one case in the world I didn't want to lose, it was this one.

Time Jump – A Couple Hours Later

Jace POV:

I felt something rubbing my hand and I started to open my eyes. I don't even remember falling asleep. I was so exhausted, that when I put a blanket over me, I smelled the sweet scent of Clary and I was immediately knocked out. When my eyes were fully opened Clary was kneeling in front of me with a smile on her face. I sat up and stretched out a little bit and she laughed.

"Next time, get a bigger couch." I said and she rolled her eyes but had a smile on her face.

"Sorry, next time I go furniture shopping, I'll make sure it can fit a man who is taller than 6 feet." She said and I smiled.

"That's all I'm asking." I said and she shook her head.

"Well, my 5 feet fit perfectly on that couch." She said and I smiled. "Come on, dinner is ready. I hope you don't mine, but your phone was going crazy. Alec called like 9 times."

"Shit, I never texted him that I was coming here." I said as I grabbed my phone.

"We talked. I told him everything. Don't worry." She said.

"You talked to my brother?" I asked.

"Yes. He was worried, and I didn't want him to think you fell into a ditch and died. He's very nice by the way." She said and I sighed. This was going to be hard to explain to him. "I'm starving, so I'm going to eat, feel free to join me." She said as she walked away. I stood up and followed her into the kitchen where the table was already set with food and everything.

"You made all this?" I asked and she giggled. Man was she cute. Hold up, I don't know where that came from.

"Of course. Don't you cook?" She asked and I laughed.

"Not at all. I never really picked it up." I said as I sat down.

"Boys." She muttered and I smiled.

I don't know how to explain it, but eating dinner with Clary was one of the most natural things I've ever done. We were laughing, and joking around with each other, and talking about college, and all of our weird experiences in classes with our professors, and other students and each other. I don't know why I never saw how amazing of a person she was before, but now I would never be able to unsee it.

"Do you remember when you were partnered with that girl in Tally's class, what was her name, Alli, or Alice." Clary said and I laughed.

"Aline." I said and she smiled

"Yes, Aline. I still remember your face when he called your names together." She laughed and I just shook my head.

"That was a project from hell. She actually tried to have sex with me, and than told me it would help me with my career." I said and her eyes widened.

"Did you?" She asked and I scoffed.

"I have some standards Clary." I said and she giggled. It was in this moment that I realized, I was potentially going to be a goner when it came to this girl. "Your partner wasn't any better." I pointed out and she laughed.

"He was such a dick. We couldn't get through a meeting without him talking about the hypothetical sex he was having with me in his mind." She said as she cringed.

"We killed it though." I said and she nodded.

"Because we did all the work. Can you imagine if we were paired together? Dude, that would have been such a badass project." She said and I smiled and nodded. "Could you imagine if we were actually allies during college?"

"Not really. I enjoyed our little rivalry. It gave me the kick in the ass I needed, and we pushed each other when we needed it." I said and she nodded.

"That it did. Especially because my family thought I couldn't make it as a lawyer." She said.

"And look at you now." I said and she laughed.

"Look at me now." She said and it got quiet before my phone started ringing. I looked at it and it was Alec.

"I should probably get home. Alec keeps calling, and I think I worried him enough for today." I said and she nodded.

"I'll let you know the minute I have anything." She said and I smiled.

"Thank you again for doing this Clary." I said and she walked me to the door.

"It's no problem Jace." She said and I left.

The whole way back to my apartment I couldn't get the stupid smile off my face. I don't know why today changed the way I saw things, but I don't think that I could possibly go back to how things were before. Something was different, and I wasn't quite sure how to deal with it. I walked into the apartment and Alec, Magnus and Izzy were all there. As soon as I opened the door they rushed me.

"Where the hell have you been?" Izzy shouted.

"I was at Clary's." I said and I got that look from Magnus and Alec. "She's going to prosecute the man who killed Max."

"How did you convince her to do that? Aren't you two enemies?" Izzy asked.

"They have a strange relationship Iz." Magnus said.

"It's not strange. We actually talked about it today, and although we were rivals in college, and we like to kick each other's ass's in court, we actually are friends."

"You told us not even a month ago that you two were just co-workers at best." Alec pointed out.

"It changed." I said.

"Why?" Magnus asked.

"Because she is the only person I trust to put that bastard behind bars for life." I said and they nodded. "Look, it's different. I don't know how different, but it's different. I just, she's the best prosecutor in the state, and with what this guy is trying to plead in court, she's the only one who I can trust to do everything in her power to make sure he rots in a prison cell."

"We get it. We want him in jail just as much as you do, it just shocked me when I go to call you, and she answered the phone." Alec said.

"I know, but she made me sleep since apparently I looked awful." I said and they laughed.

"We all look pretty rough." Izzy said and I smiled.

"She told me she would let me knows anything else, and how she is going to persecute." I said and they nodded. "I'm actually still tired, so I'm going to get more sleep. You all should do the same." I said and I went to my room.

Time Jump – Start of Trial Process

Clary POV:

The case was starting this week, and I had my first discovery with the defense attorney and all other parties that will be in attendance. I was nervous, which doesn't happen often, but this case meant more to me than any other case ever has. Not only because a little boy's life was lost, but because since the day Jace asked me to help, my view of him changed. He was no longer an arrogant asshole that I've known him to be, but he was funny, and he made me laugh, and he understood me.

I was walking up to the courthouse when I was suddenly surrounded by people, but the only one I recognized was Jace. I stopped dead in my tracks and stared at him waiting for him to tell me what he was doing here, but he was just silent, along with the three other people with him.

"Are you going to speak? Cause I'm going to be late." I said.

"How's it looking?" He asked.

"You know I can't discuss the case with you Jace." I said as I tried to move past him.

"Just hint at it." He said and I rolled my eyes and tried to get pact him again when the girl put her hand on my shoulder to stop me.

"First, get your hand off me." I said and Jace grabbed her hand and removed it. "Second, it's just the discovery Jace. I haven't even started the pre-trail yet, so right now it's still more of a blank slate."

"When does the pre-trail start?" Jace asked.

"Next Friday." I said and he groaned. "You know how the system works. I'm doing my best to make sure I have everything I need to prosecute the shit out of this man, but you can't come here and ambush me when I have to be somewhere. You want information, call me." I said as I pushed past him.

"But you just said you can't tell me." He said and I turned around. I moved closer to them all so that I wasn't shouting this in front of the courthouse.

"I can't tell you, but if you come over to dinner, and I happen to leave something open on my coffee table, and you just happen to see it, than nobody has to know." I winked and walked away.

"Dinner tonight?" I heard him call and I laughed.

"Be at my place at 7." I called back as I made my way into the courthouse.

I went through the whole day and I couldn't believe that this man was actually trying to plead not guilty. The whole time I just wanted to lunge across the table and strangle him for taking an innocent boys life. When the meeting was over I went to my office and took a seat and rested my head on the desk. There was something off about this guy. I don't know what it was, but he seemed all too familiar with the court system, but when they tried to get fingerprints after his arrest they couldn't because his fingertips were too burned. He claimed it was because of his work, but something just seemed off, and I needed my best team on it. I picked up my phone and dialed the person I knew I could count on.

"Hello?" He answered and I smiled.

"Simon, it's Clary." I said.

"Clary, what do I owe this call?" He asked.

"You and your team still the best PI's in New York?" I asked and I heard him scoff.

"Please, we're the best in the country." He said and I laughed.

"I have a job for you." I said.

"Shoot." He said.

"Matthew Bennett. Involved in a hit and run that ended a boys life last week. He was driving while intoxicated but his blood alcohol level was a .075, so he's trying to get that part dropped and only get charged with manslaughter." I explained. "I want to prosecute him for vehicular manslaughter with the DUI."

"Okay. What do you need from my team?" He asked.

"There is something not right about this guy. He seems oddly calm during this, and when they ran his fingerprints they couldn't get a good read because his prints have been burned off due to his job." I said. "I need you guys to dig up everything you can on this man. I need something so I can nail his ass to the wall."

"No problem Clary. I'll get them on it right away." He said.

"Thanks Simon." I said and we hung up.

By the time I was done for the day I was exhausted. I got back to my placed and collapsed on the couch. After about 30 minutes, I took my notes out from the discovery, and put them on the coffee table *wink, wink* to look over them. So far I just had what he was pleading and all of the contact information of Simon's group. The real work started tomorrow, but at least I knew what I was working with now. There was no way this guy was getting off as an innocent man. He was going to jail, I just didn't know for how long.

Time Jump – First Day of Trial

Clary POV:

"All rise." The bailiff said and everyone stood. This trial has turned out to be one of the most difficult cases I've ever worked on, but I was fully prepared to bring out all the stops in order for him to be put in jail for the rest of his life. The judge walked in and took his seat and the rest of the court sat as well. "In the case of Matthew Bennett vs. The State of New York, how do you plead?"

"Not guilty your honor." He said and the judge nodded.

"Proceed." The judge said and thus the trial started.

After being in that courtroom for hours I was happy when the judge called to reconvene tomorrow. I walked out and was making my way to my car when I saw Jace leaning against it. I took a deep breath and made my way over to him. He moved aside so that I could put my thinks in the back seat. When I was finally done I closed the door and looked at him.

"Any news from your PI?" He asked and I shook my head.

"It's a lot harder than anyone else they've ever had to track down. I already informed the court that I had more evidence, it just wasn't ready yet, and Bennett's lawyer got a copy as well. It's just a waiting game now." I said and he sighed.

"I'm tired of waiting. I want action." Jace said and I nodded.

"I know, and so do I, but it's the first day of the trail. We have a long time before this one ends. I'm doing my best." I said and he smiled.

"I know you are. You're kicking ass in there." He said and I laughed.

"Don't I always?" I said and he smiled and nodded. "How's your family?" I asked.

"Their holding up. They don't want to get their hopes up, which is why they weren't here. They don't want to relive it, but I just can't stay away." He said.

"I understand. It's the lawyer in you." I said.

"Yea." He said but he didn't move from his position on my car.

"Wanna come over for dinner? You look stressed." I offered and he smiled.

"I'd love too." He said and I nodded.

"Meet me over there." I said as I got in my car. He nodded and walked away and I felt like I could finally breath. When I got home, I kicked off my heels and started making dinner. I wasn't in the mood to make anything elaborate, so I just stuck to spaghetti. 10 minutes later I heard my door open, and in walked Jace with a six pack of beer. "You read my mind." I said and he laughed.

"I've always been good at that." He said and I laughed.

"Hope you don't mind spaghetti, I had a long day, and didn't feel like trying." I said and he laughed.

"Love spaghetti. In fact, when I was little my only request for my one birthday was to bath in a bath full of spaghetti." He said and I couldn't stop my laugher.

"You're joking right?" I asked and he shook his head. "Did you get it?"

"Of course." He said and I continued to laugh. I got our dishes ready and we made our way out to my couch to eat. It was a very informal dinner tonight, and I couldn't wait to cuddle under a blanket and not move until tomorrow.

It was late, the beer was gone, our dishes were sitting empty on the coffee table and I was slowly falling asleep. Before I could stop myself I rested my head on Jace's shoulder, closed my eyes, and I was out.

The next morning I woke up, and I was a little disoriented. I remembered falling asleep on the couch, but what I wasn't expecting to wake up too was cuddled up against Jace, with his arm around me and our hands interlocking. I slowly tried to get up without waking him, but I failed and he yawned, and sat up.

"What time is it?" He asked in a sleepy voice, which was incredibly sexy, and I hated to admit that. I looked over at the clock and groaned.

"Almost 7. Court starts at 9." I said and he nodded.

"I should probably go." He said and before I could stop my self I spoke.

"Why?" I said and immediately wanted to kick myself in the ass.

"I need a shower, and new clothes. Don't worry, you'll see me in court." He smirked at me and I rolled my eyes.

"Get out of my house." I said playfully and he laughed. He put his shoes on and grabbed his coat.

"Thanks for last night. I needed it." He said and I smiled and he walked out. I let out a sigh and leaned back against the couch. What the hell was happening to me?

Jace POV:

When I left Clary's I couldn't help but shake the feeling of her in my arms. I remember her falling asleep on my shoulder, and me not being too far behind, but I had no idea when I put my arm around her, or when we started holding hands, but I didn't want to stop. The majority of me wanted to do it over and over again. I took a deep breath and walked into my apartment into another angry family gathering.

"Seriously Jace, you need to stop this disappearing act." Izzy said. "Where were you?" She asked and I was about to respond when Alec cut me off.

"Let me guess, you were with Clary?" He asked and I nodded.

"I fell asleep on her couch. I didn't mean too." I said and they nodded.

"A text would be nice. I know I'm not your mother, but we live together, and when you don't come home without telling me, I worry." Alec said and I nodded.

"I'm sorry. I should have texted you. It won't happen again." I said and he nodded as his thanks.

"How is the trial going?" Izzy asked after a moment.

"You should come." I said and she just shook her head.

"I can't be in the same room as that man." She said.

"And you think I can? I want to jump over that barrier and strangle the shit out of him, but I can't and it pisses me off, but Clary is kicking some serious ass in that court room." I said and Izzy smiled.

"I think our little Jacey has a crush." She said as she made her way over and pinched my cheek.

"It's not a crush." I said as I swatted her hands away.

"But you like her?" Magnus asked.

"I don't know what I feel." I said and they all looked at me. "I didn't fall asleep along on her couch last night. We had dinner, and we were drinking, and at some point she put her head on my shoulder and fell asleep. When we woke up, my arm was around her. She was curled into my side with her head resting on my chest, and we were holding hands." I said.

"That's so cute!" Izzy cheered.

"What happened when you woke up?" Alec asked.

"I left." I said.

"You left?! What do you mean you left?" Izzy shouted.

"I mean, I got my stuff and I came here." I said.

"Why?" Izzy yelled.

"Because court starts at 9, and I needed a shower, and new clothes? What kind of question is that Izzy. I didn't have a spare set in my car, I didn't plan on staying over." I said.

"But you did! That has to mean something!" Izzy said.

"Yea, it means I was tired, and I fell asleep." I said.

"You're downplaying this Jace, which means it means more to you than you care to admit." Alec pointed out. Curse him for knowing me so well. "What are you afraid of?"

"Who says I'm afraid?" I scoffed and he gave me that look.

"You are an expert at avoidance. You build walls so nothing gets in, but Clary seems to have slipped through the cracks, and you are avoiding thinking about what's happening, because you don't want to admit that you like her, because you don't want her to hurt you." Alec said.

"Can you just be my brother and not a psychologist for 5 minutes." I said and he rolled his eyes.

"Even if I wasn't a psychologist, we can all see you doing it." He said and Magnus and Izzy nodded in agreement.

"Whatever, I need a shower, and than I need to be in court." I said as I walked away.

"We all approve!" I heard Izzy yell and I turned around. "If something does happen between the two of you, we all approve of her." She said and I just nodded. They all knew how much their opinions mattered to me, and to hear them say that meant a lot, but I had to figure my own feelings out, before I thought about theirs.

Time Jump – Nearly the End of Trial

Clary POV:

The trail was coming to its conclusion and I still had nothing from Simon. He told me that they were exhausting all their resources, but nothing was solid enough for me to bring into the courtroom and I was getting incredibly frustrated. I knew Jace was just as frustrated as me, and there wasn't anything more that I wanted than to get that information and use it to make this guy pay.

Things with Jace and I have been weird. Not a bad weird, but a different weird. Ever since that night he slept over, we both have been pretty careful around each other. He always made sure he left before he got too tired that he ended up crashing on my couch, and I tried to keep the physical contact to the bare minimum. I had no idea what was running through his mind, but I wasn't going to make either of us uncomfortable with weird arm touches, or the subtle brush of the hands. If things happened, I wanted them to happen organically, not forcefully.

It was the last day before the jurors went to deliberate, and I was sitting at the desk taping my fingers and watching my phone. I was hoping for a last minute miracle to pull through. Bennett's lawyer was doing his final round of questions and my phone went off.

From Simon:

Found something. Be right in.

When I read it I nearly cheered. A couple moments later I heard the doors open, and when I looked behind me, I saw Simon and his team (Bat and Jordan) walk in. He handed me a folder and I gave him a smiled and mouthed a 'thank you'. His team took a seat and I went over the folder. My eyes widened and I looked at Bennett, and couldn't help the anger that filled me.

"That's all the questions I have your honor." The lawyer said and I snapped my head up.

"Does the prosecution have anything?" The judge asked and I stood up. I turned to Jace and winked before making my way over to Bennett.

"Mr. Bennett, where were you born?" I asked and he looked at me with confusion.

"What does that have…." He started.

"Just answer the question." I cut him off.

"Objection!" His lawyer shouted. "This has nothing to do with his case."

"I know what I'm doing Judge Mills, I promise." I said and he smiled.

"Miss. Fairchild had the right to ask him any questions during her cross examination." The judge said and I heard him curse and sit back down.

"Please answer me." I said.

"Right here in New York." He said.

"What was your address when you were little?" I asked.

"I don't remember. That was a long time ago." He answered.

"Surely you remember which part of New York you grew up in. Was it one of the boroughs, or was it the city, or maybe Long Island."

"Manhattan." He responded.

"Which part of Manhattan? The Lower East Side? The Upper East Side, or neither?" I asked.

"Upper." He said.

"Huh, cause according to the information you provided to the court on your life, your parents weren't wealthy enough to live in the Upper East Side of Manhattan." I said and I saw him gulp. "Your name is in fact Matthew Lewis Bennett right?" I asked and he nodded. "Huh, so than who is this?" I asked as I held up a photo.

"I – I – I don't know what you're talking about." He said when I showed him the picture.

"Really? Cause this looks like you. A lot like you. He even has the same exact birthmark you have on your neck, but this man's name is Mark Blackthorn, and he's a wanted criminal in three other states." I said and the courtroom let out a collective gasp. "Care to explain?" I asked. He looked around the room, and than back at me. He jumped off the stand, knocking me over and tried to run. Thankfully, Bat and Jordan pinned him to the ground before he could get out of the courtroom. The whole courtroom was going crazy, and I felt someone grab me by the waist and help me up. I looked up and saw Jace.

"Order!" I heard the judge call as he hit the gavel. "Order in my courtroom." The judge yelled and everyone calmed down. Bat and Jordan escorted Bennett back to the stand but didn't leave. Seeing as how he reacted the first time, the judge let them stay. "Continue Miss. Fairchild."

"Matthew Bennett, or Mark Blackthorn was born in Miami, Florida. He was an orphan and to pass time he used to steal. Got caught a lot as a kid, but his juvie record was expunged. Four months ago he was involved in another hit and run that resulted in severe injury to the victim. Luckily for him, he was left with only a few broken bones, and the doctors said he would make a full recovery after intense physical therapy. Blackthorn fled the state before he was caught. A couple days later he was involved in another hit and run. This victim wasn't as fortunate; she was paralyzed from the waist down. Again Blackthorn fled. A week after that incident, he committed yet another hit and run, leaving him with his first kill. He hit an elderly lady crossing the street. She was pronounced dead on site." I explained as I looked between Blackthorn and the jury. "My team went down to where these crimes took place and Mark Blackthorn was drinking at a bar before every hit and run took place, and he was asked to leave because he was disturbing other customers. I have several witness statements that place Blackthorn there. This isn't the first time this man has caused destruction and ruined the lives of families. He doesn't deserve any of your leniency. Think about the poor old woman who lost her life because of him. Think about the woman who lost her ability to walk because of him. Think about the man who spent months in physical therapy learning how to use his limbs again because of him. Think about a little 9 year old boy, who was playing catch with his neighbor. Think about him running across the street to grab the football, and on his way back, was hit by this man, who was drinking, and took his life. Think about his family. He had two brothers, a sister, a mother, a father. He was taken from this world all because this man can't keep himself out of a bar, who drives recklessly, and who leaves a string of broken hearts in his review mirror. Mark Blackthorn is a murderer, and he doesn't deserve to be a free citizen. He's caused too much pain and heartache already, don't let him cause anymore." I said as I made my way back to my seat.

The judge pounded his gavel, and the jurors left the courtroom. We were instructed that we couldn't leave, so I was sitting in my seat fidgeting, hoping that I had said enough to get that man sent away for a very long time. After all the jurors left the judge began to speak.

"Considering this case just turned to federal jurisdiction with the knowledge we now know, whatever the jury decides won't be his only punishment. He will have to be tried in a separate case, but I promise to the family that lost the little boy, and the other families that he has torn apart, I will never allow that man to walk free again. Court will reconvene when a verdict has been decided." He said as he pounded his gavel back down.

The courtroom emptied immediately and I made my way out into the hallway. I was trying my hardest to find Simon, and when I spotted him I ran over and threw my arms around him.

"You are a miracle worker." I said as he laughed. He put me down and I rested my hands on his shoulders.

"It took forever, but I finally found someone who remembered him." Simon said and I laughed.

"What can I do to repay you?" I asked and he smiled.

"Dinner tonight? Your favorite restaurant." I couldn't help but laugh and I nodded. I heard a throat clear behind us and when I turned around, I was greeted by Jace but something was different.

"Jace." I said. "Did you hear what the judge said?" I asked happily and he nodded.

"I did. I can't thank you enough for doing this for my family." He said in his lawyer voice.

"Jace, what's wrong?" I asked as I stepped closer to him, but he stepped back.

"I just wanted to express my gratitude before I leave." He said.

"You aren't going to stay for the verdict?" I asked and he shook his head.

"Have a good night Miss. Fairchild." He said and he left. I was so completely and utterly confused. What the hell just happened?

"What's with that guy?" I heard Simon ask and I turned around.

"I have no idea." I said. "How's the wife?" I asked after a moment.

"I didn't tell you?" He said and I shook my head. "We got divorced."

"When?" I nearly yelled.

"Last year. She didn't like my job, and decided that I was away to much, and she needed a man who was going to be around." He said and I gave him a sad smile.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I'm good. If she didn't want to work through it, there was nothing I could do about that." He said and I smiled.

"What are you going to do about Natalie?" I asked.

"We have joint custody. She didn't really understand it at first, but she's getting used to it." He said and I nodded.

"Well, I'm going to go home and nap, and shower. Meet you there at 7?" I asked and he nodded. I made my way out to the car and couldn't help but think about how Jace was acting. What happened between when he helped me in court, to after it all ended? I guess I'd wait until the next time I saw him.

Time Jump – Two Weeks Later

Clary POV:

I may not be the prosecutor anymore, but I still followed up on Blackthorn's case. He didn't have a good solid case against him, and ended up pleading guilty, and I couldn't wait until he was sentenced.

Jace has been avoiding me since the end of the trial, and I couldn't figure out why. I wanted to talk to him, but if I called, he didn't pick up, and when I saw him around for cases, he avoided me like the plague. The only thing I haven't done was show up to his apartment, but that was all about to change. I took a deep breath before heading into the building and up to the front desk.

"How may I help you?" The man behind the desk asked.

"Hi, I'm supposed to have a meeting with a guy named Jace Herondale, but I totally forgot where he told me his apartment was and I was hoping you could tell me." I said and he smiled and started typing.

"Herondale lives on the top floor ma'am." He said and I nodded.

"Thank you." I said and I headed towards the elevator. I got in and hit the last floor. The ride was long, and it didn't help with the nerves. When the elevator finally dinged, I got out and made my way to the door. I took a deep breath before knocking. A moment later the door opened that there stood Jace.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"You won't answer my calls, you avoid me at the courthouse. This was my last option." I said.

"To do what?" He asked.

"To get an explanation as to why you've been giving me the cold shoulder." I said and he turned and walked away, but he kept the door opened and I followed him in. "Do I get one, or am I going to have to figure it out myself?"

"I don't know what you want me to say Clary." He said as he took a seat on his couch.

"I want you to tell me why you've been avoiding me." I said.

"I thought we were going back to our old ways?" He said and I laughed.

"This wasn't how we used to act Jace." I said. "Sure, we used to butt heads, but we could also joke around, but now I don't even see you."

"I'm busy." He said as he watched the TV. I snatched the remote out of his hands and turned the TV off. "What the hell?"

"Would you just talk to me!" I yelled.

"Fine! You want me to talk? I thought something was happening between us Clary. I thought that maybe…." He stopped talking and calmed himself down. "I thought maybe you liked me the same way that I like you. I don't know what happened Clary, but I haven't been able to get you out of my head since I spent the night with you, and I guess a part of me thought you felt it too."

"Jace." I said but I guess he wasn't done.

"And it was clear that you don't. I didn't realize that PI was actually someone to you. I thought you were just colleagues, but you aren't, and I shouldn't have assumed you were single, but I did." He said. "It was my fault really, and I thought the best way to get over my feelings was to not see you."

"And how's that working out for you?" I asked.

"Horribly." He said and I laughed.

"You're such an idiot." I said and he looked at me about to ask something but I didn't give him a chance. I walked over and slammed our lips together. He was shocked but he soon started kissing me back. I don't know how long we were standing there but when we broke apart we were both breathless.

"But what about…..?" He asked and I just shook my head.

"I've known him since I was little. He moved when we were in high school, but we always kept in contact. He moved back when he got a job as a PI here, and his wife lived here." I said and he nodded slowly. "Although, they did get divorced, but that's besides the point. Simon has always been like a brother to me."

"Damn." He said as he put his forehead against mine.

"You should have come talked to me." I said.

"I know, but I just couldn't. It hurt seeing you with him, and I figured that if I just stopped putting myself in situation where we ended up together, that it would be easier." He explained and I laughed.

"You are so stupid." I said and he laughed.

"Can we pretend these last two weeks didn't happen?" He asked and I bit my lip and nodded. "Good, because they were horrible."

"Yea. I know." I said and he pressed his lips sweetly to mine. "Have you been following his case?" I asked after we broke apart.

"Yea. I can't wait to hear his sentencing." Jace said and I laughed. "I'm taking you out tonight, and we're going to start this whole thing off correctly."

"Deal." I said and he pulled me into him and I instantly melted into his embrace. Now this felt right.

Time Jump – Three Years Later

Clary POV:

I've joined the dark side! I'm just kidding, but a year after Jace and I started seeing each other I decided to try my luck out at being a defense attorney. I loved my old job, but there as something about working along side Jace that really intrigued me, and I decided to give it a try. It's not as bad as I thought, but it helped that I had Jace by my side. We never defended a client without each other, and if I didn't feel comfortable with a certain client, all I had to do was tell Jace and we referred them to another lawyer in the firm. It was honestly a dream come true to work with Jace. I was right, we were a badass team, and we ruled the courtroom together. I was pulled out of my thoughts when a ball of paper hit me in the head. I looked up and Jace was smirking at me.

"Be mature Jace." I hissed and he just laughed.

"You need to loosen up Clary." He said and I stuck my tongue out at him. "Oh, real mature Clary." He said and I laughed.

"Herondale!" Our boss called.

"Yes?" Jace and I answered together and our boss rolled his eyes.

"I'm really going to need to get used to that." He said and Jace and I laughed. "Conference Room B."

"Which one?" Jace and I said together yet again.

"Please, everyone at this firm knows you're a package deal." He said and he walked away. Clary and I got up and made our way to Conference Room B, and when we walked in there was a woman and I assumed her two children. We walked in and took a seat and smiled.

"Hi, I'm Jace Herondale." Jace said as he shook her hand.

"And I'm Clary Herondale, how can we help you today?" I asked and the woman started to explain her situation. Jace reached his right hand under the table and took hold of my left hand and interlocked our fingers. I blushed, just like I always do when Jace does cute things like this to me, and he looked over and smirked just like he always does. If you told me back in college when we met that we would be in this position right now, I would have laughed at you, but being Jace's wife, and his partner in this job is everything I ever wanted, and I couldn't be happier with where I am in life.

Authors Note:

I have no idea who requested a story where they are both lawyers, but I hope that I made a story that you enjoy! I tried to work with the idea of them hating each other, but the more I wrote, the more I realized that I didn't want them to hate each other, but I wanted them to be rivals who engage in witty banter, and I feel like I successfully accomplished that and I really like this story! Let me know what ya'll think and leave a review! :)