Ah hello lovelies! The last two months have been a blur of holidays, summer semester and Christmas shopping, however I do hope you like the next enstallment. See you at the end!

Also, just a warning. I should really rate this as M, but there is a few mature references and swearing in this one so guys, don't do anything I wouldn't do.

TMI is copyrighted to Cassandra Clare. The plotline, ideas and craziness belongs to me. Cheers.

"Shit! Ah what the hell, Clary? I thought we had a truce?"

"Since when have you played fair, Lewis?"

It was a Thursday night at Java Jones and Simon and I had been put on cleaning duties as the rest of the staff closed the cafe down for the night. Open Mic night had gone smoothly as usual and surprisingly enough I had won the bet on Eric for the week, pegging him at 23 dropped innuendos in his poetry reading. I looked up at the clock; 5 more minutes and my shift would be over. Until then however I had to keep my eye on Simon, watching for his retaliation towel whip.

This is how things went between me and Simon. We truced towel whipping fights often, but we'd never take it seriously. Nothing escalated beyond a few frustrated words at each other in general and that was usually around exam time. That was the great thing about having a guy as a best friend. They were pretty chill about most things and agreed about how bitchy women are thus equalling my friendship with Simon. I slung the towel over my shoulder and put the bottles of disinfectant spray behind the counter. I looked at the clock again; time to go home at last!

Helen, the shift manager for the evening, breezed out if the kitchen, laughing at something someone had said behind her. She shifted her blue eyes to me, the humour still clear in the way they shone.

"Your share of the tips, my lovely," she said, handing over a plastic cash bag to me. "Thanks for coming in early too. What would I do without you, Clary?" Helen pulled dramatic expression and we burst into laughed. Helen had been blessed with the perfect life: the blonde bombshell look, a big family, caring lovers...and me, the best workmate ever. We'd both been working here for the last six years and even though she was two years my senior and my boss at times, well, it just meant those days were the ones I could give the boss hell.

"I don't know Hels, I really don't know," I replied, untying the apron at my hips and dropping it on the counter. I grabbed my satchel from under the till and slung it over my shoulder, placing the tips and apron inside. "Anyways I'm off for the night. Catch you this weekend!"

"Thanks again, Clary. Night!" she waved as she retreated back into the chef's domain.

I wandered towards the door where Simon was waiting for me. Usually on late night shifts, we caught a taxi home together at Simon's request. He was more protective than an older brother I swore. We waited by gutter for the cab Simon had ordered before his shift; well I waited while Simon paced back and forth. Even after we slid into the backseat of the cab, Simon was twiddling husband thumbs and bouncing his knee as I rattled off my address twice to the driver who apparently didn't understand anything but Portuguese well.

"Okay Simon, just stop," I said suddenly, dropping my hand on his knee to stop him from bouncing it any more "What's bothering you? I haven't seen you this agitated since... I don't know, first year exams."

He looked sideways at me and scrunched his hands together. "I, um...uh," he stuttered.

"Just spit it out, Si, for God's sake!"

"I asked Izzy out, you know, on a date," he blurted out.

My jaw practically hit the dirty floor of that cab. I know had suggested the idea but I never actually thought he'd pluck up the courage to do it. He had never been very forward towards girls and considering Izzy was the embodiment of all that is female, he must have had a little liquid courage to help the process along.

"What? When?...How?!" I questioned.

"Uh I just ran into her at Uni today at the assignment drop-off and we got talking and it kind of just came out," he rambled, "I would have told you sooner but I actually forgot, you know, work and finals for the semester and stuff."

"Sure, sure, Simon," I said with an extravagant wink in his direction, "So when are you guys going out?"

"Izzy mentioned that you were having a night with Maia on Saturday so she suggested that night? Is that okay? I mean, I don't want to be stealing her away from any plans you may have-"

I slapped a hand over his mouth. "Si, it is more than okay. You just have fun, okay?"

He nodded as the cab pulled over beside the curb just down from my apartment. I gave Simon my share of the cab fee and gave him a quick hug before hopping out.

"Oh, and Simon?" I said sweetly bending down into the cab, my other hand holding onto the door ready to shut it, "You break her heart and you'll be hearing from me."

He smiled and chuckled. "Rodger that! Goodnight Fray."

"Night Simon." I closed the cab door and stood by the curb, watching it disappear into the rush of late night New York traffic.

In true Maia fashion, the intercom buzzed half an hour after the time she said she would get here on Saturday night. I buzzed her in and 5 minutes later there was a knock at the door.

"My God! Those stairs have once again killed my legs," Maia exclaimed as she flounced through the doorway. She dumped her duffel bag by the coffee table and sunk onto the couch, her breathing heavy from the workout the stairs gave everyone.

"Hi to you too," I said with a laugh as I slid the deadlock into place and joined her on the couch where I had been watching Grey's Anatomy moments before. Maia looked over at me, narrowing her eyes at my pyjamas.

"I hope you don't think you're staying in those all night, Miss I-only-date-superheroes," she said, raising an eyebrow. I groaned.

"No, you are not dragging me out tonight! I was under the clear intent of us having a night in, you know, watching movies and catching up," I said, focusing on the TV and not the fact she had just poked fun at my favourite jammies. I would have preferred them in Marvel but these were strictly DC characters that decorated the top and pants.

Maia pouted and grabbed my hands, shaking them for attention. "Come on Clary! I totally got us on the invite list and everything! The guy who's throwing the party manages one of my favourite stores on Madison and just by that you know it'll be good! He'll know the best people! I'll pay for everything and even get together an outfit for you despite your lacking wardrobe. Come on, I haven't been out on the town with you in forever!"

I sighed. Nothing was going to stop Maia when she was in a partying mood. "Fine," I muttered, "But I'm choosing my outfit. What's the dress code?"

Maia rolled her eyes but grinned all the same. "Let's just say he's gay, extravagant about it and I'm busting out the sequinned hot pants." She scooped up her bag and dragged me up to my room. "Speaking of extravagant, where is Izzy?"

I opened up my wardrobe doors and put my hands on my hips, deliberating on what to wear. "Out on a date with Simon."

"Finally! He's been fawning over her for, what, 2 years? Plus he's a total cutie pie! He's really grown into his looks in the last year," Maia rambled as she pulled out items of clothing and spread them out across my bed. She stepped back critiquing her choices, throwing some back in her bag and pairing others. I continued to rifle through my drawers and hangers, pursing my lips.

"Extravagant will have to be put on hold, Maia; I'm all out of glitter and rainbows."

She frowned. "Leather?"

"That I can do." I threw a pair of black stockings, a leather skirt, a singlet that stated 'I heart moustaches' at my feet. I shimmied into the clothes, brushed on some foundation and mascara in the bathroom and returned to find Maia slipping on her heels.

"Please don't force the "I wear heels, you wear heels" rule on me," I whined, pulling off an old sloppy cardigan I had picked up from the thrift shop years back.

Maia tisked and I groaned, pulling a black pair of small wedges from my shoe rack. Maia raised her eyebrow at my choice. "I know you really meant to choose the red ones, the ones pushed right up the back and so unloved," she said, looking down her nose at me.

I rolled my eyes and exchanged my reasonable choice for the red pair of heels that Izzy had bought for my birthday last year as a "Welcome to the 20's!" initiation. They bought me to new heights to say the least but I was such a klutz at times, I enjoyed flats a lot more than these monsters.

Maia fluttered around my room, applying make-up and organising her things as she went, pulling out a small bottle of tequila, her phone and ID. Her gold sequinned shorts looked fantastic against her skin and she topped the look off with low-cut black singlet and a chain with charms hanging at the bottom of it around her neck. She donned a blazer and ran down the hall for a quick bathroom stop before we left. I had managed to pull the pumps on without an accident, pulled the cardigan on and slipped my phone and keys into an inconspicuous pocket on the skirt before tottering slightly down the stairs to the door.

"Come on woman, pee faster!" I yelled to Maia upstairs. I opened the deadlock, swinging the door between my hands waiting for her to hurry on down.

"Comingcomingcoming!" She said, shoving items in her small tasselled bag as she rushed down the stairs.

"That's what she said," I answered sarcastically as I pushed her out the door into the stairwell. She giggled and nudged my ribs with her elbowed as we trotted on down the stairs towards the street.

We ended up catching a cab over to the apartment block on 5th partially on my account as I valued my feet's pain free existence. Maia pulled out a ten and handed it over to the cab driver who wished us well on our way, eyeing the sequins on Maia's arse more than he should have as she climbed out ahead of me. Pft, men. Maia strolled up to the door, pushing the buzzer to the penthouse apartment. Working on Madison sure must have its perks.

Usually I wasn't one to go out to parties and gatherings, leaving that business to Izzy and Maia to bring home the gossip (and men once or twice). I was more of a 'stay at home, reading my troubles away' kind of person. Call me boring but social events weren't my cup of tea. Actually I would actually rather a cup of tea over the booze to be honest. So, when we made it up to the penthouse I was wishing I had just stayed home.

"Ah Maia! So glad you could come! I knew those pants would look fantastic on you!" An extravagant voice gushed from the doorway. I looked up from the floor and saw Maia embracing a tall guy with glittered tufts of hair sticking out in every direction. His yellow-y hazel eyes glowed with enthusiasm, like he hadn't seen Maia in years even though I knew she had probably seen him in the last week by the amount of time that woman spends shopping.

"Magnus, this is my plus one for the evening, Miss Clarissa Fray more fondly known as Clary or Strawberry Shortcake," Maia said poshly, as she wound her arm through the tall boy's arm. A bright smile spread across his face as he reached out an arm to shake my hand.

"A pleasure, Miss Shortcake. I'm Magnus," he said as I shook his hand, leaving traces of glitter on my skin when we separated, "It's nice to see somebody wingmanning Maia for the evening, not that she needs it 99 percent of the time." He winked at Maia and she nudged his ribs with her elbow.

"Somebody has to keep this hoe in line," I smirked. Maia poked out her tongue at me while Magnus just laughed along. Maia wasn't one to sleep around with random guys, but there had been a few instances through the years but she wasn't one to keep these things quiet regardless.

"Well, ladies, come on in and enjoy your selves. I must be getting back to my own piece of eye-candy for the night," Magnus chuckled, leading us through the door. He pointed out the bathroom and the food table and left us be to mill around the crowd inside. Maia led me over to the punch bowl after dumping her bag nearby the door and poured us a cup each.

"Ah, nothing beats free alcohol," she said, taking a sip out of her cup. I rolled my eyes at her, trying to blend into the crowd around us.

This was the thing. I never liked to stand out at parties, preferring quiet conversation or watching the others make fools of themselves however when you're with Maia, you are the stand-out. She was just so utterly gorgeous everyone notices her and her luminous dark skin. I sighed, admitting defeat as the first victim struck up a conversation with her and led her off to mindlessly grind up against her.

I know should feel more protective of my best friend, but honestly, she was the comfortable one in this environment. I told myself however that I would at least stay an hour and then head off home, the comfort of bed and tea and peace that I so enjoyed at my disposal once I reached my doorstep. I sighed and curled up in a single-seater couch, watching the antics around me as I sipped my drink until it was empty. I sent Izzy a text asking how her date with Simon went, checked my Facebook and Instagram and dropped my phone in my lap, rubbing my eyes out of boredom.

I checked the clock and thankfully an hour had passed, however slowly. I uncurled my legs from underneath me and went to find Maia in the crowd, probably chatting to another guy or off making out with someone. Who knows what that girl got up to sometimes? I made my way to the breakfast bar and sure enough, third time lucky, she was there. Only she was talking to somebody who looked far too familiar for my own sanity.

For somebody I didn't like too well, he sure seemed to keep popping up in my way a lot.

"Wow Clary, is that skirt above the knee? Never thought I'd see the day…or that much skin for that matter," Jace said, noticing me coming up behind Maia. I rolled my eyes and ignored him. At least he didn't give me a stupid nickname this time around.

"Maia, I'm gonna head off. This really isn't my thing and I have stuff to do for Uni. Enjoy your night though," I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before turning to leave.

"Hey!" Maia blurted out, grabbing my wrist to stop me, "You can't leave me, Clare! We're besties!" Her words were slightly slurring together and I knew I would be taking her home in a cab within the hour, thoroughly intoxicated with a case of memory loss in the morning.

"I'll leave you guys to it," Jace said, excusing himself. He wandered over to the fridge pulling out a beer and leaning against the far wall. I could still feel his eyes on us but I ignored his stare.

"Come on Clary, you just need to loosen up," Maia said, draping her arm around my shoulders and pouting within inches of my face. I grimaced and looked up at Jace. Letting my guard down isn't something I wanted to do, especially now around the blonde angel who was still smirking at me from the other side of the room.

Maia followed my gaze and giggled. "Oh you guys just need to fuck already and get it out of your system."

My jaw dropped. "MAIA!" I hissed, "You can't just say things like that, especially here!"

She started to laugh even harder. "Aw man, you're just too naïve to see the sexual tension between you two."

I poked my tongue at her and snatched the tequila bottle from her hand and taking a swig, shuddering as the warm liquid slid down my throat. Maia slapped me on the back as I shuddered from the spirit and took her bottle back.

"That's my girl," she said. Something caught her eye behind me and a sly smile hit her face. "And this girl is going to get a piece of that…" she trailed off and moved past me. I turned my head slightly to see her making contact with Jordan and I grimaced. I hope things didn't go bad between the two of them, for all our sakes.

"Oi, Red! You in or not?" I turned around to look at the bulky guy who had shouted behind me.

"Uh what?" I asked.

"Well, you're standing around the bench here, I just assumed you were playing 'Never Have I Ever' with us. It's all good though," he said, motioning to the circle of people around the bar. I shrugged and pulled up onto a stool.

"Why the hell not?" I said smiling, leaning my forearms on the cold marble. Someone slid a shot glass full of vodka to me and I sighed. If I was here, I may as well enjoy myself regardless of the company.

"Clary…."

I twitched and rolled my head away from the sound.

"Clary, wake up…."

I scrunched my eyes up, not wanting to open them but awareness came to me regardless. "Go awayyyyyy," I whined quietly, "I wanna sleep."

I heard a chuckle. "If you don't get up, I'll carry you to the taxi and I'm sure your pride won't be able to handle the stress of that sight in a public place."

I squinted up at the male voice that had harassed me to get up. Of course it was Jace; who else enjoyed following me around and harassing me with his good looks and sexiness and perfectly, toned muscles and…oh God, why was I admitting this to myself? From the fuzziness in my head, I assumed it must be the drink. Nothing else would get me to think about his long fingers and what unnaturally good things they could do to- OH MY GOD, where is my filter?!

"Fuck off Jace," I muttered and curled myself up tighter into the couch. He laughed again and I felt his arms go under me and lift me from the couch. My eyes snapped open and violently squirmed in his arms, causing him to drop me straight onto the carpet. A few of the party goers in the living room laughed and I felt the heat rise in my cheeks.

"Jesus, Clary, could you be more clumsy?" Jace said, chuckling, as I tried to stand without realising I had heels on and fell back on my arse. The dizziness in my head had only increased since getting out of my comfy chair and I scowled at Jace. He smiled and pulled me to my feet, steadying me as I stumbled again.

"It's been a while since I've seen you intoxicated that's for sure. Aren't you usually the sober one?" he poked at me while leading me through the people to the door.

"They all ganged up on me. 'Twasn't my fault," I muttered. I held on to Jace's arm for extra support. "What's the time? Why'd you wake me up?"

He looked at his watch. "Round 2AM. I saw Maia go home with Jordan an hour ago, completely wasted. I was just about to leave when I saw you passed out in that armchair and thought it best if I got you back home instead of you gaining back problems from one wild night in a leather lounge."

I smiled blindly at him, still feeling the effects of those shots I had about 2 hours ago. "A wild night in a leather chair could be fabbbulous, Jace." He smirked down at me as we rode the elevator to the bottom floor.

"How many drinks did you end up having, Red?"

I held up my fingers, trying to count the many shots I'd downed during the night. I gave up quickly however and just shrugged, "Lots!" I said a bit too brightly. Jace shook his head and smiled again. He took my hand and led me out of the elevator and out onto the street, not before I stumbled down the stairs and Jace catching me again. Mmmm, those forearms were deliciously toned and- filter, Clary, filter!

"You have really nice muscles," I blurted out as we walked down the street. Jace raised an eyebrow at me. I threw my hand over my mouth and he just chuckled, looking ahead once more in search of a cab.

"I'm beginning to think you actually have a soft side for me, Fray," he said. I thought that over for a few seconds. He was being awfully nice looking after me, considering I couldn't even remember where I was and to be honest I felt like I was going to be sick.

Actually, no. I was going to be sick.

I darted over to a neighbouring garden bed and proceeded to empty the contents of my stomach into the soil and shrubbery. Jace just sighed and held the end of my ponytail out of the sick and rubbed my back. I pulled a tissue out of my pocket, wiped my mouth and spat out the bad tasting residue into the garden. I sat down on the edge of the retaining wall, bringing my knees up to my chest and laid my head back on the cement post, separating the garden from the stairs.

"Come on Clary, we need to keep walking. I don't think we're gonna get a cab tonight so you can just crash at mine," Jace said placing a hand on my knee. His thumb made circles over the patella and the sheer contact made my cheeks flush red.

"I just wanna sleep," I said, my head sliding to the side and leaning against his chest. He sighed and slid me off the wall, placing an arm around my waist to urge me to walk on. But all I felt was the warmth of his close presence and his tensed biceps to keep me upright. A thought popped into my mind, and thanks to the fuzzies it was not filtered.

"Jace?"

"Yeah, Clary?

I looked up at him. "This is kind of nice. I don't know why I don't like you."

He chuckled. "Because even I know I'm an asshole at the best of times. I'm still sorry about what I said at the garden party, you know that right?"

"I guess so, but it's good to hear you're so torn up over my feelings about it," I smiled, relishing in his repeat apology, "but still, why are you being so nice to me? I'm just as much of an asshole."

He snorted. "I deserve it though. Everyone needs their barriers Clary, and that's just mine and you react to it more than anybody else because sarcasm is your defence as well. Think of us like magnets: We repel each other on the same side, but turn one of us in the opposite and we just…stick."

I fell silent for a few moments, looking at the ground as we walked. "Thanks for looking after me, Jace; sick, sleepy and all."

He smiled, looking ahead. "I don't mind looking after you. Everyone needs someone sometimes."

"Well thanks for being my someone," I said softly. I stopped walking and wrapped both arms around his chest. He stood still for a moment, like he didn't know how to react to my hug but he softened and wrapped right arm around my shoulders and leaned his chin on the top of my head.

"That's okay Clary. You are more than welcome."

MERP! CLACE! MERP! They're getting a bit cosy; I think it's about time to stir the plot!

Also, MERRY CHRISTMAS! I won't have a new chapter up until after the jolly fat man comes to town, so I hope you all have a fabulous holiday and happy New Year!

Once again, thank you for reading and for all those favourites, follows and comments, I love you all! Feel free to drop me a PM or review- I love to hear from you all! You really do make my day guys!

Until next time!

Bowvs xx

(I use wayyyyyy too many exclamation marks for my own health.)