Dear Simon,

Where do I start? Well, firstly, you must be wondering, how on earth am I able to write you this letter? I guess Jonathan has a soft spot for me, after all, we did spend 6 months in the sunny Spain. Sorry, I'm not trying to be funny. Anyways, he is letting me write you this letter, to say goodbye. My grandmother is going to receive one, too. But this one is to you all, who I've come to care about - Clary, Magnus, Alec, Isabelle...and you. Mostly you, Simon. 

I don't know where I am right now, that's also probably why Jonathan is letting me write this - I was blindfolded for what felt like days, and now I'm in a building where it is extremely hot and the humidity is terrible. My guess? Somewhere in South-America. Can't be sure though. That's not even the point. Even if I did know where I was, I wouldn't tell you. I know that sounds stupid, but we both know that I'd never put you in any kind of danger. (I know that sounds ironic, since everything that's happened, but bear with me.)

I told you, that this is a goodbye letter. In fact, it is not, but Jonathan doesn't need to know that. I have no intention of staying with Jonathan, until he blackmail's me into killing people for him, but if it comes to that, just know that I am not doing any of this willingly and tried to fight back - just like before. I am going to do whatever it takes, to survive and find my way back to you, but here's the tricky part  - I'm going to need you to stay out of it. I know that must be hard for you, but you have to promise me, that you won't try and find me. I can do this, not without you, but I need you there, outside, not here where you'd be of no use to me and where Jonathan can hurt you. So, for once, Simon, listen to me, please. I need you to stay put and above all, trust me. I know it's a lot to ask, and it will take all your willpower, but do this for me. I promise, I will find a way back to you.

You have to talk to Jocelyn and Clary. Find out what you can about Jonathan's past and why we couldn't find information about Clary and Jonathan being siblings. It's important and I will need that information. Jonathan is cunning, but he underestimates almost everyone around him. I slipped up last time, using Jose as an informant, but this time, I won't make that mistake. I will contact you, not the other way around, not until I give you the green light to do so. And Simon, I'll say this once more - stay put. I mean it. Also, talk to Mark. But be very careful, I don't know who to trust any more.  

I love you. It feels so good to say it - well, write it. You know what I mean. I couldn't be more happier, knowing that you feel the same, although the timing was absolutely terrible. I still love you, though. I can't really stop saying it. I love you, and I need you to trust me. Trust, that I'll find a way out of this. And I trust you, to do as I say.

I miss you already, but I promise it won't be long, until we see each other again. Be patient and be careful. Trust only your friends, your closest friends. I know you, Simon, I know you won't give up on me, but I will need you to try and stay away. If you don't, it could mean death to us both. And I know you don't want that.

Sorry that this was all so gloomy and depressing, I'm usually more cheerful as you know. By the way, I am glad you chose Clary. She deserves a better life than Jonathan would've given to her. So don't hold it against her, and don't ever blame yourself. You are so much stronger than anyone else I've ever met. I am so glad I can call you mine. 

All the love and yours forever,

Jace. 

***

Simon's hand caressed the last words on the bottom of the page, his lips trembling slightly but his eyes were dry. He stared down at the paper, noticing it was shaking in his hand. He put it back on the end table, falling into the freshly washed sheets. Yes, he did laundry. He had even gone to uni, catching up on things he had left hanging since everything happened. He had played with Jordan, small gigs, but still. He had gone out for dinner with friends. All in the span of 3 weeks. It had taken him only two days to get his act together, or so his friends thought. 

Magnus had been...the worst. Simon knew he only wanted to help, but he watched Simon's every move. Tried to help him all the time and worried way too much. When he was in Simon's apartment one evening, when he had let himself in and had given Simon a heart attack, cooking him dinner, Simon drew the line. He forbade his friends to use the keys they had and only met them outside his apartment. His home - their home with Jace - was supposed to be his safe haven. Where he could be alone and think. He did all those normal things he should've been doing, but every time he came home and was alone, he took out the letter, reading it again and again. And he waited. He trusted Jace, more than anyone. It was hard to pretend like he was fine. Like he wasn't dying to pick up his things and start to chase Jonathan and Jace, to find the man he loved.

Yes, he loved Jace. He had known it long before he blurted it out that night. Why did it take a near-death experience to say it? Isn't that how things always go? And now he was gone. Jace was gone and Simon had to wait. He busied himself with the files about Jonathan. He didn't tell Luke. He was too close to Jocelyn and Clary. He did talk to Mark, but only him. He trusted him, but knew nothing about the other men. Jace said to trust only his friends, and Simon did. Mark and him had set up everything they needed right here, in this apartment. If Simon would've gone to the living room right now, he'd see the walls plastered with newspapers, pictures, maps, everything that had to do with Jonathan. He would've seen papers scattered over the coffee table and the floor, and computers set up on the desk under the window. Right now, however, Simon read the letter for the millionth time, hoping that the words written there were true. That Jace had it under control, that he was going to find a way back.

The ink on the paper had started to fade, because of how many times Simon had held it with his hands, how many times he had traced his fingers on the words, thinking about how Jace had penned them down. It was weird, to have such a thing. A letter, in the time where all they did was text. It was almost as if he could feel the warmth of Jace's fingers through the paper, in the beginning. Now, he felt cold and lonely, when his eyes followed the words, one by one. He longed to touch the person behind this words, to feel his presence, but it was impossible, and so he felt lost. 

He had done what Jace asked, because he couldn't betray his trust. Jace trusted him to follow things through, and not risk anyone's life by going to get revenge on Jonathan. Simon remembered the conversation with Jocelyn and Clary, two nights after Jace had been taken.

Clary's eyes were red from crying but she was quiet now, as she let Simon hold her hand. Simon had lost Jace, but Clary had found out she had a brother, and what's worse, that brother was actually a wanted criminal. Jocelyn seemed stoic on the opposite end of the table, staring at them with eyes that usually displayed warmth, but were now harsh. "I didn't tell you Clary, because Jonathan wasn't...he wasn't planned. I got pregnant at the most inconvenient time, but even so I would've loved him to bits. But you're father, he...you know about Valentine. He was a criminal and... I feared for Jonathan's life. I had to give him up so he could have a normal life. Seems it didn't matter after all. Valentine still turned back to his old ways after a while." when she spoke, Clary got angrier.

"You're telling me you never went back for him?" she yelled now, Simon trying to tone her down. Jocelyn's eyes glinted under the lamp when she moved her head, the red hair just as fiery as Clary's. It's amazing how both of her children inherited them. "After Valentine died, you could've..." Clary whispered but Jocelyn cut her off. "Of course I went to look for him. You were only 12 when Valentine died, and when I went to the orphanage, I was told that Jonathan was...well, he had ran away. I asked about him, asked around and I finally found him. It wasn't pretty, Clarissa." Jocelyn stated, looking away then and Simon could see the regret etched on her face. Clary stood up suddenly, her face determined and her eyes boring into Jocelyn. Simon felt a little out of place when the mother and daughter had a stare contest. "Tell me. I need to understand." Clary said then and Jocelyn closed her eyes briefly.

"I found him with Raphael Santiago. Yes, I knew about him." she said, when Clary gasped. Simon raised an eyebrow but remained silent. It wasn't his place to say anything. "He had taken him under his wing, trained him to be this...soulless person. He didn't even call me a mother. He said horrible things to me, I deserved most, I assure you, but then he tried to kill me. Santiago stopped him just in time, otherwise I'd be dead, with a knife in my heart. He was dangerous, Clary, I could've never let him near you." Jocelyn continued, a tear now escaping her eyes. Simon coughed. "How did you get out?" he asked and Jocelyn glanced at him. "Raphael let me go. Said that I hadn't done anything to deserve to die. But I had." she replied, her voice now weak. "I left him at that orphanage and now he's- Simon, I'm so sorry, about Jace. And I'm sorry, Clary, that I never told you. I thought I was protecting you." Jocelyn was now sobbing, and Simon felt a pang of guilt for not comforting her. She had been like a mother to him. 

But Clary shot Simon a look and the brunette didn't move. It wasn't his place, this was all Clary. But he did want to sound his thoughts. "I don't blame you. Or Clary. I know she feels guilty for me choosing her, but I don't blame her. And I don't blame you, Jocelyn, for trying to do what was best for your daughter." Simon said, giving the woman a reassuring smile. Clary looked at him sideways, stunned into silence. He stood up, nodded goodbye and left, to give the information to Mark and to see, how this all added up. Maybe there was something they had missed.

Simon rubbed his eyes, feeling the exhaustion take over. It was so unlike him, to just sit idly by as Jace struggled for a way out. Simon couldn't count the times he had to mumble the words to himself, to keep himself restrained - trust Jace, trust him. He tried to lie down and sleep, but his mind was wide awake, although his eyes were drooping shut. It was torture, he was so tired. But his brain kept going through everything that had happened. As the dawn started to break behind the window, his hand that held the letter, relaxed, and the paper slowly fell from his fingertips onto the floor, as his breathing finally steadied, as the alarm clock showed 6 a.m.

***

Dear Simon,

I know you have been patient, and I want to thank you for it. I miss you, a lot. I'm trying, I promise, trying so hard to get back to you. Don't lose hope.

Yours forever,

Jace.

The letter had came with no notice, in a blank envelope. Simon couldn't fathom how it even got to his mailbox. He groaned in frustration, as there was obviously no address, no clue to Jace's whereabouts. It had been 6 weeks.

***

Dear Simon,

It's hard, knowing that you are there and I am here. But it comforts me to know you are safe. How do I know that you are? I hope the trust I put in you was not for nothing, and you have kept yourself safe. That's all I ask. And to be patient. Be patient. I love you.

Yours,

Jace.

Simon let his dry and red eyes fill with tears again, as the coffee went cold on the counter and he extinguished the half-smoked cigarette. The drop of water that fell on the paper smeared the ink a little and Simon smiled slightly, watching as the ink flowed in blue lines. It seemed fresh, not like last time. It had been 8 weeks.

***

Today, the park where you sang at, the tree where we kissed. 10 after midnight.

One line, just one. Simon didn't even need the 'Dear Simon' or the 'Yours, Jace'. He almost toppled over in his chair when he read it. One line, but it changed everything. One line, and all his caution flew out the window. His brow furrowed before he left the apartment, leaning over to tuck a gun into his jeans. Well, maybe not all of his caution.

***

The sky was dark, ominously black, so that the few lamps illuminating the park were just enough for Simon to see that it was closed, the gates sealed with a padlock. He figured that's why he had to be here at midnight - in the cover of darkness, when the gates all around it would hide him from the sight of unwanted eyes. He smiled, creeping closer to the rusted gates and stopped to inspect them. He glanced at his clock, that said 00:06. He felt a little invisible when he avoided the golden circles of light on the ground, in his black attire. He pulled his jacket closer to shield himself from the cold night air, heart thumping in anticipation. He circled around, closing in on the spot where the rock-wall started and noticed how some of the rocks were loose. He chose a spot that seemed most intact and took some steps back. Securing his gun in his waistband, he calculated the distance. In a quick and swift motion he ran towards the wall, kicking up from the ground and jumping onto the wall. His feet found solid ground and he his hand clutched the wall, heaving himself on top of it. 

He tumbled down on the other side, crouching and looking around attentively. He heard crickets in the grass and felt the dampness of the ground, but nothing else. The pond glittered slightly under the dim lamps, but Simon's eyes fixed on the faraway oak tree. He smiled to himself, his heart beating faster than ever, making it hard to breathe. Images of golden hair and mismatched eyes danced in front of his eyes as he creeped his way to the tree, holding into the shadows. Once he was at the oak, he leaned on it with his hands, feeling the rough bark under his fingers. He peered around it, trying to get a sense of the surroundings. It was very quiet and the crisp night air was cold in his lungs and he shivered involuntarily. He could almost hear his heart, pounding away in the silent night, breath coming out of his mouth like white clouds of mist, before disappearing into the thin air. Suddenly, someone grabbed him.

He felt a strong hand on his arm, flipping him around while another hand fell onto his mouth, clasping it and silencing the loud gasp he let out. His hand flew to the arm holding him, when he stilled, facing his captor. He was wearing black, just like Simon, only he was wearing a scarf around his neck and face, leaving only the bridge of his nose and eyes to be seen. Even in the dim light, Simon saw the glinting brown in a sea of blue and he felt like he might drop dead right there. His heart seemed to have stopped completely. Jace stared right back at him, slowly moving away his hand and he stood still, like a statue, his arm still on Simon's. The brunette breathed out, not saying a word, but he stepped a little closer. He let his hand go up and saw Jace almost flinching, which raised a lot of questions in Simon. He stilled his hand for a moment, and then guided it to the scarf, pulling it down. He let out a soft gasp when he stared at the long and thin cut on Jace's face, along with some other cuts on his neck, from what Simon could see, and the blue-yellowish bruise on his left cheek. Simon's hand went to Jace's face, softly, caressing it and his mind was foggy. "Oh, angel...What did they do to you?" Simon asked quietly, stepping closer and Jace had closed his eyes at Simon's touch. 

When Simon leaned in, he felt Jace's breath quicken and when the blonde's hand squeezed his arm tighter, Simon kissed him. His lips were warm, despite the cold air and he pulled Jace against him, wanting him closer with every fiber of his being. Jace made an approving noise and put his arms behind Simon's neck, pressing them together and opening his mouth to let his tongue touch Simon's. The brunette let out a soft sigh when Jace's thumb brushed against his cheek. When they pulled apart, Jace rested their foreheads together. "I missed you." he said and Simon felt a tug at his heartstrings. He smiled softly, holding the blonde in his arms, thankful that he got to do it again. "I missed you, too. You have no idea." Simon replied, leaning in to press another soft kiss on Jace's lips. The blonde sighed, breathing heavily and opened his eyes. "I can't stay long. I need you to listen to me carefully, Simon." Jace said then, his voice urgent as his eyes bore into Simon's. The brunette frowned. "I'm not letting you go again. No way." he said defiantly and Jace groaned silently. "Yes, you are. But don't worry, I have a plan. You just have to listen to me." the blonde said and Simon's stomach turned.

He didn't like the sound of it and he couldn't bare to let Jace go, he didn't even let his hands fall from his sides, afraid he might disappear again. "Go to Luke. Tell him all you know and give him this." Jace said quickly, shoving a piece of paper into Simon's hand. It looked like an address. Simon gave him a quizzical look. "Jonathan will be there, in two days time, and I have reason to believe he is there to kill someone. There's a woman, a French ambassador, who's visiting New York, and Jonathan has got her as a target for some reason. I don't know why, but I know he's going after her, in a secluded area. I will be there, too, most likely. If we're lucky, I can convince Jonathan to be the one to pull the trigger." Jace spoke and Simon's eyes widened a bit. "I know, I know. Just, do this for me. If we get him in the act, we'll have enough charges against him. We can't prove anything else, but we can prove this." Jace's words were rushed and Simon noticed the blonde had started to back up. "No, wait, I-" Simon started, stepping forward but Jace held his hands up. "I have to go, they are watching me, all the time. It's a miracle I got away for this long. I have to go." he repeated himself and smiled apologetically. "It'll be alright, Simon. We're going to be fine." the blonde assured him. Simon shook his head. "What about you? I mean, charges against you..." he stammered, but Jace stopped him. "Don't think about that. Just do as I said, okay?" the blonde pleaded and Simon nodded. How could he not?

Jace looked so...different. Like he was worn down and Simon hated that. He hated Jonathan so much, he swore he would end the guy as soon as he saw him. "Jace, wait." Simon said, seeing the blonde turn away. He stopped and stared back at Simon. With one long stride Simon was there, and even though Jace protested, Simon kissed him, short but hard and when he pulled back, his arms were still clutching Jace's. "I love you." he said sternly, almost like a command and Jace smiled. "I love you, too." he replied in a whisper and then he was gone, Simon's hands still clutching the air. He closed his eyes, so he wouldn't see Jace leaving. He didn't want to see it.

When he opened his eyes, he was alone again. Simon looked around, making sure he truly was alone, and started to go back the way he came from. When he wandered the street, on his way home, he stopped to call Luke. "Simon? Do you know what time it is? Is everything alright?" the groggy voice answered and Simon cursed himself for calling Luke up at night. It's not like they could do anything right now. "I have to meet with you, tomorrow. Are you good to come at my place?" he asked quickly and heard Luke hum at the other end. "Yeah, sure. I'll be there at 7?" he asked and Simon nodded, giving a "Good." and hanging up. He looked around, not wanting to go back to his place. He kept walking until he found himself ringing the bell of a familiar door. Magnus's face didn't seem at all happy when he opened the door. He stared angrily at Simon, but realizing who he was, his face dropped. "Simon! Are you alright?" he asked immediately, pulling the boy inside and closing the door. "I'm fine, I just- I didn't want to be alone." Simon said quietly, wringing his hands and standing near the doorway, looking sheepish all of a sudden. Magnus's face changed into something softer and he put a hand on Simon's shoulder. "Of course, come on in. You can have the guest room." he said, waving him to follow but Simon stopped. "Actually, can I take the couch?" Simon asked, his question lingering in the air between them, the unspoken words of 'it's closer to you guys' hanging like a curtain. Magnus smiled. "I'll bring you some sheets and make the bed." the older boy said and moved towards their bedroom, where Simon could hear Alec's mumbling and Magnus answering him.

When Magnus came back, he had a thoughtful expression. "Here." Magnus said, patting down the bedsheets and Simon glanced at him. "I'm sorry to barge in like this. And thank you, for everything." Simon said now, feeling a little ashamed. Magnus shook his head, smiling sweetly at Simon. "Si, you are my best friend. You never need to apologize, neither do you need to thank me. Get some rest and we'll talk in the morning." he replied, moving Simon down on the couch. The brunette sat down but sighed. "I have to meet Luke at 7. And I don't think I can sleep. But thanks anyway." Simon said, smiling and lying down, staring at the ceiling in thought. Magnus stilled, gazing at him and then he moved to the kitchen, putting the kettle on. "What are you doing?" Simon asked, utterly confused. "Well, you said you can't sleep, right? So, I'm making tea. Also, we can talk. I don't mind, I am a night person anyway." Magnus stated, but Simon shook his head quickly. "You don't have to-" he started but Magnus waved him off. "It's no big deal, I can always sleep in the day, once you leave for Luke." he stated, despite the protesting sounds Simon was making. Setting down the tea in front of them, Magnus took one into his hands, eyes wide awake now. "Simon, it's fine, really. Now, talk." the older one insisted, smiling again and Simon's heart warmed at that. He had the most amazing friends, but Magnus had always been like a brother to him. Just like Clary, he was family, and he cared for Magnus so much, he hoped that the older boy knew it. 

"You are the most stubborn person ever." Simon said and Magnus huffed a quiet laugh. "Look who's talking." he retorted, making Simon laugh again, before he took the teacup and rested his back against the couch. Magnus watched him reassuringly and Simon took a deep breath, before he started talking. It was easy, with Magnus it always was, and before he knew it, the night turned into morning and his voice grew tired and hoarse, his eyes drooping shut. Magnus smiled softly, when Simon fell asleep at 5 a.m and went to the bathroom, dialed Luke's number and told him to meet Simon at noon at their place. He then went to his bedroom, looking down at his boyfriend, who was peacefully asleep, his hand stretched out on Magnus's spot, soft snores filling the quiet room. Smiling softly, he moved the hand so it was then resting around him and he put the alarm clock to go off in 4 hours. After kissing Alec's forehead, he closed his eyes and let sleep take him as well.

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A/N: Sorry if this was too short. Anyways, we are soon getting to the end of this story, just a heads up. Soon, as in I have a couple of more chapters, at least, I think. Not completely sure. But thank you for reading and as always, vote, comment and stay sassy! :)x