A/N: Pretend it's Thursday... I'm sorry I was just so distracted by the fact that I get to see SHUMDARIO today!!!!!!! (Virtually, but still. It's better than I'd ever hoped tbh) Anyways... Here it is, the new chapter. Enjoy x

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The truth is like a lion; you don't have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself
-Augustine of Hippo

***

They had just started to drive back to the house, when from afar, Jace heard the gunshot. His mind went racing, thinking 'not again', when they pulled up and he hurled out of the car. He didn't bother to even acknowledge Carter's presence, let alone him screaming for Jace to stop. He should've, he didn't have any weapons on him, so it was, really, foolish of him to run into the house. He didn't care, though. Simon was in there.

"Simon!?" he yelled, as soon as he stepped over the threshold into Clary's mother's house. He went past the staircase, hearing someone call them, and stepped into the corridor, facing the kitchen. Simon was on the ground, kneeling besides Jocelyn. Adam was crouching over the floor, next to what seemed to be a dead body. Jace's heart started beating frantically, he closed the distance that was separating him from his boyfriend and he fell to his knees, embracing Simon. The brunette gave a little 'humph' and was knocked back slightly, when Jace's strong arms held him tightly. His head went to the crook of Simon's neck and he exhaled. When he pulled back, his eyes went over the man, searching for any wounds, cuts or even bruises, and when he didn't find any, he pulled Simon back into a bone-crushing hug.

"Jace, I'm fine, we're all okay." Simon said, his voice muffled by Jace's shoulder. "Well, this guy ain't." Adam announced, getting back up and Jace removed himself from Simon embrace, put let his hands still linger on his boyfriends shoulders. "What happened?" he asked, eyeing the body on the ground, the pool of blood growing under their eyes. Jocelyn was now in a sitting position, her eyes wet from tears. Carter went to Adam and kneeled next to the body.

"Valentine's men. Jocelyn recognized them from her- their past. Though, why'd they want to kill her is beyond me. I thought in the least, they'd want to make her join him." Simon said, slowly getting up. Jace's arm went around his waist protectively and Simon gave him a look. "Jace, I'm fine, I told you." he said to the blonde, his eyes twinkling in slight amusement. Jace shook his head. "Never. I'm thinking I have to cuff our wrists together or something, since either one of us always seems to attract psychos wielding loaded guns." he said and Simon laughed, his hair falling to his face slightly. "Kinky." was all he said and Jace groaned. "Simon, seriously, right now?" he asked and shook his head. Simon looked around at the faces and nodded. "Right, maybe not right now." he agreed and Jace suppressed a smile.

Jocelyn seemed utterly shaken. Jace felt sorry for the woman and tried to smile at her. "Are you alright? Did they hurt you?" he asked and the redhaired woman stared up at him. "Jace? What are you- How are you here?" she asked, confusion masking her features. Right, he was not supposed to be here. She eyed the two and then noticed the arm around Simon. She glanced to the kitchen, where Adam and Carter were engrossed in a conversation. "Aren't you with-" Jocelyn asked, nodding towards the exotic looking agent. Jace made a face and an undignified noise, but Simon's hand squeezed his. "It was a cover up. I'm sorry, Jocelyn, I didn't want to lie to you, but it was for your own safety... Not that we managed to live up to that, anyways..." Simon trailed off and Jocelyn's eyes seemed to soften.

"It's not your fault. I was afraid he might come after me at some point. Even Luke knew. He has been, um, keeping an eye on me." she said and Jace saw that Jocelyn was blushing. He narrowed his eyes and smiled slightly, when Simon looked at her in surprise. "Keeping an eye on you?" he repeated and Jocelyn rubbed her arms, feeling embarrassed apparently. Jace chuckled. "Right, smart move, involving a police officer. But where is he?" Jace asked and Jocelyn cleared her throat. "Well, he was called into work. I mean, it's not like he can watch me 24/7." she said, seemingly still slightly embarrassed. Simon eyed her and Jace pulled his boyfriend into the kitchen. "Do you think they-" he started but Jace cut him off. "Yes. But we have more pressing matters, Simon." he said with a harshness in his tone. Simon seemed startled and he stared at Jocelyn, who was on the phone now, probably with Luke. Jace would've laughed, if it weren't for the (yet another) near death experience involving his boyfriend. 

"What did you find out?" Carter asked and they both whipped their heads up. Jace eyed Simon and Adam as the brunette recapped their story. Jace was watching as Simon spoke and his eyes slid over to Adam. The guy was watching Simon, too, a smug smile on his face. Jace felt his blood boil for some reason. "So, that's all that happened?" Jace wanted to know, as Simon finished their story. The brunette looked over at him in confusion. "Yes? Was I leaving something out?" he asked and looked at Adam, who shrugged. "Nope, I don't think so." he said, smiling at Jace. He stared back, bluntly, until Adam removed his gaze from him. That's better. 

"We have to find this Aldertree guy then, right?" Jace concluded and Simon nodded. "And check Clary's medical records..." he said.

They talked to Jocelyn some more, who announced that Luke would be there, to deal with the dead henchman, as well as to cover up their tracks as much as he could, seeing that they weren't exactly supposed to be there.

When they stepped outside towards the car, Simon spoke. "Okay, two of us should go and check the medical records and two should see if Aldertree still resides at the address Jocelyn said he used to live at." he said and Jace's head whipped up immediately. "I'm going to get the records, because I know the hospital and the doctor." Simon continued and Jace stopped. "I'm coming with you." he said right away, but Simon shook his head. "You can't - fugitive, remember? Not a good idea, especially at a hospital." Simon said and Jace pouted. "I'm going with you then." Adam perked up. "The hell you are." Jace growled and Adam stepped towards him. "What is your problem, Herondale? Are you that insecure that you think I'll steal your precious boyfriend? Though, I wouldn't be surprised if he'd dump you, seeing what a trainwreck you are-" the guy said.

Jace didn't know what came over him. Usually, words couldn't sway him like that, but somehow, this guy got under his skin. The next moment, Adam staggered back, holding his cheek and Jace's hand was in a fist. "Jace, no!" he heard Simon shout and Carter came towards them, but Adam tackled him to the ground and Jace's back hit the cement, hard. He groaned, but caught Adam's hand mid-air, as the agent tried to punch him. He kicked him with his knee and Adam toppled off him and Jace climbed on his back, knees digging in. He took Adam's hands and twisted them behind his back. He rested one of his knees on his face, shoving it close to the asphalt. "Whoah, whoah!" Carter said, raising his hands. "Boys, come on." he said again, but Jace twisted Adam's arm, making him scream out in pain. "You son of a-" he yelled and Jace gritted his teeth.

"JACE!" Simon shouted again and Jace looked up, finally. Simon was standing there, with his hands to his sides in fists and was visibly shaking. With a jolt, Jace realized that Simon was holding himself back - from hitting Jace. He let go of Adam, who scrambled to his feet so fast, Jace couldn't even blink. Carter was there in an instant, holding him back but Jace put his hands up. "You're kidding me, right? After everything I-" Simon was holding up his hands in exasperation and Jace eyed him carefully. Simon seemed pissed.

"You should really watch your mouth. You talk about my boyfriend like that again, I'll bust both your kneecaps." Simon said, pointing at Adam, who spit blood onto the ground. The agent glared at Simon, slightly surprised and also, angry as hell. But Jace could still see a flicker of fear in Adam's eyes. "Simon..." Jace tried but Simon turned to him next, eyes blazing. "And you! What the fuck is the matter with you lately? You've never been this, this jealous brat before, where is this coming from?" the brunette was laying it out on him and Jace felt the shame come over him. He tried to open his mouth, but Simon raised his hand and Jace shut it. He felt scared for some reason. "You know what, I don't want to hear it. The both of you are just so enclosed in your own problems, meanwhile I'm trying to make sure my best friend hasn't gone PSYCHO and hasn't aided his criminal of a father to escape prison! Get your head out of your fucking asses and work with me and if you can't seriously put aside your differences for that, then walk!" Simon finished his speech, breathing heavy and Jace could see disappointment in his eyes. It was the worst feeling ever, to see that look on his boyfriend's face.

He swallowed. "Si, I'm sorry, okay? I don't know why I- I'm sorry." Jace said, not really knowing what else to say. Simon rolled his eyes at him. He pointed at Carter, who was now watching the whole thing, quite amused. "You. You're coming with me to the hospital. I can't deal with these two right now. I promise not to punch you." Simon said and Carter huffed. "Believe it or not, I actually think it's a good idea. I don't want to deal with either of them." the older agent said and Simon nodded. "We're taking a cab. Take the car, and find Aldertree. Call us if you do." Simon said, seemingly very done with them all. Jace wanted to protest, but Adam beat him to it. "I'm not going with him!" he raised his voice, but the look that Simon gave them both was deadly. Jace swallowed again. "Get it done. Try not to kill each other. For fucks sake, it's like we're in the 6th grade." Simon said, turning on his heel and stalking away, phone in hand, presumably ordering a cab.

Carter gave them an amused glance. "Shut up." Jace said, when the agent opened his mouth. He threw his hands up, shaking his head with a smile on his stupid face. "Alright. You heard the 'boss man'. Call if you find Aldertree." Carter said, turning to go after Simon. Jace stared at the brunette, who was waiting with Carter on the side of the road. He wasn't looking towards him, on purpose, Jace was sure. Just minutes ago he had been so relieved that Simon was alive, and now he wasn't talking to him? He eyed Adam. The agent was pressing a napkin onto his bruised lip. He sighed and got into the car, waiting for Adam to take the passenger seat.

When he sat down, Jace turned the ignition. After a few minutes, Jace sighed again, letting his head fall back for a moment. "I'm sorry I punched you." he said, trying to sound as sincere as possible. Adam didn't respond so Jace bit his lip, trying not to snap. He counted to three inside his head. "I'm usually not like that - jealous, I mean. Well, I am, but there's never been an issue with it. I guess what you said hit home, that's why I did it." Jace revealed and knew he was speaking the truth. He'd never worried about Simon finding someone else - back at New York they were together most of the time, when they weren't involved in dangerous activities. On the run, it was just the two of them, no time for even commuting with anyone else. "I saw the way you made him laugh, back at the computer room. And he didn't think you thought of him that way, so it pissed me off even more. And I knew he'd never do anything, I mean, I know he loves me. But I started doubting myself." Jace went on.

He didn't really want to elaborate, hadn't intended to do it, but it felt good, getting it off his chest. "I started thinking about the life Simon could have with someone else, you know? I'm a fugitive and even if we get out of this, I'm always going to cause trouble and he'd constantly be in danger. He deserves better. I still don't fucking believe that he chose to stay with me. Sometimes I think he did it out of pity." he finished, a hollow feeling settling inside his chest. He grabbed at it, just under his heart and watched the road as he drove. He heard Adam sigh and the agent lowered the napkin. "You're an idiot, which is why I don't know either what he sees in you. But, Simon is a person. He can make his own decisions. If he chose the life with you - danger and all - you should respect it. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry, too. You just piss me off." Adam said, leaning back in the chair.

Jace let out a choked laughter. "Yeah, I do that to a lot of people. Can't really blame them, huh?" he said and then glanced at Adam. There was a few seconds of silence. "Thanks." he mumbled and Adam scoffed. "Let's not make this weird. I still don't like you." he said and Jace gritted his teeth. Be civil, for Simon. His heart ached, knowing they parted ways fighting. He'd never had a fight like this with Simon before. He didn't like it one bit. "Yeah, ditto." he said and stared at the gps. "Where are we going?" he asked suddenly and Adam got up more. He saw the agent roll his eyes. "There." he said, tapping the screen and Jace nodded, taking a left turn. He ached to take out his phone and call Simon. As much as he hated the man next to him, staring out the window, he was right. He was wrong to assume Simon stayed with him because Jace needed him. Simon had stayed, because he had wanted to. Jace couldn't take that from him.

***

"So, he always such a 12-year old brat?" Carter asked and Simon eyed the man next to him on the back seat. "I can always take back that promise about not punching you." he gritted his teeth, but Carter just laughed. Awfully jolly for a guy who did get punched by Simon once. Simon didn't want to talk about what had happened. He had thought his words had comforted Jace, that there was no reason to feel jealous. At least, not so much that he felt like punching someone. Yeah, Adam's words were not the most delicate one's, but Jace had never lost his temper like that. It was very uncharacteristic of him. Simon tapped the window pane, trying to cast these thoughts aside. He had bigger things to worry about. Jace could wait.

"Right here." he pointed to the big white hospital building and the taxi driver pulled over. He'd been here many times before, once with a broken arm, after he and Clary had gone rollerskating. They were only 11, but had convinced Jocelyn that it was fine for them to go alone. She hadn't agreed, of course, and came with, but then she went to buy ice cream and for a few minutes, Simon and Clary were alone. They used this window and skated down a bigger hill they'd ever taken before. It didn't end well and Simon had to deal with the itching in side the cast for about a month, before his arm was fine.

The familiar smell of hospitals invaded his nostrils and he didn't welcome it - he'd never particularly liked hospitals, I mean, who would? Carter came after him, dressed casually just like him, to not arouse any suspicion. Simon went towards the front desk and thought about how they should proceed with this, but Carter brushed past him. "Hello, there, miss. Could I have a word?" he asked and took out his badge. Okay, one way to go, Simon thought. The woman was looking at them with mild suspicion, but eventually got up. "Dr. Rancorn is this way, please." she said with a clipped tone, obviously not pleased about being interrupted, although the front of the desk was empty with no people whatsoever.

She stopped at a door, labelled 'Dr. Rancorn' and knocked. After a second she entered, not waiting to be called. "Mike, there are some people here to see you about a patient, I think." she said and Carter stepped in, Simon following suit. "What's this about?" the man asked, standing up and taking Carter's extended hand. His white coat was over a set of dark, baggy jeans and a pullover, his hair were slightly gray and his eyes were tired behind the square glasses on his nose. "Dr. Rancorn, I'm with the FBI. I need some information about a patient of yours, Clarissa Fairchild?" the older agent said and Simon eyed the doctors reaction. He sat down, furrowing his brows. "I'm sorry, but why would FBI be interested in her? And there is such a thing as doctor-patient confidentiality..." he trailed and Carter gave him a smile. It looked dangerous and Simon saw the doctor swallow. "I'm sure you can make an exception. You see, this is of most utter importance. We're dealing with treason here, if you don't cooperate." he said and Simon tried to hide his surprise.

Obviously that wasn't the case, but the effect on the doctor was immediate. He gestured for them to sit, his eyes wide. "Oh, yes, well. I'm not saying that I don't want to help. What would you like to know?" he asked and Simon spoke up. "Her medical records. Could we see them, please?" he asked and the doctor, again, hesitated. Carter was playing with a pen on the doctor's desk, seemingly bored. Simon eyed Rancorn. He looked to be about 45 or so and he could tell that he'd had a rough night. "Doctor, this is important. I'm a family friend of hers, almost like a brother to Clary. She might be in danger." he said, pleading and the doctor seemed to soften a bit.

"She came to me because of events recently transpired, which I'm sure you already know of. The poor girl was pretty shaken up. I sent her to a psychologist, who sent her to a psychiatrist. Here, these should help..." he fished out a document as he spoke and pushed it across the table. Simon opened the folder. There were records of Clary going to the said doctors and a description of her behavior. She seemed to be melancholy and depressed, both understandable, but the pills prescribed to her... "Doctor, did you confirm this treatment?" he asked and Rancorn looked up in confusion. "I didn't need to, psychiatrists can do that themselves, I was just the one who appointed her there. The doctors there are capable of-" he couldn't finish, because Simon was already speaking again, this time his voice rising. "And did they also know that she has once before gotten treatment with the same pills, but they had to cut her off because they made her even worse?" he asked and Rancorn seemed dazed.

Simon stood up, the folder slipping from his hands back to the table. He put a hand to his forehead, massaging his temples. "She had a history of depression and psychotic episodes because of the same pills, and you didn't think it wasn't wise to prescribe them to her? They won't make her better, they'll make her... worse, so much worse!" he was getting angry now and Carter stood up, putting a hand on his shoulder. Simon shrugged it off immediately. "Calm down." the agent said. "I didn't know. I mean, I don't know why they would do such a thing, they have her records. Unless it's not in the records. Or unless they didn't bother to check them..." he trailed off, looking scared now.

Simon spared a venomous glance at him. "Didn't bother to... check? Who was the psychiatrist?" he demanded and Rancorn looked at them, in shock. "I can't- It's in the file." he exhaled and Simon grabbed the document, storming out. His mind was buzzing. If Clary was sent to a psychiatrist and was given meds that made her go even more crazy than she already had been, it could explain why she would break out Valentine. If she even did do that. She wasn't in her right mind.

"Hey, what the fuck was that?" Carter's voice made him look up. The agent looked slightly pissed, but not as much as Simon was at that moment. He threw his hands up, gritting his teeth. Everything was going to shit today. And to think, it had started out so well... "They gave her meds, the same meds she was prescribed when she went into depression after her grandmothers death when she was younger. But the meds, they made her feel worse. Mood swings, tired all the time and sometimes, she'd even have hallucinations. They changed the treatment as soon as Jocelyn found out and she got better. Hadn't had an episode ever since. Well, until now." he said, leaning onto the hospital wall. 

Carter seemed thoughtful now, nodding towards him to walk outside. Simon followed, confused, but Carter just stayed silent. They reached the outdoors, and Simon breathed the fresh air. God, he hated hospitals. Carter leaned onto the wall and offered Simon a cigarette. He took it, leaning back, too, one foot going up to support himself on the wall. Carter leaned over, lighting his cig. "So, we just have to talk to the psychiatrist, to confirm our suspicions. But if they did do that, it means Clarissa Morgen- Fairchild," he said and Simon gave him a surprised glance "couldn't be held accountable for whatever part she plays in this. At least, it's our duty to find out if it's true and then charge her, if we are able to and if it's necessary." the older agent blew out the smoke and Simon stared at him. There was something in those cold eyes that reflected sadness. And he had called Clary a Fairchild.

He exhaled the smoke, feeling the burn in his lungs. "Someone close to you?" he asked Carter, not bothering to elaborate. The agent didn't seem confused, anyways. He nodded. "Mother. She finally got put into a psychiatric ward and went completely mad. There was nothing any of the doctors could do." he said and there was a finality in his tone, which meant no further questions. Simon nodded, looking up at the blue sky. It reminded him of the blue in Jace's eyes. He sighed. "I'm sorry." he said then, not looking at the agent. He might've despised the guy, but no one deserved to lose family like that. Carter just nodded and Simon's eyes traced the outline of a fluffy-looking cloud.

"We better get going. Think you can let Adam know where were going?" Simon asked as he extinguished his cigarette. Carter nodded, taking out his phone, just as Simon's own ringed. Carter froze and Simon took his phone out, seeing Jace's name flash across the screen. He rolled his eyes, but took the call.

"Hey, you." came a voice and Simon couldn't help but feel a little more at ease, when he heard his boyfriends voice. He hated fighting, but fighting with Jace was the worst. He could hear the sadness in Jace's voice.

"What is it?" Simon just asked, his tone slightly annoyed. He didn't like fighting, but that didn't mean Jace was going to be forgiven so easily. 

"We found Aldertree. He does live here, in fact. So, we're going to talk to him and see what we can find out. Where are you at?" Jace asked, his voice disappointed and Simon sighed.

"Long story. We're going to see a psychiatrist, to see if they prescribed Clary any meds that she shouldn't be taking. Just call us when you're done and you can come pick us up." he replied in a monotone voice and heard Jace sigh.

"Okay. Simon?" Jace said and Simon pinched the bridge of his nose. "What?" he asked and heard Jace hum. "I, um. I know you're pissed at me. But I worked things out with Adam and I'm also, really sorry. And I also hate fighting with you and I don't like that we just parted ways like that." Jace said and Simon felt his heart ache a little. He didn't like it either. But he couldn't just dismiss the topic, neither could he get into it right now.

"Jace, we're talking about this later." he said. "But, I-" Jace's voice was now even sadder, so Simon just stopped him. "Jace, I'm not as mad anymore. But we still need to talk. So, I'm not saying it's okay, I'm saying that we're putting it on hold, okay?" he said, a little more gentle now and heard shuffling from Jace's end of the phone. "Okay, Simon." Jace said, his tone monotonous now. Simon nodded. "Alright, see you later, then." he said and, as an afterthought, he said "I love you." He couldn't help but say it, it was an instinct. "I love you, too, Simon." came a reply, Jace's voice soft in his ear. Simon hung up and looked up at Carter. He wasn't smiling, smirking, he wasn't anything. He was just waiting, staring at the grass.

"Let's go." Simon told him and Carter took out his phone, to call another cab.

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A/N: Sorry, if this was shit. I know, it probably was. That's why I'm apologizing. Oh well :)x