A/N: Fast update, huh? Please don't cyber-murder me for what happens to Mags.

14

It's been three months since Alec adopted me and started working. He's my favorite person in the universe. I'll do anything for him. I know he feels the same way about me.

But I feel really guilty about one thing: I haven't put out yet. I know I should to keep him happy, but I'm also terrified by the thought. He's never brought it up, but I'm unsure how to handle it if he does. I'm also unsure how long it takes for normal people to hit that point in there relationship. What if he's there already but doesn't wanna pressure me so he's not saying anything? That just means I'm a horrible boyfriend, right? What if I'm never ready?

"Be good. I'll be back at ten, okay?" Alec murmurs, kissing me lovingly.

I kiss him back eagerly.

"I will. Be safe," I reply.

He's been working two to ten six days a week for the past month. I hate not seeing him all the time, but I know we really need the money. We've got an apartment, but he's trying to get the money for Christmas.

"You got everything? You look worn out," I murmur.

"I've got everything. I'm still doing my high school homework," he replies.

I'm really proud Alec tries so hard to take care of his own needs and mine. But he's worn out almost all the time from juggling forty-eight hours a week at work plus school. I do everything I can to help out, but I can't work yet because I don't have my GED.

While he's at work, I watch Project Runway reruns. I envy the talent of the designers. I can sew a little, mostly fixing Alec's clothes because buying new clothes is a foreign concept to him, but I can't do anything like the designers.

Maybe Izzy can come over? I wonder, picking up my phone.

The small LED light on the home button is flashing blue, the color I set for Alec. For some reason, my phone didn't go off when he called, so I call him back.

"Baby, can you bring me my lunch? I forgot to put it in my lunchbox. I'm sorry," Alec says.

He sounds stressed.

"No problem. Are you okay?" I reply.

"It's insane. We're shorthanded and busy. I love you."

"Why're you shorthanded? I've got my keys and your lunch and I'm on my way.."

"Khalil's sick. Helen's on her honeymoon. So it's me and Jonathan."

I shove my phone in my pocket and start out the door. About three blocks from the apartment, I feel like someone's following me. I'm afraid to look and see if I'm right. Eight blocks later, when I'm two blocks from Alec, I'm ninety percent sure I'm being followed. Whoever it is has gotten closer, and the sound of footsteps getting closer startles me into running. I know running from a possible attacker is stupid and dangerous, but I'm scared.

"Hey, pretty kitty," a familiar voice coos behind me.

My most frequent nightmare has become real. And it scares me so badly I can barely breathe.

He grabs me and tries wrestling me into an alley. Growling ferally, I punch and kick at him. I'm not about to go down without a fight. Not this time

"Naughty little kitty needs to be taught a lesson," Ragnor croons, slamming me against the wall.

Fighting back only gets me beaten with a baseball bat until I can't move. I've tried screaming for help, but none comes. That's no surprise, really. What's one dead neko? He tortures me until I black out from the pain.

When everything comes back into focus, I'm at the vet. Alec's sitting by my bed. He looks so worried.

"You're awake," he murmurs, relief clear in his voice.

I can't move my jaw to speak. Whimpering fearfully, I stare up at him.

"He broke your jaw, and they had to wire it. I'm glad to see you awake," he tells me.

"How bad is it?" I ask through clenched teeth.

"He broke your ribs, your jaw and cheekbone, your left ankle, you have hairline fractures in your left femur and your spine, knocked out three teeth, and you had some internal bleeding. You're missing most of your tail, and he almost ripped your right ear off. He, um, he won't be hurting you for a long time."

My eyes widen in shock at that.

"He's in jail. With a couple broken bones. I'm glad Jace found you," he tells me.

Jace found me? Why would he bother helping me? I think, furrowing my brow in confusion.

A soft rap at the door makes me flinch.

"Is Magnus awake?" a female voice asks.

"He's awake, Dr. Loss," Alec replies, taking my hand gently.

I wince in pain when my ears flatten nervously as she comes in. My right ear feels like it's on fire.

"Hey, Magnus. How're you feeling?" she says, coming to sit on my bed.

"Sore. Had worse," I mumble.

"Your last blood test came back. Alec asked your previous vet to fax it to me."

"What am I positive for?" I ask dejectedly.

I'm sure Alec won't want me if I have an STD. I'm sure 'Always' will only mean 'Until you're irreparable.'

"You tested positive for HIV," she informs us.