A/N: This one gave me a little trouble, but it's finally done. Enjoy, guys!

20: Magnus

I lead Alec to Kohl's. I wanna get him at least one new outfit.

"Where do you wanna go after this?" I ask, looking for something cute in his size.

"Not sure. You wanna just wander around?" he replies.

He looks horribly uncomfortable.

"Sounds good. What do you think of this?" I murmur, pointing to a light blue t-shirt.

There's no glitter or anything. I know he prefers plain shirts to the kind I wear.

"I'll try it. They won't break your fingers in here, will they?" he says, taking the shirt from the rack.

"Never been in here before, darling," I reply.

I've never used a pet name with him before. I don't even know if he wants me to.

"Just when I think you can't possibly get any cuter, you prove me wrong," he whispers, smiling.

I pick out a pair of black skinny jeans for him to try on too. I think they'll really show off his legs.

After picking out a few more things, we go to a dressing room. I turn my back to him and stare at the floor while he changes. I find Alec attractive on every level I know of, but I also respect him.

"What do you think?" he asks.

I turn to face him slowly. He doesn't look any more comfortable than he did shopping.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"How do you handle wearing skinny jeans? I feel like I can't move," he replies.

"I'm used to wearing tight pants; that's what I wore whenever he wanted me to wear clothes. Not your thing? You look hot, though."

"Not my thing."

"What about the cargo pants?"

They're more to his liking.

"It actually looks really good," he murmurs, looking in the mirror.

I lean in and kiss his cheek softly.

"Did you see anything else?" he asks.

"I think I'm done holding you hostage," I tell him.

"Oh, thank God."

We find wrapping paper while we're in Kohl's, which is good because we forgot it earlier.

After we get done with Kohl's, he takes me to Spencer's. The first thing I see is a gay pride bracelet.

"Can I get one?" I ask.

He takes it from the rack for me. I'm afraid of getting fingers broken if I touch it.

"Thanks," I murmur.

I notice we stay towards the front of the store. I don't know why.

We probably would've gotten out of there sooner if I hadn't discovered the Manic Panic hair dye or the fake body jewelry.

"Can I get some of this?" I ask.

"What ones do you want? If you use Manic Panic, you have to bleach your hair. Izzy bought it one time," he replies.

I end up with eight different piercings.

"What's in the back?" I ask.

"They sell stuff that might make us both uncomfortable," he tells me.

It doesn't take very long for his meaning to sink in. It wouldn't really bother me, to be honest. It was my life for so long it just became normal.

"I'm used to that stuff. Why would it bother me?" I mumble.

"They sell whips. I know he beat you," he whispers.

"I should be okay if you wanna look."

"Do you?"

I nod slowly. I want to prove to myself I'm stronger than what Ragnor did. Alec tells me I'm brave or strong because I'm still sane after what happened to me, but I don't feel brave or strong.

He holds my hand gently as we go to the back part of the store.

"If you start getting scared, just say the word," he murmurs.

None of the whips are like what he used on me, but it still makes me a little nervous.

"Do you want me to take you away from here?" he asks gently.

"I'm just a little nervous. It's not like the haunted house," I reply.

"Magnus, do you wanna look at something else?"

"It might be a good idea. Can I ask something?"

"What's up?"

"Why'd you pick me? Out of all the hybrids there, why me? I'm not complaining."

"Because you were the one that needed the most love. There was something about you I instantly liked. Plus, I thought you were cute."

"Even when you knew what I was? Alec, how was I cute? I was skin-and-bones."

"Even then. You just were. Especially with those eyes. You just got cuter when you got up to a normal weight."

"I was hoping you'd adopt me. You seemed really nice. I thought you were cute too."

We leave the store ten minutes later. We leave the mall after I buy Izzy a present.

"Wanna wrap these after we get home?" Alec asks.

I agree eagerly. It doesn't matter what it is, I love doing it with him.

"Have they said when the trial is?" I ask.

"January 3rd."

"That's a little over a month."

The thought of seeing the man who made my life utter hell makes my stomach twist. I know Alec won't make me go, but I need to prove to myself I'm not weak. Just like earlier in the mall.

I have fun wrapping presents with him.

"You know what, Alec?" I say, leaning back on my elbows.

I'm starting to get a little stiff from staying in the same position. I feel something in my back pop when I stretch out like this. For right now, this is pretty comfy. If I didn't trust him, I wouldn't stay in this position; I know it makes things easier if he wants to cop a feel. But Alec isn't like that. He's better than all of that. Better than my wildest dream.

"What?" he replies, moving his eyes from the bare strip of skin visible from my shirt riding up my stomach.

"You're like an early birthday and Christmas present combined," I reply.

He leans in and kisses me softly.

"I think I might be falling for you," I murmur, resting my forehead against his.

I've never seen him so happy. I wish I had told him sooner, but I wanted to be sure I really felt something for him. I never knew love would be this wonderful.

My fingers fumble for a moment before I find a bow. I peel the backing off before pressing it gently to Alec's black hair.

"Now you look like a Christmas present," I grin, kissing him playfully.

"What am I gonna do with you?" he sighs, smiling at me.

"Love me and spoil me."

"I'm starting to see the cat genes."

I narrow my eyes at him.

"Again, cat genes. Humans don't give death glares like cats do," he tells me.

"You have a point there," I reply.

If I didn't have broken ribs and a sore back, I'd probably tackle him and show him how 'fierce' I am while I pepper his face with kisses.

"What're you thinking?" he asks.

"Showing off my fierceness," I reply.

"I don't know if I wanna know what you're talking about."

"Too sore to try it."

I take his hand lightly. I can't imagine life getting any better than it is right now. He's the best thing that ever happened to me.