A/N: The court case has arrived! And so has buzzed Magnus.
30: Magnus
I've missed going out with Alec so much. Visiting him at work isn't the same thing.
I slip into the bedroom where it's quieter so I can record the 'serenade' to Alec's mother. I pull up the girl version lyrics—with my change of man to woman and daughter to son—on his laptop before hitting record on my phone. I might sound like a cat in a blender, but I mean every word of the song. I will marry Alec no matter what she says.
Hello, future mother-in-law, I type. Just so you know, Alexander picked the abomination. Enjoy the lovely song I recorded for you XOXO
Being somewhat petty feels good. It shouldn't, but it does.
Alec's making hot chocolate at the stove when I leave our bedroom. I don't know why but I find the sight of him cooking really sexy.
"That smells really good," I tell him.
"Jace got marshmallows for us. I thought it might sound good to you," he replies.
"I also got marshmallow vodka," Jace says behind me, making me jump.
"Can I try it?" I ask.
"If you want. Like I said, that's your decision. If you hurt me, we're over," Alec replies.
"I won't drink much."
Alec looks really uncomfortable with me wanting to try the vodka. I'm not planning on getting drunk. I'm just curious about how it tastes.
"I won't drink at all if it bothers you," I murmur.
"It's not that. Dad was a bad drunk. And then there's Jace," Alec replies quietly.
"Did your dad hurt you?"
"Mom walked in on him punching me. It was after the hybrid incident. It only happened twice."
"Why didn't you ever say anything?" Jace demands.
"Because I never thought it was important."
"If someone hurts you, it's very important," I tell him.
He smiles shyly.
"I'm not planning on getting drunk, just so you know. Being homeless isn't an adventure I wanna go on again," Jace tells us.
"Good," Alec replies.
"Do you want me to get mugs?" I ask, wanting to be helpful.
"Yes, please."
I've just gotten the mugs when Alec's phone rings.
"Hello, Jia. They what?! What time? Okay. Why'd they decide to change it? See you then," Alec says, putting his phone in his pocket.
"When'd they move it to?" I ask, my voice cracking pitifully.
"Tomorrow at twelve. They want it over before the new year."
I'm faintly aware of a mug shattering. The only thing I'm for-sure aware of is the fact I can't breathe. I'll be facing him in less than twenty-four hours. Alec helps me sit down. I'm making these awful, choked sobbing sounds.
"Shh. Shh. It's gonna be okay, Mags," he murmurs soothingly, pulling me close.
I cling to him like a drowning man to a life preserver.
He keeps murmuring to me gently until I start calming down. My chest hurts.
"Can I just sit here?" I ask.
"As long as you need, babe. I love you," he replies.
"I love you more. Sorry about the mug."
Jace has already started sweeping it up.
"It happens. I would've done the same thing in your situation," Alec murmurs, kissing my forehead.
I'm able to get up after a few minutes.
Alec ladles some hot chocolate into a mug for me and lets me add as much vodka and marshmallows as I want. By the time I get done with the marshmallows, I can't really drink from my mug.
"What do you even wear to a court case?" I ask.
"Dressy. I'll help you if you want," Izzy tells me, coming into the kitchen.
"That would be great."
After she gets her hot chocolate, we go in my and Alec's room. I dig through my closet until I find a pair of black skinny jeans, a royal blue sweater with sequins, and my black jacket with rhinestoned shoulders.
"What do you think?" I ask.
"I like it. Are you planning on wearing makeup?" she replies.
"Definitely. I have this black eyeshadow with glitter in it. And I'm gonna do my nails. I'm doing everything he beat me for."
"Is that the alcohol or you talking?"
"I've barely had a couple drinks. I want to show him he didn't break me."
After my outfit is picked out, I tuck myself under Alec's arm so we can do some wedding planning.
"Do you want it here in Manhattan?" he asks.
"Yeah. Are we having cake? And booze? I like this stuff," I reply.
"If you want cake. I'm not a big fan of it. We could do cupcakes if you want. Magnus, we're not legal. And I'd like both of us to remember our wedding night. What other food do you want?"
"Jace is drinking, and he's less legal than us. Cupcakes sound awesome. Can we have sushi?"
"Are you getting drunk? We could have our reception at a sushi bar if they're cool with a gay human-neko reception. I'll give Cake Alchemy a call and see if they can do it."
"I'm feeling really good right now."
"I think you're done. Hangovers suck, and you're gonna have enough to deal with tomorrow."
"Which is precisely why I'm drinking."
"Magnus, I think you've had enough. How much vodka did you put in there anyway?"
"Like half-and-half."
He writes down the number for the bakery, the officiant, and hotel. Tomorrow, we'll do the photographer and stuff like that.
By the time we go to bed, I'm starting to sober up.
"Are you okay?" Alec asks, lathering his face with shaving cream.
Personally, I like the haven't-shaved-for-three-days look on him.
"Honestly? No. I wanna curl up with you and the bottle of vodka," I reply, sitting on the vanity.
"I'm sorry they moved it up. I'll be right there with you during it. I promise. Do you know what you wanna say to him?" Alec says, touching my hand gently.
"Not everything. I've been trying not to think about it because it doesn't feel real then."
He squeezes my hand gently.
"How sober are you?" he asks.
"I'm not feeling good anymore. Why?" I reply.
"Do you want me to get your mind off the trial?"
"You don't have to."
"If you're not in the mood, I understand and I won't push you."
"I really just wanna be with you in every way I can tonight because I don't know what's gonna happen at the trial."
I'm scared of being extremely messed-up afterwards.
Making out with him under the hot spray of the shower feels really good. I need to be close to him like this.
Tonight's much different from last night. I'm not in as much of a hurry. Instead, I wanna take my time to savor this experience with him.
After we're done, we curl up together to watch a movie. He's petting me gently while I listen to his heart.
"No matter what happens tomorrow, I'll always love you and do my best to protect you," he murmurs.
"I'll do the same for you," I reply.
I have the worst nightmares ever tonight. Each one is a flashback of something Ragnor did to me. I'm already awake when Alec gets up at nine.
"Good morning. How long have you been up?" he says, hugging me close.
"Since six, I think. I had flashbacks all night," I reply, snuggling against his warmth.
"You could've woken me up."
"I thought they'd quit."
I skip breakfast. I already feel like puking.
I spend most of the day plastered to Alec's side.
Not even doing my hair and makeup makes me feel better. I'm too anxious for it to help.
"You look really good," Alec tells me as we leave the apartment.
"I don't feel really good. I feel like I can't breathe and might puke," I reply.
Jia, Catarina, and Michelle are already waiting for us at the courthouse.
"He looks so different," Michelle remarks, dragging her eyes over my body.
"He's a completely different neko than he was when I got him," Alec replies, squeezing my hand gently.
"They're gonna show the videos to the entire court room," Jia tells us.
That's it for my stomach. Thankfully there's a trash can close by for me to puke in.
"I'm sorry," I mumble, wiping my mouth on the Kleenex Alec offers me.
"Don't. I'm surprised you made it this far without puking," Alec replies.
I hold Alec's hand tightly as we make our way for the court room.
"Is there a reason he's not wearing a leash and collar?" the security guard asks.
"Emancipated," I reply, flashing my ID.
We empty our pockets and step in the court room.
"We're gonna get through this," Alec promises, guiding me to my seat.
If it weren't for him, I'd probably fall over since I can't really feel my legs.
I start shaking when Ragnor walks in. I can't look at him. If I look at him, I can't breathe, much less think. I'm barely aware of my fingernails digging into my thighs until Alec takes my hand.
"Don't hurt yourself because of him. He's not worth it. I've got you," he whispers.
His touch makes my breathing a little easier.
Do you realize you're my gravity? You're my sun and I'm your moon. I'm the reflection of what kind of person you are, I think, squeezing his hand lightly.
"Of course," Alec mumbles irritably.
"What?" I whisper.
"My dad is his lawyer."
I hate the hurt in Alec's voice.
"I'm sorry," I tell him.
The demon spawn testifies first. I can't help my ears flattening against my skull at the sound of his voice. My stumpy tail's fluffed and twitching. Harsh growls rumble from my chest.
"How old was Mr. Bane when you adopted him?" Jia asks.
"It was ten," Ragnor answers.
"Is it true that you tortured him almost to the point of death when he was seventeen?"
"It bit me, so I taught it a lesson. You should've heard the way it screamed and begged. 'Course that got kinda hard once I broke its jaw."
From the corner of my eye, I see a muscle in Alec's jaw twitch. It's nice to know I'm not the only one that wants to tear Ragnor to shreds right now.
"Why did Mr. Bane bite you?" Jia asks.
"I disciplined it, and it went psycho on me," Ragnor replies.
"By 'disciplined' you mean?"
"I fed it eight Viagra and then whipped its junk with a lunge whip. You know, the kind they use with horses."
"What did Mr. Bane do to cause you to believe he warranted such action?"
"It was flirting with my boyfriend."
I almost start laughing at the ridiculousness of what he's saying.
"Is it true you attacked Mr. Bane on November 23rd, 2015?" she asks.
"I wanted to get what belonged to me back," he replies.
"So beating, raping, and removing part of Mr. Bane's tail was a good way to do that?"
"It deserved it for being such a horrid neko. He probably has it drugged so it's not attacking people."
The questions Alec's father ask him paint me nearly as demented as Ragnor. There're two very large differences between us: I'm not psychotic and I'm part adorable cat.
The fear hits like a cannonball when Alec's called to the stand. Now I only have Jia between me and the demon spawn, and there's no guarantee she'll protect me. When she goes to question Alec, I'll have no one.
"Mr. Lightwood, how long have you owned the neko?" his father asks.
"Since August 15th of 2015," Alec replies.
"Can you describe for me what condition the neko was in when you adopted it?"
"He was extremely underweight. I could count each rib. His hipbones and breast bone stuck out. He hadn't had a bath in God only knows how long. No one had bothered trying to get his hair unmatted. He was bruised and cut. He had been raped."
"Do you have photographic evidence to back this up?"
"No, I don't. But one of the pound workers is here as a witness."
"How many times has it behaved in a hostile fashion, not counting right now?"
"Only twice and the incidents were warranted. Once was because my brother hurt him. The other was out of fear my brother would hurt him again."
"Do you keep it drugged so it will be docile?"
"I've never drugged him, nor will I."
"What is your relationship to the neko?"
"He's my fiance."
Alec flashes his ring to the entire court room.
I start trembling again when Jia goes to question Alec.
"I won't let him hurt you any more than Alec will," Catarina tells me, laying a gentle hand on my back.
Catarina's called to the stand after Jia finishes questioning Alec. Alec looks relieved to be back with me.
"What is your relationship with Mr. Bane and Mr. Lightwood?" Jia asks.
"I'm Mr. Bane's vet," Catarina replies.
"Can you tell me what condition Mr. Bane was in when you first met him?"
"He had just been raped and beaten by Mr. Lightwood's brother. He had fractured ribs, dislocated wrists, a broken bone in his tail, and internal tears."
"Did any old injuries show up on the X-rays?"
"Yes. I brought the X-rays from then and when Mr. Fell assaulted him for evidence."
"How many healed fractures were there?"
"Off the top of my head? Twenty."
"Out of that number, how many appeared to have healed properly?"
"Maybe ten."
"Which injuries were the most common?"
"Rib fractures and tail fractures were the most common."
"What was Mr. Bane's condition when he was brought in after Mr. Fell's assault?"
"I was unsure if he would make it through the night. His right ear was nearly torn from his head. His cat ear, not his human one. Most of his tail was cut off with what appeared to have been a dull pocket knife. His jaw had been broken. He had broken ribs. He had internal bleeding. He had been quite brutally raped. There was a hairline fracture in his spine and left femur. There were a number of bruises. There were defensive wounds on his forearms and wrists."
"Do you have photographic evidence to support your claims?"
"Yes. I took pictures with my camera, and I also brought the X-rays."
Alec's father doesn't bother questioning her.
My turn comes far too soon. As long as I focus on Alec, I'm not so scared I can't breathe. I'm still scared, though.
"Mr. Bane, how long did you belong to Mr. Fell?" Jia asks.
"Eight years," I reply shakily.
"Can you tell me how you were treated?"
"H-he abused me."
"Can you clarify what you mean by that?"
"H-he beat and raped me. He tortured me. He and his boyfriend used to take me at the same time. He starved me and made me dance or perform sex acts for food. He locked me in a cage at one point and refused to feed me, so I resorted to eating my own waste. He videotaped some of the acts."
"What is your version of the events leading up to Mr. Fell torturing you when you were seventeen?"
"His boyfriend was raping my throat, and he walked in on it. I did not consent to the sex act, which is why I called it rape. Mr. Fell became angry with me for not asking him for permission to pleasure his boyfriend. What I said about the matter only made him angrier. He was telling the truth about feeding me Viagra and whipping my junk. I was in a lot of pain, and I was trying to defend myself, so I bit him. I don't deny that I lashed out."
Just like I don't deny he's King of the Psychos, I add silently.
"Can you tell me why Mr. Fell surrendered you to the pound?" Jia asks.
"He said I was worthless and getting worn-out so he was gonna get rid of me and get a new one," I reply.
"Is it true you lashed out at Mr. Lightwood's brother?"
"Yes. He was beating me, and I was trying to defend myself."
"Is there a reason you lashed out at him but not when Mr. Fell attacked you the last time?"
"Yes. I didn't defend myself because I knew he would kill me if I did. He had threatened to kill me when I still belonged to him."
"What were you doing when Mr. Fell assaulted you the last time?"
"I was taking Alec some lunch because he forgot to take it to work with him."
I dislike Alec's father immensely. He talks to me like I'm a dumb animal and I can't do anything about it because I'll be considered 'hostile' or 'demented'.
A half-hour later, the judge asks Jia to present her evidence. The first thing she presents is the videos. Not only am I seeing it all over again, but I'm hearing it too.
"Cover your ears, baby. Shh. Shh. I've got you," Alec murmur, pulling me close when I start having an anxiety attack.
A low sob breaks from my throat.
I can hear myself screaming in the video while Ragnor and Raphael groan in pleasure. I end up sick all over Alec's lap.
"That's enough. I don't need to see anymore," the judge declares loud enough I can hear it.
I don't move from my spot against Alec.
Catarina presents the X-rays and photographs next, followed by Michelle, who has pictures of me sleeping my first night at the pound.
"Mr. Bane, before I rule, would you like to address Mr. Fell?" the judge asks.
"I-I w-would," I reply shakily, wiping my eyes.
My legs wobble when I stand.
"You are a despicable excuse for a human being. I was a child! You ripped away whatever innocence I had left, and I never got to offer it to Alec. You humiliated me. You made me think I was good for nothing but sex or a laugh. You're the worthless one. I hope someone gives you a taste of your own medicine. I hope you rot in hell. But know this, you didn't win," I spit.
I pretty much collapse in my chair when I'm done speaking. I'm shaking all over. I might be free, but he's a psycho and he could still hurt me.
"This is the worst case of hybrid abuse I've seen since Valentine Morgenstern was on the loose. What Mr. Bane went through should've never been allowed to go on as long as it did. And with that I find Ragnor Fell guilty of gross hybrid cruelty and I sentence him to twenty years in a maximum security prison with no option of early release," the judge announces.
As we get ready to leave, Ragnor approaches me as much as his shackles will allow. Alec automatically edges between us.
"You little whore. You'll pay for this," Ragnor snarls.
My hands might be shaking, but I still flip him off. I've been waiting for that moment.