Daisy was out for a walk, enjoying the spring afternoon. She hummed to herself happily, admiring the weather. She had spent all afternoon doing homework and studying, and as much fun as it was, she couldn't keep herself from enjoying the warm sunny day. It had been a tumultuous week, but it was over now, and she could finally relax. What better way than spending some time outdoors? As she skipped onto the next block and passed some older buildings, she heard faint sniffling and crying coming from within the alley. The selkirk ragamuffin stopped humming and strained her ears to listen, trying to channel her inner Mike. Sure enough, she heard sobs echoing between the buildings.

Daisy paused, wondering if she should get involved or not. There could be danger lurking in there. Looking around, she didn't see anyone else. Still, the crying went on, interspersed with gasps of pain. Her heart went out to whoever it was, and won out over her concerns. She checked to see if the coast was clear, and then timidly turned to go down the alley to see if she could help whoever was crying.

The crying got louder as Daisy got closer, and when she saw who it was, she gasped. Augustus was crumpled in a heap, laying in a small pool of his own blood. She ran over to him. "Augustus!"

Augustus swore he must have been hallucinating. He'd lost too much blood and now he was hearing… her. One last comfort before he fully bled out. When he looked up, he saw the soft, fluffy face of Daisy looking at him in horror and concern. No, it couldn't be. What were the odds? He must have died. "Am I… dead?" He croaked. "Are you… an angel?"

Daisy blushed deep red. Nobody ever called her an angel before. She shook her head and snapped out of it. There was still the issue of a beaten and bloodied cat to attend to. "Augustus! What happened?!"

Augustus shifted himself and could still feel the pain in his chest. Nope. He wasn't dead. Then a horrific thought occurred to him- what if Alejandro came back? Daisy reached a hand to touch his cheek, but he pushed it back with a shaky hand of his own. "You… have to… leave…" He wheezed, each breath bringing him pain.

"No!" She cried. "I'm not leaving you here like this!"

Augustus closed his eyes, trying to beat out the thought of what Alejandro would do to Daisy if he found her there. "He… might… come back…" He gasped, trying his best to push her along. He didn't care what happened to him, so long as Daisy stayed safe.

"Who might come back?" Daisy asked, putting a gentle hand to Augustus's forehead.

Augustus felt more tears overcoming him. Even after everything he did, she still cared. He had to protect her. "Just… go!" He nudged her hand with his head.

"I'm not leaving you here!" She repeated, unwilling to take no as an answer. "So either you come with me or I stay here until whoever it is comes back."

Augustus nodded. He would force himself to leave if it got the girl to get away from this dangerous place. "Fine." The siamese pulled himself up on shaky legs, holding his stomach with one hand, and using the other for balance. He took a few wobbly steps and nearly fell to his knees, but he felt a gentle, yet strong, arm catch him.

"Let me help you. You don't have to do this alone." Daisy smiled warmly at him, the kind of smile that made the pain inside Augustus dullen, even if for a little bit. She was a cheerleader, and had enough muscle to carry him. Even if she didn't, she would try her best. Augustus finally accepted her help, and together they hobbled out of the darkness of the dank alleyway and into the cozy light of the spring day. Each step was painful, and Augustus's body screamed with every movement. He tried to hide it from the girl, but she saw through the facade. "We need to get you to a doctor!" She said.

"I'm fine." He mumbled in between steps, and tried to stifle gasps of pain. Even if they left the alley, as long as she was near him there would be a target on her back.

Daisy wasn't buying his facade for a moment. He always tried to act like this bad boy but she knew better. She saw the sweeter side of him when they hung out. "I can see it on your face. You're hurting a lot." She looked around. Nearby was a health clinic. It wasn't much, but it'd have to do. Daisy gave him a small tug. "C'mon."

There was no point in fighting it. For all her insecurities, Daisy was also headstrong. When she set her mind on something, she sought to see it through. Augustus went along with it. Together they crossed the street, slowly but surely (to the dismay of the impatient drivers waiting at the light) and entered the clinic. Daisy sat Augustus down and went to the counter. "Hi, my friend has been badly hurt, can we get someone to help him?"

It was a slow day at the clinic and the receptionist looked over the counter with a bored expression to Augustus. Currently, he was doubled over in pain in his seat. She looked back to Daisy and slid her a clipboard with a piece of paper on it. "Fill this out. Then they'll see him."

"Thank you." Daisy said, being mindful of her manners and she grabbed a pen and rushed over to Augustus. He helped her fill it out, and afterwards she turned it in and took a seat next to him to wait. Augustus felt really awkward being so close to her. She looked around the room smiling, taking in everything. Daisy broke the silence between them. "I want to be a doctor when I grow up."

Augustus smiled a little. She was so cute, it was like morphine for him. "You would make a great doctor."

"You think so?" Daisy blushed. She hadn't really talked with anyone about what she wanted to be. It just seemed like the appropriate place for it.

"You've already helped me." He said quietly, and thinking about how he treated her made him feel worse about it. "I'm sorry about what I did to you."

"Oh?" Daisy looked at him, surprised. "I forgive you."

Augustus furrowed his brow. Was it so easy? How could she be so forgiving? "Why? I manipulated you. I tried to force myself-"

Daisy put a finger to his lips. Augustus's eyes went wide and his face caught fire. "It's okay. You taught me to be confident in myself. Even if it doesn't always get me what I want."

Augustus sighed. "Still… it was wrong of me. I know it seems like I was using you, but-" He stopped himself before he could say 'I really do like you.' Daisy tilted her head and was about to ask him what he was going to say, when a nurse popped her head into the waiting room.

"Augustus?" She called to the empty waiting room.

The two cats looked up at the dog who was calling his name. Augustus went to stand up, and his whole body was sore. He stumbled but felt himself be held up by Daisy again. She smiled encouragingly at him. "I've got you."

They made their way over to the clinic area where Augustus was measured and weighed. Daisy was by his side the whole time, helping him from place to place. At last, Augustus was brought to a small room with a bed for him to lay down on. Daisy helped him up onto it, and the nurse smiled at the both of them. "You're very lucky to have such a caring girlfriend." Before either of them could say anything, the nurse shut the blue curtain to the room, giving them privacy.

Both of their cheeks burned after the comment. After gathering herself, she asked him, "Was it… him? Did he do this to you?"

'Him' didn't need to be specified. Daisy knew he had been in league with him. He felt guilty all over again. "Yeah."

"Why?" Daisy scooted closer to him.

Augustus frowned. He didn't want to lie, but telling the truth would mean he had to admit he was spying on them. There was no point in lying. He was terrible at it, and she'd already proven she could see right through him. "I was sent to… find out things… about your friends." He closed his eyes, waiting for the worst. At least now the air was clear.

"Oh." Was the girls' response. It sounded hollow and disappointed. Augustus figured it was also because of the feelings they shared during those times now seemed like a farce. He was quick to follow up.

"Wait! I really meant everything I said. Well, maybe not in the beginning… but I really-" He stopped himself again. He couldn't implicate her further, Alejandro was already holding her over his head.

Daisy leaned in, making Augustus go a little red. "But what?" Augustus turned away and curled up. Well, as much as he could in his damaged state. "Tell me!" Daisy demanded. "You owe me at least that much."

Augustus was saying far more than he wanted to, but it was so easy with Daisy. She made him feel comfortable. She made him feel loved. She was right, though. After all he did to her, after all she was doing for him, she at least deserved to know. "I really do like you." He whispered.

Daisy sat up. Did she just hear him right? She placed a hand on his shoulder, and felt him tense up. "I think that's the first honest thing you've said to me."

"He's gonna kill me…" Augustus lamented. "And he's gonna hurt all of you."

"Am I the reason he beat you up?" She asked, leaning over him.

Augustus didn't answer. He didn't want her to feel like it was her fault. And really, it wasn't. He was the idiot for getting involved with the drama to begin with, for letting Alejandro suck him into his little gang. He'd taken everything that he loved away from him, and he didn't want that list to include Daisy.

"Auggie?" Daisy said gently. Augustus grimmaced. She was calling him by a pet name now. How could he resist that?

He rolled back around with a few gasps of pain so he could look at her. Her face was full of concern. "Kind of. He wanted me to hand over a list of everything I found out about you guys… but I refused. I couldn't let him hurt you… and so he couldn't get the list, I ate it."

It was such an absurd thing to do, Daisy almost cracked a smile, but kept a caring face for him. She didn't want him to think she thought he was silly. "You ate it?" A little bit of amusement hinted in her voice.

"Yeah…" Augustus nodded. "He didn't like that.. but now he's angrier than ever." He felt his chest tighten and he looked at his hands. "I don't know what I'm going to do. He means what he says… you and your friends are in a lot of danger."

There was a knock on the wall outside. The doctor came in shortly afterwards. "Sorry to interrupt." He looked over his clipboard, which held Augustus's information. "What are you here for today?"

"I took a nasty fall." Augustus lied quickly. It was always his go-to when it came to Alejandro injuries. "I just need to be looked over."

Daisy gave him a concerned look, and Augustus shook his head. There was no use in telling the doctor he was beat up. What could he do? Better to just lie and hope he could figure out something later. "Alright, let's take a look, then." The doctor said, putting his clipboard down. He didn't seem all too convinced that a fall was the cause, but he took the boy's word for it. He inspected all around Augustus's body, pressing lightly in some places, eliciting gasps of pain from the boy. Daisy took his hand to soothe his nerves, which Augustus greatly appreciated. The doctor gently moved Augustus's head around and examined his face. After, he let go and picked up the clipboard to write some things down.

"Is he okay?" Daisy asked anxiously. "Does he have to go to the hospital?"

The doctor shook his head, and both teens let out a sigh of relief. "Nothing appears to be broken, just a lot of bruising. You're gonna be sore for a few days, that's for sure, but you'll be fine. Maybe pop a pain pill or two if you feel you need it." He looked at Augustus to address him. "Try not to take any more falls, okay?" Though the way he said it, 'falls' sounded like it was done in quotations.

"I'll try…" The siamese cat said sheepishly, knowing he was probably gonna be taking another 'fall' tomorrow. Daisy helped him down from the bed and they left the clinic. Outside, Augustus looked down the long sidewalk that would take him to the bus stop. "I better get home."

Daisy looked at the setting sun. The sky was painted with all sorts of warm colors. It would be dark soon. "It's getting late…"

"I know." Augustus broke off from her. "That's why I need to get going."

"But you're still hurt!" She squeaked, chasing him. "You won't make it on your own!"

"I'll manage." The boy responded as he limped to the bus stop.

Daisy huffed and folded her arms, following next to him, pouting expression in tow. Augustus tried to ignore her at first, hoping she would give up once he got far enough, but she wasn't backing down. "Go home." He said firmly.

"I'm making sure you get home safe!" The girl said defiantly.

"And how do you plan on getting home?" He asked simply.

"I'll… uhhh..." This had Daisy stumped. Would she just call her parents to get her? Would they be upset? Maybe she could take a bus home… but she didn't have any money…

"I don't have a working phone." Augustus said, as though he could read her mind. "And the buses don't run that late."

"Then come home with me!" She suggested. "You can stay the night… if your parents won't mind."

Augustus laughed darkly a little. "I don't think they'd notice if I never came home again."

"So…?" Daisy put her hands behind her back and looked down, twisting the tip of her foot on the sidewalk anxiously.

Augustus felt more of his frosty heart melt away looking at her. She was so adorable, so innocent. More than that, she wasn't going to give this up until she knew he was okay. Augustus's stomach growled. He looked at the long road ahead of him, and at the setting sun. His whole body was sore, and truth be told he just wanted to lay down and get some rest. He would barely manage to get himself home, let alone keep Daisy safe if something came up. He had to once again resign to her. He sighed, "Alright."

That changed Daisy's tune. "Great! Come with me! My mommy can make us something nice for dinner."

They walked together down the streets of Roseville. Daisy hummed the same happy tune she had been before this whole detour, while Augustus's mind whirled. He was going to Daisy's house. Alejandro was going to kill him. Daisy's mom would cook him a warm meal. Alejandro was gonna hurt Daisy. Daisy was taking care of him even after all the horrible things he did. There was no escaping tomorrow. If there was no escaping tomorrow, he might as well enjoy today. He was getting to spend his last day with Daisy, someone he deeply cared about. What more could he ask for? "Thank you." He said, realizing he hadn't thanked her yet.

Daisy smiled brightly at him. "You're welcome. I can't believe I never invited you over to my house after all the times we hung out!"

Augustus smiled sheepishly. "Maybe it was for the best. I'm not exactly the kind of guy you wanna bring home to your parents."

They walked in silence the rest of the way. Augustus tried to think of ways he could get around Alejandro. Perhaps he COULD make another list - a fake one. That would lead him on a wild goose chase, and buy him, and the others, more time. But then what? What would he do with more time? Concoct another elaborate ruse to fool Alejandro? He might be able to slide by with it once, but twice would definitely be a death sentence. That was only IF the first ruse didn't lead to his demise. Alejandro was a guy who liked results.

Augustus was so lost in thought he didn't notice they'd arrived at Daisy's house. He continued walking well after Daisy had stopped. She watched him curiously as he headed down the rest of the sidewalk. "Auggie?"

Augustus stopped in his tracks and looked back. He grimaced and hurried back over to her. "Sorry."

Daisy looked worriedly at him. She tried to reassure him. "It'll be okay. We'll think of something." Augustus wasn't too certain, though. Daisy had only seen a little of his wrath that night. "Let's go! I bet my parents will be happy to meet you!" The siamese cat gave a questioning look, and Daisy blushed. "Ah, I may have talked about you. A lot."

True to her word, Daisy's mother and father were ecstatic to have him as a guest. "We heard so much about you!" Her mother said. "We were wondering when Daisy would bring you around. You were nearly all she talked about!"

It appeared, much to Augustus's relief, that Daisy had kept the events at the tree to herself. He had to wonder though, why had she? These questions were forgotten at dinner, where Augustus had a full home cooked meal for the first time in a long time. Daisy's mother made stew, filled with all kinds of vegetables and beef. Augustus tried to be mindful and not eat too fast, but he couldn't help it. He looked down ashamedly, but Daisy's parents understood and offered him more, which he graciously accepted.

After dinner, Augustus decided to help clean up. While he did so, Daisy explained the situation. Not the bits about Alejandro, but about finding Augustus, how he 'fell' and needed a place to stay for the night. They agreed, and Daisy told him the news. Augustus thanked them for dinner and the hospitality, and Daisy dragged him upstairs for bed. It was getting late, though Augustus never really had a bedtime before. With his parents arguing all night, he couldn't sleep too well. Here, things were quiet. Even the neighborhood was peaceful. No sirens, no yelling, no gunfire. Just the sound of the AC unit running, and Daisy humming to herself as she got ready for bed.

The two stood opposite of each other on either side of the bed. Augustus shrugged and found a spot to lay on the floor. He draped his cloak on himself like a small blanket and rested his head on his arm. Daisy crawled into bed and peered over the side at him. "Do you want a blanket?" She asked. "Or a pillow?"

"I'm fine." He mumbled. He didn't have much of either at home. His pillow was flattened and blanket was tattered. The mattress was so thin he may as well be sleeping on the floor. Even the carpet here was more comfortable.

"Okay…" Daisy hit the lights and the room fell in darkness. She looked at him sleeping on the floor, feeling bad. He looked so alone and vulnerable, she imagined he was feeling it too. There was a lot of pressure on him now.

Augustus tried to relax his mind to sleep, but he couldn't. Every minute brought him closer to the next day, where he'd have to come face to face with Alejandro. If he didn't do it on his own accord, the thug would surely seek him out. When it came to violence, Alejandro always held true to his promises. The fact he hadn't just killed him there in the alley for what he did, deliberately going against him, was a miracle in itself. This followed by Daisy coming to his aid was like a sign for him to.. well, he wasn't sure. What he was sure of, though, was that he wasn't going to allow Alejandro to harm Daisy, even if it meant sacrificing himself to do it.

The bed creaked behind him and he felt a presence sidle up next to him on the floor. Along with it came a warm blanket. Augustus opened his eyes to see Daisy's brown ones watching him. He jumped a little at the closeness and Daisy blushed. "Sorry.. you just.. looked a bit cold." It was a partial truth, but Augustus felt quite fine with the current sleeping conditions.

"Thanks." He said, trying to hide a blush of his own. "You didn't tell your parents about what I did, did you?"

Daisy sighed a little. "I didn't want them to worry about it.. besides.." She lowered her voice. "I didn't, y'know, entirely dislike it.."

A silence fell between them as Augustus internalized it. She seemed so adamantly against it at the time. Then again, Augustus hadn't exactly been suave about it. His actions were a far cry from the ones he had with Melanie. He was spending too much time around Alejandro, his bad habits were rubbing off on him. "It was wrong of me." He said. "You didn't deserve that."

"Yeah, I know." Daisy responded. Both of them were keeping quiet since her parents were in bed as well. "But.. it was nice being wanted like that. Everyone just ignores me, they always see Lucy and go for her."

"Mm." Augustus had seen Lucy around. She wasn't his type. Maybe she was conventionally attractive, but her abrasive personality made him wonder why anyone put up with her. In some ways, she reminded him of Alejandro. Always yelling and hitting her friends. Perhaps he was really just looking to recruit her, she'd certainly fit in. Daisy was the opposite, cute and kind, something he didn't encounter often, even outside of his dealings with Alejandro. Then Daisy asked something he was entirely unprepared for.

"Can you kiss me?"

Augustus blinked. Did he hear that right? No way he did. "What?"

"Can you kiss me?" She asked shyly. "Like.. you were going to at the tree.."

"I.. uh.. erm.." Augustus's mind and heart were racing. His stomach did flips like it had when he was getting kicked down in the alley.

"So I know that you're being honest.." Daisy whispered, looking elsewhere. After everything, she had to be sure.

Augustus cupped her cheek in his hand. The selkirk ragamuffin looked at him, heart pounding, ready to burst out her chest. She scooted closer to him, and him to her, then.. there was no more distance between them, or their lips. They closed their eyes, kissing for a few seconds. It was nothing crazy. They didn't match tongues. Just a genuine, meaningful display of affection. They broke apart, adrenaline pumping. 'So this is what it's like.' They both thought, but for different reasons.

A smile fell on Daisy's lips and she whispered. "Thank you." Augustus nodded, not knowing what to say. If this were to be his last kiss, it was a great one to go out on. Daisy wasn't sure where to go next with things. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to stay."

"That's fine." He said. "It's your house."

"Good." Daisy curled up close to him. Augustus swallowed and put an arm around her. "Goodnight, Auggie."

"Goodnight, Daisy." He whispered back. After a few minutes, Daisy drifted off to sleep, and Augustus joined her soon after.