Roman's p.o.v.

"Are you sure you don't just want to stay at my house?" I asked, trying to persuade Virgil.

"You know I can't. Dad comes home and if I'm not there, nobody will be there to protect my mom."

I wanted to yell at Virgil. Even though he wanted to protect his mother, who was going to protect him?

I decided not to say anything, however. I don't know what it feels like to live the life Virgil's living. I sighed and wrapped my arms around Virgil, hugging him.

Virgil flinched, on instinct I suppose. Still, it hurt my heart. I hated that he hated being touched.

I pretended not to notice for his sake.

We hugged for a while outside of Virgil's house. His father wasn't home yet, and I wanted the hug to last for as long as possible, as if it would somehow give Virgil the courage he needed to face his father.

Eventually, Virgil pulled away. "You should get going. He'll be home soon."

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay? You could even come to my house. Bring your mom over too. My mom wouldn't mind."

"And how do you know?"

"She's not stupid. She knows something is up when I bring a frantic bruised-and handsome-boy into the house out of nowhere."

Virgil blushed, rolling his eyes as he smirked.

"Nah, I don't want to take advantage of your kindness. Besides, I've only known you for two days now. You don't owe me anything."

"You love me, don't you? That's something I'll never be able to understand or repay you for. You love me, regardless of my tendency to be an idiot."

Virgil went stiff as soon as I said the word love.

"W-Well, I.."

"I will do anything for you, Virgil. I don't give a damn about how long I've known you. I love you."

I went quiet as I waited for Virgil to respond. But he couldn't.

Virgil opened his mouth, but no words came out. I shook my head and took a bit of a step away.

"Nevermind, it was stupid for me to say that."

"No, Roman wait-"

"I'll see you around, my chemically unbalanced romance."

I kissed Virgil for the last time that night, and got into my car.

I backed out of the driveway as Virgil watched me, unmoving.

I should've listened to my gut. I should've ignored him pushing me away. I should've stayed by his side. Instead I was an idiot and left him when he needed me.

__

I walked into my house and took my shoes off. My mom was sitting at the table with Remus eating dinner. My mom was eating her food with actual manners while Remus was eating like..well like a pig. I rolled my eyes and went to go up the stairs.

"Roman," my mom called out from the dining room. I froze. "Aren't you going to eat dinner with us?"

I sighed and turned to face her, smiling a bit. "Not too hungry right now. I already went out to eat."

I really didn't but I wasn't going to eat with Remus. My mom just smiled and nodded. She believed me, alright. She thought I took Virgil out to eat.

Mental note: Take Virgil out to eat next time.

"Well, you can still sit and talk with us. Come sit." She motioned to one of the empty chairs. I sighed and made my way over to the table, sitting down. Remus looked over at me with his black eye and smiled a bit. He was clearly happy to eat with me. Correction, he was happy to eat while I suffered.

Not only was he annoying, I knew what I did was wrong. Punching him? Really? I didn't have to be so violent and aggressive. I don't know what even came over me yesterday. I just had a strong urge to protect Virgil.

I just fiddled with my fingers, not looking up. My mom tried starting conversations, but I didn't really answer. I just mumbled an answer, nodded, and agreed. She could tell something was wrong, but she didn't say anything.

Eventually dinner was over and Remus was already running up the stairs to his room, leaving his plate on the table. I sighed and took his plate to the sink, rinsed it off, and placed it in the dishwasher. I helped my mom put leftovers away and clean off the table.

Before my mom could ask what was up, I went upstairs.

I knocked on Remus's door, which was already slightly open.

"What?"

I opened the door a bit and covered my eyes. "Hey, Remus."

"Jeez, I'm not doing anything illegal you can move your hand."

"I'm um..sorry for punching you."

"It's whatever. I get a cool black eye anyways. I've always wanted one!"

"You've always...ok, I'm not going to even ask. All I'm saying is that it wasn't right."

"It wasn't right to call that idiot a virgin either but you don't see me apologizing."

"Not to change the subject, but why won't you apologize?"

"Because it was funny."

"God, you're unbelievable. Do you care about the effects your words have on people?"

"No, cause I don't care. Now, do you care about the effects your punches have on my face?"

"I just apologized!"

"Apology not accepted!" He laughed and smiled.

"UGH, I can't with you!" I slammed his door and stormed off to my room.

I tried apologizing and this was the thanks I got? Unbelievable.

I changed into some sweatpants and my Heathers t-shirt and climbed into bed.

I tried to calm down by looking at the stars in the sky. I reminded myself of the wonderful day I had with Virgil. I reminded myself about how wonderful Virgil was and how lucky I was to have him.

And then I dozed off.

___

I woke up this morning in agony. My face hurt like hell. I had another black eye, a bloody nose, and a cut lip. This was going to be a chore to fix for school today. I quickly put some foundation on, put my eye makeup on, and brushed my teeth.

I opened the drawer with my razor blade. It was very tempting today, but I didn't have enough time. And maybe it was a good thing I didn't do it today.

Cause for the first time in a long time, I have a good feeling about today. Hell, for the next couple of weeks.

Dad's gonna be away on another business trip, mom's gonna be safe, I'll be safe.

I'll be with Roman.

I shut my drawer and left my house extra early like usual and held my chin up a little higher.

Things might be looking up.

And it's all because I met Roman.

God, I love him.