Warnings: Self harm, angst

Short chapter

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Tony and Stephen had been together for a couple years, Tony usually wore jeans or sweatpants to hide the scars on his legs. Today was too hot to wear either, though, so he wore shorts, just hoping Stephen wouldn't notice.

They were cuddling on the couch, Tony in Stephen's lap. Stephen was running his hand gently up and down the side of Tony's leg as they watched a movie. Stephen's hand went up a little higher, and felt a scar that was sticking out from Tony's shorts.

Frowning slightly, he looked down, seeing the red line that drug across Tony's leg. Stephen gave a quiet sigh, slowly looking away from the cut. "Are you okay, Tony?" he asks.
Tony looks up at him, not being able to read Stephen's expression. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why, Stephe?" Stephen shook his head a little, offering Tony a small smile. "I just wanted to make sure.. You know, if anything is ever bothering you, you can come to me about it." Tony nods a little, giving a small smile back. "I know, Stephe.."

~~~

A few days later, Tony was sitting in his bed in just his T-shirt and some boxers; Stephen was in the shower. Tony was holding a razor blade in his hand. He was contemplating whether or not he should tell Stephen.
He decided he was going to, putting the blade away. "Stephe.." he called quietly. "Just a moment, hon." Stephen responded, getting dressed and walking to Tony's room, sitting next to him.

"What's up?" he asks softly. Tony couldn't look him in the eyes. ".. Please don't get mad at me.." he mumbles. "I won't, Tony, I promise.. What's the matter?" Stephen asks, a slight frown on his face.
Tony sighs softly, pulling his boxers up to show the scars and fresh cuts on one of his legs. "I-i um..." Stephen hid from his expression how much it hurt to see his boyfriend in the mental state to do this.

"Oh, Tony.." he mumbles, frowning a little. "I'm sor- I-i'm sorry.." Tony says, wiping tears that threatened to fall away from his eyes.
"Don't- please don't apologize, hon.... It's alright.." Stephen says as Tony hid the cuts again. "How is it alright?" Tony asks, his voice wavering slightly.

"Because it's a habit that's difficult to break. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, okay?" Stephen says, holding Tony's hand. Tony teared up again, this time letting the tears fall.

"Okay..."