Three agonizing months went by, and Lui's home life was worse than it had been since his mother died. Ever since he found out he was gay, his father beat him worse, every cut and bruise deeper than they had ever been.

Gabe was starting to get really worried about his beloved. There would be times where Lui called him in a panic or the one time he called him in tears. Every day before school, the captain always helped properly clean and wrap the smaller's new wounds since he now always carried a first aid kit. It was basically tradition now, which is a terrible thing to get used to in Gabe's opinion.

But, nevertheless, Lui always told him not to worry. 'I can handle this myself' He always told him. But honestly, that's what worried Gabe the most...

~~~

"Don't worry my little shark, I'll only be gone for 45 minutes!  I love you..."

Lui opened his eyes slowly, vision blurry as he brought a hand up and rubbed his eyes. They felt wet and he pulled his hand back, sighing when he seen they were tears.

That was the last he heard his mother speak to him, the last time he seen her smile, the last he heard her say she loved him... Losing her was rough before and it still is now, and relishing a moment like that sure did give him a good reason to cry. Lui sighed again and looked at the time, grumbling to himself seeing it was shortly after four in the morning. He stared up at the ceiling in thought, thinking about anything that crossed through his mind.

Why does he go through all this pain? Why does he stay in the one place that love doesn't exist? Why doesn't he leave? All these questions swarmed and consumed his state of mind, but there was one that actually made him blink.

Why does he let himself suffer?

~~~

Third period of class and Lui was leaning into Gabe, sleeping soundly against him as the taller male had his arm wrapped around him. He's honestly never seen Lui this tired and he's concerned about his health, mentally, physically, and emotionally. The maroon-haired male gently ran his thumb along the soft skin of his hand, smiling slightly at the calm look his beloved had, like nothing was ever wrong in the first place.

Gabe knows he has to do something to help him, and fast. He's worried deeply...

A thought crossed his mind and the memory of his conversation with his parents three months stayed. The captain felt joy fill his chest, thinking it was a great way to help him. Maybe his parents would be able to talk some sense into him.

~~~

         "What?" Lui asked, an eyebrow raised at his partner in confusion. It was just after school, and Gabe was waiting as Lui got his backpack and dufflebag.
         "Well we've been dating for a few months, and I want you to come meet my parents after training." Gabe told him, a small smile on his lips. Lui paused, his grip tightening on his bags before he raised his eyes to Gabe.
          "... Meet your parents?" Something about that idea didn't sit right with him, and he tried to stop his hands from shaking. The taller male seen the shift in his partner's mood, taking his hands gently and smiling softly at him.
          "Don't worry, my parents are really nice, nothing like your father..." He told him, noticing the skeptical look leave his beautiful violet eyes.

Lui nodded slightly and squeezed his hands, the two walking toward team Rideout's training room.
          "Will they... like me?" The smaller asked softly, looking up at him. Gabe chuckled and smiled at him, running his thumb along his hand.
          "Baby, they're going to love you. I've already told them a lot about you."
          "You didn't tell them about my dad, right?" The nervousness in his voice was enough to make Gabe stop, to make him rethink of what he did.
          "No, they don't..." He said, mentally cursing himself for lying to the one he loved. Boy, Lui was going to be pissed at him later...

~~~

           "Oh, he's so cute!" Gabe's mom squealed, hugging the small flame-haired blader tightly. Lui felt his cheeks heat up, feeling a bit awkward as he looked at Gabe and his father.
           "Okay mom, please be careful with him." Gabe chuckled, pulling Lui away from the woman gently.
           "Oh dear, sorry sweetie. You're just so much cuter in person!" She gushed, Lui's cheeks darkening as he hid behind his partner slightly.
           "What's the matter son, not used to compliments?" Gabe's dad asked him, an eyebrow raised.
           "Uh, no... not exactly..." Lui said softly, avoiding all eye contact. Gabe's mom looked at her husband in concern, her hands folding together.
           "Look Lui, Gabe told us something and it's really been bothering us... We were just waiting to say something in person."
           "... What do you mean?"
Gabe knew it was coming so he started mentally preparing himself to explain, and for the fact the Lui was going to be furious at him.
           "We know about your abusive father."

~~~

           "I can't believe you! You told your parents about what happens at my house and lied to me about the whole thing!" Lui yelled, glaring at his partner angrily.
           "I had to tell them Lui! They- we can help you get out of your father's house for good, let you have a good life!" Gabe defended, trying to reason with him.
           "I don't want a good life! I'm never going to have a 'good life' ever again!" The baby blue-haired male stormed out of his room, making it down the stairs and slamming the front door.

Gabe cursed and ruffled his hair angrily, dropping his hands and sighing.
            "What the hell have I done...?" He asked himself, collapsing on his bed and groaning. "God damn it, motherfucker..." He swore angrily.

Lui ran down the sidewalk, flaming hair and scarf swept back in the wind as he made it home, slamming the door after making it inside. He pressed his back to the door and panted, wiping away his sweat before making his way toward the stairs.
            "Where the hell do you think you're going...?" His father slurred drunkenly, grabbing the back of his shirt and yanking him back, throwing him to the floor. "Can't run away now you little fag..."

A swift kick was dealt to his stomach yet he didn't cry out. He just closed his eyes and embraced the new marks that would surely stain his pale skin...

NightBear15 signing off...