Luke sat on the edge of Michael's bed, angry tears falling from his eyes, his fists clenched, and his teeth gritting together.
He hated being mad at Michael, but he couldn't help it.
After an argument of Michael accusing him of getting too close with another boy, Luke threw choice words at Michael. That resulted in the older boy flipping out and making harsh remarks about Luke's body and the marks his abusive parents left.
It went something along the lines of "it doesn't even matter if you were flirting with him. He wouldn't care about you after he sees all of the bruises covering you. They're ugly."
After that, Luke flipped, and Michael had to leave the room to calm down.
Luke was 16 and he was staying with Michael's family most days. They know about his home life, and they're trying to help out as much as they can. Michael was only a year older than him.
"Hey, it's getting late." Michael whispered, as he walked back into the dimly lit room.
He shut the door, and Luke kept his eyes glued on the wall. He didn't even want to look at Michael right now.
"Luke, I'm sorry." Michael whispered, kneeling down in front of him.
"Leave me alone right now." Luke whispered. "I just wanna go to bed, and forget about it."
"No, Luke. I can't let you go to bed mad. I know you'll just lay there and think about it, and you won't be able to sleep at all." Michael said.
Luke's face fell again, a fresh round of tears spilling from his eyes.
"How could you say that stuff about me?" Luke asked, wishing he could restart the whole day again.
"Baby, I'm sorry. I got so jealous seeing you talking to another guy, and I got out of hand. You are absolutely beautiful in every single way, and I'm sorry for making you feel any different. Every bruise and scar you have is so beautiful. They're not ugly because they show me just how strong you are. I love you, and you've gotta believe that." Michael whispered, placing his hands on Luke's knees.
Luke shook his head, and wiped his eyes. Michael could see just how much he really hurt Luke.
He leaned up and kissed the bruises that littered Luke's arms.
"You're so strong, baby." Michael whispered, looking up at Luke. "I'm sorry for what I said to hurt you. I didn't mean any of it. You are so unbelievably beautiful, and don't let me, or anybody else tell you differently. You don't have to forgive me; just don't go to bed upset tonight."
Luke lightly smiled, and fell into Michael's arms once he crawled up on the bed.
"I still love you." Luke whispered.
"I love you so much more."
