1965

Paul felt tears sting his eyes as he curled up into a ball from his love hitting him. "Fucking do something right for once!" John yelled, reeking of alcohol. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He had been asked to make dinner, but accidentally burnt himself. Now he was hoping he'd pass out this time.

"You're worthless! I don't know why I put up with you! Why don't you just DIE!" With that said, John stopped hitting and fell over unconscious. Paul sobbed, slowly getting up. Everything hurt. Holding his arm, he limped to the bed they used to share. But he couldn't sleep for a long time.

"Ugh...my head..." John sat up, shielding his eyes from the sun coming in through the window. "Oh god, Paul!" He dizzily got up and ran to their room. Luckily he was sleeping peacefully. "Macca..." He traced his face and looked him over. New bruises had appeared on his previously unblemished skin. In his sleep, Paul moaned from a nightmare. "John...stop...please. It hurts. JOHN!" He sat up quickly, looking around.

"Fuck...Paul, I-"

"J-John?" Paul whimpered. "Y-you were hitting and stabbing me...I thought it was real."

"I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry...will you forgive me...?" John hugged him, his head pounding. "I...I don't...no, I don't think I can this time." His heart dropped in his chest, "E-every week you drink, and then hurt me. Then you apologize, and say it won't happen again, and I forgive you. Then it does happen again. I love you, but...I can't handle it anymore. I'm done." Paul looked up, eyes glistening. "I'm sorry." He untangled himself from John and started to leave. "Paul, wait!" He moved to grab his arm, and he flinched like he was being hit.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, my baby..." He slid to the floor and covered his face. "I'm a monster!"

"J-John?" Paul looked down. "Are you alright?"

"No," he groaned. "I hurt you so badly, and I can never forgive myself. I don't blame you for not forgiving me either, I don't deserve you...so go. Be free." Paul squeezed his eyes shut, then knelt down. "I...I'll give you one more chance...please look at me." John looked up, wiping away tears. "Okay...I promise I'll stop. For you." They hugged. Nothing more, just hugged.

"You're beautiful," John whispered, touching his scars. "I know...I love you so much..."

"I love you, too..."

And I mean it.