Warnings: Domestic abuse
"Breathe"
They lived together, but they weren't dating. They were just roommates, much to Antonio's disappointment. Roommates who kissed sometimes.
Gilbert and Francis told him to get out, that it wasn't good for him. Antonio ignored them. He loved Lovino. He loved the cocky smirk that Lovino gave him when he pulled away from one of their kisses and went sauntering out the door to meet up with his latest boyfriend.
He didn't know if Lovino was just using him or if he was afraid of commitment. The Italian was in and out of relationships like junkies went through their latest fix.
"Lovino?" Antonio asked, opening the bathroom door. There was a muffled curse from the other side, followed by a too-late "Don't come in!"
The first thing Antonio saw was the makeup on the counter—concealer. Lovino was nowhere in sight, but the shower curtain swung slightly, giving him away. Antonio approached apprehensively, calling the other's name again softly. His heart stopped as he pushed back the curtain.
"Oh, Lovi…" he whispered, unable to say anything else. The younger man's face was turned away, but Antonio could see a dark bruise along his jaw.
"I tripped coming up the stairs," Lovino told him stubbornly.
"People don't buy makeup to cover up accidents," Antonio pointed out, reaching out to hold him. Lovino drew back, concerning him further. Antonio began undoing the buttons on his shirt before the other could stop him.
"Hey, wha—Don't!" Lovino shouted, trying to push his hands away. Antonio didn't listen; he had to know.
"Oh, Lovi," he breathed again as he finally succeeded. The shirt hung open, revealing another large, dark bruise on his ribs.
Antonio stepped into the tub with him, wrapping his arms gingerly around Lovino's body. Lovino leaned into him, silent tears already soaking his shoulder.
"How long?" Antonio asked hoarsely.
"This was the first time," Lovino mumbled, his voice thick. Something about his tone told Antonio he was telling the truth.
"What happened?" he asked next.
Lovino was silent for a moment. "He realized I didn't love him…He was obsessed with me."
Antonio waited patiently, hoping he would go on. He ran a hand soothingly over Lovino's back. His patience was rewarded.
"He asked me to move in with him. I said no."
Still, Antonio was silent. His hand moved up to Lovino's hair, fingers running through the soft strands.
"He asked if I was in love with you…I didn't answer."
