A/N: Hey guys… It's Phoenix. I'm so sorry about how late this is. I just… there been a lot going on lately. You guys have probably figured out that I'm depressed.

Every character I've ever worked with: YOU DON'T SAY?!

Phoenix: Shut up, I'm trying to do something here! WE WERE HAVING A MOMENT! *calms down* Sorry. Got a bit carried away there. Anyways, so I went to a doctor about it and I'm going to be meeting with someone to help. I promise that this won't interfere much with my writing. Just remember that I love you guys, and I'll be here as long as I can.

Let's continue.

Jean's POV

The movie droned on and on.

'Never again…' His brained screamed. Jean knew Marco had been a sucker for romantic movies when they were younger, but damn! This was a bit too far.

"Aww! Wasn't that sweet?" The brunette turned towards Jean expectantly. He rolled his eyes.

"Sure, whatever." Marco pouted. "No, no, no. Don't look at me like that!" Jena pulled Marco against his chest.

"You don't like The Princess Bride?" Jean blinked.

"This movie has a name? I uh… wasn't paying attention. At all." He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Marco sighed.

"What were you doing for the past hour then?" Jean smirked.

"Why watch a movie when you've got someone a hell of a lot more interesting right in front of you?" A light blush spread across Marco's face.

"Shut up and watch the movie." Jean faked a sigh.

"You wound me, love." He leaned back, clutching his heart dramatically. Marco lightly slapped him.

"Snap out of it." Jean didn't move. "Oi, I'll leave if necessary."

"Don't you dare." Jean sat up and forced Marco to look at him. "I don't want you dying."

"But-" Marco tried, but was interrupted.

"We've been over this. I'm going to be here until I'm absolutely positive you won't leave. I told you before, but I'll say it again. I need you." Marco nodded slowly.

"I understand Jean… I was only joking. P-please… calm down." Jean's eyes widened.

"Shit, I'm sorry." Marco shook his head.

"It's fine." Jean stared at him.

"No, it's not. Don't you dare fuckin' lie to me. If I ever do that to you, don't be afraid to walk out." Marco stayed silent. Jean felt guilt stab at his heart.

'Great idiot, you really did it this time. You just got him back and this is how you act?! Like a douchebag?! Way to screw up!'

'Shut up! I didn't mean to!' Jean continued to cuss himself out until Marco finally spoke up.

"Jean?"

"Yeah?"

"Stop mentally beating yourself up." Marco looked up at him. "It makes you weak." Jean smiled.

"Sorry. You okay?" Marco shrugged. "Then get over here." The brunette did as he was told. His movements seemed to lack energy. Jean sighed. "How long has it been since you slept last?" Another shrug. "Damn it Marco, you need to take care of yourself." Marco sighed.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. It's just really hard." His voice was laced with exhaustion and defeat.

"Marco… lay down. You need to sleep. I promise I won't leave." Marco yawned and nodded. Jean sighed. God damn, this was going to be harder than he thought.

Marco's POV

Darkness swarmed his vision and he finally fell asleep. Memories flickered just out of his grasp, all of them painful reminders of his past. His mother and father's deaths, the following funerals, his forced move, his grandfather's abuse, rape… Why did he stay?

Why did I stay?

The thought continued to resonate through his mind. How long had it been since he had felt okay?

Why didn't I get help?

All of the pain he'd ever lived through… it all came back to torment him one. Last. Time.

One was clearer than the rest.

He had just gone back to school for the first time since moving back. Jean hadn't recognized him. No one had. On his way back home, he had run into a group of thugs. They, being the cruel humans they are, took advantage of him. When he got home, his grandfather beat him. It somehow got out to the school because, that was all he heard about the next day. Jean had been the first one even approach him about it, calling him a slut. That was the day of the first cut.

Marco continued to relive all of his worst moments before he woke up screaming.

"Marco! Are you okay?!" Jean wrapped his arms tightly around him.

"G-go away…" Marco was in tears.

"Not a chance. You aren't thinking clearly. What happened?"

"E-everything… all over again." Marco let out a heart-wrenching sob. Jean started stroking his hair.

"Calm down. I'm here, you're okay." Marco stared up at him.

"You were there… and…I… just…" Jean pressed him against his chest.

"Marco. Please… calm down. It won't ever happen again. I swear."

A/N: Okay, that's chapter 9. Love you all and see you for chapter 10!