Warning: kind of adult material up ahead. Nothing too drastic, just not suitable for young teens. PG-14.

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Everything seems to blur together in a hazy state of bliss, as I take Maya's hand in my own and we make our way to my apartment. I felt it to be extremely ironic that I spent my life putting out fires, yet, this was one that I purposely kept burning. I had closed all the windows and blinds, locking everything that could be locked, latching every latch. Feeling myself grow more and more relieved that she was safe with me, even for one night, I searched the apartment for spare blankets to make her a place on the couch. Everything seemed to move in slow-motion, I felt like I was love-drunk...

And that was all that we needed. Every moment of chemistry and playful banter had lead up to this night, the tension we had been winding could finally be let loose, and we were free. As I made my way into the living room where Maya lay back on the couch, I see that she's laid her shoes and coat carefully across the counter. Swallowing hard and setting the blankets I've collected onto a nearby chair, I walk over to where Maya lounges and props up her feet. Standing and staring like a nervous schoolboy, Maya's swinging gaze meets mine.

And we are suddenly turned into two matches, lighting the entire room ablaze with heat and passion. I can't believe myself, I can't believe I'm doing this. She gets to her feet and I kiss her fervently, running my hands through her hair as she rakes her fingers through mine. I don't think about anything other than the girl that stands before me, kissing me- oh gosh, is this really even happening? She intertwines her hands, clasped behind my neck, as I hold her tightly to my chest and caress the small of her back, sighing at this peaceful reality. She then pulls me backwards onto the couch, both of us sinking into each other's arms. Sitting with both of her legs draped across my lap now, she moves closer inwards and I take in a sharp breath. Zero words are exchanged as she pulls my shirt over my head, I lift my arms to assist the motion. Breathlessly kissing my neck, I feel ashamed at how quickly I help her with her own shirt. Revealing her dark purple bra, I go in to kiss her collarbone, but stop suddenly at the horrible sight that I see. My lips freeze and I feel Maya tense, as if she knows exactly what is wrong.

"M-Maya...what is this...?" I mutter, running my gentle fingers over a large, black-and blue bruise that covers most of her décolletage. Horrified at the thought of her receiving a bruise like this, I look into her eyes and shake my head. She doesn't respond, instead, she turns her head away and tries to suppress the tears that are already pouring down her cheeks.

"Did...did he do this to you?" I ask with a serious but gentle tone, not wanting Maya to think that I was angry at her. Moving off of my lap and standing up, Maya holds her arms close to her chest and shivers. I reach for her but she pulls away, walking a few steps forwards and beginning to sob. I wanted more than anything to comfort her, but she had pulled away from my touch just moments before, and I never would touch a woman without her obvious consent.

Sitting for nearly a minute in silence, Maya finally turns around and faces me. I gasp to see several more bruises on her arms and shoulder, bruises I hadn't noticed while I was kissing her. Feeling a burning hatred well up inside of me, I stand and clench my fists. Stepping towards me and leaning only her head against my chest, I reach up and gently caress her head. Sniffling and stifling her cries, she begins to speak.

"I didn't want to tell you because you can't do anything to help me- and- and I knew it'd torture you to see me getting- g-getting h-hurt..."

"What do you mean I can't help you?" I reply quickly, rushing to hold her face in both my hands. Thumbing away her tears, I help her back onto the couch and she continues to cry.

"You don't understand, Lucas- you- you can't do anything.."

"Maya you have to explain what you-"

"He'll hurt you." Maya leans in close to my face, whispering with intensity and passion. "He said that if I left him he would hurt me, and he would hurt the people I love, Lucas, you can't help me- you'll get hurt, please don't try and-"

But I cut her off, sweeping her into my arms and drawing her against my chest. She sobs against me and I hold her tightly, until both her, and my own tears, had been spent.