A/N: For the Slash/Femmslash BC (comfort), 52 Weeks of Writing (rules, mouse, abuse), Musical Terms (acciaccato), and the Femmslash Project. And, as usual, for my lovely wife Paula.

I.

Scorpius has his little rules.

"Don't do this, Lily."

"Don't wear that, Lily."

"Listen to me, Lily."

You try. Really, you try. But there are so many expectations, and you find yourself struggling and failing.

II.

Scorpius has his little excuses.

"You don't know what I've been through."

"I love you. When you look at other blokes like that, I get jealous."

"It's your fault. If you'd just listen to me, I wouldn't get angry."

You begin to believe him. His words and fists crush your spirit, turning you from fierce and fiery to a timid mouse.

III.

Roxanne sees the bruises. After a long string of swearing and particularly creative suggestions of violent revenge, she holds you close, whispering little comforts.

"You deserve better than him."

"You're beautiful, Lily."

"I love you."

You don't quite believe her. Love is painful. Scorpius has taught you that. And Roxanne is nothing but gentle, so it can't be love.

But she kisses you, and your throbbing bruises seem to forget to ache. You cling to her, and you wonder if maybe you'll learn to believe.