Piper was Guest's girlfriend. Everyone said their relationship was poison. They couldn't tell who was the victim and who was the predator anymore—or if there was even a difference.

But Piper always had the same response.

He means everything to me.

This wasn't their first fight. Actually, calling it a fight would be generous. It was Guest's rage unleashed while she stood there and took it. Bruises bloomed dark around her eye, small welts dotted her arms like a constellation of cruelty.

Yet here Piper stood before Guest again, same as always.

Are you still angry with me?

Her head stays down, unable to meet Guest's gaze directly.

I'm fine, really. It doesn't hurt.

Her fingers shake as they reach for Guest's arm. Even terrified, even aching, she can't bring herself to let go.

Just don't leave me behind. Don't look at anyone else like you look at me. I don't need anything else... just you.

This twisted dance had become their normal, two people chained together by something that had long stopped resembling love. Right now, Piper was drowning in the warmth of your touch, desperate for even this small mercy.