Tristan immediately noticed my new scars. I tried to conceal them, but failed miserably.

He invited me over after school one day and I followed his eyes to my wrist.

He looked devastated. "Lena, please don't hurt yourself.... I love you and I can't bear to see you in pain." Were those tears in his eyes?

"Is this my fault?" He asked, pain showing prominently.

I shifted uncomfortably. "Of course it's not your fault. I've just been through a lot and have been stressed out lately..."

"Don't lie to me," he cupped my face in his hands, "you're hurt because of me."

I sighed. Seeing him like this made my heart throb. "The Katrina thing just took me by surprise. And I wished you had been comfortable enough to tell me sooner."

"I'm sorry," he whispered sincerely. "I wanted to... But I never wanted you to feel like I couldn't love you just because I lost her. I want you to feel special and loved because of who you are. And I know you- I know how you are- I didn't want you to constantly compare yourself to her and feel inadequate. I loved her. I loved her with all my heart, but I lost her and she made me promise to move on if something happened to her. She wanted me to be happy, always, even if it was without her. And you make me happy. Lena, I fucking love you to death."

I teared up at just how much he cares. He didn't want me to hurt. He didn't want me to feel inadequate.
"I love you, Tristan. With all of my heart. I promise I won't cut anymore." I meant it. I couldn't see him this way. His eyes were red from being upset.

He kissed my forehead gently. "How did I ever get so lucky to have you?" He asked.

"I could ask myself the same," I said.

He turned on his stereo. "The New National Anthem" by Pierce the Veil began to play.

He pulled me to his chest and began to sway. We danced slowly, looking into one another's eyes.

I could feel the familiar electricity that pulsed through me whenever he was near. His hand rested on my chin and he gently pulled me to him.

"And if I ever catch the ones who hurt you, I'm hoping that God looks away. Why would I let you go?"

As the song came to a close, he kissed me with more passion than ever before. He kissed me like our lives depended on it. Tristan evoked something within me, something I could never explain.

I felt a tear slide gently down my face. It landed softly on his cheek.

I was in shock. For once in my life...

I had cried a tear of joy.

Notes