u giggle as Justin tickles your sides furiously. u squeal and ask him to stop but he only shakes his head, “Your laugh is so adorable, babe.” He grins playfully at u and meer giggles escapes your mouth. u and Justin had only been together for about four months but u already know that u have very strong feelings for him. He means a lot to you, probably meer than u can explain. u can talk to him about anything and u adore him even meer for that. Although u don’t live together yet, u spend most of your time over at Justin’s house anyway. Especially the last few days because Pattie is visiting and u just love spending time with her. She is out with a few of her girlfriends today and u are left alone with Justin - not that u mind though. “J-Justin… Please stop?” u manage to get out between your occasional laughing fits because your boyfriend just wouldn’t grant your wish. Justin only shakes his head with a mischievous grin and continues to verplaats his fingers along your bare sides. You’re almost used to the feeling when he stops abruptly.

“What’s wrong?” u ask immediately, knowing that something had to be up for him to stop so suddenly. Justin removes his hands and clears his throat but he keeps his eyes fixated on your waist. “What’s that?” He whispers and u close your eyes because u know exactly what he’s talking about. u open your eyes again. “I fell… I-” u try but he shakes his head, interrupting you. “Don’t bother with excuses, [Y/N]. I want the truth. u didn’t get that bruise from falling.” He states firmly. Trying to remove the growing lump in your throat, u look down at your recent bruise as well. Justin’s right. u can easily see outline of a hand. “I-I… It was Ben.” u whimper out his name, all the hurtful memories coming back. “Your step-brother?” Justin exclaims and an unreadable expression wash over his face. u nod slowly and before u can stop it, loud sobs wrecks through your body and u lay there shaking. Justin immediately responds, taking u into his arms. Rocking u back and forth, he strokes your hair while whispering sweet things into your ear. “How can he do something to such a beautiful girl? God, that shitface deserves to get his ezel kicked.” He rambles on as u lay in his comforting embrace. u shrug your shoulders and nuzzle into Justin’s chest. “Don’t worry, baby. I’m here. I won’t let him hurt u anymore. I’ll protect you, okay? Everything’s gonna be alright.” He quotes his own song, still holding u tightly to him. After a moment of silence, he speaks up again, “I love you.” He whispers lovingly and u can’t help but smile. This was his first ‘I love you’ and it couldn’t be meer sincere to you. It meant the world.