Leo was still in bed when I awoke. Somehow, overnight, we had ended up spooning, and I was comfortably curled up next to his athletic body. He pulled me closer, and woke himself up when his hand brushed across my face.

Leo: Mornin'
Me: H... hey, Leo

I rolled over onto my other side so I was facing him. We barely needed to whisper to hear the other speak.

Leo: Cath... I'm really sorry. I forgot about Alex when we were in the car, and I just wanted to show you how glad I was... I'm sorry, Cath.
Me: Well, I wasn't really mad; just a little taken aback.

Our faces were almost touching, as he leaned a little closer. I copied his actions, moving nearer. He hesitated, and I nudged his nose and his mouth sleepily fell into mine. The way we kissed was incredible - everything felt like you were giving your all, and then taking it all away again.

It was blissful, and whenever Alex came and checked on us, we pretended to sleep. As soon as my rowdy boyfriend had left the room, we were at it again.

###

Eleven o'clock rolled around, and I hauled my self out of bed. Together, me and Leo padded down the stairs, and arrived to the sight of a glorious continental breakfast. I had no plans for the day, and so Alex and Leo agreed that it would be a good idea if I went round Leo's house, and so I could have a go in his pool, and so that Alex had time to sleep, as he'd been awake all night.

###

It felt like we were a legitimate couple, and not like I was cheating on Alex. Alex was good for me. He only ever got mad when he was concerned with my safety. He didn't meant to call me names or to hurt me; all he wanted was for me to be okay, and I knew that.

###

Leo: Thanks for everything, Alex. I know it's not easy to randomly accommodate someone, especially me, in your life, and I wanted to show my thanks to you, and to Cath.

He rummaged in his bag for a minute before announcing that he needed to go to his car. When he returned, I was shocked. I knew he liked taking pictures, but I hadn't realised why he always wanted ones of me and Alex. Now I realised.

He'd made a photo album of all the times we'd had together. It was beautiful, except for the last page. He'd snuck in a picture of me and Alex, and it wasn't a good time for a picture.

In the photo, I was crying. Alex had his hand in a fist, and I had a red mark on my cheek. In the next photo, Alex was physically punching me, and blood was trickling from my nose as he punched me, whilst he towered over my cowering presence...

Al: Where did you get these photos? Leo? You little shit!
Leo: I was there. I didn't make them, or fake them.
Alex: I'm going to kill you, you mother fucking asshole!!!