all oneshots with (wip) in the title are connected - titles will be edited later

hero/villain au

Tw: abuse, self harm, self hatred, guilt

"What did I tell you about talking to him?" They growl, grabbing his wrist, "and now look what's happened, he hates you." They laugh when Florida flinches, grip tightening, "What? You thought he cared? He was using you."

He glances back over at DC, who was watching him with concern. DC didn't hate him, Florida wouldn't be there if DC hated him. DC's eyeing his arms suspiciously, still wondering when Florida's sleeves got longer, how could he not notice that?

Florida shifts uncomfortably as DC's expression darkens, was DC still mad at him?

He tugs at the end of his sleeve, hoping the bruises aren't visible.

"Stop- ow! That hurts-" He's trying to pry their hand off to no avail, "You're going to leave a mark-"

"Good, maybe this way you'll learn your lesson." His eyes widen slightly, they said they would stop. They're muttering darkly, dragging Florida away, "and I don't know why it's so hard for you to just listen to me!" They whip around to face him, "I've warned you, I'm doing this because I care about you, I don't want to see him hurt you." Florida tries to pull back again, stepping back and shaking his head, "you brought this on yourself." They yank him forward, hand moving to the back of his neck to shove him down, "stay here until you learn how to act."

The door slams shut behind them, leaving Florida alone again.

Maybe he did deserve it, he hurt DC. He presses down on his wrist, relishing the pain it brought, he deserved this, this was his fault. He presses harder, his fault for not realizing sooner, his fault for upsetting DC, all of it, it was his fault. They were right, he deserved pain.

He glances back over to where DC was sitting, feeling mild hurt at the sight of an empty chair. He sighs softly, letting go of his wrist, he shouldn't expect DC to stay, DC had better things to do.

He shuts his eyes, they weren't there and he was safe. He just had to remember that.