The Steam Lounge

Disc 1 - Track 12

Fire Meet Gasoline - Sia
"There's two of us, we're certain with desire. There's pleasure, pain and fire, burning."
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The sound of an alarm clock woke Patrick. He reached over to his left to turn it off, eyes still closed. There was nothing there. He opened his eyes slowly, realising it was someone else's clock. Mercy was still sprawled out in his arms, her warmth making Patrick want to huddle up to her and rest again.

Before he had the chance, Pete strolled into the kitchen in his boxers. He hadn't seen Patrick yet so he closed his eyes. As footsteps slowly approached him, he felt Mercy tense up in his loose grip.

Mercy was being shaken by Pete. It was gentle but Patrick could still feel it too. "Mercy." A voice whispered. Patrick heard the girl reply in a slight breath.

"What's wrong Pete?" She asked, one of her hands clutching Patrick's arm desperately.

He tried not to listen to their conversation but he couldn't help it. Pete asked Mercy if she wanted to be taken to bed but she refused, claiming that she didn't want to wake Patrick up. He left her alone after that.

Patrick was about to open his eyes again when he felt Mercy return to her previous position, her head on his shoulder. She pushed one of his arms from her waist, grabbing his hand tightly and sighing quietly to herself.

Patrick squeezed her hand gently, causing her to sit up suddenly. Mercy refused to let go of his hand still. Is he awake?

"Patrick?" She asked calmly, relaxing a little. She felt him move, stretching his back.

"Morning." He replied, timidly looking at her before closing his eyes again. Mercy rested her head back on him, looking upwards to face Patrick.

"Why didn't you just leave me here last night? You didn't have to stay here with me, this sofa isn't exactly comfortable." She said, relaxing onto him. Patrick seemed reluctant to reply.

He tried to avoid her gaze but he couldn't help but look down at her. "You were upset! I wasn't going to leave you alone on the sofa after you'd cried yourself to sleep." He explained.

Mercy buried her head in Patrick's t-shirt, putting her arms around him to stay warm in the cold apartment. "I really appreciate it." She said, about to shut her eyes.

"Do you need more rest? I can leave you if you want." He suggested, realising she could be feeling confused by the fact that he was still with her.

"Yeah I think I'll sleep some more, but I'm comfortable so you can stay. If you don't mind, that is." She replied, in nothing more than a whisper.

Patrick secured his arms around her, smiling without realising. "I'm glad that you're comfortable and I'd be happy to stay with you. Maybe we should move to my bedroom though." He said, taking a moment before realising how it had sounded. Oh god. "It's like you said, the couch isn't very comfortable and when everyone starts getting up I don't want them to wake you." He stammered, trying to fix his mistake.

Mercy didn't seem to notice as she nodded, shutting her eyes and leaning her head back against him.

Patrick watched as the young girl gave in to sleep again, her face visibly tired. Jesus, I hope she gets better soon. He picked her up, being extremely careful, and carried her back to his room.

Mercy slept in Patrick's arms for another two hours, not letting him go. Patrick however couldn't sleep a wink. His head filled with worries and doubts about the girl to his left. Is she going to be okay? I can't look after myself, let alone another person.