Grand Theft Autumn

Chapter 20

Patrick's POV

I was back in the room, which for once felt like a safe room. After the deal, I had quickly come back here, still a little shaken up. That was too close.

The room was dimly lit, but there had been a lamp on the side of the room that had been added. I don't know why it was there, but I liked it. It was a old, fancy stained glass lamp that just sat on the ground. It almost brought a sense of home to this place. Not that this place could ever be home, but it looked like something that my mom would have in her house. Maybe even something that I would have in my house.

The door swung open, startling me. I jumped out of the way, tensing up. People have been coming in here at all times of the day to pump me full of drugs. I don't remember much of it.

Thinking about the drugs, my fingers started to twitch. This was expected. I mean, I knew that my body would want more after the amount they have given me. This is what they wanted. They wanted to have this power over my body, and drugs was an easy way of doing it.

As quickly as the door opened, it closed again. Natasha slipped through it just in time, firmly closing the door behind her.

"Natasha? What are you doing here?" I hesitated before walking towards her. They did have a camera in this room, but I don't know how well it worked. They have never used the footage that they may or may not have collected against me yet. Natasha noticed my hesitation.

"Don't worry," She said, holding her side. "I disabled the cameras. They won't see us." Natasha let out a deep breath, her face scrunched up as if she was in... Pain.

"Nat?" I asked, slipping into my old nickname for her. Her head bobbed up at the name slightly, but she leaned up against the wall and slid down.

"I got a little hurt. 'Was hoping that you could help," Her voice was getting quieter, and I ran over to her.

Her shirt was soaked in blood.

"Oh God. Oh God. Nat? Nat, stay with me. I don't have any First Aid stuff, but-" I started to say, but Natasha let out a wheezing laugh. Slowly, she pulled out a small package from her jacket. I sighed in relief when I saw the familiar red cross symbol. "Thanks." I said. "Now, let's get you over to the light."

    I smiled a bit when I helped Natasha over to the stained glass lamp. It did come in handy! I sat her down next to it, and turned it on. Natasha looked at the lamp, and scowled.

    "That is one ugly lamp," She whispered, causing me to laugh. Natasha shifted around a little bit, and removed her hand from her side.

    I tried to smile reassuringly, not wanting to look at the wound.

    It was bad. It looked like someone had stabbed her with a knife. It hadn't gone in deep at all, so there was no damage to any organs. She had a black eye, but that looked like it was a few days old. There was a bruise forming on her wrist, like someone had grabbed her tightly.

    My stomach revolted at the thought of what had happened. Slowly, I started to use the scissors to cut off Natasha's shirt. Natasha noticed my face and smiled.

    "Good thing you are gay, right?" She mumbled. I let out another chuckle. "And don't worry. The other people look much worse." The other people? I wanted to ask questions, but knowing Natasha, she wouldn't answer them.

    I worked in silence, wincing every time I had to make a new stitch. Natasha remained silent as well, only making a few noises of discomfort every few minutes.

    "Done." I said. I handed her a few painkillers, which I probably should have given her before hand. Natasha realized this, and glared at me, but swallowed the pills dry.

    "I guess I have to thank you," She said. I shook my head. "I owed you, for you know, keeping Pete safe." I stressed the last few words. "You are keeping him safe, right?" Natasha looked around the room, not meeting my eyes. "Natasha?" I asked again. She sighed softly.

    "I fucked up, Pat. I fucked up badly." Natasha said. I bit my lip, and waited for her to continue.
    Natasha didn't continue though. She stood up, wincing at every movement, and started making her way towards the door, leaning against the wall. I didn't make any moves to help her. Right before she made it towards the door, I stepped in front of her.

    "Natasha, please tell me Pete is alright." I said, softening my voice. Natasha met my eyes, as if she was trying to read me.

    "You really care about him, don't you?" Natasha asked, her voice soft. I nodded. "He cares a lot about you too. That is why he hasn't left yet. He is a real stubborn S.O.B." Natasha smiled. "But he is fine. I am watching after him." I nodded again, processing her words. I stepped to the side, and opened the door for Natasha.

She smiled at me, and left, still clutching her side.