I'm the Secret You'll Swear to Keep

/Three/

"I thought we had a plan!" Mel yells into the phone.

"We do!"

"Then why was Patrick attacked?"

"Because, if Pete gets ahold of him before we do, we're done for!"

Mel growls. "I'll get him!"

"Oh really? That's why Pete's got him when we need him? If it wasn't for the asshole who saved him, we would've had him!"

"And what? Keep him until Friday?"

"That's when we can actually do something!"

"Don't attack him anymore. He's probably already told Pete, and now Pete'll be protective."

"Excuse me? Mrs. Martinez, I'm your fucking boss. I call the shots here!"

"Well the shots you're shooting are making it worse!"

"Want me to leave it to you? Fine. But if the mission gets compromised, your ass is grass." He spits before ending the call.

~~~

"Can we switch shifts on Friday?" Patrick asks upon walking in.

Mel frowns. "I got a date again."

"So do I." Patrick sighs. "Please, just this once."

"I can't, Patrick."

"Not even for my birthday?" Patrick mock pouts.

"Sorry," Mel shrugs. "I can't miss this one."

Pete. Can't. Get. Him.

"Why do I always move things for you, but you can't do it for me this once?" Patrick shakes his head, storming by her.

Mel sighs. Patrick is still her friend. She was told not to get close, but the kid is too sweet. She doesn't want to make him sad.

But she can't compromise the mission or she'll be chastised.

"I know you do, and I'm an asshole." Mel looks away, hoping to get some tears going. "I'm the worst person, a-and I'm so sorry."

Patrick softens. He walks over to her and hugs her. "I know you try, You're a great person, Mel. I understand."

God, why is he such a good person? This makes it so much fucking harder.

"You're such an outstanding person, Patrick. You're an angel." She gathers her things and leaves, wiping the fake tears once she's left.

~~~

"She won't switch." Patrick sighs. "I'll just see if my bosses will cover for me."

Pete shakes his head. Typical Mel. "I hope they will."

"They should." Patrick nods slowly. "Be careful walking back. There's some guy that attacked me last night.

Pete gasps loudly. I know. "Oh, Patrick. Are you okay?" Pete finds an excuse to grab Patrick's jaw lightly, examining from bruises that aren't there.

Patrick leans into his touch. "I'm okay. This other guy saved me."

Pete beams proudly. "I'm happy to hear that. I don't want our informal date to be at a hospital."

"Yeah," Patrick giggles. "That wouldn't be fun."

"I can't wait for it. I'm thinking of all the drinks a guy like you would enjoy."

"A guy like me?"

"Someone cute, bright, and bubbly."

"What drink would I be?"