One step too far (Rose/Patrick, implied Rose/Beckett)
Patrick doesn’t say a word. Keeps silent about cuts that would leave scars endangering business, ignores purple bruises and sometimes adds his own in the heat of longed-for passion while Rose pretends to believe his oblivious naïveté. It’s not for him to choose her poison, he keeps telling himself, conjuring up the image of hurt betrayal in a loved face as a needle-sharp reminder.
But one day it goes too far, as he knew it would. He mournfully caresses the feeble remnants of the once glorious shock of burning-red hair.
“Stop this,” he demands and softly kisses away Rose’s tears.