The concept of pain vs pleasure was one that has been debated for years. But in your opinion, they were complimenting. Like pink and mint. Orange and blue. They fit like puzzle pieces.

Pain made you feel good and feeling good was painful. It wasn't right without it. So, when you were stressed, you had your partner hurt you so you could feel okay, just slightly okay. Patrick was into it too, after all.

He was your lover. Had been for a couple of years. He liked tears and deep bruises he could trace calloused fingers along. And he liked the feeling of inflicting it.

You were stressed today. You didn't sleep well, you've been going through a small depressive episode, and you needed a break. So in almost solidarity, your lovely partner set up a scene. One you were in the middle of.

Almost a lump on the ground you laid, Patrick kneeling beside you. He grabbed your hair and made you look up at him. Being beat felt damn good and he could see it in your face.

"God, you won't even fight back. That's so pathetic."