Chapter Text
Some things can be embarrassing to talk about, whether they’re a bit of your past where you got way too drunk and sang operas on table tops or something subtle and small that still trails into your daily life. We never admit these bits of ourselves unless we are comfortable with those we share it with, or unless we are once again under the daring influence of that liquid courage or in an awkward game of Truth or Dare. But primarily, we tend to want this information under wraps from judging eyes and mocking laughter in hope of self-preservation.
However; because of our attempts at avoiding embarrassment, we can find ourselves falling down a troublesome rabbit hole and finding ourselves in situations that are anything but preferable. We try to hide it, the only problem is that it can be more than difficult in doing so, and slowly it all comes crumbling down, enveloping and eating you up until the truth finds its way out- even if it was something to never to be embarrassed about in the first place.
Things had happened way too fast and you went along with it despite that nagging voice in your head that’s pleading with you to say anything, but you ignored it assuring yourself that everything would be fine in the end. That the sun would take longer to set and that you had more time… Only, that wasn’t the case. No. No, the night had come far too soon and it was too late to turn back, plus, you were without any idea of where the others were.
Then again, you had no idea where you were. Your campsite was beyond your recollection and with your luck, so was everyone else; leaving you frightened and alone.
It was a game. A fun, innocent game from your childhood that you all decided to play. A round of hide and go-seek with the six of you: Mark, Bob, Wade, Mandy, Molly, and yourself. A much-needed friend and couple outing for the weekend that everyone was excited for, one that lead to you getting yourself lost in these confusing woods where no matter where you walked- you could never find your way back.
Breathe in… Breathe out… Breathe in… Breathe out.
You felt the flicker of fear go off in your mind, running through your head and cursing it with terrifying what ifs. The darkness surrounded you, devoid of light; the forest enveloped you and sent you into a state where it became hard to even move.
You were afraid of the dark.
Such a childish and simple fear, yet nothing had ever changed your mind on the matter. And you’ve tried to get over it… You’ve really tried, it was just that nothing ever worked.
Which left situations like these where you were aimlessly wandering about the shadowed woods as moments from your nightmares- only this wasn’t one you could wake up from.
Snap!
The sudden sound brought your heart into a frenzy, eyes darted every which way around you in a desperate, hopeless attempt to find the source of the sound. Your hands started to shake as you retreated into the tree behind you, finding an ounce of comfort that at least part of you was covered. Although you slid down the tree when your knees fell weak below you, the overflowing adrenaline and panic caused them to give out and made you feel evidently smaller as you brought them to your chest. Eyes shut tightly, the prickling of tears gathered and threatened to fall, you bit back your sobs trying to ignore the intensity of your fear as it racked your mind- not only were your hands shaking by this point but your whole body was. Stop it! Control yourself. You know that nothing is out there. The rational part of your mind tried to convince you, and you knew it was probably right. You just couldn’t shake this feeling though.
Stranger footsteps came closer.
Your heart paused and got stuck in your throat, you choked back a cry but your tears had finally fallen and poured over your cheeks. Your trembling form got worse with each step and with every new one being added, you found it harder to hold back your cries.
“(Y/n)..? Are you okay? What happened?”
Mark?
Still, you kept your eyes shut and only shook your head in response.
“Oh, babe…” His voice was dripping with concern as you felt him come closer, “Please,” a desperate plea broke your heart, “What happened? I want to help.”
A sob escaped at his words, you were so tempted to tell him… But he would just think you were being overdramatic, wouldn’t he? That you’re acting like a child? You couldn’t. You couldn’t risk it.
Rubbing your hands into your eyes to rid them of your tears, you sniffled and turned your head. Your tone was harsher than you thought it would be, “I’m fine.”
Though as you expected, Mark saw through that facade with ease. He heaved a sigh and sat beside you, a half-hearted chuckle met your ears, “You won, by the way… We couldn’t find you,” The ravenette turned to you, hoping you’d sense his gaze and meet it, “I was… I am really worried about you.”
His words unintentionally stung, guilt building up and making your chest heavy. This was all because you were so stupidly scared, wasn’t it? It was all your fault.
When that thought crossed your mind, you came undone. Your body shook as you let it all out, surprising the man beside if only for a moment before he swooped you into his warm embrace, your head on his chest and his arm securely held you to him while his digits attempted to draw soothing shapes into your side. Each sob racked through you, the tears felt nonstop and ended up soaking his shirt, “Mark, I am so, so sorry!… I just,” sniffle, “I’m so stupid! I… I got afraid b-because I couldn’t find my way back and… and then it got, it got dark and I…” You bit your lip, closing your eyes tightly and the hand that was gently placed against his chest was now clenched into a fist, “I got scared… I’m afraid of the dark, I didn’t want to say anything cause it’s pathetic- I mean, look at what happened! God, you must think I’m so pathetic. I’m so sorry, Mark…”
You couldn’t bear to look at him, scared of your suspicions becoming reality.
Yet, you felt pressure on your cheek that guided you to what you could only assume was where his own face was, “It’s okay, chickadee. I don’t think you’re pathetic, one bit… But please, look at me. Open your eyes, I’m here, you’re not lost, (Y/n). I’m right here.”
And once again, Mark managed to make your heart melt. Your bottom lip quivered as you slowly opened up your eyes, tears starting to well up again- only for a new happiness rather than fear. Soon, your arms wrapped around his torso into a snug embrace with your head buried in his shoulder and Mark could feel the petite droplets of water pool on his shoulder as he rubbed your back calmly, not exactly sure yet whether or not he made it better or worse. His fingers tangled themselves in your hair as sweet nothings poured from his lips and into your ears.
When he saw that you had calmed down, only an occasional sniffle could be heard throughout his attempts to soothe you, Mark pressed a chaste kiss to your temple and began to speak such pleasant words, “I’m here, forever and always, so you don’t need to be afraid anymore, okay?” Your silent nod gave him reassurance and he continued, “And it’s not ‘childish’ that you’re afraid of the dark- we all have our fears, I mean, look at mine! Mannequins and the ocean, that’s worse than being scared of the dark.” You felt his chest vibrate as he laughed and you found yourself falling in tune, any residing fear and anxiety melting away with that loving moment.
A beaming smile shined on his expression as your eyes finally returned to his warm brown orbs, “But I think as long as I’m with you, I could swim in an ocean that’s full of those demonic creepy things… And I hope that you can feel the same.”
Delightful giggles escape you before a blissful sigh followed, “I do. And as long as I can hold onto you, I don’t think I’ll be scared anymore,” you gave him a little squeeze for emphasis and he lightly laughed once again, giving you one in return.
“I will be more than happy to be your teddy bear, chickadee.”