Chapter Text
Mark really tried his damndest to keep Dark away from you.
He couldn’t have you escaping his web, now could he?
But you had to go and ruin his plans.
What a shame.
― ― ―
Four years prior, you had met Mark at VidCon; you worked as an assistant for the creators if they were to run into any troubles. Mark’s audio equipment was malfunctioning before his panel, so you had been sent to help solve the problem. It took a couple hours—somehow, someone had damaged the equipment when setting it up—and by the time the problem was resolved, you and Mark had managed to strike up a friendship.
After several months of knowing each other, Mark offered to hire you as an editor for his videos. You gratefully took him up on the offer; VidCon was far too stressful for you, and the in-between jobs didn’t provide much income. Two years into working with him, you lost your apartment after the building went up in flames.
He was the one who did it.
Mark talked you into staying in his spare room when you told him what happened. ‘What are friends for?’ You remember staring at him, dumbfounded, before reluctantly agreeing with him. It wouldn’t hurt, right?
After all, what are friends for?
Over the course of three years, Mark never acknowledged Dark’s existence outright, despite your poking and prodding. You first began your inquiries when Dark began showing up in the corners of your dreamscapes—while he never interacted with you, you still wanted answers.
Mark was the one to create Dark in the first place. You suppose ignoring him was all part of his plan. Whatever that may be.
Your curiosity must’ve irritated him enough, though. The YouTuber eventually, albeit not without a significant amount of complaints and protests, caved to your persistent questioning. After Mark threw a tantrum fit for a toddler, you learned that Dark was, indeed, real—and that he and Mark did not share a body; simply an appearance.
Mark promised that he wouldn’t allow Dark near you— he was the villain, according to the former. He was manipulative. He was evil. ‘I’ll keep you safe,’ you recall the way he uttered those words. Something wasn’t quite right, but you brushed it off.
You really wish you hadn’t.
You didn’t know better. You listened to him. You trusted him.
Oh, how you wish you had known that everything was just an act.
― ― ―
One year ago, you were alone at the house, curled up on the sofa while the TV droned in the background. Fatigue weighed at the edges of your mind despite it only being mid-afternoon. You don’t remember falling asleep, but you do remember what followed.
A sharp ringing in your ears and a void darker than black all around you. Your veins feeling as if ice were flowing through them rather than blood. Dark appearing before you with raised eyebrows.
Well, this is just great.
“This is no place for you. Tell me, why are you here?” He asked. You remember wincing—his voice seemed to amplify the ringing.
“I didn’t come here on purpose ,” you responded, confused, “so you tell me; why am I here? Usually, you like to lurk in my dreams.”
“If you’re implying that I summoned you, I would not do such a foolish thing. The snake you reside with would find out, and you would likely suffer his rage.” Dark’s voice was cold, detached; though you thought you could hear the faintest hint of concern.
“Snake? Do you mean Mark ?” You shook your head. “Mark isn’t—” you paused, taking a moment to gather your thoughts, “—he might have a temper, but he would never hurt me seriously . Though he did say you would hurt me.” As soon as you finished speaking, the ringing in your ears grew in volume and pitch.
“ I am not the one you should fear!” the entity shouted, “you are being lied to! You mean nothing to him—you are but a pawn in his play!” Dark took in a breath and composed himself.
“But perhaps I should allow you to figure that out yourself, hm?”
You woke with a gasp, scrambling up from the sofa. The sun was beginning to set outside. The remnants of the Void’s chill clung to your skin.
How much more vague could he be?
― ― ―
[ Received: 5:09pm ] Mark: Did you cook or do you want me to grab some food omw home
[ Received: 5:09pm ] Mark: my meeting ended a few minutes ago so I’ll be leaving soon
[ Sent: 5:11pm ] i’ve put dinner on already, dont bother with takeout
[ Sent: 5:12pm ] see u soon
You locked your phone screen, pinching the bridge of your nose in frustration. “He’s gonna find out. I am so fucked.” You grumbled to yourself.
You made the mistake of reaching out to Dark. While you wouldn’t call it a mistake, Mark is bound to find out.
And when he does, you are so fucked.