Foolish // Markiplier X Reader

|seventeen|

"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." – Elbert Hubbard

You sat on your bed cross legged, absentmindedly scrolling through your phone while Lina sat at your desk, skimming through a book, occasionally pausing to make notes. You were finally out of isolation. It felt good being able to enjoy your free periods with Lina instead of being cooped up in that stuffy office left to your thoughts.

"What do you think life will be like after this?" Lina asked suddenly, putting down her pen.

You looked over your phone at her. "Like after we graduate?"

"Yeah." She said, turning to face you properly. "I feel like everyone has these grand plans but I just... don't know."

You shrugged, then put your phone down. "My dad's getting me a car when I graduate. I'm getting as far away as possible as soon as I can and never seeing anyone ever again."

Lina frowned. "What about your friends? Your family?"

You shrugged again.

"What about me?" She asked. "Do you think we'll stay in contact?"

"Of course!" You said, suddenly feeling a little guilty. "I kinda like having you around actually." You said with a smile.

Lina smiled too. "Likewise."

The bell then rang, and Lina shut her book and put it in her bag. "You ready to go?" She said.

You stood up. "Yep."

—-

"Good afternoon students!" Principal Hargrove said, standing on stage in her usual drab grey skirt and blazer. It was second to last period, a senior assembly in the theatre.

"Good afternoon Principal Hargrove." All of the students responded in unison. You still didn't get the hang of it, instead looking around and catching the eye of Mr. Fischbach who stood at the right of the stage with other teachers. He smiled at you, making your heart flutter, and you smiled back involuntary.

"I have a very exciting announcement to make. For your yearly field trip, this year we will be going to Blackwood Historical Estate located on a small island north of us. There will be museum trips, tours, and a weekend-long stay at the manor located centrally." The room thrummed with excited whispers and Lina looked at you with a large grin. You forced a smile in response. With you being seniors, you would've expected a more extravagant trip- perhaps to Paris or Prague- but this just seemed kinda boring. You looked back at Mr. Fischbach who looked at you with fake excitement. Your smile turned genuine and you rolled your eyes at him to which he smiled.

"There are some rules that will be put in place first hand however." The principal continued. "If any of you misbehave even the slightest bit, you will absolutely not be invited to the trip." You could've sworn she was looking right at you as she said this. "Any rule breaking will not be tolerated, especially with this trip on the horizon. An email will be sent out shortly with the details including what to bring, when it will be held, etcetera."

"This is so freaking exciting I love field trips." Lina whispered to you, silently clapping her hands together.

"What even is Blackwood? I've never heard of it in my life." You whispered.

"Oh it's a lovely place, my parents had their wedding there. It's an estate with a museum, hiking trails, an art gallery, and a haunted manor. I think that's where we'll be staying. We can share a room and stay up all night telling each other ghost stories and eating snacks!" She whispered excitedly.

You smiled at her enthusiasm. "Yeah that sounds fun."

As the assembly came to an end, you and Lina began to make your way out of the theatre when you saw Daniel casually pushing through the crowd, approaching you.

"Hey." He said nonchalantly.

"Hey yourself." You said, stopping to talk to him. You glanced behind him and saw Mr. Fischbach talking to a teacher, sneaking glances at you when she wasn't looking.

"This trip's pretty exciting, huh? I mean if you actually make it. I have no doubt you'll get into more trouble soon." Daniel said with a cheeky smile.

Lina shuffled next to you as you responded. "I'm not planning on, but it's not a big deal. Blackwood doesn't really sound like my kinda thing."

"Oh, come on don't be so negative. I bet we'll get up to all sorts of fun. The manor is haunted you know." Daniel said, folding his arms.

"So I've been told." You said simply.

Lina tugged at your arm. "Come on we're gonna be late to class." She said.

"Alright alright. See ya round." You said to Daniel with a wave.

"Bye." He said, watching you and Lina turn to leave. As you left, you caught another glance from Mr. Fischbach who waved at you. You smiled and waved before leaving with Lina by your side.

"So are you two like friends or something?" Lina asked as you walked through the halls.

"Yeah kinda I guess." You said nonchalantly. "Much to your disapproval I'm sure."

"Hey, I can't control who you're friends with. I still don't think he's a good influence but it's whatever. He's always sneaking around secretly breaking rules, it's a wonder he rarely gets caught." Lina commented.

"Do you ever wish you could do something exciting? Break some rules? Do something fun for once?" You asked.

Lina paused and looked at you warily. "I do fun things." She said a little defensively.

"Oh like study and read and swim?"

Lina stopped, causing you to stop to and turn to her. "Just because I don't fit your definition of fun doesn't mean I don't enjoy life."

"Okay, alright I'm sorry." You said, holding your hands in front of you defensively. "But do you though? Wish you could do something rebellious?"

"You mean like get caught climbing a fence and getting put in isolation? Or do you mean seducing my teachers?" Lina teased.

"Lina!" You hissed. "Don't say that so loud."

"The way you and Mr. Fischbach were looking at each other that entire assembly was hardly subtle girl. Me making a joke isn't any more conspicuous."

You narrowed your eyes at her. "Whatever."

You continued walking, Lina seemed to be thinking for a while until she stopped again, just outside the classroom and spoke up.

"To be honest I kinda do sometimes. Even just for one night." She said shyly. "But I'm too scared to actually do it."

You smiled at her. "Well you wouldn't have to do it alone. You have me."

She smiled. "Always?"

"Always."

Lina walked into the classroom and just as you were about to follow her, you felt your phone vibrate in your blazer pocket. Looking around to make sure nobody was watching, you took it out and saw a text from your dad.

DAD: Bad news kiddo, I lost my job. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get you that car after all. We'll talk later. Love you.

You froze before responding.

YOU: If you pulled me out of this school you could afford it.

Your dad responded quickly.

DAD: Not happening. You know your mom would hate that.