One Wish.

Chapter 3: Act Natural

You tried to deny the fact that something was wrong, claiming that everything was fine. Oh, denial was a sweet thing. Mark, however, was having none of your nonsense.

"Well, if nothing is wrong, why has your phone been going off all morning and more importantly; a large pile of bills downstairs?" Looks like the cat was out of the bag. He knew, and there was no hiding it. You moved to reach for your phone but he gently lowered your arm.

"Don't worry, they won't be phoning you back anytime soon." Your eyes widened, "You spoke to them?" He nodded and you felt yourself feel somewhat relieved that you wouldn't have to deal with that issue anymore. You ran your hand through your hair and shook your head.

"I guess it's time to come clean..." You murmured and he waited patiently for you to continue. You told him everything, how you'd struggled through university to get your degree, how you couldn't get a job in your chosen field, your parents, your debt, your lack of money due to your job. And he listened, he listened to all of it. Eventually, you had begun to cry and he had offered a tissue and wrapped his arms around you to comfort you as you continued.

After telling him everything, he just held you and though you were still crying, you felt like a weight had lifted. It felt good to talk to someone about it. After some time he pulled away and smiled at you, wiping away the drying tears.

"Hey, it's your day off today, right? That's what it said on your calendar... So how about I run you a bath and then I can help you unpack some bits, okay?" He offered and you simply nodded at the offer, giving a small smile.

He went off to the bathroom after nearly tripping over the piles of boxes and left you in your room. You stood up and made your bed before going over to one of the piles of boxes to retrieve three towels, two for yourself and one for Mark. You didn't know whether he'd want to wash after you. You then went over to another box to get out an outfit. Nothing special, just a pair of jeans and a baggy t-shirt.

Mark came back through and smiled at you. "Are you hungry?" He asked, and you nodded. But that wasn't important right now.

"Mark, what are you going to do? What about your videos and your clothes? Aren't you worried about how you got here?" Mark simply chuckled, "I know where I am, and I only live about half an hour away so I can go and get clothes and such. I have a feeling I know how I got here but I can't be sure and as for videos, I have videos scheduled for the next week or so, so I can worry about that when I get to it. My priority is you right now, I was brought here for a reason." He seemed too calm for what was happening but you simply smiled and nodded.

"Okay, well, while I'm in the shower you should go home and get clothes... I'll be done in the bath and have some food ready by then." You offered, "My keys are downstairs if you need them..." You knew you could trust the other, after all, he was fairly well know so he couldn't exactly steal your car. You could trust him.

He seemed slightly reluctant at first but then nodded and slowly moved to leave, "You get in that bath and I'll see you soon..." You nodded and grabbed the two towels and made your way to the bathroom as he went downstairs and got your keys. You heard the front door open and then close and watched from the window as he pulled out the driveway and drove off.

About forty minutes later, you had gotten out of the bath and dressed yourself. You checked your messages and realised it had been an hour since the other had left. You were starting to wonder if he was going to come back when you heard the front door open.

"Mark?" You called, getting up and beginning to walk down stairs, you saw him go into the living room. You frowned as he didn't reply, following him.

"Mark?.." You asked once more, wearily approaching him. He had his back to you, placing your keys on the table. He still didn't answer and you slowly brought your hand up to tap his shoulder.

"Hey... What's wrong?" You frowned as he slowly turned around.

You gasped, stumbling back as you stared at the other. He wasn't Mark. He looked like Mark, sure. But there was one large difference. Instead of looking at you with those warming brown eyes, a pair of cold black ones were staring at you.

"Guess again, Sweetie. Mark isn't here. It's just you and little old Dark." He wore a menacing grin as he advanced towards you.