Pokémon PrismGold

Chapter Twenty-Three: "Song Of The Sea"

Mark relaxed in the seat, watching Nate hesitate to join him. Gesturing to the door, Nate whispered to him seriously. "There is nothing to say. I had a good time. But that is all it was. I can't stay." Mark kept his voice cool but just as seriously, he retorted back. "I'm not going to stop you from leaving. I just want to ask you something before you leave. Just hear me out... and I'll help you sneak out." Nate looked between him and the door, but with a heavy sigh he walked over to the booth. Dropping into the seat, he set Sean's ID bracelet on the table. Mark put his arms on the table, leaning on them as he whispered to Nate in one of his father's old speech tones. "I know I can't talk you out of this. You care a lot about Giovanni and nothing I say will feel like the truth. So, I'm not going to waste my breath. You'll care for him until he hurts you. I know you think he won't... but 'IF' he does... You need to be ready. You're smart. Have an escape plan. Think ahead of him. You know deep in your heart that something is wrong."

Nate looked away toward the door, grumbling out. "Don't lecture me. I'm sure you've known guys like him, but he isn't them. I know he comes off as an ass but it's just how he acts around people. It's all part of his act and it works to keep people in line." Mark tapped his fingertips quietly on the table, telling Nate without flinching. "I've never known guys like Giovanni. I'm relating to YOU." Nate's eyes drifted back to Mark slowly. Staring into his eyes, Mark informed him openly. "It's why I get along with you so well. You can't deny that. I know you can sense it." Nate didn't say anything. Mark shifted in the seat, telling him bluntly. "Want proof? Tell me if this sounds familiar. You felt lonely at home. Parents were distant or didn't support your talents. You started seeking people that did. Anything to release the stress and anxiety of hiding who you are. Or wanted to be. Drawn to the rush. Desperate to feel free from the shackles the world kept latching onto you as you got older. College. Job. Family. Each chain heavier. Each chain shorter." Nate straightened up slowly in the seat.

Mark resisted the urge to smirk. He was getting to him. Lifting his chin a little, he continued out to him. "You crave being adored... but are afraid of getting hurt. So, you shut everyone out. But the heart is cruel. It makes you crave more. Gives you hope where you know there is none. You want to keep your freedom. So, you date the bad boys. Guys that don't believe in commitment or rules. You tell your heart that they are good for you. Easy to leave. Just someone to kill time with. The thrill of being their secret lover or protected under their reputation. You feel untouchable." Nate curled his fingers into fists on the table. Mark didn't look away or blink as he added in a serious tone. "The heart is easy to fool. You tell it that the bad guys are good long enough and you start seeing things in them that just isn't there. Your heart starts believing that you can change them. Or that when he's alone with you he is someone else. That he's just afraid to show you his sweeter side... like you. The feeling gets so strong as the heart takes over and fills you with those lies YOU told it. Making your voice of reason lost in the background. But its always there whispering to you. Warning you. You see it... but you refuse to feel it. You want to believe the lies you created."

Nate swallowed, asking him in a low strained whisper. "Why are you telling me this?" Mark took a deep breath, then said as gently as he could. "Nate, I've been in your shoes. Trust me... This road doesn't end well. You don't want to be used... but you are letting him use you. Ask yourself what HE gets out of this. He's asking you for these favors... but has he ever given you anything you genuinely wanted in return? And more importantly... Have you EVER told him no? You ever wonder why you're afraid to say no? Because part of you knows the answer to that. And it's VERY important. You need to remember that voice. You're not his trophy. You've given him power over you. My advice is to take it back." Nate's jaw locked for a minute, before he leaned forward and asked him in a defensive whisper. "And how am I supposed to do that? Everything I have done. I did on my own. He has never forced me to do anything."