Lies in the Dark

"Hey Nate, you okay?"

Mark looked at him empathically while Nathan was approaching him. It had been the same words as Vic's, but in contrast to her, Nathan didn't ignore Mark. Nathan had seen Vic and had been passing by like he had never seen her before. He had still been in shock, and had needed to get a shower. Instead of getting a headache, he now felt nothing at all in his head. Like his brain had decided to get some rest. Every part of his body felt empty and heavy. Standing in the cabin, feeling the warm water hugging his body had been comforting and intoxicating, and he liked the thought of the water washing all these recent events away.

But it didn't.

"I dunno, yes, I guess," he said, resting his forehead on Mark's chest who caressed the back of his head, "sorry for freaking out … again."

"You were in shock, it's alright," Mark said, and Nathan looked into his hazel eyes behind his glasses. Doing so, Nathan felt sort of nostalgic; Mark had always been like a father. He was his pillar of strength, his source of tranquility. Nobody was a bigger part of him than Mark Jefferson.

"Now, look at me, Nathan," he said, and Nathan obeyed. "They're waiting for us in Well's office. Berry and Madsen are there, too. … And Max. Listen, if you want this to work, you absolutely need to act like all of this – Rachel, this one night, Kate – all of this never happened. You're the same jerk as always, no clue what's with that drug stories. Max's up our asses, you know that she thinks that you drugged Kate. She thinks that, but she hasn't got any prove. She will try to blame you again, in front of Wells. That bitch is snitching on us, and I'm afraid that she already knows way too much. I had her affection, but I somehow lost part of it, and I feel like she suspects me."

Mark looked at him firmly, "Can you do that?" Nathan swallowed, then he nodded.

"Be an ignorant, pubescent douche," then Mark's lips formed a smirk, and he looked at him with his hooded eyes, "just act naturally."

"I know this isn't pleasant for any of us, but we have to go over what happened before Miss Marsh … before she did what she did."

Wells was standing in front of the big curtain. Dim light was shining though the window. Nathan heard the birds singing; clouds were slowly drifting past. What a beautiful day it could've been. He was sitting on the right of Max, who looked exhausted, hair of cotton candy was framing a tear-stained face. In this very moment, knowing that Max hadn't managed to keep Kate from jumping, he had felt something unfamiliar. Something like … respect. Him and her were on the same side, they both were distressed by the recent events, traumatized. Nathan discreetly dared to look at her. She was leaning on her knees, staring at her feet. She sniffed her nose, and Nathan noticed her freckles. For one moment, Nathan thought of leaning over and taking her hand. But this moment vanished as quickly as Kate's body had glided through the air, a light feather getting blown away by the storm that was awaiting all of them. … Something bigger would happen, Nathan knew it, and Kate's death was just the beginning.

"Officer Berry will be taking notes for the official police inquiry. I'm sure you'll give him your full cooperation." Wells said, and Nathan glanced over to Berry. He better didn't say anything about his dad's order to have an eye on him, the last thing Nathan needed was Max knowing that Sean had hired a babysitter protecting him. God, he hated when people felt so important, and he hated when people needed to control his life.

"Such a tragedy. … But there must be a reason for everything."

Fucking hypocrite. Wells didn't give a shit about anything happening at Blackwell. He didn't give a shit about Nathan, and he didn't give a shit about Kate. His alcohol seemed to have besotted his senses. Or maybe, him and Nathan had finally something in common, not giving about everything anymore

"We need to find out why Kate Marsh would be driven to such desperate action. As principal of Blackwell Academy, I take my duties seriously. I take the well-being of every student more seriously. What happened today should never happen in a hall of wisdom and knowledge. Mr. Madsen, as our head of security here, those roof doors should always be locked. That's just standard operating procedure. They were not."

Shots fired. Nathan looked at Madsen, staring at the ground like a mutt who had been punched on the snout. This fascist didn't give a shit about Kate either, that's why he hadn't locked the door. Nathan was so sick of everybody pretending to care about anyone. This school was full of ignorants who only cared for themselves.

Then, Wells looked at Mark. Nobody in this room knew what Nathan and him had done. Especially not Wells. Oh, the sweet irony. Kate Marsh had died because of them, and so had Rachel.

"Mr. Jefferson, I know you can't be expected to know what your students are going through, but Kate has assisted you in class, so you should have known something was amiss."

Mark opened his mouth, intending to contradict, but he closed it as Wells turned to Nathan. He looked at him sternly, trying to intimidate him, but Nathan didn't care enough about this loser to do him this favor.

"Mr. Prescott, since you are responsible for the Vortex Club parties," Nathan sighed, of course – that argument, "and since Miss Marsh did attend your last party, you'll have to answer some more questions." Then he sat down.

Wells asked Max about Kate and why she had been on the roof, and Nathan dared to look at Mark, then their eyes met, and for a glimpse of a second, Nathan could see the caution in his eyes. The caution to watch his mouth. A silent, unspoken word warned Nathan about Madsen staring at him, and a light, almost invisible eye movement indicated to him that Max would remember what he would say about Kate.

Then, Max got asked about what she had noticed about Kate. Nathan looked at her, being the only one doing that. Nathan looked at Mark, and he knew what he was thinking. He stared at the ground, awaiting her response. She would blame Nathan for drugging Kate or some shit, which was true yet unprovable. Max didn't knew shit, they were safe if she didn't suspect Mark. As long as she was thinking that Nathan was the bad guy here, they were safe. There was no other way, and Nathan needed to prepare for his role. Wells wouldn't believe her, but maybe Madsen did. Nathan inhaled deeply; he hoped that Mark had already talked to him about that.

But Max's response changed everything.

"I saw Mr. Jefferson talking to Kate right before our class … then she ran off crying."

Nathan held his breath, then he looked at Mark. For one short moment, he lost himself, clenching his fist, frowning, trying to suppress the anger of knowing he had underestimated Max. Then picked up his mask and put it on again.

There we go, Nathan thought, Mark being the breathtaking yet frightening and psychopathic man he is, in the role of the caring photography teacher. The one who had recently told Nathan that they needed to "get the fuck rid off Kate". 3, 2, 1 … action.

"Kate … Miss Marsh … has been very withdrawn lately," he said with a soft, almost broken voice. Nathan hold back a smirk. Mark was probably the evilest person he knew, and every day he spent with him, he loved him more.

"And I assume this awful video was the cause. I hated seeing the students laugh at her. She told me Max was the only one who believed her, would take her calls and actually listened to her."

Nathan swallowed. It sucked hearing Mark talk about Max like he would actually mean it. Was he … jealous of Max, earning Mark's attention? Even if it was fake? No fucking way, Nathan blushed, he hates that bitch, and I know it, and without thinking, he turned to Mark.

"She shouldn't have asked to be on video macking with some dudes," he heard himself say, and Mark tried to suppress a giggle, looking like he was like "Well, fair enough".

"You ass. She didn't ask for any of this," Max hissed, glaring at him, probably feeling like Sherlock Holmes for not noticing that this was fucking sarcasm.

"No, on the contrary. Max was right to bring this up," Mark said, and Nathan stared at him. Fucking traitor, just when Nathan had defended him. He turned away from him, deciding not to look at him for the whole session.

"Now, I wanted to help, but I guess I was too late," he said. No shit, Sherlock. Mark and his logic.

"Well now, this is problematic. The publicity is rising and perhaps, you shouldn't represent Blackwell at the 'Everyday Heroes' contest in San Fransisco."

Mark froze, and his mask began crumbling. "Are you serious?" he asked. One eyebrow twitched, and two maroon eyes were glaring at Wells. Mark avoided looking at Max, but Nathan knew that he had to put himself together. Did she plan all of this …? Maybe she thought that Vic would win the contest, and she wanted to score her off. Nathan wondered if he would've been jealous if Mark would've went with Vic. She was his best friend, and though she liked him, he knew that Mark would never return her affections. He never did to anyone.

"I am. We don't need any negative press about that event."

Mark shook his head, and Nathan leaned back in anger. Though he secretly was happy about Mark staying at Blackwell, maybe doing stuff with him instead, he hated this bitch for ruining something he had been looking forward to. How fucking insane had he been, thinking about taking her hand?!

"And we need to involve the Academy in possible disciplinarian measures for you."

Disciplinarian measures, fucking hell! Mark wasn't a stupid child needing to get punished for breaking a plate. Y'all so stupid, Nathan thought, if you'd know what him and I did, the real reason for Kate's death, know what we could do to you, you'd fear us all.

"I understand," Mark frowned, looking like the pain of every human on this planet would rest squarely on his shoulders (nobody had mastered the look of the sorrowful puppy eyes better than Mark Jefferson), preparing to guilt-trip Wells, "there are bigger things at stake than me. The life of a young girl at one …"

Then, a scornful sniff. Two eyes met, and the whelp eyes turned to the possessed eyes of a pit bull gone wild, ready to attack. Mark looked at Madsen steadfastly, and Nathan, fascinated by their duel, stared at both of them. Some popcorn would've been perfect.

"Maybe you should investigate other stuff members? Max told me she knew things about Mr. Madsen."

Madsen's eyes widened, and he glared at Max who looked at him frightened, trying to appear much stronger than she actually was.

Wells wanted both Nathan and Max to sign the statement they had done, even though Nathan hadn't said a word, making it a classic Wells move of trying to appear way more important than he actually was. Wells stood up and told them about the further investigation he and the police had planned, then he dismissed them.

"Why are you like this?" Max asked Nathan, and he noticed her tearing up.

"You talkin' to me?" he snarled, then she shook her head, passing by with the words "A girl just killed herself, Nathan."

No fucking shit, thanks for telling me, I barely noticed.

Nathan saw Berry looking at him in a weird matter, Nathan hated the way he looked. Actually, Nathan just hated the person itself. Then he saw Mark and Max exchanging glances, before Wells said something to him, but Mark ignored his peace offer. He said something which sounded like "No, I don't, thank you very much." as he ditched Wells, making him look like he got a flea in his ear. Shortly after, Mark and Nathan's eyes met; he looked at him frustratedly.

Just when he was about to approach him, Nathan heard a firm voice behind his back saying his name. He turned around as he scrutinized Madsen and his silly base cap.

"You're lucky Mr. Jefferson saved your ass, but you're not getting away like this next time. Be prepared for the police investigating against you. I know that there's something fishy about you and your whole club, and I'm gonna find out what."

Nathan sniffed, "Go ahead and my father will sue your a–"

"Well, thank you for letting Nathan know, Mr. Madsen, and now excuse us please, will you," Mark said, stepping between Nathan and Madsen, "this boy just witnessed a classmate's suicide and is still in shock, and you should be ashamed of yourself intimidating him like that."

"Ha," Madsen said, and a weird mocking grin formed on his lips, "look at this brat's face, he doesn't care about anyone. Show some respect, don't you know who I am?"

"Can't blame him for that. In fact, hardly anybody in Arcadia Bay knows who you are," Mark said and a charming smile bloomed on his lips, then him and Nathan went off, feeling Madsen's ashamed gaze burning in their backs.

"That was classic what you said to him," Nathan laughed, impressed and flattered by Mark standing up for him, feeling his cheeks glow, "how did you stop him from entering my room?!"

"Oh well, I just asked him if he, head of the security, didn't know about article 37, paragraph 5 of Blackwell's school ordinance."

"What does it say?"

"I don't know, and apparently, Madsen doesn't, too," Mark grinned, "I'm not even sure if there's something like a school ordinance."

Nathan bursted out in laughter, "You're so awesome! Thanks for saving my ass." – "Anything for you," Mark smiled, and Nathan flushed. Damn, why did Mark have to say one sweet sentence to make Nathan blush like a little girl?! Then they stopped, and Mark scrutinized him.

"How's your headache? You still get attacks?"

"Maybe," Nathan said, looking down on his shoe tips, seeing Mark's black leather shoes, "but only when I'm stressed out. I, ugh, recently passed out."

"Wait, you did what …? Shit, Nathan, I told you to call me when you're not feeling good. The wound on your head, that's because of the fall, right?"

Nathan remained silent, nervously picking at his fingernails, hidden in his jacket pocket. Mark was a good observer, Nathan hoped he hadn't noticed his red knuckles, too.

"And your knuckles, they're swollen again, don't think I've missed that," Mark said harshly, then he crossed his arms, "I'm not able to protect you any longer, if you keep fighting with everybody, especially since this bitch got me expelled from the contest. I've told you that about a thousand times now, do me a favor and listen for once."

He was mad, but he wasn't as mad as he could've been. Mark tried to keep his glance steadfast and firm, but he usually failed being not that upset about him, ending up in a look made from a mixture of desperation and resignation.

"Hey, Nate, before you go," Mark said as Nathan intended going off and take a shower or kill himself. Mark's tender look rested on him, "I'm driving home. If you want to talk about today or, you know, want some company … you're welcome. As always. Just come over and I'll cook us something nice."

Nathan noticed his mouth water just by thinking of Mark's mad cooking skills, last time he had visited him, which had been last week, he had made Coq au Vin while Nathan had helped with the dessert, Crème Brûlée. Nathan held back a big grin, which didn't really work, so he embarrassedly rubbed his neck, awkwardly smiling at Mark.

"Uhm, y-yeah, I will."

Nathan went off. It was starting to get dark, and a swarm of wild gooses was passing by, twittering excitedly. Nathan wondered what was going on, then he saw it: the eclipse. He couldn't believe his eyes. What the hell was that? The next one should've been in two years. At least, this was what Warren had always told everybody … except for Nathan.

Warren.

Where was he? He was probably with Max. Maybe he could ask him about the eclipse? But then again, Nathan was pretty sure that Warren didn't want to talk to him. He scrutinized his bloodstained knuckles, they were swollen from punching Warren, and there was a sharp wound coming from that mirror. Nathan swallowed his tears, then he rubbed his eyes. Why was everything so complicated?

"Nature," Nathan mumbled, looking at the eclipse, "you're trying to tell us something. I know it. Maybe Kate knew, too."

Suddenly, he felt his phone vibrating, and he checked for new messages.

'nate u there

please come over im feeling like shit' – Vic

'fcuk I cant stop crying' – Vic

'nate where r u' – Vic

'comin hon

gimme a sec' – Nathan

Poor Vic, last time she had been this disturbed had been at the time of her grandma's death. Nathan hoped she was okay. He started going into her direction, then he noticed another message. Nathan read the name.

'Nathan, Principle Wells has told me about that girl's accusation. I just wanted you to inform you that I'm tired of protecting you, and I don't know what you think you're doing. I've texted that girl and told her about the consequences of this accusation. I don't care what you did nor what really happened. I can't sue Blackwell for every shit you've done. I just want you to know that if you're not able to make it through Blackwell without a weekly complaint, I will make you fulfill the legacy the Prescott's name gave you, if you like it or not. This is your last chance.

Don't fuck it up.' – Sean

Nathan felt a lump in his throat as he went out, staring on the dim light of his phone. Why didn't he care? Why didn't he just ask what was making Nathan acting so weird. Sean, he thought, I have already fucked up. Why don't you care about me? I'm your son. I just want you to be proud of me. I just want you to show that you love me. Is that too much? Why don't you just ask? Why do you keep telling me that I was a mistake? Why do you keep telling me that I'm sick?

Nathan pressed his lips together, trying not to cry, when a tear fell down on his phone, landing on the second message Sean had sent him shortly after.

'You've always been difficult. Why cant you be more like your sister?' – Sean

It was about seven o'clock when Nathan entered Vic's room, finding her laying on her bed. Shattered and disturbed. They fell into each other's arms.

"I, I d-didn't want … I … It's all my fault," Vic sobbed, and Nathan could feel her hot tears wetting his nape. He tried to comfort her, telling her that everything was alright and it wasn't her fault, but … he couldn't. Nothing was right. Everything was complete shit and Kate's death had been caused by Nathan and Vic, and both of them plus every other student knew.

"I, I went too far. I spread the video and I knew I was going too far, but I didn't stop! I didn't stop ruining a pure life just because mine was so shitty and superficial," Vic cried, and Nathan held her, not knowing what to say. He looked at her red nose and her blue eyes, sparkling in her tears. God, crying or laughing, she was gorgeous.

"Kate died because of me," she sobbed. – "Come here, it's ok," Nathan said, trying to imitate Mark comforting him, but he failed terribly. He didn't know what to say, he felt so … empty. He couldn't even comfort himself, so how was he able to make Vic feel better again?

"I deleted the video I've made from her. I really thought she wouldn't jump …" – "I know."

They laid on her bed, holding each other tight, staring on the dark ceiling. The headache had stopped, which Nathan was thankful for, but he didn't really feel better. His stomach had calmed down, but he didn't know when the next attack was awaiting him.

"Nate?"

"Yes, gorgeous?"

"Promise that we'll be friends forever."

"I promise," Nathan said, stroking her hair, smelling her Chanel perfume – it was no. 5 –, hearing sounds which sounded familiar.

"Whales," he said surprised, and Vic smiled. – "Yes, I loved hearing them visiting you, so I bought some myself."

This was why Nathan loved Vic.

"Nathan, can I ask you something?" Vic asked, caressing Nathan's arm, nestling her head against his nape. – "Everything," he replied.

"But I want you to answer honestly. You're my best friend, and I believe every word you say, but I, I don't know … And I promise I'm only asking once, but … Did you really bring Kate to the hospital?"

Nathan froze. He swallowed uncomfortably as he felt his back wetting. For one moment, Nathan played with the idea of telling her everything. How would she react? Would she support him? … Or abandon him? But this one weak moment only lasted for a second, getting replaced by the the terrible fear of the consequences. Vic wasn't dumb and she knew that there was something fishy here. But she didn't want to know, and Nathan knew that she hoped for the answer he would give her.

"Yes, I did," Nathan replied, and both knew he was lying. "But I don't know what happened next."

If I really told you, maybe you would stay by my side, but … I don't know what Mark would do once he finds out, and I have the feeling that he'd do terrible things. I know you like him, Vic, and so do I. I hella like him, adore him, the epitome of what a man could be … but he's a sinner, too, and I know all of his sides, and part of me knows that he won't let you get away like this.

"She woke up in the girls's dormitories," Vic mumbled, "you think someone brought her there?"

"I do, Vic."

"Yes, it must've happened this way," Vic said mechanically, inhaling deeply and lightning two cigs.

They silenced, apathetically staring into the emptiness, listening to whale songs. The smoke raised into the air before it disappeared in the dark corner of Vic's room.

"You think there's anyone who likes us, Nate?" Vic breathed all of sudden, breaking the silence. A question Nathan had asked himself about a thousand times now, and there was only one answer.

"Whatthefuckever," he said, taking a deep drag, "who gives a shit anyway. We have us, that's more than enough. I'll never leave your side."

"Yeah, you're right, I guess," she said softly, "what about Mr. Jefferson? I know you guys barely know each other, but, you know … you think he likes me? Sometimes, I think he tries to hit on Max, but then again, he treats her like shit, and I think he really flirts with me. I hate this bitch for getting him expelled. I can't and won't believe this, and I'm so starting a petition. Some say him and Rachel had sex, but, I mean … you think so, too?"

"They didn't, trust me," Nathan said mechanically and he forced a smile, "of course he's into you, he always gives you these shady looks, ya know. And he totally checks you out when you're not looking. He's so gonna choose your picture."

"Glad you say that. He's so sexy and talented, and his voice, ohmygod. I won't let neither Max nor Rachel get in my way," then Vic's voice turned soft, and Nathan noticed a weird note of uneasiness, "… I really wonder where she is, you know."

"I know."

Then they changed the topic, and they started talking about Warren and Nathan's not-so-productive improvements concerning their friendship. Vic gave him tips, telling him to stop beating him up if he wanted to hit on him, and Nathan told her to stop being silly.

They kept laying on the bed for a long time, and Vic fell asleep at some point, and Nathan wanted to do as well, but despite of his exhaustion, he didn't manage to do so. But maybe it was because of this one rip pricking into his intestines, too. So he carefully got up and went to his room. Then he took another shower and laid on his bed, and within two minutes, he had fallen asleep, too.