E I G H T
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Jack had the urge to scream as he buried his face into his shaking hands. He hated this, hated it all. Why was this happening to him? Why was Mark—or Dark, whatever—doing this to him?

So he voiced his thoughts. "Why. . . Why me? Why are you doing this to me?" He choked out, his back aching as he struggled to stand, only to have Dark push him back down again.

He grimaced as his spine connected with the wall, sending another wave of agony through him. He shook away the pain and clenched his jaw, raising his gaze to Dark's, still expecting an answer.

"Oh, you actually want a response?" Dark said, appearing amused. He smiled. "Why, dear Jack, I am doing this to you is because Mark has—or, had, really—feelings for you. And, since I'm basically connected to him. . ."

Jack was finding it hard to register. All the information packed into his brain, so much it made another throb pulse through his temple. He took a deep breath and managed, "So what are you, then? You're supposedly 'connected' to Mark, and his feelings apparently lapped over onto yours?"

"Not quite," Dark corrected, ignoring his first question. "Not all of Mark's emotions swapped over mine. I can think for myself, you know. No, my feelings for you just progressed over time. I suppose they were slightly fueled by Mark's, but nonetheless. . ."

"Okay, so Mark likes—or loves—me and now you do too?" Jack inquired, still shocked. He was beginning to grow numb. Mark had feelings for him. Feelings for him. Did Jack even return them? He didn't know. But a small part of him was jittery, delighted by the news that Mark liked him as more than a friend, despite everything. But is Mark even still. . . Even still alive? He dared to question, and the realization made his blood run cold. Suddenly his earlier spark of excitement drained. . .

"Well, I wouldn't say that I love you," Dark argued, wrinkling his nose slightly. "More like, I have a fascination of you, and I might not kill you immediately."

"Then isn't that just great?" Jack asked sarcastically, still managing to find fire within the vast amount of icy coldness that had settled over him. "You might not kill me. I'm so thrilled!"

"Like I said before, watch your mouth. I may be fascinated with you, but that could always change," Dark hissed, his red eyes darkening a shade.

Jack shuddered. "How—why—do your eyes even get like that?" He found himself asking.

Dark scoffed. "Seriously, this is what you ask me?" He demanded, almost disappointed. "Fine, then I suppose I will supply you with an answer." He rolled his eyes and grunted simply, "They can turn red when I'm extremely angry, and that's all you need to know. Oh, and also. . . Don't make me angry like this again."