WHEN IT'S DARK OUT.
── .✦ NICK CLARK BLURB.
The world had turned upside down and everything you knew had become the past; however, you didn’t care much about that fact.
In a way, you had never really fit into the perfectly imperfect society that existed. You were solitary, sometimes misunderstood and mistreated. When the earth seemed to split open and allow the dead to walk among the living, you felt strong — suddenly, you were no longer the only one who had nowhere to go or didn’t know what was right or wrong anymore.
You witnessed morals being shattered and cast aside by everyone so clearly, with no more shame or guilt for all the cruel actions of humanity. Now everything was clearer.
It wasn’t that you liked it; no, no one would take pleasure in such a situation, certainly, but it was easier — you didn’t have to pretend you knew what you were supposed to do. You could simply walk along roads waiting for chance to decide your fate. And there was something so truthful about that. No social ties, work, studies, or colleagues. It was only the most basic and pure human and animal instinct fighting for the survival of every species.
It was like watching a house on fire being consumed quickly, so quickly you could barely notice the flames spreading to the neighboring houses, leaving you trapped in a circle of fire and smoke that would lead you to the same end as everyone else. It was beautiful.
But things could become complicated so easily, as in the moment you placed your faith in others, the moment your heart began to burn for someone else, when your mind grew clouded and you allowed yourself to be guided by his gentle hands. Nick; he wasn’t a special man — he was, in truth, just a boy, a guy who used to be an addict, now a guy fighting for the life of his family and yours.
It was sweet and harmless in the beginning, like any other feeling.
– What are you doing out here?
You jumped at the boy’s voice, eyes widening as you turned and saw him standing there, leaning against the doorframe of the small entrance. His hair was slightly wet, leaving a trail of water droplets on the wooden floor of the cabin.
– I prefer staying awake at night and sleeping in the morning. – you replied without thinking much, turning your focus back to the dirt road ahead of you.
You heard him hum in agreement, and soon after, his footsteps as he sat beside you on the cold steps. Nick looked at the starry sky, so dark and yet illuminated. Then he looked back at you, licked his lips softly, and said:
– You know what the best part of all this is? – he asked. You looked at him and shook your head. – There’s no more pollution. Now we have a view of the stars everywhere.
You smiled softly. You looked at the sky and saw them shining so beautifully. Free, the way everyone now was. You remembered how you almost never looked at the stars back home — you didn’t have time, or you didn’t give them importance. Now you had all the time in the world to admire all the beautiful things you had never seen before. The thought was pleasant.
– Is it strange that I don’t miss it? How everything used to be, I mean. – your tone was so soft it sounded like a secret being whispered. You watched the expression on Nick’s face.
– Is it strange that I agree? You know, it’s like… – he paused for a moment, eyes unfocused and thoughtful. Then he continued. – It's like I’ve been living this for a long time. I never knew where I was going. And now everyone’s catching up with me.
– I was going to say something similar, but now it’ll sound like I got it from you. – you laughed lightly, which made him smile.
It was easy to be in your presence, he thought; you didn’t demand much from him, or from anyone, really. You were someone easy to understand, at least to him — all you desired was loyalty and understanding. And without even knowing why, Nick felt like he needed to give you that.
Weeks and weeks would pass, and the two of you would find yourselves drawn back to each other like a magnet every time, sitting at the cabin door, feeling the cold breeze crawl along your spines, watching the brightest stars guiding the wandering dead and enjoying the silence when it's dark out. Together.
note: this is nothing particularly special but I don't see anyone writing for him since 2024 and he's literally my favorite person rn...