Boy From the Library - Phan

Chapter 10 - Brave

Phil's Overhead

Phil woke up by Dan's side on a sofa in his apartment. He figured they must've fallen asleep there together. Dan was still out, breathing slowly on his neck. It was comforting.

Dan woke up soon after and stretched. Phil turned around to look at him. "Good morning," he cooed.

Dan smiled. "Hey you."

Phil giggled. He felt so safe and cozy with Dan by him.

After a few more minutes of morning cuddles, they got up for some breakfast. Phil then went back into the book Dan gave him.

"You like it?" he asked.

"Yeah."

"Jane Eyre" appeared to be about the life of a fictional woman named Jane. She was in love with a man named Mr. Rochester, but he was bound to marry another woman called Blanche Ingram. Phil was pulled in. This book was more valuable to him than his others - this one was given to him by Dan.

Dan looked unhappy. "Phil?" he said. "I don't want you to leave here. I mean, I just don't want you to go back to your place. I'm worried they'll try to hurt you again, and I can't let them."

"Well, what should I do?" he said, putting down his book. He looked concerned. He knew Dan was right.

"Do you want to maybe... move in with me?"

"You mean here? And with you?"

He nodded. "I just want you to be safe."

Phil's eyes lit up. It seemed like such a wonderful idea to live with Dan! He would be safe and happy with him, and he'd be with someone he loves. He would read while Dan worked at the library, and everything would be so... unreal. He nodded his head. "Yes, I would love to live with you!"

Dan opened his arms for a hug and took him in. "I love you, Phil."

"You too."

"There's just one problem."

"What is that?"

"We need to go back to your place to pack your things."

A small shudder shook Phil's spine. He didn't want to return. They were mad, and after him. But he would be brave this time. This time he had Dan with him. "Ok," he responded. "I'll be brave."

"I'm proud of you, Phil."

~~~~~

Dan had gotten dressed and given Phil new clothes, then walked him to his old flat not very far away. He breathed a sigh, and Dan helped him inside. Phil had brought "Jane Eyre" with him for comfort, and kept it under his arm. He would be brave.

Once inside the building, Phil guided Dan back up to his door. The lock was still broken, and the door was wide open. It smelled like smoke.

"What's that smell?" Dan asked, covering his mouth.

"Hey, who's there?" called a voice.

"Is there someone there?" another asked.

"I don't know! Go check!"

A large, familiar face showed from around a corner that led to the kitchen. It was one of them.

"Well, well, back to play, are we?"

"Dear God," Phil whispered.

"Hey Jason!" the guy yelled. "Get a load of this mess!"

The second one who looked to be the leader poked his head over. An evil grin spread across his face. "Hey! Geek and his boyfriend came back! Ahahaha!" he laughed meanly at them. "Thanks for letting us stay, yeah? We got a nice fire going."