Breaking Us Down- A Phanfiction

Chapter Two

Phil’s P.O.V

At eight the next morning I automatically awoke, even though it was a weekend. Glancing over at the guy asleep next to me, I quickly scrambled out of the soft bed and grabbed all my clothes before walking out of the room.

The money had been left on a table and I scooped it up, counting it quickly. More than enough. A grinned spread across my face and I quietly slipped out of the flat, not sure on where to go. All I knew was that I needed to get to the nearest liquor store as soon as possible before memories of the previous night broke through the layer of tired bleariness. I winced as I walked- it seemed like I’d be walking for a while and frankly I ached all over.

The shop was only a grubby little corner store, but it would do. I started rummaging through the drinks shelves when a hand landed on my shoulder, causing me to swing round in shock.

“Phil?”

PJ was looking at me in confusion, his eyebrows creased together.

“What are you doing here? I thought you lived at the other side of town?”

I cursed silently- although Peej was my best friend, I had never told him what I did for a living, and I wasn’t planning to either. I didn’t need my closest friend thinking I was disgusting and leaving me even more alone in the world.

Thankfully before I could answer PJ ploughed on.

“Why are you buying alcohol so early anyway? It’s only eight thirty!”

“Oh, uh, thought I’d just give myself a boost, y’know?” My statement came out sounding more like a question. He looked at me strangely and slowly shook his head.

“You’re acting really weird, Phil. And I’m gonna find out why. Listen, why don’t we go out to the pub later after I finish work, grab a proper pint instead of this cheap crap?”

I felt the notes still crisply rolled in my pocket. I had enough to keep myself fed and sheltered this week at least, and more to spend on myself, so why not? The guy last night had overpaid me big time, and I felt a rush of gratitude towards him and his dirty money.

“Sure, why not?”

Dan’s P.O.V

“I don’t know, Chris. It’s just like something has changed. I used to be able to ignore the guilt.” I sat on my best friend’s bed, my head leaning up against the headboard and my eyes shut. Cross-legged, I played with the frayed hem of my jeans.

“It’s because this shell, this tough exterior isn’t you, Dan. I know you. Before everyone found out you were a sweet, caring guy who put everyone before himself. I don’t understand why you had to change.”

“Because I was being beaten half to fucking death every day! If I hadn’t changed and become this… monster… I would still be there now, being smashed to a pulp. Or who knows, maybe I would be dead by now!”

“Don’t ever say that!” Chris whispered. I opened my eyes to see his usually cheeky face pained.

“Dan, I know you better than anyone. You’re an amazing guy, but you’re not strong enough to show that. This isn’t you. You aren’t some heartless bully, feeling pleasure when you cause someone pain and embarrassment. You need to sort this out, Daniel. You worry about Phil? Show him that. Stop the others from ruining his life like the others did yours. Don’t tell him that you know what he does, just make him trust you and realize that you aren’t planning to hurt him.”

I sighed, shutting my eyes again and leaning my head back to its previous position.

“You’re right.”