Somewhere in England
Phil's POV
"Phil, I just can't do this anymore!"
"Jackson, don't leave!" I begged.
Jack continued to pack his suitcase. "Just send me the rest of my things in the post. I don't want to be in the same house with you ever again," he cried, slamming the door behind him.
I sat down on the couch and began to cry. He left all because he didn't care for the fact that I was gay. Jack was afraid I was going to hit on him. I couldn't believe it. The thought made me sick to my stomach, that he could hate me that much.
"Oi, guys, look at the queers, yeah? When's the wedding?! Faggots!"
"Quit it, Miles!" I had shouted. Miles was the most popular boy in my grade, as well as the biggest homophobe. He picked on anyone he thought was in a relationship with the same gender. "What're you going to do about it? Your boyfriend here can't stick up for you both! He can barely form a sentence without bursting into tears! Stage fright!" Miles taunted.
Finally, and thankfully, the whistle blew. "Everyone back in for class!" Headmaster had shouted. That made Miles throw up the finger, but run to be the first inside anyways.
If I could meet Miles again, I'd wish him hell, and hope he was working as the janitor in some dumpy Tesco somewhere. I'd punch him in the face.
I'd tell him he was right.
***
Dan's POV
Nighttime walks are always my favourite. No need to worry about where you're going to end up. Long, never-ending pavement to make way for as much time for myself as I needed. I just couldn't stand it.
I hadn't thought much of the time in primary and secondary academy with Phil until one night my mind brought it back up. Buried deep beneath the weight of stress from school and depression and anxiety I had worked up, my psyche had dug the triggering memory back up again.
Get out, get out of my head. Get out, Phil! Get out, Miles! Everyone needs to leave me alone!
On the outside, I was silent. On the inside, I was a maniac mess, screaming into oblivion about how much I hated my tormentors. Some peace and silence, that's all I ask for!
I continued to walk down the street. I didn't know where I was going, and I certainly didn't care.
I would walk all the way to Phil's flat if I could.
***
Dan began to cry. Phil got off the swing and went to kneel so that the two boys were at eye level.
Dan looked so disappointed in himself, and it broke Phil's heart. He put a hand on Dan's knee, and took his other finger to tilt Dan's chin up to meet his eyes. "Dan, look at me," Phil said. Dan slowly looked up into his friend's eyes.
Phil saw everything. He saw the broken heart of Dan, in a million pieces. Completely shattered. "Oh how badly I wish I could put those fragments of your happiness back together again," Phil whispered to himself. Dan sniffled and used his sleeve to wipe his nose.
"I'm here for you, Dan," Phil said. His voice was cracking and shaking. "I am here for you, no matter what. I care for you. I love you, Dan."
Dan's eyes welled with tears, and Phil leaned in to press a kiss to his friend's forehead. "It's okay. I'm never leaving you."
***
