Unconditional Love

Chapter 3

Dan was still a little nervous, but he trusted Phil. He was kinder than anyone he had ever met before, he actually treated him like a person rather than an object. Phil treated him with such care and kindness, he cooked for him and gave him everything he needed to stay comfortable.

"I can't thank you enough for your kindness Phil.." Dan said. Phil took a seat next to him on the couch and handed him a cup of tea.

"You don't have to thank me." Phil smiled, "You can sleep in the guest room, I set the bed and put some blanket's out in case you get cold."

"Is that your husband?" Dan asked looking over at the picture on the table. He looked familiar, as if Dan had met him before.

"Ex-husband actually." Phil said picking up the frame and setting it down. "He must have forgotten it, I'll just have someone give it to him."

"Do you hate him that much that you don't want to give it yourself?" Dan asked then realized it was none of his business. "I'm sorry I shouldn't be asking you this."

"No no its fine." Phil assured him, "You see there was a time when I loved him,or I thought I loved him. But we just grew apart and he cheated on me a couple of times."

"He did?" Phil nodded.

"Sometimes he would come home really late and it was obvious that he was with someone else. It didn't make me sad, it made me angry and I just had enough."

Dan picked up the picture, examining it trying to recall his memory of the man in the picture. That's when it finally hit him.

"P-Phil..I know him." He said in shock.

"You know Parker? How?" Phil asked, but then realized how. "Dan, don't tell me.."

"He's one of the men who would buy sex from me.." Dan said looking down, his cheeks burned with embarrassment and his eyes teared up. "H-he was one of the men who would often abuse me and hurt me.."

"Oh Dan, I'm so sorry.." Phil said his voice softened. "I knew he was an asshole but I didn't think he would go that far.."

Before Dan could say anything he was pulled into a tight hug. Dan brought his arms up wrapping them around Phil's neck hugging him back. He felt safe and happy. Now he was sure that he was developing feelings for this man, he never had feelings like these for anyone before. This didn't make sense to him, Phil was someone he met a day ago and now he was falling for him. Getting attached was something Dan didn't want, he knew someone like Phil would never fall for someone like him. Phil pulled away smiling at him warmly.

"Alright, how about I show you where you'll be sleeping its getting late." Dan nodded following after Phil. He led him to a room with a bed. It has been years since Dan slept in a bed, or comfortably at most. He was used to the uncomfortableness under the bridge or park benches "I'll be in the room across the hallway, so if you need anything just ask."

Dan nodded thanking Phil one more time, he climbed onto the bed and brought the blanket up. He felt comfortable, but he knew that if his pimp found out that he had left with someone and it wasn't for sex he would be in a lot of trouble. The plan was to leave in the morning before Phil got up, he knew that it wouldn't be right but he had no other choice.

The next morning Dan left without telling, Phil looked around and checked the room but he wasn't there. Phil needed to go to work, so he would look for Dan afterwards on his way home. After work Phil went straight to the bridge and found Dan there.

"You just left without saying anything."

"I'm sorry. I just didn't want to get in trouble or get you in trouble.." Dan said looking down at his hands.

"Dan, you don't need to worry." Phil assured him, "I just want to help you, and I'll protect you from anyone who tries to hurt you."

"Please don't make promises you can't keep Phil.." Dan said, his eyes filled with tears. "The orphanage promised me that some day I'll find a family who loves me but I got stuck with fosters families who didn't give a crap about me. The man who now threatens me and hurts me promised me that he just wanted to help me."

"Listen to me, I know people have lied to you, I know what that feels like. But I wouldn't lie to you, I really want to help you." Phil said holding his hand out for Dan.

Dan looked over at Phil, he could tell by the look in his eyes that he wasn't lying. A part of him was still scared, his life was full of disappointment he didn't have room for anymore. He was choosing to trust Phil, hoping that he wouldn't regret it like he regretted most of his life.

"You promise you won't hurt me? Like everyone else does.." Dan asked.

"I promise." Phil smiled putting his arm around Dan's shoulder, "Now come on let's go back to my place. And please this time, tell me before you leave alright?"

Dan smiled a bit looking up at Phil and nodded.