Until The End // Phan

Chapter 9

*Dan's Pov*

We sat, arms around each other until Bobby stepped into the room. We released each other and stood up to face him.

"That girl could be thrown into a wood chipper and still climb out kicking" he laughed. I smiled, trying my best to stay as positive as possible.

"So uh, I don't know how long you boys plan on staying with us, but.. you're welcome to tag along for however long you want. We could use a few extra bodies. Strength in numbers, right?"

I was about to ask Bobby what his plan was, but Phil answered him before I had the chance.

"That'd be great. Thank you." He smiled at Bobby, then at me.

Looking back at Bobby, he grabbed my hand and locked our fingers together. Bobby didn't seem to notice, or maybe he just didn't care.

"So, I have a friend in the military. I talked to him right as everything started, before the phones went out. His unit was beginning to set up a secure camp for survivors. He said we're welcome there if we can make the trip. It's in Manchester."

Just hearing the word made me look at Phil, and he looked right back. He squeezed my hand and we released our gaze on eachother.

Manchester. With that one word, so many memories flood into my mind. University. Moving in with Phil. Our first Day In The Life video. The Manchester Eye, and so much more.

"Dan?" Phil snapped in front of my face, breaking me out of my thoughts. "S-sorry, what was that?" I stammered.

"Uh.. do you want to come with us?" Bobby (I'm guessing) repeated.

"Yea, but um.. what about Alex? Can she make it that far so soon?"

Bobby sighed and looked around, probably deep in thought. "We can leave in a day or two. She should be ok to move by then. She's stronger than a bull, that girl. She wants to see you both by the way."

Without saying anything else, Phil and I walked past Bobby and into the kitchen where Alex was still limp on the floor.

"Hey, Alex" I whispered when she turned her head to see us. Phil didn't say anything, but he smiled.

"Hey, guys."

We both sat down next to her, releasing our hands from each other when we sat.

"I just wanted to thank you guys" she started. "For helping me." She took my hand and squeezed it and I did the same. "Of course" I replied, smiling. "You saved our lives in London, the least we could do is save yours."

"Anything for you" Phil finally chimed in.

We sat there for a minute before Alex finally broke the silence.

"What time is it?" Alex asked, looking around the kitchen.

"Almost three in the afternoon. You went out around five in the morning. Bobby got here at about eight" Phil explained to her.

"Have you guys eaten anything?" She questioned, concern in her eyes. We both shook our heads.

"You guys must be starving. There should be food in the cabinets if it's not all over the counter and floor." Alex picked up a can next to her and handed it to me, laughing. How can she do that? She just got stabbed by someone trying to steal her food and now she's laughing about it. I wish I had her enthusiasm.

I took the can from her and picked up a few others from the floor, placing them all in the opened cabinet. Before I closed the wooden door, I took out a can of spaghetti o's and gave it to Phil.

"I'm not hungry" He muttered, handing the can back to me.

"Eat. Please." I gave Phil my best puppy dog eyes and knew he would give in immediately. He sighed and looked over to Alex.

"Do you have a can opener?"

~

Before we all ate, we moved Alex to the couch so she would be more comfortable than the hard tiled floor of the kitchen. It wasn't easy considering all the pain it put her in, but the three of us managed.

We all ate in silence, waiting for someone else to say something. Of course nobody did. I turned the television on, hoping for something, but what could I expect?

Afterwards, Phil offered to take everyone's dishes to the kitchen and I helped him wash them. I think he was just trying to district himself, keep busy. I don't blame him, though. I hate just sitting here and waiting as the world falls apart out there. I need to move, do something.

A few times I thought about going back to the city, curious as to how many people were left, how many hoards of walkers were roaming the streets. Then I remembered that I would most likely shut down again and get myself eaten. I think if we stay here, though, my thoughts will drive me insane. I need to know what's happening out there. I want to know what's left of the world.

"Dan?" Phil signaled me. "Are you ok? What's wrong?" He put his hand on my cheek and wiped a tear away with his thumb. When did I start crying? Why am I crying?

"Yea, yea, I'm fine. It's ok."

"Why are you crying?" Phil shut off the sink and put the dish towel down on the counter so he would wrap his arms around my waist. He rested his chin on my shoulder as he squeezed me tight, attempting to comfort me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and did the same.

"I- I don't know." I began sobbing into Phil's shoulder now, and I still wasn't sure why. What's wrong with me? I'm fine! Why the hell am I crying?

"Shh.. it's ok. It's gonna be ok."

How are Phil and I supposed to make it like this? Taking turns crying on each other's shoulders any chance we got.

How are we supposed to live like this? In constant fear of every little thing around the corner. Everything happening in front of us bringing pain and sorrow, producing more tears than I've ever cried in my life.

At least one of us has to be strong. I tried to be the one to keep it together, to support Phil, but we're really just supporting eachother. Neither of us has to be stronger than the other. We just have to be there for eachother.

Until the end.