run

2

[three days earlier]

Dan stepped outside, puffing his cheeks and looking around. He let out a small breath, watching the small cloud of air drift off like smoke. He rubbed his hands together as he skipped down the steps, headed in the direction of the shops.

Feeling a bit lazy, he turned into an alley, deciding it was safe enough as the sun was still up. Plus, the shortcut would save him five minutes. He pressed his back against a wall as a car drove past, smiling awkwardly at the driver. He continued down the narrow place, his heart speeding up when he saw a man standing toward the middle.

He attempted to walked past him, but the stranger grabbed his arm, pulling him back. He gasped, staring in shock at the gruff looking man, his yellow teeth showing as he sneered at Dan.

"Where the fuck is my money?" He snarled, chew shooting onto Dan's face.

"W-what?" he stuttered, trying to free himself.

"I gave Phil the fucking drugs, but the boy never paid me. I expect that you give it to me now, or you're going to bleed out in this alleyway like the little cunt you are," Dan saw the glint of a knife in the man's other hand, and he gulped, shaking his head.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just tr-trying to get to the shop for-"

The knife shot up, pressing against his neck, and Dan let out a small whimper. "Don't you dare lie to my fucking face, boy. I know you're with him, a little twink like yourself. Phil would have you in a second."

Dan felt his cheeks flush. "I'm- I don't know any Phil's," he whispered helplessly.

The man pressed the blade tighter to his neck, a wave of pain shooting to Dan's fingertips. This is it. I'm going to die here.

Suddenly a gunshot rang out, hitting the man in the foot, making him cry out, dropping the knife and Dan's arm as he crumpled to the ground. Dan stumbled back, looking to his right to see a black haired boy marching down the alley, a gun in his hand. Stormy blue eyes locked with Dan's for a moment, before glaring at the man on the ground.

"PJ!" He shouted. "Get the boy out of here, now!"

A boy with curly hair raced down the alley, grabbing Dan's arm and leading him out of the area.

"Where do you live?" he asked.

"U-uhm, on Willow." Dan choked out, letting the stranger guide him to his street.

The boy dropped him on the corner, looking around quickly and leaning in. "Whatever you do, don't tell the police anything." Sirens sounded and he jumped, licking his lips nervously. "Do you understand me?"

"Y-yeah." The boy nodded and sprinted back down the street, disappearing. Dan stood there for a moment in shock before turning and heading back to his house.

Forget milk. Dan needed to make a video.

----an----
okay this one is actually crap i