Illusive (phan)

Chapter III - Morose

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tw: swearing, mentions of depression, sexism

Chapter III - Morose

[Dan&Ethan flat, Central London, 1:12 pm, TH 25/08/16]

DAN: (walks into kitchen, grumbling) "Morning."

Ethan: (doing dishes) "Bro, it's almost half past one."

DAN: "Fuck off, you know how much I like my sleep."

ETHAN: "What time did you fall asleep?"

DAN: "Four-ish."

ETHAN: (concerned) "It's getting worse?"

DAN: "No, don't do this. Please don't do this."

ETHAN: (finished doing dishes, turns off tap, hops onto kitchen counter) "Dan, insomnia can be serious."

DAN: (preparing bowl of cereal) "But in this case, it's not. I'm fine, ok? I just like staying up, sometimes."

ETHAN: "Dan, you've been staying up every day since you moved here."

DAN: "Look, if you're going to pester me, I can leave now."

ETHAN: "Jess said that insomnia is one of the symptoms of depression."

DAN: (muttering) "The bitch strikes again."

ETHAN: "Dan, what's wrong with you? She's trying to help you. You should be grateful she cares."

DAN: "Ironically, I'd rather she didn't care, so tell her to shove off."

ETHAN: (angry) "Why do you find it so hard to let people in? Do you know how much easier your life would be if you allowed people to care about you?"

DAN: "I do let people in. I have a lot of friends."

ETHAN: "You mean you have a lot of people you go clubbing with."

DAN: (nonchalantly) "Clubbing together strengthens friendships."

ETHAN: "No, it doesn't."

DAN: (standing up) "Ok, I'm just going to eat my cereal in my room."

ETHAN: (raises voice) "No, you're not. Sit down."

DAN: (slides back down in chair) "Ok, jeez. Calm down."

ETHAN: "This conversation is long overdue; it can't wait any longer."

DAN: "Fine. Lay it on me."

ETHAN: "Jess thinks you may be depressed."

DAN: "Luckily, I don't give a flying fuck what Jess thinks."

ETHAN: (irritated) "Dan, I'm warning you." (sighs) "The symptoms are: changes in sleep pattern, check. Anger or irritability, check."