[No] Homo

Chapter One

August 9th, 1941

Manchester, England

The time ticked slowly from where he was sat in the back of class. Dan's mind was on how much time was left in the boring hour. He tapped his finger against the desk and adjusted himself more in his seat.

"Okay, have a great afternoon. You're dismissed." His professor spoke loudly and the kids in the class all got up. Dan grabbed his books and walked towards the door.

"Damn, Professor Grimly just likes to keep his class waiting, doesn't he?" Dan looked over and saw Phil leaning up against the wall just outside of his classroom. Dan grinned and Phil started to walk beside him.

"It's quite annoying really," Dan complained on about his professor and Phil nodded. The two walked side by side as they left the building and down the steps.

"Want to go for a walk down the trails?" Phil asked and Dan nodded.

"That'll be nice," Dan grinned and a group of boys passed them by. One of them, Jackson, ran into Dan, pushing his shoulder.

"Watch it, Howell." Jackson warned and Dan rubbed his shoulder. Jackson turned to walk away.

"Dickhead," Dan mumbled under his breath and Jackson turned back around. Phil gripped Dan's forearm.

"What'd you say to me?" Jackson asked and his group turned around with him, moving close behind their masters moves.

"He didn't say anything, Jackson." Phil said, stepping in front of Dan. "Let's all be civil here, yeah?" Phil said, and Jackson's eyes went from Dan to Phil. He nodded and looked back to Dan.

"Alright, you're lucky your friend saved you this time Danny boy." Jackson said as he moved to back away. Dan nodded frantically and the group moved on, walking further to campus.

Dan let out a breath that he didn't realize he was holding in.

"Sorry," Dan said to Phil, who was still faced the other way. Phil shook his head, turning around.

"S'alright, they're just jealous of you is all." Phil assured as he started to walk again. Dan followed close behind and held his books close to his chest.

"You think?" Dan smiled to himself that Phil thought he was smart.

"Course," Phil slung his arm in a friendly way around Dan's shoulders. Dan leaned into his touch and his heart flutter.

Shit, he was so gay.

---

Dan sighed as a warm summer breeze hit his face and his hair moved with the wind. He continued to read his book and Phil handed him his cigarette. Dan took it from him and held it in his hands, not smoking it.

"I've needed this smoke for about 2 days now." Phil said as a puff of smoke left his mouth. Dan nodded, acting as if he understood as he leaned back and rested against the tree.

"How come you smoke, Phil?" Dan asked him, and Phil shrugged, grabbing his pencil and scribbling something down quickly.

"I just do. That's what everyone else does." Phil said as he took his cigarette back from Dan. Dan watched as Phil brought it up to his mouth and sucked in.

"You'll die, Philly." Dan frown and Phil laughed, putting the cigarette to the ground and stepping on it.

"I'll be alright, Dan." Phil leaned his head on his shoulder and Dan closed his eyes, wishing Phil would kiss him one day and quit smoking.