Broken

Emotions

Phil

As Dan told me about his past- I was shocked.
Tears streamed both our faces.
I felt conflicted. I felt so sorry for him, yet at the same time I was boiling in anger. How could someone hurt Dan so horribly?! He was so incredible and nice. He never did anything out of anger. I could never think of anyone better than him.
No one deserved to go through what Dan did.
Especially Dan.

I had noticed Dan's family never spoke of a father. But I never knew why. I assumed he had left them or passed away. And I never knew why Dan's mother was in a wheelchair. But I had assumed she was born that way, because Dan seemed completely used to it.
How would she have kids then, idiot?!
I mentally slapped myself.
Why had I blindly assumed so much?

I came back to reality, staring into Dan's watery brown eyes.
"I-I " I mumbled. I had no idea what to say.
Dan sniffed and pulled his blanket further around him.
I let out a breath.
"I'm so sorry, Dan." I whispered, "I had no idea."
Dan shook his head.
"D-Don't be sorry." He said quietly, "you didn't know because I-I didn't tell you."
Dan was visibly shaken. His voice was jittery.
I moved forward swiftly and enveloped Dan in a heavy bear hug. I felt Dan collapse into the embrace, letting out quiet sobs into his blanket.
I smoothed his hair and kissed the top of his head- the only thing I could think to do.
"It's okay Bear. He can't hurt you now. He's in jail, right?" I said softly.
Dan nodded into my chest.
"For three more years." He explained, his voice muffled.
I rubbed his back.
"Good. You're safe then. Nothing to be afraid of, you know I'm here for you. No matter what."
Dan nodded again but didn't say anything. I knew my words weren't much, but I had every intention of protecting Dan for the rest of my life. He was my best friend. The man who had been by my side for 7 years. The man who took care of me while I was sick. The man I look up to. The man I love.
I jumped slightly at my thoughts. But my heart fluttered.
It was true.
I knew right in that moment.
I was in love with Dan.
I suppose I had never truly admitted it to myself before. But I wanted to be with him every moment. He consumed my thoughts and I missed him like hell when we were apart.
Fresh tears pricked my eyes as the words I longed to say came forward.
I looked down at his curly, silky brown hair. I felt his hot breath on my chest. His arms around my waist.
I was ready to say something we'd never said seriously.

"I love you, Dan." I whispered. Quiet but unmistakable. I said it.
Dan shot up, his eyes meeting mine.
He took a shaky breath as we stared into each others eyes.
".. but in a more than friend way.." I added, "and more than a best friend.."
I fidgeted with my hands, realizing Dan might not feel the same way. Plus he had just revealed his past to me. I suddenly realized this may have not been the best timing.
But I didn't regret it.
In fact, I repeated myself.
"I love you." The words felt unfamiliar, yet so completely right.
He suddenly began to cry again, covering his face with his hand.

I hesitantly leaned forward, trying to see his expression. Had I upset him?
I couldn't tell.
But suddenly Dan lunged at me, sliding his hand onto the back of my neck and pulling me into a kiss. His eyes were closed and his eyebrows were furrowed, but I could feel a smile on his soft lips.
I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around him.
It was a moment I wished I could relive forever. My warmth mixing with his cold.
His hand at the base of my hair.
My heart filled with ease. The anger I had felt before seeming to melt away.
All I could feel was Dan.
His lips.
His hands.
His hips as I held him.
His breath.
It almost broke my heart when our lips fell apart.
A cool tear finally made its way down my cheekbone as I stared into Dan's beautiful brown eyes. His small smile made my heart melt.
I felt a blush creep onto my face. My cheeks lifted into a smile.
"I love you too, Phil." He said softly, causing my smile to grow bigger, if that was even possible.

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Short chapter- I know I know,but don't worry! Some crazy shit is just around the corner😈