The Garden of Galaxies

Chapter 9- Absolutely Smitten

Phil's POV:

I pulled away from Cat's soft, warm lips and it felt like I was dreaming. AM I DREAMING?! Man I hope not cause that kiss was amazing, it felt like I was on a cloud.

I heard a twig break to my right and I looked to see the squirrel that probably is sprinting around; but what I saw certainly wasn't a squirrel.

"Dan?"

Oh shit I've forgotten about the stargazing with Dan! He must've been worrying about me, oh god he doesn't deserve to be worrying about me, he's stressed enough and I'm ruining it all for him.

I watched as his eyes grew the size of the moon behind him shakingly.

Is he okay? Should I go ask him what's wrong?

Before I could even think about stepping forward, Dan was sprinting away. Rats.

I started to run after him but I couldn't go one step without Cat pulling me back.

"Phil... he's gay you have to stay away from him." She said sternly.

Are you kidding me? Stay away from my bestfriend?!

"I don't care, he's my bestfriend." I said and started to run. I stopped abruptly, turned around, ran back to Cat, and kissed her again. Yup the spark's still there.

I sprinted towards where I thought I saw Dan go.

"DAN WHERE ARE YOU?" Please don't have run away, Dan.

I wandered around looking for him. I sighed and was about to turn back when I heard chocked sobs and whimpering. I tiptoed a little forward and saw Dan curled up against a tree, sobbing violently.

I ran over to him and squatted beside him.

"Dan are you okay?! Have you been hurt?!" I said frantically looking at him, being sure not to touch him in case he is injured or he's in a deep set of panic where touch will make it worse.

He opened his eyes a little and made eye contact with me then sobbed more.

I reached out and threw my arms around him. Last time he was panicking he calmed down when I hugged him. I can't just leave my bestfriend to break, that's inhumane!

"Sshh just let it all out" I said rubbing his back. I felt the tears seep through my thin button up. The slight breeze in the air made Dan's soft hair go into his face. I lifted my finger to his cheek and moved it out of the way and looked at him.

What happened that made him break so much? Maybe I'll ask later when he's more comfortable. I hate to see him like this, he deserves to be happy. I don't know his life story but I can tell he's gone through shit.

His eyes were full of so much sadness it broke my heart. I felt tears prick my eyes too so I threw my arms around him again, hugging him even tighter. I never want to let go. Moments later he wrapped his arms around me too and hugged me back. I could feel his heartbeat. Damn. He's extremely anxious. Maybe I can calm him down a little. I moved my head so my mouth was right by his ear. I felt him shiver so I backed up slightly to give him more space.

"Dan, everything is going to be okay, okay? I'm here for you, you're my bestfriend." I whispered. He nodded and took a deep, shaky breath. I felt his breathing and heart rate slowly steady and mellow out.

I pulled away and looked him in the eyes. I lightly caressed his face and ran my thumb across his cheek. He gave a tiny, breathy laugh and wiped my tears away too. As we sat there, looking into eachother's eyes, holding eachother's faces, I felt like I finally had a real friend in this world. We may both be messes, but we are messes together.