best friend//phan

Thirteen

Dan, 17 years old

"Dan." Phil says. We're laying on my bed, him raking his fingers through my hair and kissing me every so often.

"Hmm?"
"We've been together for like a year and a half." He says.
"Yeah?" I say, almost as a question. He presses a sweet kiss to the top of my head before mumbling, "I think we should tell our parents. About us." He says.

"Phil, I mean I want to do whatever you're comfortable with but your parents-"
"I know it's just. What will we do? I can't keep it from them forever, I mean what if we were to get married at some point in the future."

"I don't know, I know why you want to and I support you fully I'm just scared of what happens afterwards." I say.

"Yeah, I am too. But I think it's time. You know, our whole plan with moving to London together once school is over with. That plan would be happening soon you know." He says.

"You're right. We could go downstairs and tell my mum now if you want." I suggest.

"Alright, I know your mum will be supportive but just in case." He says, right before kissing me very softly on the lips. Our lips meet a second time, a little harder, then we pull apart.

We go downstairs, hand in hand.
"Mum?" I call. She appears from the kitchen.
"Yes Daniel?"

"I- er, we have something to tell you." I say.
"Yes?"
"We're together, we have been for over a year." I rush.

"Oh my goodness! This is great! Oh Dan I always wondered, I've seen the looks and holding hands and cuddling I just kept it to myself so I wouldn't embarrass you! I'm so happy for you two, you're just so cute together! Oh does Phil's mum know yet? Can I ring her and talk about it yet?" She asks.

"About that." Phil says.
"My parents aren't exactly the most open-minded when it comes to lgbt people." He finishes.

"Oh no way! I'm so sorry Phil, would you like me to talk to her?" Mum asks.

"Well possibly, if it goes badly when I tell her about Dan and I maybe call her." He says. My mum nods.

Everything goes back to a nice and cheery atmosphere. We all talk about things. My mum has tons of questions about us. How did we get together, when was our first date, etc.

Around 6, Phil goes to tell his parents about us.
"Stay here, Dan. If they get angry I don't want you to be around them. And if it goes bad can i maybe stay over?" He asks.

"Of course. I love you, and I really hope that they can accept you, and us being together." I say. We kiss, longingly. I see how nervous he is. Not only is he coming out as gay, he's telling them how we've been dating for over a year.

Phil leaves and is gone for a long time. I text him but I get no response.

Then, a little after midnight I hear the doorbell ring. I run downstairs and open the door.

Phil crashes into my arms before I can even say anything or get a good look at him. I shush him and rub his back. It went badly, I know.

When he pulls away I see that he has a bruise on his cheek and dried blood under his nose. There are tears streaming down his cheeks and dampening his shirt.

"D-D-Dan, can I-I stay with you?" He stutters.
"Of course." I sigh, kissing the top of his head.

"I love you Phil." I say, pulling him into another hug. Phil hugs back even tighter.

"I love you too."