The First Meet

Chapter 4 - The Move In

*A lot of these are from Audrey's POV but there's a reason for that trust me ;)*

Audrey's POV ---

As we're walking home, Dan and Phil are buried in deep conversation. They're talking about some vampire slaying show, and I quickly give up hope of making a relevant comment. I decide to watch the scenery. The sky is a brilliant blue, tinted with a royal purple, hinting at the near sunset. Buildings blur together, civilians journeying on to a destination unknown.

A young couple walks by, hands locked together. Their eyes are filled with caring as they look at each other, walking with a sense of carelessness. I feel a pang of jealousy in my heart as I desire to be like them, to be with my other half. I look over at Dan, he has a wild and free look in his eye that only comes out when he truly loves what he is talking about. I look down at my crappy sneakers, making a flop, flop sound as they hit the pavement.

After what seems like an eternity, we reach the apartment building. We walk into the lobby and over to the giant elevator doors. Dan pulls out his room key and we enter the elevator, shoved together like american sardines in a can. Normally I would find the close quarters to be uncomfortable, but I'm sandwiched into Dan. Unfortunately, so is Phil.

"Hey, Phil." I try to make conversation on the endless elevator trip. Why does his apartment have to be on the top floor?

"Yes?" is Phil's muffled reply.

"How long will you be staying with us?"

"I can't say... shouldn't be too long though." There's a sort of... bitter edge to his voice. "Since you're so desperate for me to leave."

My cheeks flush as a confused expression fills Dan's face.

"What do you mean, Phil?" Dan asks.

Phil looks at me questioningly. "He doesn't know?" Damnit. It's official. Dan is literally the only person clueless enough not to notice.

"What on earth are you two talking about?" Dan pleads.

"Nothing." Phil and I say simultaneously.

The elevator door finally dings open, and we exit the elevator in a tense silence.

Dan's POV ---

As we exit the elevator, I stare into Audrey's eyes, attempting to read her thoughts. But, as usual, her thoughts are carefully guarded by her calculating, sharp blue eyes. Phil's eyes are more of an ocean blue, with a greenish tint. I shake my head, dispelling the thought. As I unlock the door to the apartment, I can't help but think, What is going on with these two?

Audrey's POV ---

Phil drops off his bag by the door. Dan walks over and picks up the remote for the tele, turning it on to his newest obsession, Downtown Abbey. I chuckle softly and sit down on the couch. Dan takes his spot respectively to my left, and Phil squeezes in awkwardly on my right.

Some girls would kill to be in my situation, in the middle of two attractive guys, but in reality it is just a mockery of my horribly unsuccessful love life.

I try to watch the show with little success. Some crazy woman who's name I can't remember is shouting at someone who I think is the pool boy. Oh, now they're in a loving embrace. Great, now it's even more awkward...

I desperately need to pee, but there's no way I'm leaving Phil here alone with Dan. There's something in the way that Phil looks at him...

Dan yawns loudly. "I'm exhausted from the meet. I think I'll head off to bed."

"Goodnight! " I sing.

"Goodnight, love." he replies, yawning again. He walks into his bedroom and shuts the door.

Phil looks me in the eyes, attempting to lift one eyebrow but failing.

"Goodnight, love?" he says in a mockery of Dan's voice.

I shove his shoulder. "It's a friend thing, Phil. We've been best friends for years." I pick up the TV remote and shut the tele off.

Phil makes a dopey smirk. "Bet you wish you were more than friends, huh." I tilt my head, acting confused. "Come on, you have infatuation written all over your face. It's in your eyes, your voice, your smile. You're in love with Dan!"

I sigh. Phil seems to interpret that as a yes.

"Does he know? That you like him, I mean?"

"No." I shake my head mournfully. "In fact, I think he's the only person who doesn't know."

He puts a hand on my shoulder and gives it a pat. When he puts his arm down, I notice his sleeve has fallen from his wrist.

"You cut?" I say, grabbing his arms and feeling the slits on his wrist.

Sadness fills his eyes. "I used to."

I let go of his wrist and it lands with a thud. He's just like me. But... why would he do this to himself?

"You're gay, aren't you?" I burst out suddenly.

A shocked expression fills his face.

"Wha- how did you... How did...you-"

"I just put two and two together. It's not like its obvious." I say reassuringly.

He grabs my wrists, pulling them towards him. I wince. "You can't tell anyone. You understand, right?" His voice is so innocent and pleading I can't help but nod. He lets go of my wrists and I rub them gently.

"I think its time we got some sleep. Alright?" Phil says after some time.

"Alright. But where will you sleep?" I ask.

"I don't know, the couch?"

"Oh no no no, you can have my room. I'll take the couch."

"You sure?" he asks.

"Positive."

He gets up off the couch and walks across the shaggy carpet to my room.

"Night, Phil!" I call after him.

He looks taken aback for a second. "Goodnight, Audrey."

I lay my head down on the couch cushion, and it is not long before I drift off to sleep.