mnemophobia | dh + pl

fifteen

a/n: sorry this is short but I NEED to get something up

phil's pov

I strolled leisurely down the sidewalk, my hands resting in my pockets. It was a warm summer's night; a gentle breeze tousled my hair and stirred up dead leaves on the street. They would swirl in a circle for a second or two, then settle back down with a soft rustling. I could tell a storm was beginning to brew by the clouds that had begun churning in the sky. It was growing closer, but I still had time.

I had fallen into of the habit of taking late night strolls when I found sleeping difficult. There was something soothing about it—walking alone down a usually busy street in the dark, cool night. It was good for clearing my head. I usually didn't walk too far from my apartment complex, especially not when it was as late as it is now, but I decided it wouldn't hurt to go a little further. I had a lot to think about.

My mother hadn't stopped nagging me about meeting Dan, and while I knew she would love him, I was worried it might be too soon. I didn't want to suffocate him or rush things and scare him off. He had seemed excited when I brought the idea up before, so maybe I was over-thinking... I just couldn't help but worry. I had so much hope for our relationship, I didn't want things to go awry.

I recalled the last time we talked, smiling at the memory. He was wearing a pink t-shirt and denim shorts, his hair curling against his forehead. He had sheepishly denied it, but I could tell he was wearing a bit of blush as well. I didn't understand why he was so embarrassed to wear make-up, especially when he dressed the way he did. It's not like he had any concern with looking feminine. I thought the look suited him: He wasn't done up to the point where I mistook him for a girl, but he looked feminine and delicate and so fucking beautiful. The way he laughed with his stupid smile and happy eyes...

I shook the redness from my cheeks, grinning foolishly. Gosh, we hadn't even been dating for a month and he already had me smitten. Idiot...

Dating Dan was like a breath of fresh air. Everyone I had been with before was drenched with dark secrets and addictions; Dan was so much simpler. He was sweet and gentle, always understanding. He was innocent, and I was worried about dragging him down with me. As much shit as I talked about my former lovers, I knew we were attracted for a reason. I've had dark times, done things I regret. I'm not the person I wanted to grow up to be. What would happen when Dan realized this? When he realized I wasn't the person he thought I was?

My steps faltered. On the other side of the street, there was a man leaning against a building. His face was shrouded in darkness, so much so I could barely make out his skin color. Though unusual, his ominous staring wasn't what threw me off, but the glinting of a knife that had appeared in his hand.

I steadied out my breathing, trying to keep myself calm. Unless he was amazingly good at throwing knives, I was safe where I was. Keeping my demeanor casual, I turned around, beginning to walk back. I glanced over my shoulder at the man every few seconds, watching for his next move; thankfully, he stayed in the same spot. The knife was glinting as he twirled it between his fingers. I frowned, looking back ahead of me.

He took out his weapon after I saw him, which meant he wanted me to see it. If he was planning to hurt me in some way, he would have been stealthy and gotten a lot closer. He wasn't following me either, which suggested his show must be for threat, but why? If it was some dumb kid trying to scare someone, it seems like he would have gone for an easy target: an older person or a small woman, not a tall, darkly-dressed man.

I thought over the situation for several moments before coming to the dreadful realization that this must be personal.

My palms had begun to sweat. I glanced behind me to see the man standing in the same place, still staring. I wouldn't deny having a few enemies, but most of them I hadn't contacted in years... why would one of them choose to bring back old grudges now?

When turned to see the man had disappeared, I decided I would work it out when I got to the safety of my apartment.

a/n: I literally can NOT write the chapter I wanted to originally,,,, wh y is it s o h a r d ??