Alternate (Phan)

53*January 2012

January 2012

Phil

'Can I help Daddy?' Ev approached me, a shovel much too large for his flimsy writs held against his body.

'Oh-oh be careful with that!' I warmly warned, hurrying over and taking the tool from his hands, 'Here, how about you take these to your Dadda?' I suggested, passing him a basket of prepared supplies. He nodded, smiling as he trotted back into the building proud with himself.

I spotted Dan in the window, smiling out towards me. I waved back, standing upright as I brushed my knees off and headed back into the building myself.

'Hey.' I spoke, wriggling my arms around his waist as I nuzzled my nose into his neck. He turned his head around, running a hand through my hair as I continued holding him in the embrace. I swayed our bodies as we continued to look out the window together, 'What do you like about this spot so much?' I asked, referring to the window we often found ourselves at.

'I find it calming, I think. The view is constantly changing, yet always seems familiar.' I groaned, kissing his neck as I backed away.

'You think too much you do!' I called back, making my way to find our child.

'Well maybe you should think more often, seeming our son is back outside!' he smirked, receiving a roan from me as I rolled my eyes playfully, making my way back to the torture zone.

The little spud was doing well himself, coming up to two years and a half. He was always happy, dancing his way through life like the golden star he was. I don't think anything he ever does could upset me, not truly.

'Spudling, I thought I called you back inside?' I smiled.

'You told me to take the basket to Daddy. So I did, now I'm back here.' I shook my head, knowing all too well his smart-ass was from Dan the man himself.

'Grr.' I growled, scooping him up and carrying him under my armpit back inside - again. He playfully flailed his limbs as he let out a high-pitched squeal.

'You two, enough. He needs a rest.' Dan warned us, pointing towards Ev. I kissed the top of his forehead, ushering him along back into the tent.

'Go along, you.' he pouted, storming off into the tent. I watched him, concern flooding my features that he was upset with us for telling him to go away, 'He's fine, Phil. He's just playing around, he needs to sleep anyway otherwise he'll get grumpy.'

'I know, I know. I can't help it.'

'Here.' Dan whispered, pressing his lips against mine. I pulled him closer, smiling into the kiss. We opened our eyes, analysing the other's as I slithered my arms behind his back. I suddenly slipped one under his knees, pulling his body upwards to carry him in a cradle. He let out a squeal, grabbing onto my shoulders, 'Phil!'

We chuckled together, I let him go gently down the wall, pressing his body against the bricks as I did so. Our chests were sealed together, allowing me to feel his heart beat against mine. I pressed my lips back against his, tugging upwards at the bottom of his shirt. He pulled his head away from mine, glaring playfully in annoyance.

'No!' he growled, a smile still spread across his cheeks, 'I know what you're trying to do!'

'What am I trying to do?' I chuckled, a flush hitting my cheeks.

'You knocked over my plant pot with the new bulbs in! You can't cover fuck me!' I smirked, pulling an eyebrow slightly up.

'I can...' I whispered.

'No!' he chuckled, eyes flicking downwards to suggest otherwise.

We suddenly heard a zip, our eyes darting over to Ev crawling out the tent.

'Good job we didn't.' I sighed, beginning to walk over to Ev. Dan stopped me, smiling to confirm he was on the job as I leant against the window.

'Hey, it's sleepy time.' I heard him mumble to Ev.

'I don't wanna!' he pouted, arms falling to his sides. Dan crouched down next to him, taking his petite wrists in his fingers.

'Ev, how about you go to sleep if I let you outside for longer tomorrow?'

'I want outside now!' I sighed, deciding what to do in order to help the situation. Ev wasn't normally one to argue around bedtime.

***

An hour later, we resorted to all three of us laying in the tent together, trying to get Ev to calm down. We were all growing increasingly tired and agitated, but Dan's main concern seemed to be on me.

'Phil, please go to sleep, I have this.'

'I'm fine.' I snapped back. He sighed, shaking his head.

'I left Lion in the bag outside, I'll get him to try and bribe his sleep.' Dan crept out, leaving the two of us in the tent together.

'I don't want sleep.' Ev broke the uncomfortable silence. I licked my lips, sighing.

'I know Ev, but we're tired so we need to.'

'NOO!' he screamed. I felt my face tense and lips pierce.

'Just fucking go to sleep Ev, this is getting ridiculous!' I snapped loudly.

'NO!' he screamed. I grabbed his wrists and pulled him down to sit. Dan entered, freezing.

'Phil-' he whispered, looking at me disappointingly. He shuffled to my body, stroking my arms to release my grip. Dan passed Ev Lion, him instantly shuffling down in his covers. I stared at Dan, tears welling in my eyes.

But, he just held my body in his arms. I wanted him to yell at me, hit me, leave me. He just hugged me.

I eventually broke away, shuffling over to Ev.

'Are you alright, little star?' he turned to face me on his side.

'Is Daddy still angry?' I shook my head, pulling him into a hug. I noticed the small bruises forming on his wrists.

'I'm never angry at you. Never.'

'Never ever?'

'Ever never.'

I didn't know at the time that this would be his first memory from this life.

This was what he had to build his life on.