Book By Its Cover (Phan AU)

Dan has lived in Reading his entire life. He's made friends at all of his schools, and is relatively popular. He is liked among many people for his kindness and acceptance towards everyone, so he has befriended or at least gained the trust and respect of almost everyone at school. Besides the other 'popular' group. Unlike Dan's inner circle, they focus on violence and bullying to gain respect.

A few years back, before Dan had moved to town, a group of three boys (all 10 years old) who were well known children in town were sent to a mental institution for three very different but very severe mental disorders. Pj Liguori, the creative musician who somehow developed schizophrenia, but nobody is quite sure how. Chris Kendall, the troublesome "pest" who developed antisocial personality disorder when his alcoholic parents became abusive. And then, Phil Lester. He was perfectly innocent and kind, and then he developed PTSD. Nobody knows how; his family and friends were all very loving. But rumor has it that they're back in town, after improving on their conditions, they are able to be in public without being a danger to themselves or others. Phil never was, though. After a week the hospital said he could be released but he never wanted to leave Pj and Chris alone. So he stayed. For 6 years.

Now the three boys are back in Reading at Bellfield High School, but everyone stays away from the kids who were sent to the crazy house for six years. Everyone but Dan, of course. Dan can't help but want to befriend these boys, despite the warnings. Especially because he can't help but be attracted to the shy introvert, Phil, with his good looks and adorable, kitten-like personality. Dan's best friends warn him though. 'Stay away from them,' they say. But Dan won't listen, despite their threats. Even when the bullies are targeting the boys, Dan won't let it scare him away.

[based loosely off of the Vine edit by brolivia]