"It happened when I was fifteen. I was being bullied at school…everybody hated me, then, there was this one guy who stood out from the rest. That was Ian. He had stood up for me against the usual bullies and we became friends pretty quickly after that. But then everything changed. I couldn't take everything going on at home with dad so… I turned up on Ian's doorstep in the middle of the night. Of course he let me stay, trying to ask me what was wrong. That's when… I broke down completely, crying in his arms for what seemed like hours, the whole time he just held me and tried to comfort me. It felt amazing to have someone who cared. Eventually I told him everything. I told him about how dad…raped me after I came out to him. I told him about everything that man did to me, how much he hurt me. Ian was so supportive, just listening and hugging me tighter as I began to cry again. He was an amazing friend, always comforting me when I was upset, but of course, dad had to find out about me having a friend. He told me to invite Ian round to the house, I was too scared to deify him, so I did. Ian arrived and everything was normal, almost pleasant until dad started his sick little games. He slapped me hard for no reason, smirking as he looked at Ian, hoping to get a reaction. Of course he did, Ian almost immediately stepped between as shouted at him, telling him how much of a terrible father he was. Dad only found this funny and laughed before grabbing Ian and holding him like a hostage, still wearing that filthy horrible smirk on his face. Say goodbye to your friend, he said, pulling a knife out of his pocket and placing it against Ian's neck. I…I tried to stop him but…it was too late. My only friend, the only person I cared about in the world was lying in a pool of his own blood beside me. That's when I realized…I just…I could never love someone again. They'll always get hurt…"

Dan stared past Phil's shoulder at the wall with wide eyes. His father really was a monster. "Phil" he whispered softly, pulling away from the hug just enough to look into the older boys eyes. He bit his lip, not exactly sure what to say. What was he supposed to say? Phil had just told him that he was pretty much in danger of being murdered by a complete psychopath.

"I'm sorry"

Phil adverted his eyes, looking at the ground as he spoke.

"we…we shouldn't be together, he'll hurt you or…or worse. I don't want him too" Phil mumbled, tears stinging his eyes as he kept his head down. He really did have strong feelings towards Dan. He loved him, but, he couldn't let Dan get hurt because he was too selfish to let go "just leave me, please. I don't care if he kills me as long as he doesn't hurt you"

Dan bit his lips harshly as he tightened his grip around Phil. "Phil, no, I won't let him hurt either us" he stated as he looked into the dark haired boys eyes again. "I promise, okay?. You don't need to be away from me to keep anyone safe"

"but I-"

"I'll protect you, okay?"

Phil sniffled softly as he teared up. "But I don't want him too…"

Dan sighed softly

He gently placed a small kiss on Phil's lips then smiled gently.

"It'll be fine"

Dan reassured him. He was trying to reassure himself more than Phil honestly

Honestly he was scared

Terrified

Terrified of what that man would do to himself and Phil if he found them.

"Everything will be fine"