Hiya everyone, long time no see :) Here's chapter 21, I hope you enjoy, I was quite pleased with this chapter so, I hope you are too ;)

Adrian POV:

"A-Adrian," he mumbles as he looks at me with a sorrowfully questioning gaze, before turning away to face his two friends with equally sombre expressions on their own. Please don't look at me like that….

"H-hey Dan," I can only manage a quiet whisper, my voice hoarse and breathing shallow from crying myself to sleep last night. A saddening trend that has haunted me ever since my big brother left.

"Wh-what…how…why are you here?" his voice hardens and my heart thumps in my chest. I shrink as I notice the tears brimming in his eyes, matched only by a gut-wrenching look of hurt and betrayal in them. He probably hates me now…

"I…I…I…" I whisper, hold it together Adrian, it's him who's hurting right now, "I needed to see you Dan, I-I…I," I cannot help the tears from falling now; I feel my legs weaken beneath me and my shoulders hang in heaviness. My hands find my face and I wince as I brush against my bruised eye. My body is wracked with shattering sobs; seeing him again, alright, it's all too much. As I continue to weep, I feel a pair of warm arms wrap around me and a voice begin to sooth me. Even through tear blurred eyes, Dans tenderness is clear as day.

"Hey, hey…shh….it's ok…its ok," he coos, clutching me closer.

"I'm so sorry Dan….I'm so, so sorry...I wanted to see you…but sh-she…she," A sob shakes my fragile frame; strangling my vocal chords and leaving me blind from tears.

"It's alright Ade, it's alright, you're safe now, I'm here, I'll always be here," I hear him begin to sob and I wish I could believe him. I cling to him tighter; afraid that if I let go he will disappear again; that she will keep him away again, for good this time. I feel him pull away and tilt my chin up to face him; dulling my fear slightly as he gives a small sad, smile.

"Hey, look at me, she can't get to you here, you're safe with me," he rubs gentle circles on my back as I relax, however that doesn't stop her face from haunting me from behind my eyes. I let out a small terrified sob and bury my head in his chest; the thought of her and her wickedness flooding my body with fear; fear that I know will soon reciprocate into regret when she hurts him again – but I can't let that happen, not if I hold onto him tight enough.

Dan POV:

What has she done to him? I've seen my brother broken before; shattered by her forcefulness on many an occasion. Nights filled with raised voices and angry altercations ending with a slamming of doors and suffocating silence, but this is different. My brother, a cocky and bold teenager, would normally be able to fight his own battles with a need for minimal comfort. This timid rabbit in the headlights is not my brother; his brash confidence replaced by shyness. Surely this isn't just about what happened that night.

I clutch my shaking little brother tightly, but carefully. He looks so fragile like this. I know he is only one year younger than me but he is still my little brother and that makes me his protector.

"Hey Phil, Louise, mind giving us a few minutes," I whisper in a hushed tone, to which they reply with sympathetic smiles and hastily stand to leave. Phil places his hand on my shoulder and whispers softly,

"Take care of him Dan, we can't all be brave all the time," I give him an appreciative half smile as I watch him and Louise leave; the air heavy as the door closes quietly, leaving us bathed in a sad silence only broken by the hitched breathing of my sobbing sibling.

"Adrian, come on, talk to me," I sooth, breaking apart slightly to lead him over to the sofa; my arm still wrapped protectively around his slender shoulders. "Now, it's you and me, please, tell me what happened,"

"W-w-well, a-after you le-left I tried to run after you b-but she wouldn't let me, I-I'm so sorry Dan," he mutters in between sobs and I grip him tighter.

"He-hey, it's alright, we both know how stubborn she can be," I smile sadly, as I brush his fringe from his watery eyes. He winces as I brush against his bruised skin and I gasp; the angry bruises and large cut above his right eye look far worse than when I had first seen them. I suck in a breath as I try to keep the pain I feel for him reaching my eyes. I would hate for him to worry about me, for it was this that caused such an ugly wound in the first place. Trying to keep my composure, I gently tilt his head up to inspect the injury.

"Did she do this to you, Ade….why?" my voice cracks at the fear that spreads across his face and I know I am not going to like the answer.

"Well…ever since you left, I've been trying to reach you, but she's been so controlling of me…she wouldn't let me out of my room for the entire day afterwards. I wanted to call you, but sh-she took my phone and every time you called she would snatch the phone away from me….I'm so sorry Dan,"

"Oh Adrian…," I whisper with remorse, before pulling him back into my protective embrace.

"I couldn't take it anymore, I needed to see you and know that you were alright. She wa-was so h-horrible and, and I couldn't- I wasn't going to let her do it again," he explains tearfully as his breathing quickens.

"What happened," I ask tentatively, my eyes flicking over to his eye.

"I did what I should have done a long time ago, what you were brave enough to do, I stood up to her, I told her that she was wrong and that she couldn't control me any more…," I see him close his eyes at the recollection and I pull him closer.

"And…," I whisper.

"She hurt me Dan," he mutters, the fear in his voice cutting through me like the sharpest of blades, "I've never seen her so angry, her eyes…she just flipped, she kept hitting me and hitting me; yelling and yelling about how much of a disappointment I was," I feel his heart beat increase and I can see his shaking hands. "Then she started saying how this was all your fault and that was it; I said words I thought I would never say; all the pent up rage I felt towards her j-just erupted…and then I ran, I ran as far away from her as I could,"

"You did the right thing Adrian, you couldn't of lasted there any longer, but, how did you find me? I ask, pulling away to face him.

"Lucky guess really, well, that and I checked your phone when you briefly left your room to go to the toilet after breakfast," he smirks slightly, as I jab him playfully.

"Oi you, I though you were supposed to be upset?" I raise an eyebrow at him.

"I was, but it's every brother's right to tease his brother and given the way you were smiling I thought you'd perhaps got a girlfriend or something, so how could I resist,"

"Touché, well, you were half right," I cringe slightly at my statement, my very reason to smile the cause of my brother's discomfort.

"You know, I'm not like mum Dan, why make fun of something that someone cannot change, I'm happy for you," he gives me sad smile as I let a few tears slip; relief flooding my system as I see the acceptance in my brothers warm brown eyes.

"Just as long as you let me be best man at your wedding," I jab him again and he lets out a small laugh; the weight lifting off my shoulders at the prospect of at least one person accepting me; besides Phil. Sweet, caring Phil what did I ever do to deserve you? Well, some questions will never have an answer, but I don't care; answers signify the end; the end of a personal journey to discover something, but I don't want our journey to end. We are an open book, shrouded in mystery and it is comforting. Often, when you have done something good, you won't be sure you've done anything at all – and I like that. An answer could lead to speculation; questioning and I cannot afford for the love we feel for each other to be cast into doubt. We must leave the whole world hanging, for only then will we be the ones in control.

"I hope she doesn't find me here,"

Phil POV:

"Do you think they're alright in there?" I ask, resting my head on the door; sighing.

"Stop worrying Phil, they'll be fine," Louise soothes.

"I feel so terrible about this, I don't want to be the reason for the rift in Dan's family, I don't want his family to hate him," I hang my head in shame, but Louise is quick to rebuff my self doubt.

"That's enough of that you, " she smiles, "Adrian doesn't hate him, so stop it and seriously, if you'd of met his parents, you seriously wouldn't care what they think, I know Dan doesn't, so neither should you,"

"I suppose, but-" BANG, BANG, BANG! I try to reply, but my train of thought is broken by a loud rapping on the door.

"Atta-boy, now I'm gonna go and help your mum in the kitchen, so I suggest you go and see who that is….and smile, Dan really loves you, so no matter what happens you should always remember that," I nod in reluctant agreement as she saunters off towards the kitchen. BANG, BANG, BANG!

I run my hand through my silky black locks as I make my way towards the front door; hoping that this unplanned visitor wasn't planning on staying long as there has been enough drama for one day.

BANG, BANG, BANG!

"I'm coming, I'm coming," I huff annoyed, hoping it's not Mr Dawson from next door complaining about his blasted hydrangeas or the postman who insists on delivering our parcels at 8am in the morning, as the trying tribulations of this week has really drained my cheeriness and I couldn't be bothered to exchange pleasantries.

BANG, BANG, BANG!

"Alright!" I groan, opening the door, "I can only go as- AHH!" I cry out as I feel my back being slammed against the cabinet, my spine colliding painfully with my mother's antique vase, causing it to fall and shatter as she presses a bony arm against my throat

"WHERE IS HE?" she spits; glaring at me through narrowed eyes, pressing her arm firmly against my windpipe.

"Wh-at….ah….stop….please….I….don't," I cough, panic worsening my asphyxiation. "Please, what are you-?" It is only then that it dawns on me who she is and a fear shoots through me; forming a lump in my rapidly closing throat. I cough and splutter as I try to writhe free, but to no avail. "S-s-stop,"

"WHERE IS ADRIAN…TELL ME!" she snarls, and it is only then that I notice the tall, thinning man behind her, "Harold, go and find him!"

"No, you can't….d-Dan…DAN!" I cry. I want to break free but her grip is just too strong. I needed to get away; I needed to protect them. I made Dan like this so I must help him. You're so weak Phil, this is all your fault…..you let this happen…..

"Dan! Adrian!" I squeak, as I begin to feel lightheaded.

Dan POV:

"Dan! Adrian!"

"What the hell?" I shout and quickly make my way from the living room, recoiling as I spot the shriveled gargoyle doing…what the fuck is she doing!?

"YOU! GET OFF HIM…GET OFF HIM!" I scream a sudden strength surfacing as I try to release Phil from the witches grasp, "Phil! Phil!"

"Harold, stop him!" she growls and my attempts at rescue are quickly halted by my father's tough army grip around my shoulders. "Get off me; leave him alone, he's done nothing wrong…STOP IT!"

"Where is he Daniel? Where is Adrian?" I feel her rancid breath on my face as she steps towards me, releasing her hold on Phil who collapses gasping for air, slumped against the wall.

"You're not going to hurt him again, I know you hate me, but leave him alone!" I struggle and struggle but my father is just too strong.

"Never, he must be protected from scum like you, you don't deserve to live on gods earth Daniel, and I will not let you corrupt him any further,"

"Dan?" I hear a timid voice from behind me and my mind immediately panics. "Oh no, she's found me, she's found me,"

"Adrian, get Louise and Mrs Lester, NOW!" I ask with frantic panic in my eyes but my brother is frozen in fear; a frightened deer in the headlights and the vehicle is closing in. With the speed of a cruel predator, she pounces on him; digging her sharp, manicured nails into his slender arms as he lets out a terrified squeal. The deer has been hit.

"Mum, stop it, stop it, Ow you're hurting me, leave me alone…ah," he is nearing hysterics as she begins to drag him through the hallway; his futile shuffling and panicked writhing painful to see. I want to stop her, but my father is just too strong; I need to protect him, I did this to him; it's not fair, I need to get to him. Out of the corner of my eye I see Phil slowly begin to stand, a look of confused determination across his blue face….and immediately my blood runs cold. He stands like a brave soldier in front of the door and blocks her path; her raging gaze boring into him, but he does not stand down. Phil…please…don't…

"Stop this Mrs Howell, leave him alone, you can't force him to go with you," Phil's eyes shine as he tries to reason with her, but the fire from this demon is too strong and she will burn him. With a hatred unlike any other in her eyes she steps towards him; her vice like grip still firmly on my brothers shaking form.

"Get out of my way you stupid boy, you're a fool if you think I'm going to let my son stay with this faggot any longer! Now get out of my way!" she sneers, her temples pulsating in anger. Phil pauses for a second in contemplation before giving her a smirk and stepping closer to her.

"Well…you're gonna have to get through this one first!"

"Phil, no!" I cry, as I continue to struggle. Everything seems to go into slow motion as she lunges at him, my father grabbing Adrian's collar as she pounces on her prey, pinning him against the door as she punches him; again and again….

"YOU! YOU DID THIS, YOU MADE MY SON LIKE THIS, YOU TURNED HIM INTO A DISGUSTING FAGGOT JUST LIKE YOU!" she is practically screaming at him as the blood begins to pour from his face. A slap; a kick; a spiteful word; she is breaking him and no matter how much I scream at her she will not stop. "I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU! You will pay for what you did to me; you will pay for what you did to my family,"

"I didn't do anything you bitch," Phil barks back and I have never seen him so angry, "…and neither did he, all I did was stop your poisoned love from killing him, I saved him from you; you and your vile principles and words, if anything you should pay," he calls as he tries to push against her, but she is just too strong.

Lifting a bony arm she pushes it forcefully to his throat, preventing him from uttering another word. Like a rodent caught in the grasp of a python he splutters and gasps, unable to access vital oxygen. I stare helplessly at my love as she rips him apart; the grip on his throat leaving him defenseless as the light fades from his bright blue eyes; the cracks cemented into his features; his facade slipping. The brave soldier on the front line is being beaten and bruised by her shell fire; only to be left in the depths of no mans land. Like a protective lioness I lunge forward, grabbing my mothers arm. I cannot let her hurt my little lion. Momentarily ceasing in the beating she releases him, turning to face me instead. I watch him sink to the floor, his body hitting the ground with a dull thud, causing me to wince.

"GET OFF ME YOU FILTHY FAG!" she screeches with acid tongue, backhanding me and sending me stumbling backwards, "THIS BOY WILL PAY FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE!" Before I have the chance to respond I feel my father grip my collar and drag me out of the front door, pushing me to the ground and blocking the doorway.

"What are you doing you bastard?" I cry; the salted tears poison in my throat "Phil!" I try to get past but he pushes me back, his grip on the door frame solid and he doesn't even budge. I feel my knees go weak as I slump to the ground…I'm sorry Phil….I'm so, so sorry…Peaking through the gap I watch helplessly as she beats him; the cracking of ribs and his frightened squeals like needles penetrating my heart…..I'm sorry Phil…I'm so, so sorry…..Despite the pain I continue to watch…I have failed to protect him and so I must pay the price…My mother kneels down, perching herself beside Phil's trembling form.

"You are a fool," she whispers spitefully, wrapping her hand around his throat "You are a disgusting crime against humanity that deserves to rot in hell, you have poisoned my son's into thinking your gross abnormality is acceptable and I will not let you interfere any further," Helplessly, I watch as she grasps a piece of shattered china from the vase; I try to shout but my mouth runs dry from shouting and only pathetic squeaks escape my lips…I'm sorry Phil…I'm so, so sorry…..With a flick of her wrists she drapes the jagged object across his cheek; beads of crimson left reeling in it's wake. His voice breaks as he cries and the agony is evident. She goes to swipe him again but her movements are interrupted by my father; his booming tones breaking the unbearable silence.

"Diane!" With a crazed look in her eye she turns to him, the madness swarming.

"My dear that is enough…don't stoop to his level," In rage fueled hesitance, she drops the shard and stands, staring down at him in loathing. Phil gulps as she releases him, slumping to the side and clutching his cheek with what little energy remains.

"Take that as a warning young man," my mother says solemnly, "I may have been lenient but God won't be," With that she pushes past my father and hauls me to my feet.

"Take a good look Daniel," I crawl towards him and cup his bleeding cheek softly, but he flinches against my touch.

"Phil?" I whimper sadly.

"I-I'm sorry Dan…I'm sorry for what I did to you," He looks up, meeting my mother's gaze with fear and remorse.

"I'm sorry Mrs Howell…I'm sorry for doing this to your son… I forced him to be like that and he's not really like me…I'm the one who deserves to be hurt not him," His voice breaks with every syllable and I just sit there, unable to comprehend his words…I'm sorry Phil…I'm so, so sorry…

"Good," she snarls and with a final kick to his ribs storms out, dragging me and my brother with her like rag-dolls. I had no energy to fight back anymore; the reason for my fight broken before my eyes; the fuel to my fire burnt out, no longer able to keep me warm; keep me battling on against her cold.

Phil POV:

I'm sorry my love….I brought this pain upon you…you were fine before you met me…before I ruined everything…I made you a monster…

Blinking away tears I try to sit up; my vision blurred. The pain is excruciating yet I am numb. All I can think about is him; how I hurt him. Like a samba drum my heart pounds against my ribs and my breath shortens, yet my heartbeat has no rhythm. I feel her hands still clasping down on my wind pipe; the phantom pain a punishment for the lives I've ruined. My gaze travels to the doorway, as the distance between us increases…Run Dan…just run….run from the devil that I have become…I close my eyes; the darkness closing in around me…Daniel Howell I wish I'd never met you…

"Phil!" a voice squeals, "Phil, oh my God!" I open my eyes weakly; their lids heavy and uncomfortable. A flash of pink and blonde whizzes past me and I feel a pair of soft hands stroking my face, but all feeling has drained from me.

"Phil, hey it's gonna be alright...just stay awake y-yeah…..we'll get help," Louise whispers, the warming familiarity of her voice chasing the demons away - briefly.

"Mrs Lester, come quickly!" she shouts, "…its Phil, he's been hurt!" The shuffling of footsteps greets my ears followed by a shrill cry of terror. I feel myself being pulled into a tight embrace and suddenly my body is wracked with sobs, intensifying the pain that I feel.

"Phil, baby what happened?" my mother whispers hastily "Who did this to you?"…I cannot tell her the truth…..I cannot expect sympathy…I did this to him…I poisoned him…I deserved everything I got…She hugs me tighter as I crumble before her eyes, the thought of having to hurt her through my lies once again torturing me. Rocking me gently, like a frightened child, she strokes my hair; matted by scarlet and dampened by tears.

"Shhh….baby shh," she coos "I've got you," With shaking arms I pull away slightly and lean against the wall, placing my head in my shaking hands.

"I'm so sorry Mum…I've made him a monster,"

(anyone still alive...no...I thought not :P)

So, again I hope you enjoyed and I hope it was worth the wait (seriously I have been so busy lately with school work I can't even...)

Please feel free to review and I'm gonna try and update more frequently, but I wouldn't hold your breath :( Anyway, absence makes the heart grow fonder and all... I'm also thinking of starting another chaptered fic soon, so look out for that (although at the moment it seems to be a microscopic dot on the horizon but...oh well)

Byeee for now xxxx

P.S. Did anyone here see Dan's new Danisnotinteresting video and not laugh? (seriously if you did you deserve a lifetime supply of maltesers cause I lost it after about 30 secs XD)