A/N: hello again, readers! I recently outlined the rest of this story, making it easier to write. So, I'm hoping to update you all on what's going on quicker! Sorry for the short chapter, but the next few will be a little longer. Anyways, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I still do NOT own the Rugrats or Rugrats: all grown up; that is Nickelodeon's stuff. Also, all the characters are at least 18, so any implied or not-so- implied sexual activity is a-okay :D

Chapter 21: Day Six: Morning

"Chuckie, he's going to beat Dil to a pulp" he said with worry weighing down on his voice.

"But why would he?" I began "Phil never beat you up for being bisexual and never beat me up for being gay." Then Tommy got really quiet. "Tommy, what aren't you telling me?" I questioned.

Tommy took a deep breath and began, "I didn't tell you this because I didn't want you worried, but Phil tried beating me up when I first came out. Luckily, he wasn't as strong as he is now, so he was easy to hold off. Eventually he gave up and never mentioned anything about it again. Recently, I pulled him aside and told him not to lay a hand on you, and he said he didn't plan on it, so I assumed he's changed from his old ways… but I guess I was wrong."

I was stunned. I couldn't believe Tommy never told me about something like this. But then again, if he did, I don't think I would have come out in fear of what Phil would do to me. As much as I want to continue thinking about the past, we had to find Phil and Dil before something bad happens.

We gathered everyone together and gave them parts of the beach to search.

"Kimi, and Suzy, you guys search the east side of the beach. Angelica and Lil, search the center of the beach and any areas around there. Chuckie and I will search the west side of the beach. In about an hour, let's meet at the center of the beach and report our findings. Does everyone understand?" Tommy said. Everyone nodded and he continued "Then let's head out!"

We searched the whole beach. Every corner, every inch, but we didn't find them. We searched outside of the beach as well and didn't find either one of them. We've searched every place we've been while we were here, even the hospital, and we didn't find them. We even began to search places that they never even went to here, and we still didn't find them. We've searched for so long, that the sun rose without us even realizing it. As the beads of sweat were dripping down my face, everyone started giving up, saying that Phil and Dil would eventually show up, hopefully not hurt. At point, Tommy was frantic and told Lil to dial the police to help us locate Dil. She quickly began to dig through her large purse to try to find her cellphone, but seemed to not have much luck finding it. Then, I realized that we passed the cave on the beach, but we never looked at it. I told Tommy this and we ran to the cave with the others.

As we were getting closer, we heard Dil trying to calmly talk to Phil. What he was saying was inaudible, but we could tell by the tone of his voice that he was trying to calm Phil down. Then we heard Phil scream "What is wrong with me!?" and a loud bang. Then silence. Lil screamed, and then fainted. The girls ran over and tried to get Lil to wake up.

Tommy became frantic and screamed "Dil!" He began to run forward towards the cave. Before I could think to stop him, I began to run with him to see what had happened. As we were entering the cave, a familiar figure began to take shape within the shadows: it was Phil. He was covered in sweat, and a little dirt. He had a serious look on his face and stopped a few steps before reaching us. For a few seconds, the only sound that we heard was the echo of blood dripping from Phil's fists. He looked up at us with this stare that sent shivers up my back. His eyes looked hard and cold, as if he had done something horrible but felt no guilt for it because the action was necessary.

Before I even realized it, Tommy screamed "You bastard!" and punched Phil across the face. Phil turned the other way and grabbed his face, but didn't say a word. Tommy screamed "Where is my brother, you motherfucker!?" He punched Phil in the stomach and it took Phil's breath away, but once he regained his breath, he still refused to speak. I was surprised that someone as big and powerful as Phil was just letting Tommy beat him up. Was it guilt that weighed his fists down? As Tommy was about hit him again, I grabbed him and tried pulling him back from Phil "Why aren't you talking!?" Tommy shouted and tried to shake out of my grip. All Phil did was stare at us, with a stone cold look, as if he was trying to hide something.

Tommy began to stop struggling and start sobbing. Between each sob, he said "… What did you do… to Dil…? Please… tell me he's okay."

Phil looked away and said nothing.