A/N: So I was planning on making this chapter longer but this is the only chance I have to upload so you guys will have to wait for the next part, sorry.

April 17th

The day went by rather swiftly, unsurprising considering Dan had spent most of the day in his head. Although he worried about money (as usual) he spent a good deal of his time thinking about Phil. He knew it was silly to spend so much time thinking about someone he had only talked to for about five minutes, but he was just so…captivating.

The small grandfather clock behind Dan's desk let out eight chimes, signaling the end of Dan's work day. With a thankful sigh, he got up and walked to the door, arranging to lock up. Glancing out the window, he noticed that the sky had become a dark ashen color, billowing clouds swirling around threateningly. They usually didn't get storms this time of year, but when they did they were relatively severe. Dan never minded the storms; he enjoyed them actually. One of his favorite things to do was to curl up with his typewriter and write, listening to the orchestra of thunder and stormy gales outside. Maybe this storm was just what he needed for inspiration.

After locking up, Dan began climbing wearily up the stairs, making his way into his trivial, but cozy, flat. Once there, he quickly changed into a pair of black sweatpants and a gray t-shirt then headed to the kitchen.

Grabbing a box of leftover pizza from when Louise came over, Dan shoved it in the oven carelessly, pressing the 'reheat' button.

Several minutes later, the pizza was properly warmed and Dan was sat down in front of his typewriter, watching the thunderous bolts of lightning shoot across the sky. The storm was really starting to grow, and large, heavy raindrops had begun splattering against his window.

Dan turned his gaze back to his typewriter, and began typing, trying to piece together the idea that had formed in his head.

Bryan looked up at the dark castle looming up ahead. He was utterly clueless on how he ended up where he was, but he was even-

Dan stopped typing and leaned backwards, closing his eyes.

He had no idea where this story was going.

He ripped the paper out of the typewriter, throwing it behind his head and into the small, dying fire.

'Why can't I think of anything?!' He sighed, listening to the thunder rumbling overhead.

Dan stood up, walking to the window and looking out onto the dark, watery streets.

"C'mon Dan," He coaxed himself. "Just think of one little idea! It's not that hard to-"

Knock, knock, knock.

Dan's thoughts were interrupted by a loud, urgent knock on the door.

Knock, knock, knock.

The boy licked his lips uncertainly, debating on whether or not he should go answer it.

"Who the hell would be at the door in a middle of a storm?" Dan silently asked himself, heading down the steps. It then occurred to him that those were possibly the most notorious 'famous last words' in every horror movie, ever.

Dan stepped down cautiously into the dark bookstore walking over to the nearest lamp and flicking the light on. The lamp illuminated the room just enough for him to make out a pale face outside the door window, staring back at Dan.

"Dan?" A muffled voice called, straining to be heard above the storm.

It took Dan a moment for him to recognize the voice.

Phil?

Dan hurried over to the door, unlocking it and opening it quickly. Blown by the wind, the door swung almost all the way open, Dan catching it only just in time. A very wet, shivering Phil took a step into the closed shop, brushing his dripping hair out of his face.

"Phil?" Dan looked at Phil, a puzzled look on his face.

"Yeah, I'm really sorry to bother you, Dan. I just- my car broke down, and I tried calling my friend to come and get me but my phone died and I didn't know what to do so I walked around for a while until I ended up back here and I saw the lights on upstairs so I just prayed that it was you and knocked on your door, because I didn't know what else to do and-"

Dan cut off Phil's rapid babbling. "Hey, It's alright, just calm down." Dan spoke softly, "Now what do you need? A phone? A place to stay...?"

Phil shrugged, looking down at the floor nervously. "I-I don't know. I guess if you wouldn't mind me using your phone for a minute?"

"Of course!" Dan exclaimed. "Here, follow me." Dan took Phil gently by the arm and escorted him upstairs.

(once again sorry for the abrupt ending, next part coming around Tuesday or Wednesday!)