They sat in their usual spot at school, talking about their trip to Paris.
"I literally can't wait Phil I want to go noooow" Dan whined excitedly.
"I know, think of the way Paris will look at night" said Phil.
"Yeah, very romantic Phil." Dan winked.
"Shush you" Phil nudged Dan before bringing him closer and kissing him softly.
Phil loved the privacy they had behind the science block, apart from the deposit of acids down the drain a few yards from them. They often talked about running away together and living a life away from here. Maybe they could travel the world? Go to places they've never been before?
"If we ever get the money" Dan laughed one day when they were discussing the usual subject.
"We'll get by, we could make a YouTube channel and get paid to make videos"
"No one will want to watch me ranting on to a camera Phil.."
"I think everyone will love you. I think you'll be reaching over a million subscribers in time." Phil put his arm round Dan and pulled him closer. "I would certainly watch them" Dan leant into Phil's touch.
The bell rang for the next lesson. They both had Media. They liked this lesson as they both get to research bands and films, but also because they got to work together and see each other work.
"Whats that things where you can buy stuff with spare money" Dan turned around and whispered to the desk behind him where Phil was sitting.
"What?"
"You know, the thing where rich people get more spare money to spen while poorer people don't.."
"You mean 'disposable income'." Phil said obviously.
"That's the one!" Dan said loudly and getting a harsh cough from the teacher.
"That has nothing to do with the work Dan..?"
"I'm trying to broaden my examples…" Dan said awkwardly.
"'Broaden your examples?'" Phil repeated giggling.
"Shut up" Dan said smiling. He returned to face the front and put his head down in his work.
Two hours passed with endless silence and only the noise of pens scratching on paper. There was the occasional cough or sniff, and often the sound chairs squeaking. Phil occasionally wrote a note and put it in Dan's blazer pocket for him to read. The bell finally sounded and they packed their bags and left the room.
Dan and Phil were both leaving the school gates when they heard a Johnson's group shouting over at them from across the street.
"OI FAGGOTS. GIVE US A KISS." One of them shouted over at them.
"Phil.. How did they..?" Dan panicked.
"I don't know" Phil said lowly. "Just keep moving"
"YOU GOT A BUTTPLUG WE CAN BORROW? They all roared with laughter.
The two of them quickened their pace but they were being followed with comments and insults about the two of them. They tried to cut corners and hide but Johnson and his 'thugs' soon caught them up.
They came to an alleyway and turned in it to see it was a dead end. There was nowhere to hide and they could hear their calls getting nearer.
"Phil what do we do?!" Dan trembled.
"You ever been beaten up before?" Phil said hastily.
"N-no.. Phil what?" Dan started to panic even more.
"Don't worry. I won't let them hurt you." He grabbed Dan's hand and squeezed it before walking toward the crowd. "What do you want then? Come to beat me up again?"
"Faggot's talkin' now aint he?" said Johnson followed by sneers and agreements, "We saw you out back snoggin' that fanny back there."
"Shut up about Dan" Phil's voice turned from weak to dangerous.
"ooh look.. pretty boy standin' up for his faggot girlfriend" They all sneered and Phil clenched his fists.
"You heard me the first time. Shut up." Phil's tone grew toxic, he was like a lion, purring dangerously at his prey. Some of the guys backed way slightly but some were stupid enough to push Phil even further.
"Whocha gonna do? Rape me up the arse?" They all roared out laughing. "Looks like your fanny girlfrien' already got some o' that"
In that moment Phil lost it. The kind caring Phil had gone. This side of him was brutal. Phil lost control of himself and felt adrenaline and strength roar through him. He lifted the nearest bin and threw it against the wall. He stormed up to Johnson who was manically trying to attack this raging mess put they didn't do anything. Phil put all his strength into one clenched fist and threw it square into the trembling boy's face. He felt bones crack beneath his knuckles and skin puncture. He knocked him straight to the ground and stared down at him.
"Go. Away." He hissed bitterly.
Johnson's gang had already fled. He scrambled up avoiding eye contact and ran into the direction his friends went. Phil rubbed his hand and turned to walk back to the rather bewildered looking Dan. Phil looked shocked and impressed at the same time.
"W-What the fuck was that?!" Dan breathed
"I have no idea.. I just felt so angry.." Phil looked down at his sore hand. "I couldn't have them insulting you like that…"
"Never mind me. Let me look at that!" Dan took Phil's bruising hand gently and pressed it gently against his soft, soothing lips. Dan's touch soothed the pain with everything. Emotional and Physical. Dan meant so much to Phil. If any harm were to come to him, Phil wouldn't never, EVER forgive himself.
"Just as long as you're safe…" Phil whispered.
"Oh shut up you" Dan laughed before pulling him into a long, warm and passionate kiss. They backed up against the wall and moved their heads in perfect timing. Dan broke away. He took Phil's hand and removed the bandage from his own arm. He carefully wrapped it around Phil's hand and tied it neatly.
Dan's shirt sleeve slid up to reveal his scarred messy arm.
"Dan wha-"Phil quivered at the sight of his ruined skin. "Why?"
"I'm disgusting Phil…" Dan's throat clogged.
"Why do you always say that Dan?" Phil sounded heartbroken. "You're perfect. Everything about you.. Just perfect. And if I hear anyone say otherwise… well.. you'll know what will happen." Dan smiled. "Every time you look in the mirror, I want you to look closely. Look hard. I want you to pick out every good thing about yourself. Even if it's not about looks. And don't give up until you find those things. When you do, I want you to close your eyes and say them over and over. Until it sinks in. Can you do that for me?"
"I'll try" Dan said quietly.
Phil brought Dan in closer and kissed his hair softly.
"I love you. Don't ever think otherwise." Phil looked into Dan's eyes once more.
"I love you too Phil.. I love you so much…"Dan leaned in to kiss Phil again slowly.