Hey Guys! :)

Phil yawned profusely, running a hand through his hair and glancing down at his phone…10:00pm…..really need to sleep….Popping his headphones into his ears and slipping it back into his pocket he glanced to each of his companions. The four of them had slipped into comfortable silence; each left to their own devices. Anya had been reading while Chris and PJ were cuddled up together on the bed. He let out a small sigh. Suddenly Chris stirred, peeling himself from PJ's embrace. Rubbing his temples he turned to the sleeping form beside him; gesturing to Phil and Anya.

"He's asleep," he whispered. Anya smiled lightly.

"I'm not surprised; he's had a tough day" Both Chris and Phil nodded. Standing slowly Chris wandered towards the wardrobe and opened its mahogany doors. Careful not wake him he took out a blanket; stopping only briefly when PJ let out a tiny snore.

"Aww bless," Anya cooed as Chris draped the blanket over his body. They all watched the sleeping boy for a moment; listening to repetitive rhythm of his shallow breathing. It was quite calming really; seeing someone go through such an ordeal finally reaching some form of peace. Still, staring at his battered complexion unnerved Phil; a terrible sense of foreboding.

"Come on, let's leave him," Anya said finally, gathering her belongings "He needs his rest," Phil nodded in agreement and they both head towards the door. Unable to take his gaze from PJ, Chris gestured a wave.

"See you guys tomorrow then," he said. As quietly as they could Anya and Phil crept from the room; closing the door behind them. Once they heard the familiar 'click' the both of them relaxed slightly.

"I really hope he'll be ok," Phil said sadly, leaning against the wall "I've never seen anyone take a beating like that," Reaching forward Anya put a comforting hand on his shoulder while offering him a weak smile.

"Hey, now don't you worry…..he's tougher than he looks," Phil took comfort in those words but couldn't shake his feeling of doubt; as if a black cloud hung overhead. Still, in any case, ignorance is bliss. He trusted in what she said and just hoped that in time he will come to believe them. Yawning, Anya hoisted her bag further onto her shoulder; flicking her hair from her eyes in the process.

"I think I'm gonna go to bed now, see you later Phil," She flashed him a quick smile before disappearing down the corridor; silence left in her wake. Her heels tapped loudly on the carpet, echoing slowly before dissipating. Phil sighed. He was alone again. Fumbling slightly he fished his room key from his pocket and unlocked the neighbouring door. In truth he was lucky to have a room so close to Chris and PJ. He wanted any excuse to be away from his roommate and, somewhere he could escape to, was something he needed. As soon as the door clicked open his mood dropped. Although the lights were off he could sense the presence of another…..great…..a confrontation with him…..Clumsily he felt his way around to his bed; collapsing into its cushiony softness. Granted it wasn't as comfy as his one back home but it was certainly soothing against his aching limbs. He rolled over onto his stomach but winced as pressure was applied…..bloody hell….what the? Phil sat back up and placed a hand on the source of the pain; greeted by its unpleasantness. Sharp and sudden his body tensed with every touch. Wearily he removed his jacket and shirt; shuddering at the sight before him. To the right on his stomach was a multitude of hues; all clumped together in a fist-sized mark; a stark contrast to his pale complexion. Running his hand gently over it once more his body shook and he bit back a yelp…..Jesus Christ…. Frustrated tears filled his eyes but he wiped them away swiftly. Weakness will not be tolerated. Feeling worthless he stood up cautiously; kicking off his trousers. Like a tidal wave the cold air consumed him; it's intention to harm. He gasped at its insistence. Shivering he ran a frozen hand across the front of his thigh; like a cobbled street. He caressed its contours. Across its surface lie many white slits weathered by age and paled by the element. Their broad size and many cross ridges betrayed the truth of what deep and ghastly wounds they had been, and the lack of care they were given. Phil ran a hand through his hair; the ghosts of his past lingering….they are all around…..they will never leave…..no distance will allow for escape…they displaced you once…..and they will do it again…..He clamped his hands over his ears and leant his chest against his knees. The intimidation he'd felt previously reappearing. Like a frightened child he leant sideways onto his bed; huddled and exposed. Not all scars are on the surface. Forthwith, the sleeping figure opposite him stirred replacing his fear with anger. Phil sat back up. A coward; that's all this boy was in his eyes; a weak, pathetic recreant that cares nothing about those who plead to him. Phil glared into the darkness. If looks could kill that boy would surely be dead. With great frustration he heaved himself upwards; his eyes now fully adjusted to the blackness. He shuffled towards his own wardrobe pulling out a bright pair of superman pyjamas. Slipping the cold fabric over his skin he immediately felt his body heat being trapped in it's midst…yep….perfect…..Suddenly, the desk light flickered on; followed by the creaking of bed springs. Phil froze in place. Dan sat up, leaning sideways on his elbow whilst staring at him. Neither said anything. Phil gulped nervously.

"Can I help you?" he spat with acid tongue; the anger bubbling closer to the surface. With half-lidded eyes Dan just shrugged, trying to repress a yawn.

"Not really," he said coolly. Phil's expression hardened.

"What do you want?" Again Dan shrugged. Phil huffed in frustration; walking over and slumping on his bed.

"Look I know what you thinking bu-" Phil scoffed, cutting Dan off mid sentence.

"Do you?" he said, this time with more venom. Dan's eyes narrowed.

"Yes….and your wrong," he began "What happened to PJ was nothing to do with me….or my friends," Phil let out a sarcastic laugh, dripping with resentment.

"Oh you finally acknowledge him now do you?" It took every fibre in his being not to jump up and thump the boy before him. Dan rolled his eyes.

"Listen don't meddle in things that are not your concern, you've only been here a day and are in no position to interfere," Like a red rag to a bull Phil stood up; finding courage he never new he had; his previous distress forgotten.

"I know a coward when I see one," This rattled Dan and he stood up so they were now eye to eye; mere inches separating their bodies. Dan's mind was racing; a mixture of rage and fear pulsing through his veins. How dare him.

"Don't!" Dan warned; the approaching storm becoming ever a reality "You know nothing," Phil swallowed hard; seeing the flames flicker behind his brown eyes.

"I know enough," he said, this time more calmly. Dan snapped; pinning Phil against the doors of the wardrobe; his hand grasping the collar of his shirt. A blanket of silence bound them in utter stillness. All time seemed to stop. Dan's grip loosened slightly and Phil felt a new wave of shuddered gasps wash over him.

"Back off," Dan whispered fiercely "Whatever you think you know is wrong," He released Phil's shirt turning and settling himself back on his bed; facing away from Phil….these conflicting feelings threaten to suffocate….to break him until he is nothing…..but….he cannot let them…..he needs to put this fire out…Phil shuddered, placing his palms against the wood to steady himself; the wind knocked completely from his sails. He gulped; engulfed in broken memories…..it's started….. Inhaling deeply he crept to his bed; desperate to escape this conscious state.

Ok so I know this is very short but it's mainly a filler chapter to set the scene for things to come. :) Still, I hope you like it. By the way did any of you watch the last Sunday radio show? *sniffs* Well, the sun may be setting but it will rise again; with brand spanking new Dan and Phil stuff! So yay!

Don't forget to review and above all else have a nice day!

By Guys! :)