The Unknown. Phan AU

Chapter 3

I'm warning you now, this chapter contains detailed description of self harm. Please don't read if it will trigger you.

Dan refused to talk to Phil for the next few days. At lunch he would pretend that Phil wasn't even there, eating his food and staring blankly into the distance and, during lessons, he was actually doing all of his work and listening. At home he had gotten more bruises, all over his body but none on his face. He was pretty much shutting down, going back to how he was before Phil came into his life- reserved, silent and invisible.

Phil had to admit it... he found himself staring at the mysterious boy a lot. He just got lost in his dark eyes that told him so many things and he couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if they were closer. Maybe Dan would feel better if he had someone to vent to and someone to hold him whenever he was upset... Then Phil realised that this was real life and not some sort of fairytale: he couldn't make Dan's problems go away with a simple kiss.

As each day passed, Phil noticed Dan's face get even more lifeless. His eyes were constantly red and Phil just hoped that it wasn't because he cried so much. There were also thick bags underneath the red, telling him that Dan had trouble sleeping too. Phil was getting more and more worried.

Then, one night, when Phil was sitting at his desk, scribbling away at his Maths homework, his phone went off and he had a message from an unknown number.

Thank you for everything.

Phil responded with creased eyebrows, unsure of who it could be.

Who is this?

-

Dan's parents had received a letter from the school. They tore it open as Dan watched, aware of what it was and dreading their reactions. They pulled out the paper which displayed his grades, every single one of them a D or below. "You're so stupid, Dan. How did we raise you to be such an idiot? I went through school with nothing less than a B." His dad muttered, making Dan gulp. "Is it because you refuse to talk? You're too cowardly to open your mouth and I hope you know that makes this all so much worse. Maybe if you actually communicated, you wouldn't be such an idiotic embarrassment."

Dan's mum didn't even deny it, instead joining in with it. "I wouldn't be too surprised if you were bullied. You're so pathetic. It would just be easier for everyone if you just killed yourself. Do us all a favour, will you?"

Tears were burning Dan's eyes as he looked down at his feet. His arms were itching and his head was pounding; he just needed to get out.

"Aw... Are you going to cry? Poor little Danny, crying like the pathetic excuse of a man you are. Are you even going to try and defend yourself?"

The shake of Dan's head lead to a harsh shove from his dad. Then a punch to his face.

"If you defended yourself, we might not constantly be on your case. You just don't even deny it, confirming that all of the things we're saying is true."

Dan let out a short sob before pushing past his parents and running upstairs. He shut himself in his room, searching for his headphones. He couldn't find them and soon lost his patience, letting out a tiny noise of defeat. He reached to the back of one of his draws, pulling out a sharp object he hadn't used in a while. The tears made his vision blurry as he shakily rolled up one of his sleeves. He pressed the object into his arm, watching with broken eyes as a red liquid seeped out, dripping down onto Dan's trousers.

Then Phil flashed into his mind.

He really wished they could have gotten closer: Phil was just so lovely and they had so much in common. Phil made Dan feel more wanted and like he was actually worth something. He made him smile and laugh and no one had done that in a long time. Maybe Phil could help him? But he didn't want to burden him...

He blinked away more tears as he stared down at his arms, positioning the razor again before pressing it down and drawing another line. His hand was covered in blood and so it probably looked like he was murdering someone which he supposed he was... slowly.

Phil.

Dan wanted to talk to him, one last time. To thank him. He dropped the sharp object onto the ground, his parents screaming going fuzzy as he reached out for his phone. He only had one hand to unlock the phone and open contacts. Slowly he typed out a message to Phil, keeping it simple because he was struggling to type.

Thank you for everything.

Phil responded within minutes, just in time to stop Dan from hurting himself again.

Who is this?

Dan: Dan.

Phil: You don't need to thank me? Is everything alright?

Dan: Why wouldn't it be?

Phil: You just messaged me out of the blue saying thank you..

Dan decided against replying, not wanting to give himself away. Phil couldn't stop him, no one could. He wanted it all to end right at that very moment. Another cut.

Phil: ...Dan?

WhAt a PoSiTIve cHaPtER tO pOsT oN mY biRtHDaY