Cause it's too cold
For you here
And now, so let me hold
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater
Sweater Weather ~ The Neighbourhood
Dan
My eyes flew open, catching a glimpse of the wispy words as they drifted away with the wind. I felt more light headed than I had before. Tyler must've been further away than I'd thought if it required that much energy. I was just grateful it was winter, with gusty wind that made sending messages a lot easier. I'd definitely found the weather a bonus when trying to message other people - well, there was only ever one person I messaged using wind.
Turning off the flash light on my phone, I rose up from the fallen ritual stone, stumbling as I did so. Without light the darkness seemed more dense. Who knew what evils lurked within it. The sinister train of thought left me shaking in fear. I bolted back to the others, expecting the Blair Witch or Slender Man or some other demon to come out from the shadows at any time.
As I got nearer to the others I felt safer, seeing as the upright stones were lit up slightly. A few steps away I sighed with relief and slowed myself down. I was lucky enough to survive that time. By that point I was out of breath from the short, full-pelt run. I didn't want the other's to know how unfit I truly was, but I couldn't just wait behind them. Breathlessly I said, "It's done. I've sent the message."
"Took you long enough," Caspar said as they all turned to face me. It took me a moment to realise Alfie had already gone home, and those left wore grim faces.
"Oh I'm sorry would you like to do it next time?"
"What makes you think there'll be next time?" Joe said, looking positively glum. It wasn't a suprise, seeing as things were going from bad to worse in a very short space of time for him. I just hoped he'd manage to pull through it eventually.
"Well, we still have to help them, don't we?" Hannah said, her voice being the only one still holding onto optimism, bar mine.
"How? We can't find them now, not when people are chasing after them."
"I still don't understand why they're going after Ty. He hasn't done anything..." Marcus' comment left me wondering briefly which politician was so bad that the government felt obliged to hunt down their relatives. In my mind, it could've been any of them - none were that great.
"It's because of who we are. We're not normal in their eyes. The whole systems fucked up anyway. And we can't do anything about that." Caspar's fingers lit up with energy as he grew more and more enraged. When he finished a lightning bolt rushed from his fingers to the ground. We all jumped back in fright. The boom that followed left us all shaking. Then there was a silence no one could fill. No one had a clue what to do. It was a hopeless cause. Within a year no doubt we'd all be put in confinement, or worse.
But then I was struck with words, seeing the solution as clear as day. "Yes we can. Of course we can."
"How? We're just people. It's nothing compared to what the government might do to us."
"Don't you get it? The people shouldn't be afraid of the government, the government should be afraid of the people... I think I have a plan."
*
Stepping out the believed-to-be derelict building, we all looked at the world with brand new eyes. Whereas they had looked downhearted previously, they now seemed determined to do as promised. I myself was certain that things could change from that point on. Knowing I'd be a part of the happenings was terrifiying, but the thrill of the secrecy made it worthwhile. It dawned on me that doing things in secret was becoming increasingly common for me - not that I minded. I wouldn't change it for the world.
Being absorbed in my own thoughts, I couldn't help but yelp when someone poked my back. I turned round, seeing a small Hannah beaming up at me. "Say Dan, how come you knew about that group?"
I shrugged. "One of my friend's already part of it."
"You know, go on about this "friend" a lot you know. She must mean a lot you."
"Um, yeah, she does." I didn't want to correct her and say it was in fact a he.
"Well, I'm glad you have someone... God, everything's changing so fast I don't know if I can keep up with it all. Sometimes it feels like I'm walking with a blindfold and there's a cliff up ahead."
"Just imagine you have wings then, like the angel you are," I said, sarcasm edging my words in the hopes things didn't get too sentimental. But her crestfallen face told me that sentimentality might be necessary. "Or I could guide you away from the cliff face if you do get too close. Honestly though, I think we all feel that way at times."
"Well, at least I'm not alone then... " she stared out, becoming subdue. "He thinks he's alone, doesn't he? God... I'm really worried about him. He's not been the same recently but.... I think if they have each other, they'll be okay."
At first I thought she'd been talking about Troye and Tyler, but the scene in front of me made me think otherwise. Joe and Caspar were holding each other in the tightest of embraces, seeking a comfort no one else could give but someone who your soul was tied to. It was moments like that that made me feel more alone than ever.
In a flash I realised I didn't have to be alone. I remembered his face, his ways, his whole sense of being. His soul was printed onto me, and I desired nothing more than to be reunited with it.
I said my goodbyes and rushed off, towards my safe haven. A stupid grin grew on my face as I thought of him, shrouded by memories. The only thing that could wipe it off was the rain. It started off as a light pitter-patter, before growing in might and practically pounding against me. I darted down narrow streets, hoping I'd get there without looking a complete mess. I skidded across the cobbled roads, slipping every so often. I wished I'd brought an umbrella with me. I could only hope that he'd be in once I reached the apartment.
Just as the heavy downpour seeped through my shirt, the familiar black door came into view. I pressed the button for apartment 221B, inhabited by the one and only Phil Lester.
I tapped my foot nervously as it rang out. Fortunately it didn't take long before it was answered from the intercom inside. His tentative voice came through the speaker. "Dan? Why are you here?" I guessed he'd seen me through the window before answering.
"It's hard to explain. Can you let me in? It's raining," I said through chattering teeth.
"Crumpets. Okay." The door buzzed, indicating it was open, and I walked into the hallway, and stood outside the green door leading to his apartment. I attempted to wipe the water droplets off my face. What I hadn't anticipated was my jacket to be wet too. I pushed my hair back, grimacing when I found it to be dripping. I got out my phone to see how bad I looked, but the hall was too dark to see anything clearly.
Then I heard activity on the other side of the door. Immediately I stopped stressing out about my appearance. I put my phone away as he unlocked the door, sliding many bolts. When it finally opened, I couldn't help but smile. He was already wearing his pyjamas, looking nothing short of adorable. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Hey."
"Hello," I said, stepping forward to hug him. He looked like he was about reciprocate the action, until he took in my drenched appearance
"Ew no you're soaking! Go to the living room. I'll make us some tea." He gestured for me to go up the stairs first, knowing I already knew where everything was. I walked up, careful to miss the creaking steps. Phil still managed to step on it, grumbling when the loud noise echoed around us.
I entered the living room, glad to find it was already lit. I spotted the burning candles he'd left alight around the room, filling the room with sweet aroma. I tapped on the side of the fishbowl, where Susan II and Simon swam about. They didn't react. They never did. I glanced at the fireplace, where photographs were on display. Some from when he was younger, some of his family, and then there was the one of us. It was from the ice rink extravaganza a week ago, when we were clinging to one another for dear life. The image never ceased to make me smile.
As the kettle boiled Phil entered the room. He was holding neatly folded clothes that I recognised as my own. "You better change out of those clothes before you catch a cold." He placed them gently in my hands, and then moved towards the fireplace. He swished his finger over the logs. The fire roaring to life. He started controlling the flames until they shaped a lion. It was only for a second but his smile it caused looked set to stay forever.
Meanwhile I was making steady work with unbuttoning my shirt. When I realised he'd turned back around, with his eyes on me, I tried to make my movements more seductive. It didn't work. A button pinged off my shirt and landed in the fishbowl. As always, the fishes didn't react. Phil laughed and shook his head at my blunder, before walking back to the kitchen.
I changed quickly, acknowledging the fact that the clothes had a strong scent of Phil, which enveloped me like a constant, warm embrace. In the dry clothes I found myself very fatigued. I plummeted down onto the sofa, against one of the video-game-related cushion. I stared at the a puppy-sized lion perched on the armrest, silently questioning why he had one for the millionth time. Perhaps he was still a child at heart, or perhaps-
I heard him curse from the kitchen, breaking my train of thoughts. "You alright in there?"
"Yeah... I just got pricked by a cactus. I can't even remember putting in the utensil drawer..."
I laughed. at his antics. It was such a typical Phil thing to do I wasn't even surprised any more. "You and your bloody house plants. You have an addiction!"
I could hear him laughing lowly through the wall. Soon enough he came back, holding the two mugs and a blanket over his arm. Placing down the mugs, he came closer and wrapped the blanket around my quivering frame. He placed the tea in my hands and sat down besides me, hardly any space between us, with a curious gleam in his eyes.
"Why did you come over anyway? I literally saw you this morning."
"And I bet you missed me every second I was away."
"Dan-"
"I do actually have a reason, besides wanting to spend time with you. I need your help with something."
"You've said that before," he said with a sigh, but didn't say anything else. He stirred his tea without actually touching the spoon, mind elsewhere. I wondered if one day he would teach me how to do that, but knew it wasn't possible. It wasn't a natural trait. I was just a Wind, and Phil was so much more - even if he thought he was so much less.
"I think you should leave your hair like that more often. It's like hobbit hair or something," he said randomly. I blinked, realising it wasn't straight for once. I felt heat rise to my cheeks.
"It's only because I didn't have time to sort it out this morning."
"Yeah, I remember."
I felt my blush deepened at his words. Subconsciously we shuffled a little closer to each other, knees almost touching. I restrained myself from purposely knocking mine against his.
"What is it you needed help with anyway?"
"Well, it's a long story. I think I'll give you the low down on what's gone down." He rolled his eyes but smiled regardless, willing me to go one. "So you know Tyler? The one with blue hair? Well, turns out he's related to someone in the political world and the president wants rid of him."
Phil nodded thoughtfully. "I thought that might be the case. He kind of left abruptly, with most his records non-existant. But there can't be many politicians Khanye-Knot's against... except those who are completely against her regime like-" He stopped speaking.
"You don't mean..."
"Yes."
"Tyler's a Yokela?"
"He must be... Although, thinking about it, I can't remember hearing of one called Tyler... Maybe he changed his name...I think a few had Tyler as a middle name...He isn't the mass murder one, is it? Oh wait, no, that one's in a coma. I can't remember the other one... Wait a bit. It'll come to me eventually."
Even though I was interested, I was more vested in keeping up the converstation. The sound of his voice soothed me, but if he started thinking hard he'd be lost in thought for hours. "I have to say, your detective skills are on point today. You could be the next Sherlock."
"Only if you'll be my Watson."
I brought my cup of tea to my lips, smiling from behind the cup of tea. We took a moments silence to sip the tea, Phil clearly mulling over the new information. Absentmindedly he said "I'm sure the resistance would want to know about this..."
Since leaving the school, Phil had been recruited by the Clandestine Resistance. The group was kept very quiet - I hadn't even known it existed until a few weeks ago. They were aiming to find the locked up elementals and to overthrow the government, in an orderly way. They seemed nice enough to me - nicer than the other options out there.
"They asked me to join the espionage division today, to spy on the government and befriend one, to try and get some information out of them."
Without thinking I said, "But that'd be impossible for you. Your personality's too adorable to trick people."
"Shut up," he laughed, hitting me playfully. "I told them I couldn't, seeing as the government's labelled me as a substantial threat. Plus I have a degree in Powergy. They would know something was up if I suddenly joined."
"Maybe not. They're kinda thick... You know, I've been thinking a lot recently about joining the resistance and-"
"What? Dan, I'm not sure that's wise. It's dangerous and I don't want you getting hurt."
"Tough luck. I've already signed up."
"Dan!"
"I had to! I want to help, and they're literally the only option left, seeing as Anti-Elementalist Party and the Elementalist Movement are both run by lunatics. I thought you'd be pleased-"
"How can I be pleased when you're putting yourself in more danger by doing this? I didn't want you getting involved."
"I've been involved since birth just for being me."
He shook his head. "You didn't have to join them."
"Neither did you."
"It's different for me."
"Really?"
"As a matter of fact it is."
"Really?"
"Yes. I'm an example for the whole deceitful government testing situation."
"And I'm an example of the oppressed citizens."
He groaned, losing the will to fight on. "Why did you join them today of all days?"
"I've finally become aware of how bad things are and I can't sit back and let it happen. One of my closest friends is literally being hunted by them. And Connor was secretly working for the government-"
"Wait what's this about Connor? Who even is Connor?"
"Connor's an evil backstabbing spy who I used to think was my friend. Keep up Phil."
I repeated everything Troye had told me, careful to pass on the information as I'd heard it. When it came to telling Phil about what happened next, I found myself changing some details. I told him Hannah was the one to come up with the plan, instead of me, in case he became upset I hadn't told him the idea first.
"By the end of the talk, we all agreed to help out. Hannah has some friend who's an inside source in the government or something, that she's going to pass information on from them. Joe's helping the design team with spraying the symbol on the courthouse, and Caspar and Marcus are helping to organise a peaceful march to the city... so yeah..."
"But what did you say you'd do?"
"Well, I said I'd help find Tyler. I didn't want him to feel like he was alone against them. Also he might possibly want to join the resistance if he so wished. I mean, if he really is a Yokela, he probably would join, and then more people would join because that name holds so much weight, and then there might be enough power to get rid of AEP. But I have a problem."
"Oh god, here we go."
"The the only way to find him safely would be through wind tracking."
"Huh?"
"Well, I've done it before. When you know someone well enough you can find where they are by the wind. I've got a good connection with Tyler, so that makes it a lot easier. The issue is, he's not going to be nearby. And I'm not strong enough to find them all by myself. That's where you come in."
"Of course it is."
"I just think you probably could do it, considering-"
He held up his hand. "Don't remind me."
"Well? Will you help?" He licked his lip nervously, unknowingly making me feel even more attracted to him. If I wasn't so desperate to hear his response, I probably would've kissed him. "Please?" My voice sounded a lot weaker than I'd expected.
"This really means a lot to you doesn't it?" I could already hear the resignation in his voice. I knew I'd won him over.
"Yes."
"Alright then... Should we try it now? To see if it'll work?"
I nodded my head eagerly. Putting down his mug, he put his palms facing upwards on his crossed legs. I put my own hands on top of his. Instantaneously my heart sped up. The euphoria that filled me was incomparable, and I prayed the feeling would never leave me. I pushed my own powers out through my fingers. It connected speedily with his. It felt like tiny kisses along my hand as our powers combined. I was left with an effervescing sensation running through my arms.
A soft white glow began to form from between our fingers. I closed my eyes, knowing the light could become blinding. A few seconds later I felt a warm breeze wash over me. Phil hummed quietly as he searched for Tyler. I tried to help by replaying memories in my head, ones involving Tyler and I. It was hard to stay concentrated when I could feel another's pulse.
Moments later Phil stopped humming. "I can see a road. The main road, leaving town. He must be going now - but I can't see where too. The sign posts aren't readable. I don't think he knows himself."
"Is he alone?"
"I can't tell. There seems to be a warm presence nearby... For all I know it could be the car engine."
With that he stopped the search. I could sense the light fading away, as our powers separated once again. I was reluctant to let go of the warmth his powers gave me, but I knew I had too. I opened my eyes, watching him leave the trance he'd been under. When his eyes finally opened, I felt the connection between us fade out.
"Thank you for doing that," I said, not willing to withdraw my hands from his just yet. I looked down at his palms, mindlessly drawing on his skin. You didn't have to be a palm reader to know his past had been tough. There were scars running along them, detailing the harsh treatment he went through. I knew the scars would never heal, no matter how many times I tried to kiss it better. His rough skin indicated the intense labour he went through when he was treated. I wished I could've seen him when he was young, to tell him it'd get better.
My finger traced the barcode tattooed on his wrist. He didn't like it being seen. I'd heard him scream from nightmares, rubbing the barcode in reality as he remembered it hadn't been scanned in years. He was terrified of history repeating itself. I think he blamed himself for what had happened, in a weird way, but he was innocent in everyone else's eyes. He winced at my touch, trying to move his hand away. My hands tightened ever so slightly around his wrist, not wanting him to pull away. "Phil, you've nothing to be ashamed of. It's just your past. You're not owned by them any more."
His response came out in quiet tone. "That's probably true, seeing as my heart's owned by someone else now."
I glanced up at him. His blue eyes swallowed my doubts from his words. He smiled - a shy smile that managed to outshine every shadow in the room. I felt my lips pull upwards, his own blissful timidness reflecting onto me. He raised his his hand to cup my jaw. My pulse quickened. Every time felt like the first - with butterflies soaring round my chest. He pulled my head closer to his. I edged my lips closer to his. Closer... Closer... Closer until-
There was a loud bang downstairs. We jumped apart. A look of vexation crossed both of our faces. We should've been used to interruptions by that point, but they didn't cease to annoy me when it meant I couldn't be with him the way I wanted to be.
The buzzer rang out. With shaky legs Phil got up to answer it. I was mentally cursing the person who'd ruined the moment. Phil pressed a button on the intercom and said "Hello?"
"Philip Lester?"
"Yes?"
"I'm Detective Inspector Dobbs, from the investigation squad-"
He buzzed them in immediately. He turned to me, eyes aflame with terror.
"I thought they were done with the questioning," I said, confused by their arrival.
"Obviously not. You need to get out of here before-"
There was a heavy pounding on the door.
"Hide."
As an after thought he kissed my cheek, then heading to the hallway. I crept across the room, towards the fire escape. I could wait out there until the people left, or, if need be, leave via the outside stairs. I remembered it was still raining outside, and I'd have no shelter. In the grand scheme of things, it didn't matter. I'd only travelled a small distance when the front door opened. I moved even slower, praying I wouldn't be heard. They walked up the stairs, a mumble of conversation audible from my location. I didn't care what was being said - I wanted to get out.
I stepped on a creaky floorboard. The voices in the hallway grew silent. I help my breath.
"Do you live here alone?"
"Mostly."
I started creeping along again, careful to watch my footing. I was over halfway, almost in reach of the window.
"Mostly?"
"I have a partner."
I stopped moving again. Was he talking about me? We never could we were official or anything before, seeing as he'd been my teacher and all. But he must've been talking about me - at least, I hoped he was. Like hell did he do what he did with me with someone else.
"Spare me the details. We need to search your flat."
"What? Why?"
"Safety precaution, nothing more. You'll need to come with us as well."
"Why do I need to be taken again? I thought questioning was meant to be bimonthly-"
"Not when the security of the town has been comprised."
"And you think I'm a part of that?"
The inspector didn't answer. I didn't doubt that he was giving Phil a pointed look. I heard the loud thuds of boots making their way towards the living room. They were travelling quite quickly. I pried the window open and hopped out the window. I managed to close it just before Phil walked into the living room with the detective inspector right on his heels. Phil picked up his tea and took a sip. I sighed. Trust Phil to drink tea at a time like this, when his life is in jeopardy.
"Are you going to come willingly?"
"Yes of course. I've nothing to hide. Quick question though: how long will I be away for?"
"A day, maybe more. It depends."
"On what?"
"Mr Lester-"
He held up his hands"I'm only asking because someone better take care of Susan II while I'm away. Two days I reckon, before the wind changes and it leaves and maybe takes us with it. Don't want Susan getting caught up in that whirlwind."
Wind changing? Why was he- I suddenly caught on to what he was trying to tell me. I had to wait two days until we would go out looking for them. Coincidently when the school term ended.
"What are you going on about?" the inspector said, oblivious to the code.
"Oh and another thing: can I get changed first?"
"That's not necessary."
"But I'm in my pjs!"
"Irrelevant. We need to get moving."
"But-"
"Oi, you two," Dobbs signalled for two other people to come in. They were wearing the anonymous face masks, almost resembling gas masks. Did they think powers were an airborne disease or something? The only thing they would smell in the air was the Christmas fragrances from Phil's candles. "Get the others to scan the other rooms. You can take this one away now."
He shoved Phil forward. Being the oaf that he is, he started to fall, dropping the tea on his way down. The two masked figures grabbed him before he fell completely. He didn't react as they pulled his arms behind his back. He didn't react as one kicked him to move forward. He didn't react as they started to drag him out the room.
But as he left the room, he looked out the window, staring me right in the eye. There was still a glint of hope in his eyes.
I prayed that everything would be okay, in the end.
A/N
Was it alright having the story from another perspective? I don't know if it worked or not, or if it was interesting, or if people are getting their pitchforks sharpened because they want Troyler and only Troyler. Originally this was going to be from Caspar's perspective, but Phan got in the way and I'm not even sorry. I'm so tempted to write another fanfic (possibly phanfic) right now you have no idea, but I won't because I seriously need to get revising.
Speaking of revision, here's situation mes petits pois: from May to July I have exams and work experience, and I'm going to revise over Easter. I can't promise there will be an update during this time (but it's more than likely that I will because I find writing calming and I might do some during my breaks between revision) but I promise I'm not leaving this story behind if it does turn out I don't update in like 4 months
Laterz alligatorz
Emma x
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