Love and Hate 

Summary: Dan is from the town Hate and Phil is from the town Love. What happens when they meet for the first time?

Words: 5545

There are two towns, Love and Hate. Hate is full of people who despise their neighbours and workmates, even friends. The town is dull and lifeless, everyone gets on with life feeling rubbish and hardly socializing. Some will get together and have children but they are never properly in love because they are so full of hate it is nearly impossible to love so they just do it to repopulate.

Love is different, everyone loves everyone. But the thing is everyone is consumed by love that they can't REALLY fall in love because they are in love with everyone. They are happy around everyone and everyone socializes and goes out. Even at young ages they would be in love with anyone so it wasn't really living at all. Despite the bright and cheerful village they are all corrupt into thinking they love everyone whilst the people in Hate are convinced they despise everyone.

Dan Howell is from Hate. He is like everyone else, he wears black and gets on with his day, not really bothering to be nice. Then something happens. He gets hit by a car and somehow survives, only his brain gets knocked into some sense. For the first time he thinks for himself and sees how boring and lifeless his life was there. In shock he escapes the town of Hate, running away from his old life. It wasn't living, only surviving in a life worth nothing.

Phil Lester is from Love. He grew up like the rest but he always felt different, everyone fell in love with the opposite sex yet he found himself attracted to boys. This weird feeling caused him to grow up questioning everything, therefore not being corrupt by the love. He feels sad that there will never be anyone there he can truly love without them being consumed by a fake love. He pretends to be one of them but goes home everyday, lonely as ever wishing for that someone that will complete him who wasn't a fake.

. . .

Dan's POV*

I left the house shrugging my backpack over my shoulder, glaring at the sun that was peaking through the grey clouds. Thank god we rarely had sun, everyone despised anything happy or nice or bright. I fixed my black shirt and slouched as I walked down the path. I walked down the road to work, glaring at anyone or anything. This expression always seemed to be on my face, it almost never left, the scowl.

I don't really know why I hated everything but I just did. Anything that made a noise I stared at it in disgust, anyone who looked at me I'd return with an icy glare. It wasn't just me, it was everyone. I never thought much of it. It was just how things were so I didn't question it.

I was swearing under my breath, glaring at my shoes as I walked. The sun was being annoying so I couldn't completely see where I was going. Before I knew it I was walking across the road absentmindedly, when I heard a loud screech. I snapped my head up and my eyes widened. For the first time in my life I felt a different emotion. Fear.

My life flashed before my eyes, I admit it wasn't a very good one, full of hatred and disgust, I really didn't have much to live for. With these thoughts in mind I was suddenly hit full force and was flung back onto the concrete. I felt my head hit the ground hard and I winced in pain, yelping. I lay limply on the floor, my breathing shallow and hardly there.

It had been a powerful blow yet I still found my chest rising and falling, my eyes were wide as I looked up at the sky properly for the first time. The inky grey clouds had cleared from the sky and a beautiful blue had taken over. The sun shone bright and proudly in the sky, although I had to squint to see it I couldn't help but admire it.

I suddenly realized I was still on the road and no one was around to help me .. well there was but they chose not to because they couldn't be bothered. Everyone hated everyone so why should they help? Even the driver had driven off. I sat up in a daze. I felt like my brain had rattled around my head. Shouldn't I be dead?

I looked around and frowned, I was seeing things in a new light. I no longer felt this dark side of hatred consuming me, I felt like myself, my own person, not being controlled by hate. I winced and touched the back of my head. My brown hair was slightly wet, when I pulled back I saw the disgusting red liquid on my hand. I cringed and picked my bag up, sprinting home. My body was stiff and hurt but I was desperate to find out what happened to me.

There was so many emotions I was feeling, confusion, loneliness, curiosity, fear. I was overwhelmed and needed to get home. As soon as I was in the door I ran to the bathroom, grabbed my first aid kit and wrapped some bandages round my head. Once I was finished I looked in the mirror. I had never really ... paid attention before ... I hardly knew what I looked like.

I studied myself, seeing what I looked like to other people. For the first time I felt self conscious, was I ugly? Good looking? Average? I had no idea why I was thinking these. It was like I had been snapped out of a trance. I looked closely in the mirror. I had slightly tanned skin, since when was I tan? There is never any sun! I looked into my eyes, they were a deep hazel with a small ring of green round my pupil. I was mesmerized by the way I looked. I reached up and ruffled my hair. It was also brown and the fringe swooped to the left of my head just above my eyebrows.

I frowned and looked down at my body. I was quite skinny and was wearing black skinny jeans, black converse and a black shirt with a white eclipse ring in the centre. Figures. Everything was dull, black and lifeless here. I had to get away, for the first time I realized this town was corrupt, everyone was full of hatred and couldn't escape ... but I had a chance to and I quietly thanked the guy for hitting me with his car.

I smiled at myself in the mirror, a sight that was never seen in Hate before. I grabbed my backpack and emptied its contents onto the floor of my room. I then went about, taking clothes out and things I'd need. I took my emergency money out of its jar and stuffed it in my wallet then my back pocket. I pulled a black jacket on and then my black converse. I wasn't surprised everything I owned was either black or grey.

I looked around the house once more, there was nothing there that really meant anything to me. There was no pictures of my family or friends because I didn't have any. My parents abandoned me like most parents did. The majority of the kids that went to my school were orphans. I slammed the door and almost ran up the road towards the exit of Hate Town.

We were pretty much isolated in the middle of no where. The exit only led to a large forest which seemed to go on for hours. I gulped and looked back at the dull town. I never really got to know it, I never got to know myself so I won't miss it. I can think for myself, I can actually have my own imagination and feel different things. I felt happy, an emotion I definitely never felt before. I liked it. I was not living here, only surviving the life which was worth nothing. With that in mind I swung my bag over my shoulder and and marched out of town.

Phil's POV*

My alarm clock blared in my ears. A normal person in this town would jump up excitedly and set to work, getting dressed, cleaning, washing or getting ready for work. Me, on the other hand, groaned and reached out to slam my hand down on the clock snooze button. I sat up, dragging a hand down my face. I had always been different from everyone else.

Everyone was in love with anyone of the opposite sex. I don't know why it didn't affect me, maybe because I had an attraction to men and not woman? I sighed and ruffled my hair. I felt my heart sink. I was alone in this town, alone with who I was. If I liked woman I'd probably be a mindless robot like the rest. It made me sick.

I yawned and dragged myself out of bed. Despite what I thought I tried to fit in, not be suspicious. If they thought I was different they might take me away and do something to me, something that might make me be the mindless slave everyone else was. They said they loved someone yet the next day they'd be admitting their eternal love to someone else. I scowled at my image in the mirror as everything came down on me. I angrily hit the table leaving a satisfying crack in the wood.

I jumped in the shower, washing my hair with strawberry shampoo. I know not very manly but they didn't have anything else in this town. Everything was bright, colourful and happy. It was all a lie though. I rifled through my work clothes, whenever I was alone I liked to wear my own shirts, ones that the others probably wouldn't approve of because they weren't smart or ... pink! Yes EVERYONE wore fucking pink! or red. It was sickening. When I got home I'd change into my blue checkered shirt or my purple gengar shirt.

I pulled my pink shirt over my head and scrunched my nose up in disgust. I pulled some black skinny jeans on though so I didn't look completely stupid. I flat ironed my inky black hair, I dyed it when I was younger, it made me feel like myself so I wasn't blond or brown haired like EVERYONE else. They were all so plain and joyful I wanted to be slightly different but not attract any unwanted attention. I looked myself one over, taking in my appearance.

I had pale skin which was odd considering the sun was always shining here and everyone had amazing tans. My black hair swooped across my forehead to the right and my eyes were a bright blue with small flecks of grey in them. I had blue eyes like everyone else. I was quite skinny, a lot of the people had good builds but some of them were quite skinny like me so it wasn't anything abnormal.

I pulled my red converse on and locked my door, slinging my red checkered backpack over my shoulder and walking down the road to work. Everyone obviously did different jobs, I worked in a pet store, I worked behind the till every Monday till Thursday. The manager was hardly in which meant I got to work on my own quite a lot which I liked. I got to look after the animals and listen to music on my iPod. Someone usually adopted an animal once a week but it was a Thursday and no one had come in to buy a pet so I think I could avoid other human interaction for today. Sure some would come in to buy stuff for their pets but it was a quick in and out thing and the annoying, cheery, "good morning" or "lovely weather" or "how are you today?" I always tried to reply as cheerily as possible.

I tried to avoid other people as much as possible because if someone fell in love with me (which they probably would) then I wouldn't be able to love them back, considering it would be a girl. It happened once before but luckily she forgot the next day when she latched onto someone else. I was thankful no one found out, not that they were paying attention because they were too busy sucking up to each other.

I spent most of the day listening to music on my iPod and nibbling on a chocolate bar. When my shift was finally over I locked up and headed in the direction of home, sighing. I quickly changed into a white shirt with an animated lion on it. It was my favourite animal. I changed into my blue lee coopers and shrugged a denim jacket on. I shoved my hands in my pockets as I closed my door and headed for the woods.

I was feeling bored so I decided to go on a little adventure. I wouldn't be long, just going for a walk. I walked past the woods, kicking sticks in the path and looking around, the sun was setting and the sky had turned violet. Despite how annoyingly happy things were I couldn't help admire the pretty sky. I reached the park which had been abandoned, due to the kids running home to whoever they thought were their parents, it really was quite sickening.

I scowled and walked to the swings, sitting down and peacefully swaying back and forth. I sat there, consumed in my thoughts. Will it be like this forever? Will I NEVER find anyone?

Dan's POV*

I stumbled through the forest, going over things in my head, getting used to being able to think freely. I started asking myself questions which sounded weird but I discovered some things about myself.

~My favourite animal is a Llama

~I'm quite antisocial

~My favourite band is Muse (yes I had listened to music)

~I was 22 years old

~My favourite number was 2

~My favourite sweets were Maltesers

Just some weird things I thought about when I asked myself questions. I was getting tired of walking, my legs and feet were getting heavy and my eyelids were drooping. I didn't want to spend the night in a forest so I was hoping some kind of civilization would show up. As if answering my prayers, I saw smoke in the distance.

I picked up speed, running to the source. As I got closer, an array of sweet scents filled my nose. I smiled and savoured it, feeling drawn to the source of the smell. Finally I came to the edge of the forest where it opened up into another town. As I looked around it was the complete opposite of Hate Town. It was bright and cheerful. I saw children run to their parents with open arms and couples staring lovingly at each other as they all started to go inside as it was getting dark.

I looked up at the violet sky in awe. It was truly amazing, the scents in the air were alluring so I decided to explore. I saw that the source of the smoke was a small factory and round about it small shops and cottages were starting to close up as people said goodbye to each other and headed home. I admired the bright colours of the town but couldn't help frown at the pink shirts everyone was wearing. I knew for a fact I'd NEVER wear pink.

I looked around, even more mesmerized than before as the clouds had turned pink and looked like large chunks of candyfloss. I was soon back at the forest edge and decided to walk along it. I soon came across a small park. I looked at all the rides but frowned when I saw a figure on one of the swings. I thought everyone had gone home. Curious, I got closer and was surprised to see a guy sitting looking very lonely on the swings.

I studied him, he had on black skinny jeans, a white shirt with a lion, blue lee coopers and a blue denim jacket. He wore completely different clothes to everyone else. His haircut was similar to mine only was ink black and his bright blue eyes and pale skin shone brightly in the moon light. I couldn't help be mesmerized by the boy. He was sort of ... beautiful in some way, yet he looked so lost and alone.

Suddenly the boy got up and angrily kicked a bin over, shoving his hands in his pockets and speed walking in my direction, eyes firmly on the ground. I was sure he hadn't noticed me yet so I hung back in the shadows watching him as he angrily trudged through the night. For some reason I wanted to run up and kiss him which was weird considering I'd never thought of guys in that way. Not like I had a chance but still ...

I backed away a few more steps as he got closer but ended up falling back into a ditch, yelping and blowing my cover. I looked up to see the boy was pretty startled and frowned in my direction. "Hello?" He asked, hesitantly. I didn't reply, just picked myself and brushed myself off. "Who's there?" He asked, he could probably just make out my shape so there was no fooling him. I sighed, annoyed I had blown my cover and emerged from the shadows.

Phil's POV*

I sat there thinking sad thoughts and how everything was so unfair. I sort of broke down and ended up kicking a bin over in rage. I angrily shoved my hands into my pockets and stormed out the park muttering swear words under my breath.

I was startled when I heard a yelp in the woods beside me. I stood frozen for a minute. I didn't want to find out if someone was there in case they saw me like this but still, I had to make sure they were alright ...

"Hello?" I asked, hesitantly. There was no reply although I could see the outline of someone picking themselves up and dusting themselves off. "Who's there?" I asked, getting impatient. I heard a sigh and the person emerged from the shadows.

My breath caught in my throat as I saw who came from the shadows. He was absolutely beautiful. He had a perfect tan which spread across his skinny frame. He had a similar haircut to mine only his was chocolate brown. His eyes were a gorgeous hazel with a small ring of green round the middle. His lips were full and taunting me. I wondered how such a beautiful creation existed and how I'd never seen him before.

It confused me that he didn't have blue eyes like the rest and bright pink clothes. He gave off this mysterious vibe and wore black clothes which suited him. For a second hope glistened in my eyes that there was someone else out there like me but the thought sounded ridiculous and my hope quickly disintegrated. I soon realized we both haden't spoken yet. I sighed and tried hard not to scowl at this beautiful person, he was one of them I KNEW it.

"Who are you?" I almost spat. He seemed slightly taken aback by my tone and bit his lip which in all honesty made my insides flutter.

"U-um my name is Dan." His angelic voice answered. Dan ... what a perfect name- NO! He doesn't like you, you just met him and he's probably straight anyway! Come on, everyone around here is! But he doesn't look like he's form here! my brain taunted, creating that false hope again. "Who are you?" He asked, looking nervous.

I frowned, wasn't everyone supposed to be confident and happy around here? "Phil." I replied cautiously. Dan looked at me in the eye, then did a once over before looking at me again. I couldn't help blush slightly because being under his gaze made my body heat up. "Are you from around here?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. I hoped he wasn't even though I knew it was unlikely.

"Urm ... no ..." He replied shyly, avoiding eye contact. The familiar fluttering feeling return because Dan looked too cute.

"Where are you from?" I asked, thrilled I could talk to someone normal.

"Um, well I'm from ... um Hate." He mumbled. My eyes widened, I had heard about Hate. It was the complete opposite of here. I had wondered if people were slightly more normal there but never dared to leave Love.

"Hate? What are you doing here?" I asked, not sure if it was a good idea to talk to him because they aren't very nice people to come across ... but Dan seemed ... different.

"Um ... well it's a long story ..." He sighed, biting his lip. Ugh, he needed to sop doing that! It was VERY distracting. I hesitated before replying.

"Do you ... do you want to come back to mine?" He looked a bit shocked but timidly nodded and I took one last look at him before walking in the direction of my house, hearing the faint foot steps of Dan behind me. I had no idea what was happening, why was I letting this stranger into my house? I mean he was cute and all but still ... he was from Hate!

Dan's POV*

He looked completely shocked when I emerged from the trees. I didn't know why but it's like he'd just seen another human being for the first time. He looked me over, studying me. I felt intimidated under his gaze. His bright blue eyes scanning me like I was alien. After a while he spoke up.

"Who are you?" He pretty much snapped, which caught me by surprise. Wasn't he supposed to be nice here? I saw that I was in Love town as soon as I saw the sign, I had heard about it and it was everything I thought it'd be. Lovey dovey and gooey. So why was he acting so cold towards me?

"U-um my name is Dan." I stuttered, not used to actually having conversations with people. He looked like he was having an internal battle with himself so I decided to speak up. "Who are you?" I asked. He frowned in confusion at my question I had no idea why, he really was quite strange.

"Phil." He simply said. I was tempted to smile because it suited him perfectly. I couldn't help secretly admiring him when he thought for a moment. "Are you from around here?" He narrowed his eyes at me, making me squirm uncomfortably. I had a feeling he didn't like me very much which made my heart sink a little. I didn't think I would but I already felt attracted to him.

"Urm ... no ..." I replied shyly, avoiding eye contact and hiding behind my fringe. My cheeks heat up slightly, embarrassed at my thoughts.

"Where are you from?" He asked. I looked up, he seemed to be a lot happier now which confused me. There was a slight glint in his eye which made my chest lurch slightly.

"Um, well I'm from ... um Hate." I mumbled, sure he would definitely not like me now. I watched his expression as he looked at me in shock but his face never changed to disgust and he didn't walk away. I was honestly confused, why wasn't he like the rest? ... not that I was complaining ...

"Hate? What are you doing here?" He asked, seeming curious.

"Um ... well it's a long story ..." I sighed and bit my lip, realizing that I was getting quite tired and didn't have the energy to really tell him right now. There was a few moments silence when he talked again.

"Do you ... do you want to come back to mine?" He asked. I looked up at him shocked but nodded shyly, knowing I might pass out soon. He didn't say much after that. I couldn't help give him a once over again, taking in every detail of him before he spun round and walked in the opposite direction.

I let out a nervous breath and followed him through the dark to his house. Why did I trust this stranger?

Phil's POV*

I reached into my pocket, getting my keys and slotting it into the lock and twisting. What if he was a serial killer? What if he was going to murder me once we were inside? What if he was going to kidnap me and take me back to Hate to be tortured? These thoughts buzzed through my head yet my heart couldn't completely believe them because the fact that Dan's presence was right behind me was making my heart beat fast and the butterflies to have a rave in my stomach.

There was something about him that made me nervous ... in a good way. "Um Phil?" He spoke up. I snapped out of my thoughts, realizing I still had the key in the door and was just staring at it blankly. I looked back at him, he was biting his lip anxiously, waiting to see what I would do.

Damn he's cute- STOOOOP! I shook my head and opened the door, the weird thoughts from earlier seemed to disappear, how could anyone who looked so innocent murder me? I watched as he walked in, looking round rather awkwardly. Once I closed the door I hung my jacket up and offered for him to put his up. He complied and hung his black jacket up.

I couldn't help notice his shirt ride up slightly, revealing his golden stomach. I stared at it but snapped out of my thoughts, scolding myself. "So ..." I started awkwardly once he had sat down on the opposite couch.

"So ..." He chuckled, revealing an adorable pair of dimples on his cheek. By now World War three had started in my stomach. I gulped and calmed down. I took notice when he yawned and his eyes drooped slightly, giving him this cute sleepy look. I had to bite down on my tongue to stop me squealing like a girl.

"Are you tired?" I asked.

"Kinda, yeah." He replied, yawning again and rubbing his eyes.

"Come with me." I said and walked upstairs, and into my bedroom. Dan followed me in, looking exhausted. He must have walked a long way. I'll ask him about it tomorrow.

"Night Dan." I sighed, switching the light off. Dan slipped into the bed and gave me a cute smile.

"Night Phil." He mumbled. I turned to go but stopped when I heard a whispered, "Thank you." and smiled to myself before shutting the door and walking downstairs. I sighed and pulled a blanket out of the cupboard. I then lay down on the couch, falling asleep almost immediately with weird Dan filled dreams.

Dan's POV*

I awoke the next morning, looking around and panicking. I had no idea where I was, who I was and what I was doing there. Soon the events of yesterday caught up with me and I relaxed, smiling when Phil came to mind.

I got up, rubbing my eyes and walking down the stairs. I came into the living room and jumped slightly when I saw Phil's sleeping form on the couch. He looked so adorable snuggled up in his blanket.

I awkwardly shuffled into the kitchen and got a glass, filling it with water and gulping it down quickly. I saw Phil had stirred and watched as he rubbed his eyes and looked around, frowning. When he saw me he smiled slightly and I returned it.

"Morning." I said.

"Morning." Phil sighed and got up, he had very cute bed hair. I realized mine was probably all over the place and desperately tried to pat it down into place as he approached me. I saw he had put glasses on which made him look even more adorable. "So are you going to tell me this story now?" He grinned, opening the fridge and taking some orange juice out.

"Um, yeah sure." I smiled and took a deep breath. "Well, I was just like everyone else, hating everything and everyone. I didn't know why, I just did and I didn't question it." I started. I looked at Phil, he seemed to be scowling at his glass of juice.

"I know the feeling." He muttered, not intending me to hear. I continued anyway.

"Although, yesterday I was sort of ... hit by a car ..." My cheeks heated up in embarrassment as Phil's eyes wen wide.

"Oh my god, are you okay?" Phil asked, worriedly. I smiled at him, grateful for his concern.

"Don't worry I'm fine. It was sort of a wake up call. It was like I had been plunged into the real world. No one helped me because they didn't care, I wouldn't have helped either if I was still consumed by the Hate in that town. I just sort of ran, I got home, fixed myself up and packed my things. I left, knowing I couldn't stay there. If I did I'd probably fall back into being a hateful person again and I liked knowing I could have my own thoughts and opinions of things. It was so exciting feeling different emotions other than hate." I grinned, feeling happy I was able to tell someone how I felt.

I looked over at Phil, he was looking at me but his eyes told me he was thinking deeply. After a while he spoke up, "So you were all like ... mindless zombies or something? Going round despising everything?"

I chuckled, "Yeah something like that."

"This place is the same." Phil sighed, taking a sip of juice then glaring out the window. I frowned, but this town was about love and peace, surely it was MUCH better than Hate.

"The same?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowed together. Phil noticed my confusion and sighed.

"Well not exactly ... it's just everyone is ... so clueless here. They think they love someone when they really don't. One day a girl will be with a guy, the next she's with another husband, caring for kids that aren't even their's. They love EVERYONE of the opposite sex and they don't even think twice. It's wrong." Phil spat. My eyes were wide, I was pretty shocked.

"Then ... why aren't you like that?" I asked. He blushed, hiding behind his fringe and fiddling with his fingers. It was very cute.

"U-um ... b-because I like guys." Phil stuttered, not making any eye contact. My breathing hitched as I realized I probably had a shot with him but mentally scolded myself for thinking such things. I was attracted to him yes but ... I don't know. "The love they consume makes them fall in love with the opposite sex ... so I guess it doesn't work on me." Phil continued, coughing awkwardly.

"Oh." I said simply and nearly slapped myself for saying something so stupid and not smart.

"It gets quite lonely, as you can see. There's no one else like me so it's weird talking to you. I'm not used to having company! As you saw last night I spend quite a lot of time alone." Phil sighed, avoiding the subject. I felt sorry for him. I had been alone too except I haden't noticed because I was so full of hate I didn't worry about being on my own. Now I thought about it I didn't want to be alone.

"Yeah, me too I guess. No one knew how to feel for themselves there, I know, I experience it for 22 years." I sighed.

"You're 22?" Phil asked, smiling.

"Yeah, how old are you?"

"26" He replied, smiling and finishing his glass of juice. There was a bit of silence again. "Maybe ...." He began but hesitated, biting his lip. I patiently waited for him to continue, distracted by him biting his lip. "Maybe you could ... stay here?" He suggested. My eyes lit up slightly, was he offering for me to stay?

"Are you sure?" I asked, trying hard to contain my happiness. He smiled shyly and nodded.

"Yeah, I guess we could both use someone to talk to in this town!" He grinned, showing off his cute smile.

"What's your favourite animal?" I asked randomly, resting my back against the counter.

"What?" He giggled, his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth, it really was adorable.

"Your favourite animal, what is it?" I grinned cheekily at him.

"Oh um lion." He chuckled. "What's yours?" He asked.

"Llama."

"Wow, never heard that one before." We both laughed to ourselves. This went on for another ten minutes, both of us asking each other random questions.

"Hey Dan?" Phil asked.

"Yeah?"

"Do you want to get out of here? Show you around ... but where there's no stupid loved up people?" Phil suggested. I smiled and nodded eagerly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~HelloAnonymousWriter~