Secrets

Words: 7934

Summary: Dan has a secret and Phil accidentally finds out. However they become closer because of it and little does Dan know, Phil is hiding something too.

He sat at the back of the class.

He was always on his own.

He never spoke to anyone.

Dan Howell watched as Phil Lester gazed dreamily out of the window to the sea. Their school was just by a beach and Phil would often stare off into the distance with a ghost of a smile. Dan Howell never understood him ... but yet again he didn't understand most human beings. You see, Dan was different, yet like a few others in the school. 

He was a werewolf. 

Not only a werewolf, but an alpha at that. The leader of the pack ... well not yet, once he finished high school of course. He was loved throughout the school and well respected, just as an alpha should be. But respect didn't just come, he had to earn it and he had, his pack trusted him and he was a strong alpha-to-be.

He was sitting with his beta and third in command, Chris and PJ, watching the mysterious boy who went to their school. Not everyone was a werewolf, humans attended also, completely oblivious to the world around them. They had a few human teachers as well but the head and most of staff were werewolf who looked out for the younger generation of wolves. It was important that the humans never discovered their existence!

"What are you staring at?" Chris, Dan's beta, asked.

"Nothing." Dan said, tearing his eyes away from Phil. "Just zoning out."

"You shouldn't be doing that today, we've got exams and you'll need to get good marks. You'll father will be pissed if you drop below your standard." PJ explained wisely. Lots of people loved PJ for his kindness and wisdom. After Dan, they'd usually come to him for advice. Chris was liked for different reasons, he was loud, entertaining and courageous. Most people recognized him as a class clown most days and looked forward to the lessons where he'd make people laugh.

"Thanks PJ, will do."

"Are you sure you weren't staring at someone?" Chris urged, playful smirk on his lips. Dan was quiet.

"You were? Who?" PJ asked curiously.

"No one ... just Phil, I don't get him is all. He's so quiet, why is he always alone?" Dan asked, giving in to his friend's patronizing gazes. 

"I don't know ..." PJ frowned. 

"He has a younger sister called Carrie. She usually stays clear of people too, must run in the family or something ... but still she has a few friends. He seems completely isolated." Chris commented.

"Why did you take an interest?" PJ asked. Dan shrugged.

"Dunno ... he's just a little intriguing." PJ and Chris gave each other a knowing glance. "What?"

"You sure you don't ... have the hots for him?" PJ teased.

"WHAT?" Dan exclaimed, catching the attention of a few nearby. Dan went bright red. "I don't." He hissed. 

"HEY EVERYONE! DAN FANCIES PH-" Chris was shut up by a hand over his mouth and a sharp elbow to his ribs. Chris gasped and sat back down in his chair with a pissed Dan. "Ow."

"You deserve it." PJ smirked.

"Whatever." Chris grumbled, clutching his stomach.

"Settle down class!" The teacher announced as he walked in, making the class go quiet. Dan let out a relieved breath before risking a glance at Phil. He was shocked to see a pair of mesmerizing azure eyes staring back. But as quick as they came, they were gone and Phil was looking out the window again. Dan gulped and turned back around ... maybe he did like him a bit.

- - - 

"Alright, before you head off to lunch I'm going to pair you up for a joint project on the human body." Mrs Elliot said. There was a chorus of groans across the class. 

"Alright the pairs will go as follows. Zoe and Chris, Alex and Marcus, Jim and Tanya, Joe and Tyler, Naomi and Felix, Dan and Phil, PJ and Sarah ..."

Dan stiffened in his seat. He was with Phil? He looked over at Phil who looked equally shocked. Their eyes locked and both blushed before looking the other way. Dan noticed Chris and PJ snickering in the corner of his eye and looked at them. Chris was making kissy faces and PJ was smirking.

"Very mature guys." Dan muttered.

The bell soon rang and the three of them left the class room first and went straight to the canteen. They piled their trays high with food before sitting at their normal table. A human girl and boy named Becky and Troye sat next to them. They were also quite popular in the school and were friends with Dan, PJ, Chris and some of the other werewolves. Soon Dan's other friends joined him but they were mainly in their own conversation, leaving PJ, Chris and Dan to talk sort of privately.

 Dan noticed straight away when Phil walked into the room. Dan took his image in. He was fairly tall, slim and had broad shoulders. His skin was porcelain and his hair, charcoal black. His eyes, as mentioned before, were a bright azure with greens and violets mixed in. The only reason Dan could see these features were because of his werewolf senses. They were way more advanced than a human's. He could hear clearer and long distance, his eye sight was amazing, and he could smell things from miles away if he tried. It was a perk of being a werewolf. Dan watched Phil's face intently, but the blank expression never left his face. He continued to watch as Phil purchased a single bottle of water before turning to leave. 

Dan frowned. Why wasn't he eating? Was he sick? Maybe he ate already? Was he anorexic? Dan could feel himself feel worried and his wolf, Jack, was whimpering.

"DAN!" Chris suddenly shouted and he snapped out of it, turning to his table. He was surprised to see everyone looking at him. Becky and Troye had disappeared, leaving werewolves only.

"Hm?" He asked.

"We felt your wolf's sadness through the pack link. What's wrong?" PJ asked, frown on his face. Dan internally cursed himself for not controlling his emotions and blocking off the pack link. 

"I'm fine, really." Dan tried to reassure. PJ and Chris gave him a flat look. 

"Okay guys, clear off. Alpha, Beta, Third in command talk happening." Chris announced, making the others groan but give Dan a pat on the back and a playful shove on their way past as a sign of affection. Dan grinned and waved after them before turning back to Chris and PJ, not bothering to say anything.

"Dan, what's going on?" PJ asked.

"I can trust you right?" Dan asked.

"Is that even a question?" Chris asked, looking a little hurt.

"Of course you can Dan." said PJ, a similar expression on his face.

"Okay, don't tell anyone but I think Phil is my mate!" Dan explained. Chris and PJ's faces widened in surprise.

"Really?" Chris asked.

"Yeah. All he got was a bottle of water from the canteen and I was wondering if he was anorexic and my wolf began to whimper at the thought." Dan explained.

"Wow, he must be." PJ replied.

"What should I do? You guys haven't found your mates yet so you don't know what it feels like." Dan said, exasperatedly. PJ and Chris went quiet, exchanging cautious glances. Dan frowned, taking in their weird response. "Wait, you have found you mates and you never told me?" Dan asked, looking horrified.

"We wanted to!" PJ jumped in.

"But it might surprise you!" Chris finished, looking nervous.

"What do you mean?" Dan asked, frowning.

"We're mates Dan ... Chris and I." PJ went red and looked nervously at Dan.

"REALLY?" Dan exclaimed, looking shocked.

"Yeah." They both said simultaneously then grinned at each other.

"Wow, congratulations guys." Dan beamed.

"You don't find it weird? We're both guys and your friends so..."

"Chris, your my best friends. Plus you don't see me disgusted about the idea of Phil and I being mates. I'm happy for you, really."

- - -

Dan was walking along the beach, breathing in the salty sea air. School was over and he had some time to think and be by himself. He felt a lot better after his talk with Chris and PJ. He wanted to talk to Phil as soon as possible and get to know him. Finding your mate was a big deal for werewolves. They were like soul mates, someone made for you and you only. Who else wouldn't like the idea of having someone made for them?

Dan couldn't stop smiling and kicked a few stones on his journey along the shore. Finally he came up to a particularly rocky bit of the beach and looked across it. Dan looked up to a large cliff face overlooking the sea and frowned when he saw a figure standing at the top. Dan squinted his eyes and used his werewolf vision to see who it was. His breath caught in his throat when he saw the familiar image of Phil, looking dreamy eyed out to the see. He looked mesmerized, like the sea was calling him.

Dan was unprepared for what came next. His blood ran cold as he saw Phil run and jump off the edge of the cliff and hurtle to the water below. Dan dropped his possessions and sprinted to the water as he saw Phil's body make contact and create a large splash. 

"PHIL!" Dan shrieked in fear and ran faster. As he reached the end of the rocky face, he jumped and dove into the water, frantically searching for a sign of Phil. He swam in the direction Phil's body made contact with the water but no body was to be seen, only a bunch of foamy bubbles. Dan could feel his breath running scarce. He resurfaced then dove back under, swimming deeper, but even on the bottom no body was found.

Where had he gone? Had he just disappeared? Did he swim away? So many questions filled his mind and his fear increased when he reached the surface. He needed to get help!

- - -

He had called the police to help him look but they haden't found a body either. After hours of searching they couldn't find him. The weird thing was that there was no sign of Carrie either. The police gave up after a few hours and apologized for Dan's loss. They said they'd have another look if Phil didn't turn up. 

Dan was sitting in registration the next morning, white as a sheet. The shock still not over. Chris and PJ were fussing over him and were feeling worried, the whole pack was freaking out since they all felt his fear, panic and sadness through the pack link. Almost every pack member would ask Dan what was wrong but Dan would never answer and Chris and PJ would tell them to back off. Sometimes an order for the persistent ones.

So when Phil walked into Registration you could tell how confused and shocked Dan was. Phil had barely walked in the door before Dan was out his seat and blocking Phil's path. He grabbed Phil's arms, making the boy jump and look up in shock at Dan's worried expression.

"WHY DID YOU JUMP OFF THAT CLIFF?" Dan yelled, luckily no one but Dan, Phil, PJ and Chris were in the room. Phil looked at Dan in fear and gulped.

"I-I-I ... um, I-" He stuttered.

"Do you want to get yourself killed?" Dan asked, worry clear on his face. Phil continued to look surprised and kept his mouth shut tight.

"Dan!" PJ hissed, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Leave him alone, I know you're in shock but don't take it out on him. You're frightening him." PJ explained, his wise side showing. Dan's eyes widened and his tight grip on Phil loosened and he took a step back, regretting his actions.

"S-sorry." Dan hung his head a little and felt his heart sink when Phil turned and left the room in a hurry. Dan felt his wolf whimper but remembered to cut his emotions off from the pack this time. As the door shut Chis pulled Dan into a hug.

"I know it hurt to see him leave Dan, but you scared him." Chris sighed, making Dan whimper.

"Don't worry, Phil will come back tomorrow. You can apologize properly then, for now calm down. He's fine. He doesn't look harmed in any way, at least that's good right?" PJ asked. Dan nodded and the bell went. Chris pulled away from Dan and the three of them retook their seats just as others filed in. The other wolves looked more relaxed since they felt Dan go back to normal again.

"Idiot!" Dan thought.

Phil wasn't in any of his classes that day, just as Dan had expected but it hurt him not to know if he was okay, and even more that he had scared his mate off.

- - -

The next day Phil returned and avoided Dan's gaze as much as possible and Dan felt ashamed. He wasn't looking forward to Biology when they had to work together on their human body project.

The time soon came and Dan walked into class, seeing Phil already in his seat, looking out the windows as usual. Dan took a deep breath and watched as pairs sat next to each other. He caught PJ's eye who was next to Sarah. PJ made a gesture towards Phil with a reassuring smile and with that Dan approached him.

Phil sensed Dan's presence when he was nearby and looked up to see Dan awkwardly avoid eye contact and sit next to him. He didn't want to see the fear in his eyes. After a minute's awkward silence he spoke up.

"I'm sorry." He said, no reply. He looked at Phil who was staring directly at his lap. "I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, I was just a little surprised when you hurled yourself off that cliff. It gave me a heart attack, I thought you died. I was just a little surprised and I'm sorry ..." Dan trailed off, feeling disappointed when Phil didn't look at him once.

When Dan dropped his gaze Phil looked sideways at him, taking in Dan's sad posture. "It's okay." He replied, watching as Dan snapped his gaze to Phil's, momentarily looking in his eyes. Phil stared into his coffee coloured orbs for a while before shifting his embarrassed gaze to his lap again, a small smile on his face.

Dan couldn't help the grin which overtook his face, as well as a light blush. He felt happy and glanced at Chris and PJ who had been watching the whole thing. They gave Dan a thumbs up, both smirking shamelessly.

"Right class, I'll let you have this period to plan out how you'll present your project and do some research." The teacher explained.

- - -

Most of Dan and Phil's communication was about the project. Phil agreed to almost anything so there wasn't much discussion but Dan would make him smile and sometimes giggle when telling a joke or just talking in general. Dan was already in love with Phil's laugh and smile. He wanted to keep them there forever. He was disappointed when the period ended and Phil left, with a small smile on his lips.

They had agreed that they'd work on it at Dan's house after school since the teacher said they'd have to do some of the work at home as well. Dan was excited for Phil's arrival and both Chris and PJ teased him about it all day. 

When Dan was at home, waiting for Phil he impatiently paced his room. When the bell did finally ring he ran out his room and down the stairs with his werewolf speed. He was about to yank the door open but hesitated. He didn't want to look like he had been waiting by the door so waited ten seconds before breathing in and opening the door. He beamed when he saw Phil's smiling form.

"Hey."

"Hi." Came Phil's timid reply. Dan let him in and they went straight to Dan's room. "You have an amazing house." Phil commented. Dan lived in a mansion-type house, since his father was the alpha of the pack. They had a pack house only five minutes away which they spent a lot of time at, so they could keep the pack safe. 

"Thanks." Dan grinned.

They spent the next two hours going over the project until Dan got bored. "Hey Phil? Do you want to go for a walk?" Dan asked cautiously.

"Um ... okay sure." He replied hesitantly.

"You don't have to, I'm not forcing you to go." Dan said hurriedly, slightly upset that Phil had doubts about him.

"No, no. It's fine, really." Phil reassured, smiling timidly. Dan beamed back and jumped to his feet, offering his hand to Phil. He nearly gasped when he felt the sparks tingle when he made contact with Phil's skin. He knew Phil felt it too when his eyes widened in shock, however he didn't comment and Dan reluctantly dropped their hands. 

They both left the house and started to walk through the trees, appreciating the scenery around them. They were quiet for a bit, taking in the amazing sounds and smells. Then Dan broke the silence.

"So Phil, tell me about yourself." 

"There nothing interesting about me." Phil sighed.

"Don't say that, everyone's special." Dan assured, staring fondly at Phil who blushed and smiled.

"Well, I love the sea." Phil commented, although his pitch had dropped an octave. Dan frowned, shivering as he remembered the horrible events of Phil jumping.

"I could tell by how you hurled yourself into it the yesterday." Dan tried to joke, but Phil looked uncomfortable. "Sorry, I take that back." Dan apologized, then sighed. He couldn't do anything right.

"No, it's fine. It's just complicated ... anyway what about you?" Phil changed the subject.

Dan proceeded to tell him about the music and games he liked, and Phil would agree on some and they'd discuss which was their favourite. Dan was falling more and more for Phil as they went on. He liked how shy and innocent he was and how he smiled and giggled at almost everything Dan said. 

They soon came to an opening into a river and Dan proceeded to lay down on the grass, which Phil soon followed. They were silent, staring at the sky for a while and appreciating the amazing contrast of the white and blue water colours. 

"Why are you always alone?" Dan asked suddenly, breaking the silence. Phil frowned and sighed, not sure how to continue the conversation.

"Um ... I-I like the peace and quiet." He replied.

"Oh ... am I annoying you?" Dan asked sadly.

"No ... it's nice sometimes." Phil mumbled and turned his gaze to Dan's, getting lost in the eyes he was coming to love. Dan grinned, feeling a lot better and rolled on to his side so he could get a better view of Phil. Phil did the same until they were both facing each other. They were quite close, but they'd have to reach for their lips to touch.

"Well, that's good. I like you Phil, it would be pretty sad if you didn't like me at all." Dan smiled, making Phil grin in return. 

"Yeah, well I like you too." Phil replied, sounding a lot more confident than he did earlier." Dan's eyes involuntarily dropped to Phil's lips for a split second. However, Phil didn't miss it and his cheeks flushed. They were both starting to edge closer when a loud growl resonated from the trees. 

Dan jumped to his feet, glaring in the direction and standing protectively in front of Phil. He was careful not to let out a growl or let Phil see his eyes which had changed into his wolf's. Dan could feel the growl in his throat when he saw two large wolves exit the woods, foaming at the mouths. They were rouges, probably banished from their pack.

Dan knew that they'd lunge at any minute and was torn between trying to outrun them with Phil in human form or letting his wolf out and protecting Phil. Jack was begging to be let out and protect him from harm which wasn't helping.

"D-dan! We should hide!" Phil stuttered, tugging on Phil's shoulder. Unfortunately the touch made Jack respond and Dan couldn't stop the growl which left his throat, making Phil retract his hand quickly. Dan didn't have time to register the shocked look on his face before the first rouge lunged at them. 

Dan didn't have an option, he ran at it and shifted into his wolf form mid air, colliding with the rouge. He managed to pin it to the ground, hearing a satisfied crack and in the moment of weakness went straight for the neck, clamping his jaw around the throat. He waited until the body stopped thrashing and went limp. However, his victory was short lived when he was tackled off the first rouge and floored by the second. Dan growled in frustration as the rouge tried snapping at his neck and spat foam in the process. With a powerful push Dan kicked it in the mussel then jumped to his feet and barreling into it. Once he got the rouge on its side he bit at it's hind legs and grinned when he heard the painful yelp. Before the rouge could get to its feet again Dan pinned it and once again clamped his jaws around the rouge's neck.

The body scratched and struggled under Dan's grip and frantically tried to set itself free but eventually its movements became slugging and his body limp. Dan released his grip and panted, stepping away from the body. He was a lot stronger than a regular werewolf because he was an alpha. He was nearly twice the size of those wolves and a lot stronger, they didn't stand much a chance. Dan's wolf, Jack, was snow white with deep coffee eyes, similar to Dan's, but with swirls of toffee among the mix. Dan turned around and froze when he saw Phil's widened gaze. Oh no he had done it now ...

Dan's ears flattened against his head and he whimpered as Phil continued to stare in shock, frozen in place. Dan hesitantly took a small step towards Phil. Phil stayed rooted to the spot. Dan took another small step, then another, then another and several more cautious steps until he was a metre away from Phil. As he went to take one more Phil flinched and took a step back which caused Dan to tense and stop where he was. Dan felt horrible for scaring Phil and needed to find a way to tell him that he wasn't going to harm him. 

Dan cringed for what he was about to do. He had never had to submit to someone before and it was an embarrassing thing for an alpha to do, but if it got Phil to trust him then so be it. Dan whimpered and lowered himself to the ground, tucking his paws in neatly and resting his nose in the ground, tail lowered, and ears flat against his head. He whined and whimpered, ashamed at having Phil find out this way.

Phil stared in shock and awe as Dan lowered and submitted to him. Phil didn't feel fear for some reason. Had Dan really turned into a wolf? 

"Dan?" Phil asked cautiously and took a step forward. His response was a whine and big puppy eyes looking up at him. He thought he might melt under the gaze, and was so confused by it. Dan watched as Phil took a few more steps towards him then knelt down in front of him. Dan didn't make any sudden movements in case Phil ran away. Phil bit his lip then reached out and let his hand reach out and stroke Dan's forehead. Dan closed his eyes and relished the touch and enjoyed the sparks which came from Phil.

Phil gasped when he felt them, as if he knew what they meant ... but he couldn't possibly, right? "You're a werewolf?" Phil asked in disbelief. Dan opened his eyes and lifted his ears in acknowledgment. Phil smiled and stroked down his nose, making Dan subconsciously nuzzle into it and pushed against his hand, making Phil giggle. "Can you shift back?" Phil asked. Dan lifted his head slowly and shook it. "Why not?" Phil asked, frowning. 

Dan felt embarrassed, if he wasn't in wolf form he'd be blushing. Dan looked around for a way to tell him and then spied his ripped shirt and jeans. That might help to explain. Dan got to his feet, surprising Phil as he stood at his full height then turned and walked away. Phil frowned and watched as Dan walked over and picked up his ripped clothes in his mouth then returned. When he dropped them at his feet, Phil's eyes widened in understanding and he blushed furiously.

"Oh right, sorry. Do you want to go back to yours and change?" He asked, embarrassed. Dan nodded, surprised at how well Phil had taken it. He had an idea. Dan trotted beside Phil then lowered himself, gesturing for Phil to get on. "Are you sure?" Phil asked, looking cautious. Dan nodded again. Phil smiled and then proceeded to scramble onto his back, clutching the fur at the back of Dan's neck tightly. "O-okay, you can g-go." Phil stuttered, feeling nervous. Dan slowly stood at his full height then smirked and started to sprint into the trees, making Phil squeak and clutch on tight. 

- - - 

They arrived at Dan's house fairly quick thanks to Dan's werewolf speed. Phil shakily got off his back but a grin plastered his face. "Th-that was fun." He chuckled.  After a minute of awkwardly standing around his eyes widened yet again. "Oh, do you need me to get some clothes?" He asked and Dan nodded awkwardly.

"Okay I'll be right back." Phil explained and went into the house. 

Dan thought he'd warn the pack about rouges so they'd be prepared for unexpected attacks if any more came.

"I was just attacked by two rouges from the north side. I want everyone on look out for any more over the next few weeks. Just be cautious and look after children and loved ones." Dan warned the others through pack link.

"Are you okay Dan?" PJ asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, they were no match for Jack and I." Dan smiled.

"I'll have everyone looking out, thanks son. You sure you're okay?" Dan's dad asked.

"I'm fine, just a bruise, nothing else."

"That's my boy, see you at dinner."

"You too." With that Dan blocked off the pack link and turned to Phil who stumbled out the door with a pair of skinny jeans, a shirt and some boxers. Dan blushed at the fact that Phil had to go through his underwear.

Phil placed them at Dan's feet, "There you go." He said shyly. Dan was about to shift but noticed Phil still watching. He looked at Phil expectantly. "Oh sorry!" Phil exclaimed and turned around. Dan smiled and felt his body shift and his bones pop until he was back in his human form. He quickly pulled his boxers on then his skinny jeans. As he was fixing his belt Phil spoke up,

"Oh sorry, I thought you were done." He looked up to see Phil blushing and looking at the ground. Dan just caught the little glances that Phil was throwing at Dan's chest and smirked to himself. 

"Would you prefer it if my shirt was off?" Dan asked cheekily, winking at Phil.

"Yes- I MEAN NO- I mean i-it's fine- I just ... I don't." Phil was blushing terribly and hid his face in his hands.

"Phil it's fine, I was joking." Dan chuckled and pulled his shirt over his head although he was flattered that Phil liked the way he looked. In fact his cheeks were a little flushed also. "So ..." Dan started awkwardly, gaining Phil's attention. "You ... don't mind right?" He asked.

"No ... I think it's quite cool." Phil admitted, smiling and looking down at his feet. Dan beamed, beyond happy that Phil accepted him.

"Oh thank god!" Dan breathed. "Just don't-"

"-tell anyone. I know." Phil smiled. Dan smiled back but was taken aback when Phil reached forward and pulled Dan into a tight hug. Dan froze at first but melted into the embrace straight away and hugging him back tight. He couldn't help nuzzle his face into the crook of Phil's neck, enjoying his warmth. He heard Phil mumble something but in his state of mind didn't hear him. 

"What?" He asked.

"Nothing ... I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow? For the project?" Phil asked, pulling away. Dan's wolf whimpered at the lack of contact but Dan smiled and nodded.

"Thanks Phil ... for understanding." Dan flushed.

"No problem, bye Dan." Phil smiled and then turned and walked away. The smile never left Dan's face all night.

- - -

Dan and Phil met after school again the next day but they went into town instead. They agreed they'd do the project afterwards but they just started to talk about interests. Dan was amazed at how much they had in common and couldn't help stare fondly at Phil who was beginning to open up to him. He was less shy and even started pulling his own jokes which Dan would laugh at. Dan was sure he had never been so happy in his life. 

"So do you live near the school?" Dan asked, changing the subject. Phil frowned.

"Um ... suppose I do." Phil replied.

"You suppose?" Dan asked, frowning.

"It's nothing, yes I live nearby." Phil stuttered.

"Oh, do you live on the beach?" 

"Yes." He replied but Phil didn't sound positive.

"Are you okay?" Dan asked.

"Yeah I'm fine, I just don't talk about my home life very much." Phil explained.

"Oh ... I'm sorry." 

"Don't be, you didn't know." Phil reassured, putting on a smile. 

They continued to walked through the stalls and shops, laughing and having a good time. Dan bought a bag of maltesers and happily shared them with Phil. As it got darker Dan and Phil sat down next to each other in a cafe over looking the sea and had a coffee each.

As the conversation died down Dan noticed Phil staring out at the sea once again. Dan admired how mesmerized Phil looked by the crashing waves. The small fairy lights from the cafe's decoration were creating little shining lights in his bright eyes which were full of wonder. Dan thought he looked beautiful in that moment and couldn't tear his gaze away. 

Phil finally snapped out of his day dream and turned back to his coffee, taking a sip. He stopped halfway through when he noticed Dan's eyes on him. Phil put his cup down and stared back into Dan's eyes, sharing a comfortable silence. "What?" Phil whispered. 

Dan didn't say anything, just glanced down at Phil's lips as if hinting what he wanted. He slowly, almost hesitantly leaned forward towards Phil. Phil didn't flinch or move away, in fact his eyes seemed to be drooping and his lips puckering as if in anticipation. Dan edged closer, lips so close. He could feel Phil's breath on his lips and he couldn't handle it any longer.

With the tilt of his head he gently connected their lips in a sweet innocent kiss. They didn't move their lips at first but Phil leaned in more, pushing their lips more firmly together. After about ten seconds they pulled away, grins on both their faces. Dan had felt sparks erupt through his body from the mate bond, he knew it was meant to be. Phil giggled before grabbing Dan's neck and pulling him back in for a more confident kiss, moving their lips in sync carefully. It wasn't a lust driven kiss, more of a 'I am completely in love with this person' kiss.

Dan's arms snaked round Phil's waist, then proceeded to pull him onto his lap. Phil started playing with the hair at the back of Dan's neck and Dan sighed in reply, loving his hair being played with. Dan then proceeded to lick along the seam of Phil's lips eagerly and Phil opened. Just as the kiss was about to take another step Dan felt an icy substance make him break apart and shriek. He looked down at his clothes and saw a red liquid down his front and dripping form his hair.

"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry, I didn't see where I was going I didn't mean to-" The waitress who had spilled the drinks apologized. 

"It's fine." Dan sighed, but was pissed off at her ruining their moment. Dan turned to look at Phil but was shocked to see he had disappeared. He then heard the light bang of the men's toilets shutting. Dan jumped to his feet and ran to the door. He tried the door handle but it was locked. "Phil are you okay?" Dan asked.

"I ... I'm fine. I'll be out in a minute." His shaky voice replied.

"Can I come in?"

"NO! ... I mean, I don't want you to see me liked this. I'm fine really." Phil explained.

"Okay ... I'll be out the front. You sure you're okay?"

"Yes!" Something was up with Phil. Dan frowned, did he regret kissing him? Was that spillage a way out? After the waitress and the manager made a fuss for a while Dan waited outside, tugging his jumped tight around him. The wind felt extra cold since his shirt was soaked. He waited for another ten minutes and was having doubts on whether Phil was coming. Had he ran away? Dan felt his wolf whine and howl for Phil.

He was about to give up and leave when he saw Phil walk out, somehow completely dry. "Look Dan, i-it's getting late. I should get home." Phil stuttered, not looking Dan in the eye.

"Oh ... okay. Do you want me to walk you home?" Dan asked.

"No, I'm fine. I'll see you a school tomorrow." Phil said and with that started walking away. Dan felt himself hurting inside, he was positive Phil didn't want him. He managed to cut off the pack link because if he haden't the whole pack would probably be going crazy at the pain that Dan felt. It felt like he had been rejected and that was a big deal for a werewolf.

- - -

Phil wasn't at school the next day and Dan felt even more depressed. The wolves in his pack didn't have to feel his emotions to know he was feeling shit. They noticed by the lack of enthusiasm and the way he was slumped and the miserable expression on his face.

No one asked him what was wrong, taking the hint that he wanted to be left alone. However, through the day he'd get comforting pats on the back or something similar from all his pack members.

"Don't worry Dan, I'm sure he'll be back soon ... You just need to talk to him." PJ tried to reassure, but even Dan could tell the was doubt in his words. He still appreciated PJ for trying.

Phil was back the next day but Dan didn't have any classes where they could talk so waited outside of school for him at the end of the day. When he saw Phil exit the building Carrie Dan jumped to attention and went up to him.

"Phil!" Dan called. Phil looked at him wide eyed but continued to walk. Dan frowned, did Phil hate him that much? "Phil!" Dan tried again, no response. Dan grew angry and ran after Phil, grabbing his shoulder. "Don't ignore me!" Dan exclaimed. Phil didn't answer but frowned down at the floor. Carrie just watched in shock.

"What do you want?" Phil asked harshly.

"An explanation. Why did you run away that night? Why weren't you at school yesterday? Why are you ignoring me?" Dan asked, anger clear in his voice.

"None of your business, now leave me alone." Phil replied harshly.

"Oh, so you're running away again?" Dan retorted.

"Go away." Phil replied.

"NO! What did I do wrong?" Dan exclaimed angrily.

"GO AWAY DAN! I DON'T WANT YOU NEAR ME! I DON'T LIKE YOU SO FUCK OFF." Phil burst, making Carrie gasp and cover her mouth. Dan's eyes widened in shock. He felt like he had been stabbed through the heart. His wolf was howling in pain, he even physically stumbled backwards, clutching his heart. Dan felt like he was going to cry, so he glared at Phil and took off in werewolf speed, not caring who saw.

Immediately mind links were sent his way, the pain was too great and it was obvious that the pack had felt it.

"Are you okay?"

"Are you hurt?"

"Dan! What's wrong?"

"WHAT HAPPENED?" Dan growled and cut them off. As he reached the woods he shifted into his wolf and ran.

Just ran.

- - -

Dan shifted back into human form, pulling on the extra pair of clothes in his school bag and walking along the mountain side looking out over the sea. He let out a shaky breath and scanned the ocean waves. They looked grey and restless, and the sky had seemed to go black and inky, a storm clearly on its way. 

Dan felt two tears escape his eyes and he couldn't help feel pathetic. He was an alpha and here he was crying like a baby.

... but a mate is important to a wolf. How would you feel if the one who was made for you, rejected you? Dan furiously wiped them away, determined to stay strong even in his damaged state. He walked along the cliff side until he came to a particularly steep one. A nostalgic feeling washed over him, then his eyes widened in realization. This is where Phil had jumped off those many days ago.

Dan cautiously leaned over the side, cringing at how violently the waves were hurling itself at the cliff face. Whoever fell into that would clearly not survive. How had Phil survived even on a calm day? It was a question always nagging him but maybe it didn't matter anymore.

Dan was about to turn back but a particularly strong gust of wind blew against him and suddenly he lost balance. His heart was in his throat and he let out a shriek as he fell over the edge and went hurtling towards the waves. Dan's eyes widened in fear and all he could think about was, "This is it. I'm going to die here and my family, pack and friends will never know!" 

Finally, his body made contact with the waves and a stinging sensation went through his whole body. A pain of hitting the water's surface so hard at such a rapid pace. Dan desperately tried to hold his breath and swim to the surface but he had gasped when he hit the icy water and there was water filling his lungs. He struggled to swim up but his body was numb and sore from impacting the water's surface. 

His vision was showing black dots and his head began to hurt badly. His throat and chest were screaming in pain and all he could feel was panic, pain and regret. Slowly he stopped struggling, his vision went black and his body went limp.

- - -

Sobbing.

He heard sobbing. Dan frowned, wasn't he dead? Why was everything dark? Was this it? Was he going to stay in nothingness forever, with the tortures of the people he loved crying over him? 

He felt a pressure on his chest, heavy thumps, then a warm heat cover his lips ... more sobbing. Slowly he tried to open his eyes and shut them immediately when a blinding light appeared.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry Dan!" He heard the person sob.  He felt a water in his throat and found it hard to breath. Suddenly he was coughing, spluttering, retching. Doing whatever he could to breath. He gasped for breath and stared wide eyed then scrunched them shut the the light of the sky that blinded him.

"DAN! You're alive, come on! You can do it, it's fine!" The voice assured. Dan opened his eyes again and waited for his blurry vision to make out the figure in front of him. Phil's eyes widened when he saw Phil's face above him, soaking wet with a tear stained face. "OH MY GOD DAN!" Phil exclaimed and suddenly his arms were wrapped round Dan, squeezing him tight to his chest.

Even in Dan's confused state of mind, he happily hugged Phil back, feeling secure in his arms. "Phil ..." Dan whispered, but it mainly came out in a croak since his throat was still sore.

"I'm so sorry!" Phil exclaimed and grabbed Dan's face, smashing their lips together. "So ... so ... so ... so ... sorry!" Phil breathed between kisses. Dan smiled and tugged Phil back for a proper kiss, raking his fingers through Phil's black locks. Once Dan was dangerously close to passing out again he pulled away and gasped for breath.

"I thought you died!" Phil's voice broke. "I thought I had lost you! Why the hell were you in there in a storm?!" Phil exclaimed.

"I lost balance and fell off the cliff." Dan explained. Phil shook his head and hugged him close, holding him as if he'd disappear at any moment.

"Idiot!" Phil whispered, making Dan smile. Dan looked down and his eyes widened. 

"Ph-phil?" He stuttered and Phil pulled away. He noticed Dan's stare on his legs and he suddenly felt very nervous. Instead of Phil's legs was a bright blue tail covered in shimmering scales. It shone beautifully in the light. 

"I-I'm a merman." Phil admitted anxiously. 

"Wow!" Dan breathed, reaching out and stroking across the scales. Dan's eyes marvelled at Phil's bare chest for a moment before trailing down with his fingers, staring from his waist and right down the tips of his tail. Phil had closed his eyes during this but yelped when Dan's fingers brushed the tips of his tail. "Sorry, did I hurt you?" Dan asked, worriedly.

"No, no. It's just ... a sensitive part of my body." Phil replied, embarrassed. Dan smirked.

"As in sexually?" Dan teased. Phil blushed but smiled up at Dan. "Well that's good to know." He confirmed, making Phil blush deeper. "Did you rescue me?"

"Yeah." Phil replied sheepishly. Dan grinned and took hold of Phil's chin, pecking him lightly on the lips.

"Thank you." Dan whispered, making Phil beam. Everything clicked into place - how he survived the fall, why he liked the sea, why he rushed off when he was covered in water. Then Dan remembered that Phil told Dan that he didn't want him. 

Dan's eyes widened, his hand dropped from Phil's face and the smiled disappeared. Phil frowned. Dan looked down at his lap, avoiding eye contact. "Yeah, thanks ..." Dan said, tone colder than before.

"Dan? ..." Phil asked, worried look on his face. Dan didn't look at Phil, just turned away and hung his head, this didn't change anything. Phil didn't want him. He suddenly felt angry again, he had told Phil about his wolf and Dan knew he felt the spark. Even still Phil played with his feelings and kept his own secrets. "Dan, I-"

"Is this a game to you?" Dan asked.

"What?" Phil asked, looking horrified.

"I don't appreciate you playing with my feelings Phil. Do you know what a mate is? It is when two people were created for each other. Imagine having one perfect person made for you and you only! A mate is very important to a werewolf! You knew you had some sort of connection to me, I know you felt the sparks. You are my mate Phil Lester! When you said you didn't want me that broke me, it can shatter someone! Some wolves go rouge, some just want to die, others pass away from heart break! I didn't mean to hurl myself off that cliff but the only reason I am strong enough not to go to such drastic measure is because I am an alpha. I am the leader of my pack and that gives me that little bit of extra strength. If I was a normal wolf I'd be as good as dead! I don't know what you're trying to prove but if you're just going to reject me you should have just left me to drown!" Dan explained, venom laced through his words.

Phil was sitting in shocked silence. Dan was about to get up and try to walk away but Phil grabbed his wrist. "Don't go!" He whimpered. Dan frowned.

"Why?"

"B-because ... I love you..." Phil trailed off, looking down at the sand. Dan's looked at Phil in complete awe. "I-I was scared about what you'd think about me. I knew you were my mate, you're my beloved, that's mate in mermaid terms. Even though I knew you were a wolf I thought you'd run away in disgust when you saw me. I've never told anyone my secret, the only person who knows is my sister because she's one too. I ... I'm just not used to telling people. If I had known how it affected you, I would have never..." Phil whimpered again. Dan felt his anger drain and hated seeing Phil like that. "I don't know what I'd have done if you actually d-died Dan!" Phil exclaimed, tears escaping his eyes.

Dan melted, he reached forward, cupping Phil's face in his hands. He wiped the tears away with his thumb and rested his forehead against Phil's.

"I'm sorry." Phil whispered.

"Don't be. I'm sorry, I didn't know either." Dan stated firmly, and kissed his forehead. He then pulled Phil close who cuddled into him. Dan started to shiver, the harsh wind making his body cold. "U-um, Ph-phil! I-it's really c-cold!" Dan stuttered.

"Okay let me dry off then we'll get you back to the house!" Phil said and let go of Dan. He then dragged his tail off the damp sand and held a hand out over it. A steam seemed to rise off his scales and two minutes later there was a flash of light and Phil's tail transformed into legs, thankfully he had shorts on. "Lets get you warm." Phil smiled.

"Hang on." Dan said and grabbed Phil's face, crashing their lips together in a passionate kiss. Their lips moved together like to pieces of the puzzle and they clutched each other tight. Dan ran his tongue along Phil's lips and, like before, opened up. Dan slid his tongue in and explored Phil's mouth, making a content noise leave Phil's lips. Dan led the kiss, enjoying every second of it until they both ran out of air.

"God, I love kissing you." Phil mumbled.

"That makes two of us." Dan grinned and connected their lips again.

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

Jesus, this took two days to write!!! ~HelloAnonymousWriter~