Chapter Sixteen: Phil's POV*

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" Chris exclaimed. I frowned. "You were with him ... what? A week? Jesus Phil you are picky." Chris chuckled.

"Hey! ... We just weren't working out." I defended. I looked to Dan and PJ and they both looked a lot happier for some reason. 

"Are you okay Phil?" Dan asked gently, taking my hand and brushing his finger over my knuckles. It was comforting and sent a small shiver up my spine, his touch was so perfect and I wanted to hold his hand forever.

"Y-yeah I'm fine." I smiled, thoughts not completely straight with Dan holding my hand (no pun intended). He smiled and released his hand from mine and then looked towards Chris and PJ, blushing a bit. I turned and felt embarrassed as Chris and PJ smirked at us, wiggling their eyebrows.

"So ..." Chris says, changing the subject. "I'm having a party on Saturday and you fuckers are invited." He announced proudly.

"It's not going to be one of those lame ones where only us four show up right?" I asked, a flat look on my face.

"Of course not, every one in our year is welcome too." He smirked. I chuckled and turned to Dan who had a look of discomfort on his face. 

"Dan?" I asked, he snapped his gaze to mine and looked embarrassed. 

"Sorry, it's just ... I'm still not big on parties." He replied sheepishly.

"Don't worry mate, it's my party so if things get too out of hand then I'll kick them out. If their causing trouble, you know where to come." Chris smiled.

"Thanks Chris, I'm just not that good with being social." 

"Understatement of the year." PJ snorted and drank from his water bottle. Dan chuckled and picked at the grass around his ankles and started to throw it at me.

"Hey!" I whined and threw it back at him. Soon we were in a grass battle and Chris had joined in whilst PJ looked amused at the sidelines. 

"What have we here?" A voice asked, stopping our fun. I squinted up and scowled when I saw Anton's smirking face. 

"What do you want?" PJ spat.

"I wanted to let Phil know that his boyfriend better watch out." He winked.

"He's not his boyfriend, they broke up." Chris retorted. I closed my eyes in frustration, to be honest I'd rather Chris haden't said anything. At least Anton would stay away a bit more.

"Oh so he's single?" He smirked, intense gaze meeting mine and making me uncomfortable. To think I kissed that idiot ... the thought made me cringe and I cowered away from his gaze.

"Fuck off Anton, or do I have to teach you a lesson again?" Dan spat. I looked over to see him looking very angry. It was sweet that he felt the need to defend me.

"Please, you don't intimidate me!" Anton snarled, charming facade dropping for a moment. Dan stood up to his full length, towering over Anton. Anton scowled at him but I could see him stepping back slightly. 

"I don't give a fuck what you think just leave us alone asshole." Dan retorted. Anton scoffed and turned his gaze to mine and smirked that creepy smirk.

"Bye Phil." He smiled charmingly and turned on his heel and walked off. 

"Bye." I barely whispered. I didn't know what to feel, I could feel my body start to shake and quiver. He was everything that reminded me of how I was treated in the past and when his facade cracks I can't help feel terrified that those events will be repeated. I'm terrified of him, terrified to fall for him although I'm positive I won't . . . I just want him to leave me alone.

"Phil?" Dan asked softly, crouching in front of me. Only then did I realize I had zoned out and was shaking badly. "Are you alright?" He asked, concern in his eyes. Usually I'd lie and tell him I'd be fine but I felt scared and knew it was no use hiding it. Anton was the devil. I shook my head and bit my lip which was threatening to quiver. I would not cry like a baby. I have cried over Anton too many times with so many undeserved tears.

Dan smiled softly and sat down next to me. He gently pushed me into a lying position until I was in his lap and he started to stroke my hair. I immediately felt the calming effects of his fingers combing and massaging my scalp. I let out a sigh as I slowly began to stop shaking.

I jumped when I felt a hand on my leg and opened my eyes to see Chris give it a reassuring squeeze before getting in a conversation with PJ to avoid awkward silence, or possibly give Dan and I some time alone. "I won't let him hurt you Phil." Dan whispered and I looked up to meet his beautiful gaze. 

I was locked in place, eyes holding his mesmerizing stare, he started to lean down. My heart thumped faster than a drum, I felt it beat loudly in my ears. Was he going to kiss me? I felt my breath hitch as his lips inched closer. I held my breath and was confused when he didn't lean down the rest of the way. Instead his lips lightly brushed my forehead in a gentle peck before he smiled and pulled away, continuing to massage my hair.

I felt disappointed but I was also buzzing with excitement. Dan Howell had kissed my forehead, surely that meant something didn't it? I couldn't help grin like a fool.

Suddenly the bell rang, making me moan in annoyance. I didn't want to move from our comfortable position. Dan chuckled and got to his feet, and offering a hand down to me which I gladly accepted. I brushed the grass off my jeans and stretched.

Dan giggled and I frowned, giving him a weird look. He then reached forward and took a few blades of grass out of my hair, making me smile. His hand didn't move from my hair though, he tucked a stray lock behind my ear and cupped my cheek. The beating in my heart increased once again. He grinned and pulled me in for a hug. I nearly huffed in frustration when he didn't kiss me but I accepted his embrace anyway, snuggling into his shoulder.

"Come on you two, we'll be late!" PJ called. We pulled away, grinning then ran after them.

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There we go a very overdue chapter! :P I don't know how frequently I will be updating so ... yeah. Hope you enjoy it! 

~HelloAnonymousWriter~