TW: Mentions of depression and self harm.

"Phil." Dan muttered, closing his laptop and placing it on the table. That proved he meant business, Dan never shut down the Internet. Not for family, not for anything. Internet always came first.

"Yeah? Are you okay?" Phil looked up from his own laptop and, when seeing the distressed look on Dan's face, he shut his laptop too. Silence filled the air and Dan contemplated every problem and solution with what was going on. He had to do this perfectly or he could ruin their relationship.

"Yes? Well no, not really. I need to talk to you." Dan fiddled with his sleeves, holding back tears which were about to fall.

He could do this!

After all, it was only Phil, sweet, kind Phil. He wouldn't hate Dan even after hearing what he has to say.

Would he?

"About what?"

"Phil, I think I have depression again." Dan diverted his gaze to his feet which were practically glued to the floor. Even if he wanted to run, he couldn't because he was enveloped in numbness. He felt like he couldn't move.

He was frozen, glued to the sofa.

"Why would you think that?" Phil obviously didn't know what to say as he pushed on the subject.

"Well, it's been happening again... I keep crying and stress is building up on me! I can't do this anymore!" Dan still managed to hold back the tears but soon enough, he'd break...

"Oh, Danny." Phil smiled and wrapped his arms around Dan. "What's stressing you out?"

"Life! Everyone always relies on me for everything and I JUST CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" That's when he broke down in sobs and screams.

"Dan, it will be okay. We'll figure something out-"

"You don't get it! It's not that easy!"

"I'll stick by you, just tell me what's wrong."

"I-I will."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

-

"Hey Dan?" Phil wondered, walking into the kitchen and grabbing a bowl. Dan hummed a response, picking up his ready made tea and taking a sip. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Dan muttered, taking another sip, enjoying the warm sensation as the hot beverage slid down his throat.

"Don't lie to me."

"Fine I'm not okay (I Promise)." Dan ran into his boyfriend's arms and let out a quiet sob.

"I'm here for you; I love you..."

"Promise you'll never leave?"

"Promise."

-

"Dan, what's that?" Phil asked as Dan ate his breakfast one morning.

"What's what?" He responded, completely clueless.

"That on your arm." Dan looked down to see his sleeve had slightly ridden up to show a dark red line. He put his spoon down, suddenly losing his appetite.

"Nothing, I... um... Hit it on the counter this morning."

"Then show me the rest of your arm." Dan vigorously shook his head, standing up. "I was there for you when we were teenagers and I'll be there for you now..." Dan reluctantly held out his arm to his boyfriend, feeling the tears well up in his dark eyes. Phil rolled up his sleeves and gasped at the sight. All over his tanned skin were lines, bright red recent ones along with light, barely visible ones from his teenage years.

"I'm so sorry. I've let you down again. I wasn't strong enough..." Dan whispered, pulling his arm away from Phil and beginning to walk away.

"Wait," Phil put his hand on Dan's shoulder and he turned around, meeting Phil's eyes. "I'm always here for you, okay?"

"Okay..." Dan whispered, barely believing it himself. Phil enveloped him in a protectively tight hug and Dan melted into the embrace.

"Don't listen to your mind, listen to me. You're beautiful, smart and, most importantly, strong."