Dan looked at the boy sitting opposite, frowns on both of their faces. Dan had spent his entire Geography lesson perfecting his explanation. He slid the paper across the table, watching closely as Phil read it.

Phil, I am so sorry but I don't want to be with you anymore. I know it hasn't been long but I have feelings for someone else. I want to be with them but I do hope we can still be friends. I do really like you and I hope you know that.

Phil stood up, rubbed his eyes and then stormed out of the library whilst Dan could only watch.

-

Dan: I did it. I told him.

Ethan: How'd he take it?

Dan: Not well :(

Ethan: Maybe you should have stayed with him? He has known you longer..?

Dan: No. I like you more. You're funny and sweet and attractive...

Ethan: You think so?

Dan: I know so

Ethan: Aw... thank you. I have to go to history now ehhh

Dan: See you later then. Enjoy history!

Ethan: I won't. Bye bye!

-

Phil literally refused to talk to Dan. Even when Dan was walking towards him, ready to talk things through, he had just raced off in the opposite direction.

Dan: I'm sorry

Phil: It's Ethan, isn't it? You've barely known him a week...

Dan: I know but I really like him

Phil: You never even liked me, did you?

Dan: I did

Dan: I do

Dan: I don't know anymore

-

Dan sighed as he walked into his house with Alice. "Something's up and you're not telling me." Alice said, rubbing Dan's back gently. "I'm always here for you." Dan nodded before rushing upstairs and heading into his and Ethan's room. Ethan was sitting under a blanket with a bowl on his lap. Ethan lifted up the cover, letting Dan slip under into the warmth.

"I hope you like Jurassic Park." Dan nodded, leaning his head on Ethan's shoulder and watching the movie.

Half way through the film, someone knocked on the door before letting themselves in. Dan lifted his head up but Ethan didn't move his arm from where it was around Dan.

"Dan, I need you to speak to me out here." The tone of Alice's voice was gentle, exactly the tone you expect to hear before receiving bad news. Dan sent Ethan a worried look but the other boy just smiled, encouraging him to be strong and to listen to what Alice had to say. Ethan couldn't take away that fear of the unknown though, could he? Dan just had to face whatever was needed to be said, ignoring the uneasiness of his stomach. Once they were outside, Alice placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. Despite time having passed since his horrible experiences, he still found himself flinching at the simple touch. "A court date has been scheduled for your parents. You will need to speak against them." Dan's eyes were wide as he wasn't too sure how to react. "The date is next Thursday and you can take someone with you for support if you would like."

Dan pointed at his and Ethan's door.

"Ethan?"

He nodded.

"If that's okay with him." Dan then went back to Ethan, getting under the cover again and trying to ignore his nausea.

"You okay?" Ethan asked, bringing his hand through Dan's hair in a loving way. "Why'd she need to talk to you?"

"P-Parents' court date." Dan found himself actually wanting to talk to Ethan; it was odd. Maybe it was because of their growing bond and how much Dan felt he could trust him. Ethan was just so patient and kind.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"C-Come with m-me?"

"Of course. I'm always here for you." Ethan leaned forward and pressed a small kiss to Dan's forehead. It made Dan feel safe; safer than he had ever felt before.

Hmm Dan is feeling safe! But how long will he feel safe? Forever? YOU'LL FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON THE UNKNOWN!