Touch ☞☜ Phan

Chapter Nine

Trigger Warning

Somebody who's an abuser in a relationship is a rapist.  However, the rape isn't described.

I pace around the living room, rewinding the previous events over and over again in my mind. Could I have gone about telling Phil better? Probably not.

I run my hands through my curls, debating on whether or not I should run after Phil when I hear the front door open.

Phil walks in, his light eyes perplexed and dark hair messy. "I'm sorry for leaving," he says. "I had to take a moment to process this."

I nod and sit down, still shirtless.

Phil joins me on the couch. "You have a...superpower?," he asks.

I shrug. "I've been thinking of it as just a power—it's not exactly super."

"When did you find out about the affair?"

"A month ago. This is all new information to me as well."

Phil nods. "What words appeared when you touched me?"

"Well, at the party, I touched myself and then you. 'Best friend' and 'crush' appeared." I bite my lip. "'Love' also popped up. When I touched you and then myself as we were...making out, 'boyfriend' and 'love' appeared. I attempted to avoid using my power on you, but I messed up."

Phil's cheeks turn crimson. "You tried to avoid touching me. You really love me?," he asks.

I nod. "I know it's early in our relationship, but I know that I love you.  You're changing my life for the better. I care for you immensely, Phil."

"I love you," Phil says, "and I want to believe you.  You're right about my feelings for you."

"I also consider you my boyfriend now," I say.

Phil takes my hand.  "That's wonderful."

I kiss Phil's cheek.

"How do you know that the words are real and not just in your head?," Phil asks, concern dominating his tone.

"You're the creative one, Phil.  I couldn't have come up with this power even if I tried to."

"You're creative, Dan.  You're also stunning, hilarious, and witty.  I'm so lucky to have you."

"You're all of those things," I say, "in addition to unique and perfect, Phil."

"You're unique and perfect," Phil says, brushing a curl behind my ear.  He kisses me softly.  "How do our friends feel about you?"

"Asha feels comfort toward me, and Amelia felt curiosity toward me when we first met. Oh, and by the way, Mr. Doug believes that I have potential."

Phil nods. "You do have potential, Dan.  You're so, so special.  Do you know how your parents feel about you?"

I shake my head. "I don't want to know, you truly special boy."

Phil blushes.  "I'm sure that they adore you. I'd be proud if you were my creation."

"And I'd be proud if you were mine."

"I'm glad that you trust me enough to tell me about your power," Phil says. "I also trust you."

"I'm glad.  I was worried that you were abandoning me."

"I would never do that, I promise," Phil says.

"Good."

"I want to watch you use your power," Phil says.

"There's nothing to see, but okay," I say, touching my arm.  I intertwine my fingers with Phil's.