#bookworm!dan

Phil looks over when he hears footsteps, and sees one of his usual customers walk into the library, drenched in rain. It’s been storming all evening, with lightning and thunder going off every once in a while. It causes a slow day, not that Phil is complaining. That’s why Phil became a librarian, because it’s quiet, and gives him a chance to spend time with his books. He doesn’t deal with nearly as many people.

But, the curly brown haired boy who comes in every day is one person Phil doesn’t mind seeing.

“Not even the rain could keep you away, huh?”

Dan startles at the sudden voice, and he looks over at Phil, before his cheeks turn bright pink, suddenly feeling embarrassed. “I, uh, I just got bored at home… you know? I-”

“It’s okay,” Phil chuckles softly. “You don’t owe me any explanation. Besides, not saying it’s a bad thing.”

Dan grins. “Yeah, from the looks of it, it kind of seems like you could use some company,” he says, taking his bag off his shoulder. He walks over and sets his bag on one of the tables.

“Yeah, it’s been slow today. I mean, not that that’s a bad thing for me,” Phil confirms with a nod. “But also, any sane person would stay home during a thunderstorm.”

“I’m not what you would call sane,” Dan retorts, trying to make a joke.

“Clearly,” Phil replies, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Dan scowls at that, and decides to ignore Phil’s comment then. He pulls two books out of his bag and he walks up to the counter. “I’d like to return these books,” he says.

“You finished these already? You just checked them out two days ago,” Phil says as he takes the books.

“Well, I mean, you can’t really be surprised I finished them already with the amount of time I’m in this damn library,” Dan replies, shrugging his shoulders. “I actually read my books, unlike most other people who probably just check them out and then forget them.”

“Fair point,” Phil agrees, nodding. “Did you enjoy the books at least?”

“I enjoyed them,” Dan confirms, smiling. “Now I just need to find some other books to read.”

“Well, if you need any help… you know where to find me,” Phil says, grinning up at Dan.

“Thanks,” Dan says, before walking back over to his claimed table. He sits down and pulls out his airpods as well as his phone, turning on his playlist made specifically for when he’s at the library. Quiet and calm, peaceful music that he can listen to when he’s either studying, doing homework or just simply reading.

Dan spends a bit of time doing his homework that’s due tomorrow for his English class. He’d completely forgotten about it and now he’s stuck doing it at the last minute.

The storm is getting heavier outside, causing the lights to flicker on and off.

Dan debates on whether or not he should start heading home, but it’s pouring rain outside and Dan doesn’t feel like getting drenched again. But, he has no clue when it’s supposed to stop raining.

Dan sighs quietly as he stares out the window, watching the rain, anxiety slowly coming through.

“I’m worried the power will go out before the library closes,”

Dan startles, and he looks over to see the librarian standing beside him. “The power?”

“Yeah,” Phil nods. “The lights were flickering on and off earlier. If the power goes out, we’ll be stuck.”

“Why didn’t you tell me that earlier?” Dan groans. “I can’t walk in this rain!”

“You walked here? Are you mad?” Phil exclaims, before shaking his head. “You can ride with me-”

“No, no way, I can’t ask you to do that-”

“Mate, it’s no problem at all. I’m not going to let you walk home alone in the rain,” Phil says. “Oh, I’m Phil, by the way. I thought maybe it would make you feel better if you knew my name.”

“I’m Dan,” Dan says, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “Thanks. Uh, for offering.” He yelps when suddenly the lights go off. He groans, throwing his head back. “Well, that’s just great.”

“As long as the door didn’t automatically lock up, then we should be fine,”

Dan frowns as he watches Phil head towards the library doors. “I have a feeling you just jinxed us,”

“I didn’t jinx us,” Phil says, rolling his eyes. He goes to try and open the doors, but they don’t budge. “Okay, that’s fine. I have keys.” He walks over to his desk and opens his drawer. He instantly freezes when he sees that his keys are not where they’re supposed to be. “Well, that’s not good.”

“What do you mean that’s not good?” Dan asks, walking over to the desk. “You have the keys, right?”

“Uhm, not exactly,” Phil says, looking up at Dan. “But, it’s fine-”

“It doesn’t sound fine!” Dan exclaims, his eyes widening. “You’re telling me that we’re trapped here?”

“Look, we would have been trapped here anyways,” Phil argues. “In case you haven’t noticed, it’s still storming outside, and it’s not exactly safe to drive or walk in this kind of condition. Dan, don’t panic, okay? I’m just going to call Macy and she’ll come and unlock the doors.”

“Macy?” Dan asks, blinking. “Who the hell is Macy?”

“She’s the principal of the school. You know her better as Mrs. Conewell,” Phil explains.

“Well, okay. As long as you can promise that we’ll get out of here. I love the library, but I don’t exactly wanna be stuck here forever,” Dan mumbles.

“Don’t worry,” Phil tells him. He pulls out his phone, and is relieved that he still has service, so he quickly sends a message to Macy, asking for help. Phil sets his phone down and searches through his desk until he finds his flashlight. “It’s not much, but it’ll do until the power comes back on.”

“This isn’t exactly how I thought my Friday night would go,” Dan mumbles.

“Did you expect anything less when it’s storming outside?” Phil asks, raising his eyebrows at Dan.

“Well, I certainly didn’t expect this,” Dan retorts, huffing. “I can’t even do my homework.”

“You can, it’ll just be very difficult for you to do,” Phil replies with a grin.

Dan glares at him, but he can’t even stay mad at Phil when he’s got the goofy grin on his face. “Whatever. Do you have an extra flashlight? At least I can look through the books and try to find new ones to take,”

“No, but I can walk around with you,” Phil says, walking over to Dan. “If you don’t mind, of course.”

Dan shrugs his shoulders. “Doesn’t bother me. I like company,” he says.

“Most people who spend their time at libraries are quite the opposite,” Phil says as he starts following Dan towards the books. “You know, enjoying the quiet. Being away from people. I know I do sometimes.”

“Oh, definitely. But, I also don’t mind the company. I live alone and don’t have many friends,” Dan says.

“You live alone? How old are you?” Phil asks curiously.

Dan chuckles. “I’m eighteen. Moved out of my parents house as soon as I turned eighteen. I’ve had a job since I was sixteen so I’ve been saving up the money,” he says.

“Wow. I was not expecting to hear that about you, but… that’s good, that you want to be independent,” Phil says. “Which way are we going? I want to make sure I’m shining the light correctly.”

“Just point it in front of me. I don’t have a direction yet,” Dan tells him.

It’s quiet as Dan walks throughout the library, trying to find some new books to read, though it’s quite difficult for someone who is constantly checking out books from this library. Though Dan feels comfortable and safe knowing that Phil is with him, even if they aren’t exactly conversing with each other.

Eventually, Dan ends up going with two classics that he’s certainly already read multiple times but he’s been wanting to re-read the series again, so he picks up Twilight and The Hunger Games.

It’s like a miracle when the power comes back on, just as Dan had picked up his books.

Phil sighs in relief. “Let there be light,”

Dan giggles. “There’s light. But, are we able to leave?”

“What? Have you gotten sick of my wonderful company already?” Phil asks, smirking at Dan. He walks over to the door and opens it without a problem. He looks over at Dan, who sighs in relief. Phil chuckles, and makes sure to keep the door open with the doorstand. Just in case. “We’re free.”

“Oh! It looks like it’s finally stopped raining too,” Dan says when he catches a glimpse out the window.

Phil makes his way back over to Dan. “You know, I can still take you home, if you’d like,”

Dan hesitates, as he looks over at Phil. “I- I wouldn’t want to impose-”

“You’re not imposing,” Phil says, shaking his head. “I’m offering to take you home, because I care. It was just storming outside, and there’s a chance that you could still get sick from the weather. I can’t have one of my best customers out sick, can I?” He smiles sweetly.

“Well, okay. If you’re really sure. I can pay you back next time I get paid,” Dan assures him.

Phil shakes his head. “You don’t need to pay me back Dan,” he says. “Or-” He leans against his desk, trying to be smooth because he really wants to impress Dan. “You could let me take you out on a date.” He yelps when his hand slips, causing him to tumble over.

Dan instantly bursts into a fit of giggles. “You know what? Just for that, I’ll take you up on that offer,”

Phil perks up, and he looks at Dan. “Wait, really? I just made myself look like a-”

“So, I think you’re cute, Phil. You’re also really nice to me every time I come in here,” Dan says. “So, yes. I’ll go on a date with you. I’ll give you my number and you can text me the details?”