#festive!phil

Dan finally rolled over, blinking sleepily as he watched Phil, loving his low notes and cringing at his high notes. He loved Phil’s singing voice; slightly jealous even. The way Phil was able to deepen that baritone voice of his and actually hold a note; it always seemed to impress Dan.

“You’re no Mariah.” Dan muttered before closing his eyes and sinking back into his pillow.

“Rude!” Phil let out with a gasp. “It’s December 1st, which means I’m now legally allowed to listen to this all day every day and sing along as loudly as I want.” he said, crossing his arms. He waited for this day all year, as Dan had banned this song from playing in their home any time before the 1st of December.

“You’re not allowed to do anything this early” Dan said.

“It’s 11:00.″ Phil told him, finally hitting pause on the song.

“Exactly.” Dan said as he buried his head into his pillow.

“No, you need to get up!” Phil said, shaking his boyfriend ever-so-gently. “We’ve got lots to do today!”

Dan’s eyes shot open. “Such as?”

“Well, put up a Christmas tree, of course!” Phil spoke happily.

“That’d be a lot easier to do if you didn’t forget our rave tree at the old flat.” Dan said as he sat up on his elbow.

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that.” Phil said.

“You plus thinking is never a good thing.” Dan quipped. 

Phil just ignored him. “I was thinking, what if we get a real Christmas tree this year?”

Dan let out a laugh. “You can’t even keep a houseplant alive!”

“Yes, I can!” Phil fought.

“Tell that to Loki!” Dan then said. 

Phil gasped. “We don’t speak of her!” he let out. “I try my best.” he then said, pouting slightly.

Dan sat up, curling a bit into Phil’s side. “I know you do, I’m sorry. It’s just, you really want to take on the responsibility of a real Christmas tree?”

Phil let a hand rummage through Dan’s messy morning curls. “I thought it would be fun.” he said. “Try new things, right?”

Dan sighed. “Try new things.” he agreed. “So, how exactly do we get this real tree?”

Phil giggled. “Well, we’ve got to go to the tree lot, pick one out and they’ll chop it down for us to bring home.”

“And how the hell are we going to get it home? What, tie in on the roof of the taxi?” Dan asked sarcastically.

“Well, I was hoping Martyn might come with us so we could use his car.” Phil said. “I texted him a little while ago, I’m just waiting for him to respond.”

As if on cue, Phil’s phone dinged with a new text from his brother. Phil read the text before looking up at Dan.

“Well? What’d he say?” Dan asked.

“He said we could use his car.” Phil told him.

“Oh, okay. You looked like he’d given you bad news.” Dan said with a chuckle.

“Well, we can use his car… as long as one of us drives it.” Phil told him.

“Excuse me?” Dan let out.

“He said he’ll be busy all day but we’re more than welcome to take his car.” Phil said.

“Well he clearly doesn’t care much about his car if he’s leaving it in our hands.” Dan said. 

“Scared to hit the road, Howell?” Phil asked, his voice becoming slightly deeper as it always did when he teased Dan.

“Yes!” Dan said with an obvious laugh. “And you should be too.”

“I can do it. I’m not afraid to get behind the wheel.” Phil spoke confidently. 

Dan’s eyes widened. “I’ve seen you play Mario Kart. I would fear for our lives.” 

The pout returned to Phil’s face. “Wow, you have such little faith in me today.”

Dan’s face softened. “Phil, it’s not that. I don’t trust myself to drive either. Neither of us have driven a car in years.”

Phil smirked. “Try new things?”

“You’re only allowed to whack out the ‘try new things’ excuse once a day.” Dan declared.

“Says who?” Phil asked.

“Says me.” Dan simply said.

“And who exactly put you in charge?” Phil asked as he rolled over on top of his boyfriend, much reminiscent to a certain incident captured in the first Phil is not on fire.

Dan looked up at Phil with wide eyes and an uncontrollable smile on his face.

“Hmm?” Phil continued. “First, no ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ until December 1st, then no more than one ‘try new things’ a day. What’s next, you won’t let me have sweets?” 

Dan couldn’t help but laugh at his boyfriend’s ridiculousness - and also the fact he had hidden Phil’s latest packet of marshmallows to try and limit his sugar intake. But Phil didn’t need to know that right now.

“Why don’t we just get a tree whenever Martyn is available to drive us?” Dan asked.

“But Dan, it’s already December 1st! If we wait too long, all the good trees will be gone and we’ll get stuck with a crappy one. Just ask Charlie Brown, he knows what I’m talking about.” Phil said.

Dan burst out laughing at that. Phil didn’t usually make him laugh with his purposeful jokes or terrible puns; it was more of Phil’s dry wit, the things Dan never saw coming, that would send him into hysterics, which would then send Phil into hysterics right along with him.

When the two calmed down, Dan brought his hands to rest on Phil’s waist.”You may be an overly-festive, plant-killing, bad-driving rat… but you are really funny.” he said.

Phil’s face held a mixture of shock and offense, but he knew there was a compliment in there somewhere. 

“I guess,” Dan then said. “I can try driving to the tree lot. How hard could it be?”

“I mean, I’ve seen you play Mario Kart as well. As long as you avoid the shells on the road, I’ll think you’ll be fine.” Phil told him.

“As long as those London roads don’t turn into rainbows I think I should be okay.” Dan said. “Now get off me, you spork!” he said as he pushed at his boyfriend.

-

The two finally made their way out of bed. Phil poured them both some bowls of cereal and they indulged in their morning anime. When they finished, Phil instinctively started blasting “All I Want For Christmas Is You” for a second time while they got dressed. 

“Christmas jumper activated!” Phil announced as he hopped into the room to see Dan dressed in none other than his black, fuzzy jumper. “Dan! You aren’t wearing a Christmas jumper?!” he asked in shock.

“No…” Dan answered. “I’m just not quite in the festive mood yet.”

“Well, that’s what ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is for! Do I need to play it again?” Phil asked as he whipped out his phone.

“No!” Dan quickly said. “I’m just comfortable in this jumper. Does it really matter if it’s Christmas themed?” he asked, a slight whine in his voice.

Phil sighed. “I guess not.” he said. “And I do love this jumper.” he said as he wrapped his arms around Dan’s waist, clutching his hands in the fuzzy material. 

“I promise I’ll get in the festive mood eventually. Maybe once we have a tree up and decorated.” Dan told him.

“I’m holding you to that promise.” Phil said before pecking a kiss to Dan’s lips. When he pulled back, he noticed the slight frown on his boyfriend’s face. “What?” he asked.

“It’s our first Christmas without the rave tree.” Dan said.

“Look at Daniel Howell being all sentimental.” Phil teased, giving Dan a squeeze.

“I know it’s dumb.” Dan began. “I’ll just miss it, I guess. We had so many raves with it, after all.”

“So many raves.” Phil agreed. “But it’s not dumb. I’ll miss it, too. But I’m also excited to have a real Christmas tree for the first time.” he said, bouncing a bit in excitement. “And I’m excited I get to do it with you.”

Dan instantly smiled. “I am too.” he said. “Let’s go get our tree.”

-

The two endured their walk to Martyn’s place. They were grateful their new flat was a lot closer to essential places the two often needed to be. It resulted in less taxi fares and awkward rides and more walking that the two of them knew they needed.

They made it to Martyn’s place and Phil retrieved the key his brother had left for them under the mat.

They both hopped in the car, Phil in the passenger seat and Dan in the driver’s seat.

Dan buckled his seat belt and took a deep breath. He looked out the windshield, watching as car after car past by with ease. He felt the petal beneath his foot; let his hands examine the steering wheel; felt the nerves building up in his chest.

“So, what are we doing today, Dan?” he suddenly heard and whipped his head around to see Phil pointing a camera at him.

“Don’t tell me you’re filming!” Dan exclaimed.

“Of course I am! This is a big deal, Dan! This is your first time driving in years!” Phil announced for the camera.

“And what exactly are you planning on doing with this video, Phil?” Dan asked.

“This is on my second channel. LessAmazingPhil has been lacking some Try New Things lately.” Phil told him.

“Oh, I’m so glad I could offer you that quality content.” Dan said, shooting the camera that top notch hand gesture that he simultaneously loved and hated.

“So, are you ready to drive, Dan?” Phil asked.

“Years of intense Mario Kart races have prepared me for this moment.” Dan said.

“Just make sure you dodge all the shells in the road!” Phil told him.

“Thanks for that helpful piece of advice, Phil.” Dan spoke sarcastically. “Okay, are you ready?”

“Yes! Let’s-uh-go!” Phil said, imitating Mario himself.

“Shut up!” Dan said with a laugh, a combination of annoyance and fondness and nerves bubbling inside him. He started the car and gripped the steering wheel while Phil filmed and watched in anticipation.

When almost 10 seconds went by and Dan didn’t move, Phil couldn’t help but laugh, which caused Dan to laugh as well.

“Ah, I’m scared! Okay!” Dan let out as he bounced in his seat.

“Don’t be scared. Just take a deep breath. You can do this. It’s nothing you’ve never done before.” Phil said, placing a comforting hand on Dan’s thigh, out of camera shot.

Just the sound of Phil’s voice calmed him down. Just feeling Phil’s touch calmed him down. Just Phil being there calmed him down. He finally pulled away, hands gripping the wheel as he pulled out onto the street and drove.

“You’re doing it!” Phil spoke happily. “How’s it feel?”

“Like I haven’t driven a car in almost a decade!” Dan said. “I hope everyone watching this is enjoying my misery. Assuming this gets uploaded and I don’t crash, leading to our fiery deaths.”

“Well, I guess your death can be fiery now that you’re not on fire anymore.” Phil said, causing Dan to gasp.

“If I wasn’t driving a frickin car I would slap you!” Dan exclaimed while Phil laughed. 

“Try new things?” Phil finally said.

“Try new things!” Dan said with a laugh.

Phil stopped recording and put the camera down. “How are you really feeling?” he then asked.

“I’m okay. We’re moving, aren’t we?” Dan asked. 

“I told you you could do it.” Phil said as he gave Dan’s thigh a comforting squeeze.

-

They made it to the tree lot and as soon as Dan put the car in park, he let out a dramatic sigh.

“You know there was like a 20% chance we were going to die.” Dan said.

“Just 20?” Phil asked.

“That’s not a high enough risk for you?” Dan asked back.

“You did fine. Better than I ever drove.” Phil told him.

“Well, that I’m sure of.” Dan said with a smirk before hopping out of the car.

Phil followed along and the two headed into the lot, the piney scent hitting them both instantly. Dozens upon dozens of trees covered the space, creating a magical maze in front of them. 

“Now, we’ve got to choose one.” Phil said, his eyes lighting up as he looked at all the trees and took off, leaving Dan to follow behind with an uncontrollable smile on his face.

Dan caught up with Phil and they walked through the lot, admiring all the trees as they searched for the perfect one.

“How would you feel about this place at night, Dan?” Phil asked.

“Oh, you mean giant trees in the dark in the middle of nowhere? It’s a dream come true. I’d like to holiday here actually.” Dan told him.

“Yeah? A holiday with Slenderman? Slendering through the trees together.” Phil said as he himself “slendered” up to Dan.

“Fuck off!” Dan said as he pushed Phil away. “Pick out your damn tree!” he said while Phil laughed.

They continued walking around until Phil spotted one.

“How about this one?” Phil asked as he pointed to a tree that looked to be 5 feet taller than them.

“Phil, that’s gigantic! That’ll never fit in our flat!” Dan said.

“This one?” Phil then asked, pointing at the one beside it that was about half the size.

“That one’s shorter than me!” Dan said.

“I didn’t think anything was shorter than you.” Phil said. 

Dan shot Phil a glare. “What about this one?” he then said as he pointed to a tree that stood across from them.

Phil walked up to it, examining it. “Not too tall, not too short.” he began before suddenly sniffing the tree. “A fresh, piney scent on the laddy.”

“God, you’re so weird.” Dan said with a cringe as he watched his boyfriend.

“It’s perfect.” Phil told him with a smile. He couldn’t help but imagine this tree in their apartment, decorated and lighting up the lounge while the two of them sat cuddled on the couch, admiring their festive flat.

“Are you sure?” Dan asked, snapping Phil from his thoughts. “You don’t need to run a load of tests on it or something?”

“Nope, I’m positive. This is the one.” Phil said. “I’ll go find someone to help us with it. You just stay here and keep tabs on it.” 

-

When Phil returned, he stopped short as he watched his boyfriend.

“What are you doing?” he asked Dan, who was currently crouched in front of the tree, shooting different facial expressions at his phone that was held in front of him.

“What does it look like I’m doing?” Dan asked as he stood up and began playing with the filters. “I’m outside, with trees, getting oxygen, experiencing nature. It’s a momentous occasion that needs to be documented with a selfie on Instagram.” 

Phil just rolled his eyes. “They’re going to come chop her down and tie her on top of the car for us.”

“Her?” Dan questioned. “I wasn’t aware trees had genders, Phil.”

“Well, it just so happens this one does.” Phil told him.

“Yeah? Did you name her too?” Dan asked sarcastically, but he knew that look on Phil’s face. “You frickin named it, didn’t you?! I swear to God if it’s called Susan I’m leaving you here.”

“It’s not Susan.” Phil told him. “It’s Treesa.” he said. “You know, like Ther-esa, but Tree-sa.”

Dan simply looked at his boyfriend. “You know, the more you personify this thing, the harder it’s going to be for you when you inevitably kill it.”

“Just let me name the tree, Dan!” Phil said in a slightly whiny voice and Dan just rolled his eyes.

-

Their tree was chopped down and tied to the car. Dan drove them back to their flat and the two managed to get the tree off the top of the car. They carried it up the one flight of stairs leading into their flat, dozens of needles sprinkling along their path. Dan had commented about how difficult this would have been had they done this at their old place and Phil could only imagine the struggle of getting this tree up the steps in their old flat; all 47 of them.

Once they made it into the lounge, Dan dropped the tree with a huff. “Bloody hell. Lay off the donuts, Treesa.”

“Don’t insult our tree!” Phil said. “You’re perfect just the way you are, Treesa.” he continued, looking lovingly at the tree that laid in their lounge.

Dan rolled his eyes before plopping down on the couch. 

“Hey, aren’t you going to help me get her in the stand?” Phil asked.

“Nah.” Dan let out. “It’ll be fun watching you attempt it.”

Phil shot his boyfriend a glare before lifting the tree. He tried his best, but inevitably lost his strength and dropped it to the floor.

Dan let out a laugh before finally getting up to help.

“All right, you spork, on the count of 3.” Dan said before counting to 3 and the two got the tree into the stand.

They looked up at it, the tree standing just a couple of inches taller than them. 

“All right, now we decorate!” Phil said excitedly before taking off to the closet to grab the decorations.

“You’re wasting no time, are you, Phil?” Dan asked.

“Nope!” Phil called from the other room and Dan chuckled fondly.

It was only a few minutes later when Phil dragged in the box of decorations. He propped the box on the floor and looked up to see a slight frown on his boyfriend’s face.

“What?” Phil wondered.

Dan shrugged. “Nothing, it’s just… I’m just still missing the rave tree, I guess.”

Phil walked over to Dan and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend’s waist. “I have a feeling this is going to be even better than the rave tree.” he said before suddenly pulling something from his back pocket and holding it above them. “Oh, what is that? Is that a mistletoe?” he asked in a goofy voice.

Dan couldn’t help but laugh. “Why was that in your pocket, you weirdo!?” 

“You mean you don’t carry a mistletoe in your pocket everywhere you go?” Phil asked and Dan continued to laugh, shaking his head at his silly boyfriend. “Well? I’m waiting!” Phil then said.

Dan smiled before pressing his lips to Phil’s. 

When they pulled apart, it was Phil who had the smile on his face. “Now, let’s decorate!”

Phil grabbed the spare string of multi-colored lights out of the box, a tangled mess in his hands. “Okay, I’ll work on this if you grab the tinsel.” he said before beginning his challenge of untangling the lights. 

Dan grabbed a chunk of tinsel out of the box and began putting it on the tree. 

Suddenly, Dan felt something wrap around his waist and looked down to see glowing Christmas lights. He turned around, looking unamused while Phil ignored him and continued wrapping the lights around his boyfriend’s body. 

“Really?” Dan let out.

“I just wanted to make sure you were finally in the festive mood. Full immersion and all that jazz.” Phil told him as he wrapped the last of the lights around the back of Dan’s neck, letting the end dangle off his shoulder. 

“I’m getting there.” Dan assured his boyfriend. “But I’ll never fully get there if we don’t get this done. And we’ll never get this done if you keep stopping to whack out a mistletoe or decorate me!” he complained despite the smile on his face.

“Okay, you’re right. But I got them untangled!” Phil said happily.

“Yeah and now they’re tangled around me!” Dan said while Phil just laughed and unwrapped the lights from his boyfriend. 

About a half an hour and another rendition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” later, the tree was finally decorated. A colorful string of lights lit up the tree while baubles hung from the branches and tinsel glistened in between.

The two took a step back to admire their finished work. 

“You were right, it is even better.” Dan told him, but Phil could still sense the tiniest hint of sadness in his voice. “I’m going to go make us some hot chocolate.” he said before heading to the kitchen.

This was the perfect opportunity that Phil needed.

-

Dan came back into the lounge with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate in-hand. He joined Phil on the couch and handed his boyfriend a mug before taking a sip of his own. He let his head fall onto Phil’s shoulder as they looked at their tree.

“I’m glad you finally got a real Christmas tree.” Dan spoke softly. “I know you’ve wanted one for a while.”

“I’m glad we finally have a place big enough for one. It never would have worked in our old flat.” Phil said. 

“It looks amazing.” Dan then said before taking another sip of his hot chocolate.

They were silent for a moment before Phil spoke. 

“Dan?” 

“Yeah?” Dan answered.

“How come you miss the rave tree so much?” Phil asked.

“I don’t know.” Dan began. “I guess because it was our first Christmas tree together. We decorated it together. We added so many ornaments to the collection over the years. We’d put the lights on ‘rave mode’ just to be silly.” he said. “There were just a lot of memories attached to the rave tree.”

Phil didn’t say anything as he suddenly got up from the couch. He put his mug down on the coffee table before going over and unplugging the lights from the tree. 

“What are you-” Dan was cut off by a sudden burst of blinking blue lights as Phil plugged them in. 

“Surprise.” Phil simply said.

Dan blinked, letting his eyes adjust to the bright, blinking lights that were suddenly lighting up their tree. 

“Phil… how…” Dan let out.

“I ordered some new lights.” Phil told him. “It was the lights that made the rave tree, after all.” he said as he plopped back down on the couch.

“You’re amazing.” Dan said as he looked at his boyfriend.

“Well, duh, haven’t you seen my username?” Phil asked and Dan giggled. 

Dan looked at the tree that was raving in front of him before looking back at Phil. “You know, you were right. I loved the rave tree, but it was just the lights.” he said. “You’re what made it special, Phil.” he said and Phil couldn’t help but smile. “Rave lights or no rave lights, you’re all I really need.”

Phil looked at him. “Are you saying I’m all you want for Christmas, Dan?” he asked with a sly smile.

“All I want for Christmas is you, Phil.” Dan said in a gushy voice before letting out an sarcastic snort and Phil just laughed. “But seriously, I think I’m finally fully in the festive mood.” Dan then said.

Phil leaned in close to Dan. “Well, it took you long enough.”

Dan leaned in as well, ready to plant a kiss on his boyfriend, but was stopped by Phil turning his head toward his phone.

"Way to ruin the mood." Dan muttered.

"Ruin?" Phil questioned as he tapped his phone and a familiar melody began to play through their flat. "We're just getting started. Let's turn this into a real rave." he said as he stood from the couch. "Dance with me?" he asked sweetly, offering his hand to Dan.

Dan bit back a smile as he took Phil's hand and was pulled up from the couch.

They stood in the middle of the living room, two hands interlocked while their free hands rested on each others waists.

They bopped and swayed and Phil even took it upon himself to give Dan a spin.