#insecure!dan

Hearing You (ao3) - centroid (orphan_account)

Summary: They were laying on Phil’s couch, watching a movie. Maybe watching was a bad choice of words.

“You look so beautiful like this. Cheeks flushed, hair messed up, eyes blown. I love it.” Phil breathed, and Dan blushed more. A smile tugging at his lips, Dan brought his own to meet Phil’s once more in a single kiss. ‘I want you.’ Dan signed with a seductive glint in his eye. “You look so pretty, sprawled out for me. Do you know how sexy you look?” “Ah- Phil”

In Luck, In Love - phanilluminati

Summary: 2009!Phan, Dan’s self-harm scars are the only thing that will stop their first time from being perfect so he has to try to hide them from Phil.

I Wanna See You - teenagephantxsy

Summary: 2009!Phan Dan and Phil have Skype sex for the first time, but Dan becomes uncomfortable with his body halfway through and comfort ensues.

Press My Nose Up To The Glass Around Your Heart - kizziewrites

Summary: Dan is insecure and Phil doesn’t understand and then he does.

Of all the things he’s done in his 26 years, he never thought he’d be able to say he roller skated around a disco-themed roller rink with AmazingPhil and Anthony from Smosh while dressed like he was from the 70′s and glitter plastered on his cheek.

Or in which Dan is wearing glitter and never wants to take it off.

Words: 1k

Dan stood, staring at his reflection in the mirror. What a night. 

Of all the things he’s done in his 26 years, he never thought he’d be able to say he roller skated around a disco-themed roller rink with AmazingPhil and Anthony from Smosh while dressed like he was from the 70′s and glitter plastered on his cheek. 

But here he was.

It was exhilarating, for so many reasons. Being a selectively-social introvert who never exercised and loved blending in with the woodwork, this night wasn’t originally something he really wanted to do. But Phil and Anthony had talked him into it. They talked him into leaving the hotel room. They talked him into going roller skating. They talked him into dressing up in 70′s-inspired outfits. 

But something they didn’t have to talk him into was the glitter. He looked at himself in the mirror, his eyes drawn to the sparkling, shimmering specs that were painted on his cheek. He loved it. He felt so care-free. He felt so happy. He felt so himself. 

Phil came out of the bathroom after his shower; a towel wrapped around his body, his hair damp, the glitter that was on his cheek now washed away. He stopped, looking at his boyfriend who was stood in front of the mirror. 

“Dan?” 

Dan didn’t answer, still looking at his glittery cheek. 

Phil took a step closer to him. “You okay?” he asked.

Dan ran his fingers along his cheek, a few specs of glitter coming off onto his hand. “I don’t want to take it off.” 

Phil smiled softly. “It looks good on you.” 

Dan’s blush was hidden beneath the glitter, but Phil knew it was there. “Tonight was a lot of fun.”

“Yeah, I was surprised you had such a good time considering it was basically all socializing and exercising and dressing up. You’re usually not that fun.” Phil teased, poking his boyfriend’s side. 

Dan turned to finally face Phil. “Maybe that’s because I felt like myself tonight.”

“Are you telling me you’re actually from the 70′s? Are you a time-traveler? Or worse, have you been lying about your age??” Phil asked, causing Dan to giggle. 

“No, I am not Marty McFly, as much as I want to be. And I’m definitely still younger than you.” Dan said, finally poking Phil back, both giggling. “You know what I’m talking about.”

“I do.” Phil told him. “You know, if you want to wear glitter more often - whether it’s on your face, or your nails, or your clothes-”

“Not clothes!” Dan interrupted him, remembering all too well the glitter-in-the-washing-machine incident that was just a month ago.

Phil chuckled. “Well, wherever it is you want glitter… you can do it.”

Dan looked at him. “I know.” he said. “I just still get a little insecure about it, I guess.”

“But not tonight?” Phil asked.

“No.” Dan told him. “Even though I was out in public, surrounded by a bunch of other YouTubers, I didn’t care. In fact, it made me want to embrace it even more. I had so much fun with everyone tonight… especially you.” 

“I guess glitter is the secret to your confidence.” Phil told him.

“Maybe.” Dan said with a shy laugh.

“Definitely.” Phil told him before stepping closer and pressing a kiss to Dan’s glittery cheek. 

When Phil pulled back, his lips were inevitably covered in glitter and Dan couldn’t contain his giggling.

“You spork.” Dan said through his giggles as he wiped the glitter off his boyfriend’s lips with his thumb. 

Dan’s eyes were locked on Phil’s lips and it wasn’t long before his own lips were now on Phil’s. They kissed, Dan cupping Phil’s face in his hand.

When they finally pulled apart, Dan’s giggling started back up when he saw the glitter that had rubbed off on his boyfriend’s cheek. 

Phil pouted and wiped it off with his hand before wiping it on Dan’s arm, who just giggled harder. “I just got it all off!” he complained, but couldn’t hide his smile. 

“Sorry.” Dan said, smiling so wide after giggling so hard and Phil loved the happy person Dan was turning into. 

Phil cupped Dan’s cheek, running his thumb along the glitter that just added to his boyfriend’s beauty at the moment. “Why don’t you take one last confident selfie with your glitter?” he said. “Because I am not letting you get in bed with it, it’ll get everywhere!” 

Dan let out a laugh. “Okay, as long as you come up with the self-deprecating caption for Instagram.” he said before grabbing his phone and taking a close-up selfie, showcasing the silver glitter and black sparkles that covered his cheek. 

When Dan was finished, Phil took the phone from his boyfriend and began typing out the caption. He then handed the phone back to Dan.

“definitely my new every day look  ✨ ” it read. Phil made sure it was all lowercase and everything. 

“Well, it’s not nearly self-deprecating enough.” Dan said. “And do I have to use the stars emoji??” he asked.

“Yes!” Phil told him. “I think it’s a very confident caption. And emoji.” 

Dan smiled before posting the photo. “All right, I guess I better go wash this off.” he said, frowning slightly.

“You know, if you really want to keep it on, I don’t mind you going to bed with it.” Phil assured him.

“Nah.” Dan said. “If I went to bed like this, we’d end up with glitter everywhere but my face.” he said and the two giggled. “Besides, I can always put more on tomorrow.” he said as he headed to the bathroom. “Or maybe not. It’ll keep this night even more special.” he said, smiling a little before closing the bathroom door.

Links Last Checked: June 2nd, 2025

After the Storm (ao3) - sapph_phan

Summary: Dan survived the car crash, but he has to relive it every night in his nightmares. Luckily, he has Phil to comfort him.

Beautiful (ao3) - mollieblack

Summary: Dan’s been gaining weight and he’s feeling insecure. It’s a hot day and he’s determined to stay in his sweater as Phil tries to find creative ways for them to stay cool. When Dan finally admits to Phil why he won’t take his sweater off, Phil tries to help him see how beautiful he is through Phil’s eyes, and maybe, just maybe, their entire relationship will change.

Five Times Dan Got Jealous… (ao3) - JenCollins, WordsAblaze

Summary:  …And the one time jealousy was the last thing on his mind, ft. collabs, puppies, misunderstandings, unbuttoned shirts, twitter selfies, and a happily ever after. Enjoy!

Hearing You (ao3) - centroid (orphan_account)

Summary: They were laying on Phil’s couch, watching a movie. Maybe watching was a bad choice of words.

“You look so beautiful like this. Cheeks flushed, hair messed up, eyes blown. I love it.” Phil breathed, and Dan blushed more. A smile tugging at his lips, Dan brought his own to meet Phil’s once more in a single kiss. ‘I want you.’ Dan signed with a seductive glint in his eye. “You look so pretty, sprawled out for me. Do you know how sexy you look?” “Ah- Phil”

In Luck, In Love - phanilluminati

Summary: 2009!Phan, Dan’s self-harm scars are the only thing that will stop their first time from being perfect so he has to try to hide them from Phil.

I Still Think You’re Beautiful (ao3) - Jaxxxx

Summary: Phil always knew Dan was insecure, but he never thought he’d take it this far.

I Wanna See You - teenagephantxsy

Summary: 2009!Phan Dan and Phil have Skype sex for the first time, but Dan becomes uncomfortable with his body halfway through and comfort ensues.

Mind The Gap - melancholymango

Summary: Set in early 2017, Dan grows insecure in the amount of time he and Phil spend together. Worried that the older man is missing out on life experiences because he’s too preoccupied with the signature D&P branding, Dan tries to fix it the only way he knows how.

Munchkin (ao3) - TakeThat

Summary: Prompt: Dan is like he is IRL and he's very bossy and stuff in videos/on-camera. But, once the camera is off, he's super adorable. Like, he likes to be called Bear and baby and Phil babies him a lot and Dan is the little spoon and very submissive and cuddly-- opposite of what he makes himself out to be. Basically, he tries to act all dominant on camera, but he's very cuddly and loves being babied.

Press My Nose Up To The Glass Around Your Heart - kizziewrites

Summary: Dan is insecure and Phil doesn’t understand and then he does.

Share A Bed, Share A Life (ao3) - JenCollins, WordsAblaze

Summary: Having a child is a stressful, time-consuming, argument-inducing process but, naturally, Dan and Phil ride the ups and downs together, ending up just fine. Fulfilling prompts 'age changes' and 'sharing a bed' for the phandom fic fests, enjoy!

When You Leave Me (I'm Not Going Anywhere) (ao3) - fisshhhh

Summary: Sometimes the thoughts are just too much. Sometimes Dan breaks. Sometimes he finds himself drowning on the kitchen floor, unwilling to ask for help and too insecure to think that anyone would want to help him anyway. Luckily, Phil loves him.

Set in 2009 or early 2010, shortly after they met.

you deserve the universe (ao3) - axtual_soulmatxs

Summary: Dan complains about his weight and Phil assures him he is beautiful (bc he is).

You glanced my way and gave me a wave (ao3) - NeverBeenAWriter

Five Times Dan Got Jealous… (ao3) - JenCollins, WordsAblaze

Summary:  …And the one time jealousy was the last thing on his mind, ft. collabs, puppies, misunderstandings, unbuttoned shirts, twitter selfies, and a happily ever after. Enjoy!

Links Last Checked: August 10th, 2025

part one

An Unconventional Present - cockwhoredan

Summary: Phil’s insecure about his age. He’s insecure about the crow’s feet by his eyes and the smile lines around his lips, but Dan loves them. Lives for them. They’re proof that Phil smiles much more than he frowns; he’s the softest ray of sunshine Dan’s probably ever seen.

Beautiful (ao3) - mollieblack

Summary: Dan's been gaining weight and he's feeling insecure. It's a hot day and he's determined to stay in his sweater as Phil tries to find creative ways for them to stay cool. When Dan finally admits to Phil why he won't take his sweater off, Phil tries to help him see how beautiful he is through Phil's eyes, and maybe, just maybe, their entire relationship will change.

Can’t You See? - danisnopeonfire

Summary: 2009!Phan Artist!Phil wants to paint Dan naked for a project in college and Dan would be self conscious and try to suck in his stomach and Phil would notice and try to ease him to relax and love his body.

Doubt (ao3) - analester

Summary: When people see Dan and Phil holding hands in the hallway, they’re confused to say the least. Especially since Phil has been known to be the type of guy who is only in relationships for sex.

I Still Think You're Beautiful (ao3) - Jaxxxx

Summary: Phil always knew Dan was insecure, but he never thought he'd take it this far.

Jottings - valdimire

Summary: Phil just shows enough of himself, just enough to make people believe that he is alright.

Leave Me Alone (Don't Leave Me Alone) (ao3) - starrywrite

Summary: When they’re alone, everything’s fine. When the camera’s on, everything’s fine. But the second they step out in public, it’s as if they aren’t even together and Phil doesn’t understand why Dan keeps on pushing him away.

Let Me Show You (ao3) - mollieblack

Summary: Phil has a secret. He doesn’t know how to kiss.

He kissed a few girls when he was younger, but they never seemed impressed and it made him feel insecure to the point of avoiding relationships because he was embarrassed.

When Dan learns of his friend’s insecurity what will he do to help?

Like A Shibe - adorkablephil

Summary: After TATINOF, Phil’s feeling insecure about how fans think of him compared to how they think of Dan. Why didn’t he ever get to be drawn like a French girl in the stage show? Dan’s always the sexy one. Dan tries to reassure him.

Mind The Gap - melancholymango

Summary: Set in early 2017, Dan grows insecure in the amount of time he and Phil spend together. Worried that the older man is missing out on life experiences because he’s too preoccupied with the signature D&P branding, Dan tries to fix it the only way he knows how.

Perfectly Imperfect - alivingflop

Summary: Dan is having a bad day and feels really insecure - phil tries to make him feel better.

Phil-Sized - keepcalmandnevermindpanic

Summary: Phil is insecure about being shorter than Dan and Dan is having none of it.

Press My Nose Up To The Glass Around Your Heart - kizziewrites

Summary: Dan is insecure and Phil doesn’t understand and then he does.

That's Why I love You (ao3) - Hellaphandom

Summary: Dan gains weight and feels insecure about his body. Phil comforts him. Fluff ensues.

Thank You (ao3) - galacticstars

In which Dan’s nervous to show Phil his painted nails for the first time.

Dan sat alone in the hotel room, staring at it. Was he really about to do this? Was he ready? 

What if he didn’t like it? Who was he kidding, he knew he’d love it. 

What if the fans didn’t like it? He had a meet and greet to go to later. What if they started making assumptions he didn’t feel like answering to? 

Most of all, what if Phil didn’t like it? 

He took a deep breath before grabbing the little black bottle with a trembling hand and began painting his nails. 

It didn’t take him long and he couldn’t help the smile on his face when he looked at the finished product. He loved it. 

He painted his other hand just as quickly, hoping to get this done before Phil got back with their coffees. He wasn’t sure how to show Phil. He knew deep down Phil would never judge him, but the irrational part of his mind was running wild with thoughts of Phil hating it; rejecting it; rejecting him. 

Dan heard the fiddling of the door and scrambled to stand from his seat. He tossed the nail polish in his bag and began frantically blowing at his nails. 

He shoved his hands in his jean pockets just as Phil walked in the room. 

Phil swiftly kicked the door shut behind him before walking over and handing a coffee toward his boyfriend. “Here you go.” he smiled.

Dan stared at it. “Uh, could you just put it on the table?”

Phil’s face scrunched in confusion. “Okay.” he agreed before putting Dan’s coffee down and looking at his boyfriend.

“What?” Dan asked, uncomfortably shifting in his spot. 

“Are you okay?” Phil asked him.

“Yeah, just… jetlag.” Dan fibbed.

“We’ve been in Australia for a week. You still have jetlag?” Phil asked before taking a sip of his coffee.

“Or maybe I’m just tired from the show. I’m still recovering from pneumonia, you know.” Dan said with a shrug.

“Do you not feel well?” Phil asked, putting his coffee down before pressing a hand to his boyfriend’s cheek.

Dan wriggled away from Phil, being sure to keep his hands in his pockets.

Phil noticed. He nonchalantly slid his arms around Dan’s waist, feeling Dan tense a bit in his embrace. Phil slowly leaned in and kissed Dan softly.

Dan welcomed the kiss, kissing back slowly. 

Phil waited until he felt Dan relax before he gently grabbed one of Dan’s wrists in attempt to pull his hand out of his pocket. 

Dan freaked. He didn’t budge as he backed away from Phil.

“What are you hiding?” Phil finally asked.

“Nothing.” Dan spoke.

“Show me.” Phil demanded.

“There’s nothing to show you.” Dan fibbed again.

Phil raised an eyebrow. “Don’t make me make you show me.” 

Dan stood there stubbornly. 

“If that’s how you’re going to be.” Phil said with a shrug before scrambling his hands along Dan’s sides, causing Dan to squirm in his spot, determined to keep his hands hidden in his pockets. 

“Phil!” Dan whined. 

Phil responded by bringing his tickling fingers up to Dan’s ribs and that’s when Dan lost it. He whipped his hands out of his pockets in attempt to block Phil, who immediately grabbed Dan’s hands. 

Phil noticed right away and Dan couldn’t quite read his boyfriend’s expression. 

“Well?” Dan let out.

Phil couldn’t take his eyes off Dan’s nails. “They look amazing.” he said with a smile. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, shoving his boyfriend a bit. 

Dan giggled, relief washing over him. “I just wasn’t sure what you’d think.” 

“Did you think I was going to not like it?” Phil asked.

“I don’t know, I was nervous. I’m sorry.” Dan said, biting his lip.  

“What happened to this one?” Phil then asked as he examined Dan’s pinky, the black nail polish smudged.

Dan looked at it. “It must have smudged when I stuck my hands in my fucking pockets!” he said in annoyance.

“Well that’s what you get for hiding it from me.” Phil told him before grabbing Dan’s hand once again and pressing a kiss to it. “I’m so proud of you.”

Dan sighed with a smile before wrapping his arms around Phil in a hug.

“Thank you.” Dan whispered against Phil’s shoulder.

“Aww, Bear,” Phil began as he pulled away to look Dan in the eyes. “Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself around me. Ever. Understand?”

Dan nodded. 

Dan gets a new hoop earring and is afraid Phil will accidentally rip it out. Based off Dan’s tweet.

Dan stood in front of the mirror. He couldn’t take his eyes off it. It was perfect.

He loved the way it shined, catching any light around him. He loved how it was a slight touch of color, but still went with his aesthetic. He loved the way it hung so perfectly from his ear.

A single gold hoop.

Did he look like Connor or Troye yet? He could only aspire to look as cool and fashionable as those two always did.

As much as Dan loved the look of this hoop, he couldn’t help the insecurities that flooded his mind. Did he really look good with a hoop? Was he cool enough for this? What would the internet think? What would Phil think?

But it wasn’t just Phil’s opinion he was nervous about, it was the entire situation. It was having to wear this hoop around Phil all the time. He loved Phil, he really did, but he didn’t love Phil’s wild, untamed limbs. His biggest fear in all this was how Phil could - accidentally, of course - pull out the hoop and inevitably rip his ear off, leading him to bleed out and kill him in a slow, painful death.

Okay, maybe he was overthinking this, but the fear was still valid in his mind. Phil could somehow find a way to get his hand or his foot or his fringe stuck in this hoop, Dan was sure of it.

Dan took a breath breath, taking one last look in the mirror before heading into the lounge to find Phil, wanting him to be the first to see.

Dan didn’t speak as he sat down on the couch beside Phil, who didn’t bother looking up from his laptop.

“Ahem.” Dan let out, hoping to get his boyfriend’s attention.

Phil looked up and his jaw dropped slightly. He noticed it immediately.

“Oh my God,” Phil let out.

Dan bit his lip. “Do you like it?”

“Like it?” Phil asked. “It looks amazing!” he said as he reached out to touch it, but was suddenly stopped by Dan.

“Whoa, whoa, Mr. Grabby Hands!” Dan let out as he gripped Phil’s wrists. “No touchy.”

“Why can’t I touch it?” Phil asked with a pout.

Dan looked at him. “Well, I guess you can, just... be careful, okay?”

“Of course.” Phil said before gently grabbing the hoop between his fingers, feeling the cold metal against his fingertips. He loved the way it added to Dan’s face. It was now the start of his incredible jawline. It sparkled in every light as it hung perfectly from Dan’s ear. It was simple but cool. There was no denying it, Dan looked outright hot.

Phil found himself playing with the hoop in his fingers. “So, why didn’t you want me to touch it?” he asked, unable to take his eyes off of it.

“I was afraid you’d accidentally pull it out and rip my ear off.” Dan told him.

Phil stared at him. “Dan, that’s not going to happen.” he said. “Not with my hands anyway.” he then said before suddenly pouncing at him. He secured Dan in his arms, making sure his boyfriend was unable to move before he suddenly locked his lips onto Dan’s ear.

Dan shrieked, both at the fear of Phil pulling the hoop out and at the feeling of having Phil’s mouth against his ear. He pushed at Phil, but it was no use. He’d just have to take it.

Phil ignored his boyfriend’s protests and kept the hoop between his teeth, letting his tongue swirl around it.

“Phil, stop!” Dan let out.

“You know you like it.” Phil whispered against Dan’s ear before he began sucking on the hoop.

Dan was cringing on the outside, but Phil was right, he did kind of like it.

“This hoop is so hot.” Phil growled, playing with the hoop with his tongue.

Dan found himself breathless as he gave in, letting Phil enjoy his new hoop the way he wanted.

Phil continued licking and nibbling on the hoop until he suddenly found the hoop between his teeth and no longer attached to Dan’s ear.

“Oh my God!” Phil let out as he held the hoop in his hand.

Dan threw his hand to his ear, feeling just an empty hole. “I knew you’d rip it out!”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to! Are you okay?” Phil asked urgently.

“I’m fine, you spork!” Dan said with a laugh. “I cant believe you bit my earring off.”

“Sorry.” Phil said sheepishly as he handed the hoop back to Dan.