#phandom fanfic

Dan is sat next to Phil on the couch. His palms feel clammy and a fine sheen has broken out over his brow. They’re suppose to be watching a movie, but Dan hasn’t been paying attention.

Phil’s has been glancing at Dan out of the corner of his eye. He’s watching the younger man shift uncomfortably in his seat the entire movie. He’s also aware of the fact that Dan has been staring off into space. The end credits roll across the screen and Phil pauses the movie. He sideways to face Dan.

“Are you okay Dan?” Dan shakes out of whatever part of his mind he was in and turns to face Phil. He plasters a fake smile on his face.

“I’m fine Phil. Why do you ask?” Dan’s voice sounds forced. Phil raises his eyebrow.

“You look uncomfortable. I’m just making sure you’re alright.”

“I told you I’m fine. My favorite part is coming up. Unpause the movie.” Phil tilts his head at Dan.

“What are you talking about? The movie is over.” Phil has confusion and concern written all over his face. Dan looks at the screen for probably the first time tonight.

“Oh. So it is.” Dan lets out a nervous chuckle. Phil wraps his arms around Dan and pulls him close.

“Just tell me what’s wrong. I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.” Dan bit his lip. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before pulling out of Phil’s embrace.

“I want to try something in bed,” Dan says quietly. Phil’s confusion doesn’t dissipate. Both of them are pretty open minded and Dan isn’t usually one to get nervous when talking about sex. Various scenarios run through Phil’s head.

“Okay. What would that be?” Dan stares directly into Phil’s eyes.

“I want to try exhibitionism.” Phil’s breath catches in his throat. It’s not what he thought Dan was going to say. Phil takes a moment to figure out what to say.

“Okay. So you want someone to sit in the corner while we have sex or would you want to do a webcam deal?” Dan shakes his head.

“I want preform in front of a small group of people. Maybe three or four. I don’t want to see them though. I just want them to see me all spread out and fucked.” Phil thinks for a few minutes. Dan skirts his eyes around the room. He’s afraid that Phil is going to reject him. It wouldn’t be the worst thing if Phil says no, but Dan’s hoping that he will say yes.

“Okay. Give me some time and I’ll set it up.” Dan looks at Phil with a huge smile on his face. He throws his arms around Phil and hugs him tight.

“Thank you!” Phil wraps his arms around Dan.

“You’re welcome.” He’s a bit nervous about how they’re going to pull this off, but this is something Dan wants. Phil will give Dan anything.

It takes Phil a while to coordinate everything. Dan hasn’t brought it up since the night they first talked about it for fear that Phil will tell him to forget it. Dan knows that he’s being irrational, but he can’t help it. He’s asking a lot of Phil and he knows that saying yes wasn’t the easiest for the man. Dan’s extremely grateful to have such an understanding boyfriend.

Dan is sitting in his room roughly two weeks after their conversation when a knock comes at his door. A moment later, Phil enters the room. He’s holding a bag in front of him. Dan pulls out his headphones and gives him a questioning look.

“This is for you. Tonight’s the night.” Dan looks at Phil with wide eyes. Phil smiles at him.

“They’re going to be here at seven. I need you showered and wearing what’s in the bag by then. Please straighten your hair. Any questions?” Dan stares at Phil for a moment. He mind is in overdrive trying to process everything. Dan shakes his head. His nerves are beginning to fray and he can’t remember how to make his mouth work. Butterflies swirl in his stomach.

“Good. I have to go get ready. I’ll come get you after seven.” Phil kisses Dan’s lips and leaves. Dan stands there for a few moments dumbfounded. He can’t believe it’s really happening.

While Dan gets ready, Phil has preparation to do of his own. He’s already showered and laid out his clothes. He lays cushions, blankets, and pillows down on the floor of lounge. He adjusts the lights so that they’re low, but the group will still be able to see everything.

He sets out the drinks for the guest and glances at the time. They’ll be arriving soon. Phil scurries down the hall and dresses. He’s chosen a simple button down and a black pair of skinny jeans. He doesn’t want to be too formal, but he’s playing the master of ceremonies as well as participating in the show.

Just as he is adjusting his hair for the tenth time in as many minutes, the doorbell rings. Phil takes one last look in the mirror, takes a deep breath, and goes to answer the door. Four men stand outside of the door. They’ve been handpick for their discretion and they’ve all signed an NDA anyways so Phil isn’t too worried about them.

He ushers them inside and leads them to the lounge. They situate themselves on the couch and the dining chairs. Once Phil is sure that everyone is comfortable and has drinks, he heads down the hall to collect Dan.

Dan tugs at his hair nervously. He heard Phil lead people to the lounge and the butterflies in his stomach have gone into overdrive. He hears his door open and turns to see Phil standing in the doorway. Phil’s breath catches at the sight of Dan. He’s standing with his fringe laid flat against his head and only a tiny pair of tight boy shorts to cover himself.

Phil twirls his finger in Dan’s direction and Dan takes the hint. He turns around slowly so that Phil can see every side of him. The bottom half of his ass his pants. He knows that when he gets hard, the head of his cock will peek out of the top.

“Beautiful,” Phil says in a breathy tone. He quickly closes the distance between Dan and himself. Phil runs his fingers gently over Dan’s sides. Dan flashes Phil a shy smile.

“Do you still want to do this?” Phil asks with concern. Dan nods at him.

“Yes. I really want this. Are you okay with this?”

“Yes. This is all about you baby. Everything will be okay.” Phil touches Dan’s arm with reassurance. Dan can feel his nerves calming down under Phil’s touch and words.

“There are a few things we have to go over before we go out there. First, you are to refer to me as Sir the entire time. I will call you baby. Second, the blindfold stays on the entire time. Third, you won’t talk unless I speak to you. However, you can make as much noise as you want. Remember, you’re putting on a show. Fourth, there is a safe word. If you get uncomfortable for any reason, use the safe word and we will stop. The word is banana. I believe that’s all.” Dan nods his head in understanding. He trusts that Phil will take care of him.

Phil pulls the blindfold out of his pocket and slides it over Dan’s eyes. Phil adjusts Dan’s fringe and makes sure that he can’t see. He takes one of Dan’s hands and leads him to the lounge. The conversation that the group was having dies as Dan and Phil enter. Phil leads Dan in front of the group and drops his hand.

Dan’s first reaction is to attempt to cover his exposed self. He fights the feeling as this is exactly what he wanted. He wants people to see him. He can sense that there’s at least three other people in the room besides Phil and himself.

“Turn around for them baby,” Phil instructs him. Dan turns in a slow circle for the group. He hears a few hums of approval and he blushes lightly. He feels Phil’s hands run over his body. Phil tweaks Dan’s nipples and lightly brushes his hand over Dan’s cock. Dan whimpers and bucks under Phil’s touch.

“So responsive,” a voice from the couch says. Phil hums in agreement.

“Yes he is. He’s a good boy.” Phil runs his hand down Dan’s back and pats him on his ass. Dan smiles at the praise. He loves when Phil praises him.

“Should I get him hard?” Phil asks the group. A chorus of agreements answer him back. Phil grabs Dan’s hand and leads him to a chair in the center of the room. Phil sits on the chair first, then positions Dan on his lap so the other’s legs are spread.

Phil starts palming Dan through the boxers and Dan lightly bucks his hips into Phil’s hand. Phil is working his mouth over Dan’s neck and shoulder. Dan tilts his head to give phil more access. Dan’s half hard when Phil pulls his hand away. Phil’s reaching for one of the items he set up on a table near the chair. Dan chases Phil’s touch with his hips.

“It’s okay. I’m coming right back,” Phil whispers in Dan’s ear as he holds Dan’s hips down. A dull buzz fills the room a moment later. Dan’s cock twitches in anticipation. Phil runs the vibrator up and down Dan’s shaft with varying degrees of pressure. Dan is moaning and whimpering at the touch. He has forgotten about the other people in the room until their sounds of enjoyment hit him. He must be doing something right.

Phil runs the vibrator through Dan’s slit. Dan throws his head back against Phil’s shoulder and lets out a loud moan.

“You’re doing so good baby. You look so pretty for everyone,” Phil coos in Dan’s ear. Dan is thrusting into the vibrator. He’s extremely hard and wants to start chasing his high. Phil pulls the vibrator away and turns it off. Dan lets out a groan of frustration.

Phil pushes Dan off his lap and into a standing position. Phil moves Dan so he’s bent over with his hands resting on the chair they were just occupying. Phil pulls down Dan’s pants and lets them pool at his ankles. He moves so he’s off to the side of Dan so that the others can see. Phil then spanks each of Dan’s ass cheeks a few times. Dan moans in response and ruts his hips a few times in the air.

“Take a good look before it’s wrecked,” Phil tells the group as he spreads Dan’s ass cheeks wide. Dan hears the people shuffle around and he feels exposed. Phil drops Dan’s ass cheeks after everyone gets a good look. He opens the bottle of lube and spreads it over his fingers. He takes one and traces it around Dan’s entrance.

Dan lets out a small moan as Phil sinks a finger inside of him. Phil works his finger in and out a few times before adding another. Dan moans as Phil stretches his ass open. Before he knows it, Phil is working three fingers in his ass. Dan’s fucking himself back on Phil’s fingers.

“So greedy isn’t he?” a voice asks.

“Yes he is. He’s so good though,” Phil preens at Dan. Dan moans in response.

“Are you ready for my cock baby?” Phil asks.

“Yes Sir,” Dan moans out. Suddenly, Phil withdraws his fingers and Dan’s left clenching around air. Phil pulls Dan up and helps him step out of his pants. He leads Dan over to the mound of cushions and blankets.

“On your hands and knees baby,” Phil instructs. Dan lets himself fall to his knees and positions himself correctly. Phil runs his hand over Dan’s back and hums in admiration. Phil rids himself of his shirt. Dan feels Phil position himself behind Dan. He hears Phil undo his zipper and shuffle his pants down his thighs.

“Remember baby, let them hear you. Let them know how good you feel,” Phil reminds Dan. Dan nods and then lets out a loud moan at Phil pushes inside his ass. He moans again as Phil bottoms out. Phil waits a few moments until Dan gives him the nod to move.

Phil pulls nearly the whole way out and then snaps back in. Dan moans and grips the blankets with his fingers. Phil sets them on a quick, fast rhythm. Dan isn’t holding back. He’s moaning and whimpering with each thrust. The group around them isn’t holding back either. They’re praising Dan.

Dan is seeing stars as Phil hits his prostate over and over again. Phil can feel how tight Dan is clenching around him and he doesn’t know how much longer he will last. Phil slips a hand around Dan and starts stroking his cock in time with his thrusts.

“Sir! Sir! Sir!” Dan cries out at Phil’s touch. Phil can tell Dan’s getting close.

“Cum for me baby. Show all the people how great I make you feel,” Phil huffs out. A few minutes later, Dan can’t take it anymore.

“Sir!” Dan screams out as he spills into Phil’s hand. Phil follows behind him quickly. With one final slam, Phil cums deep in Dan’s ass. Phil thrusts them both through their highs and waits for a moment before pulling out. Dan makes a move to collapse onto the blankets, but Phil stops him.

“Not yet baby. Let all these people see you first.” Phil positions himself so that he can hold Dan’s ass cheeks open again. The group looks at Dan’s gaping hole with Phil’s cum running out of it. A few praise the sight. Dan smiles to himself.

Phil tucks himself back in before showing the group to the door. Once Dan is sure that the group has left the room, he collapses onto the blankets. Phil comes in a few minutes later and shuts off most of the lights in the room.

He helps rid Dan of the blindfold. Dan blinks a few times until his vision returns to normal. He sees the smiling face of Phil and smiles in return.

“You did so well baby,” Phil whispers. Dan hums in response.

“Was it good for you?” Dan asks.

“Yes it was. What about for you?” Phil inquires.

She trudges slowly towards the door. She makes her way slowly out of the classroom and back towards the gym. Dan is about to open the door when a voice calls out to her.

“Dan?!” the voice shouts. Dan’s hand is hovering over the handle. She doesn’t lift her head, but she does drop her hand. A figure runs up to her and a hand claps over her shoulder. She finds herself spun to face the figure. She lifts her head to find herself face to face with a relieved looking Chris.

“Where did you go off to? We were so worried. We’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Chis spits out before pulling Dan flush against his body. Dan doesn’t react. Her body feels numb and she feels emotionally exhausted. Chris pulls back and places his hands on each of her shoulders.

“Are you okay?” he asks softly. Dan doesn’t say anything, but Chris watches as her face falls more. Chris frowns and feels his heart ache.

“Dan? What happened to you?” Chris shakes the thought out of his head.

He pulls Dan into another hug and slips his hand into his pocket to grab his phone. Dan hears him talking to someone. His voice sounds distant in her ears.

A few minutes later, another person joins them. Chris finally releases Dan from his embrace. Dan is vaguely aware that Pj has joined them and is trying to talk to her. She can’t focus on either of her friends right now. She’s replaying the night over and over in her head.

“I’m-I’m not gay,” the voice of Phil says on repeat.

They give up trying to talk to her and fall silent. Dan lets her friends lead her away from the school. They experience an extremely quiet as neither boy knows what to say to Dan. They don’t know what happened and it seems to them that she doesn’t want to talk about it.

Pj pulls into Dan’s driveway. He turns off the car and they sit there in silence for a few moments until he speaks up.

“Dan, do you want us to come in with you?” Pj offers hesitantly. Dan shakes her head. She takes a couple of deep breaths.

“No. I’ll talk to you guys later.” Her voice sounds meek and it’s barely audible. Both boys nod their head. Dan unfurls herself from the front seat and shuffles to the door. The boys wait until she’s inside before they start the car and head towards their respective homes.

Dan slowly walks her way up to her room. She pulls off her clothes not caring where they’ve fallen. By the time she flops down on her bed, she’s only clad in her underwear. She grabs her comforter and wraps herself up like a burrito. Once she feels she is hidden from the world, she lets the tears fall. They’re the tears that she’s been holding back since she left the classroom.  

She buries her head in the blankets and her pillows while she sobs. She sobs for feeling foolish for thinking that Phil could really like her back. She sobs for giving Phil her first kiss. She sobs because she can feel her broken heart bleeding. Dan lays crying until eventually sleep overtakes her and she drifts off into a dreamless slumber.

Across town, two boys lay in their respective beds texting each other over mutually worrying about their friend.

To: Chris

What happened?

To: Pj

I have no clue. I saw her heading towards the gym and called her name. She stopped and when I reached her she looked extremely upset.

To: Chris

Poor Dan. Did she say anything?

To: Pj

No. She didn’t talk until what she said before she left the car.

To: Chris

I bet Phil had something to do with it.

To: Pj

I wouldn’t be surprised, but why do you say that?

To: Chris

He ran passed me while we were looking for Dan. He seemed really weird and like he couldn’t get out fast enough.

To: Pj

Maybe. But that doesn’t prove anything. He could have just really wanted to leave or something. We’ll have to wait for Dan to tell us.

To: Chris

Yes we will.

Dan woke up late the next day. The sun was already high in the sky and streaming full force through his blinds. He forgot to shut the blinds fully the night before and now he’s paying for it dearly.

He felt as though he was hungover. His body was stiff and ache from the less than desirable position he slept in. His head was pounding and he felt as though he really hadn’t slept a wink. He peels himself out from under the blanket and slowly gets up.

Dan pulls on a pair of tack bottoms and shuffles down the hall to his bathroom. He opens the medicine cabinet and pulls out the aspirin bottle. He taps out two tablets and downs them with water from the cup he keeps next to the sink. He starts the shower and removes what little clothing he’s wearing.

Once the shower is warm enough, he steps under the spray. He lets the water roll over his sore body. The warm water does wonders to help his sore muscles. Dan can feel the tension in his back slipping down the drain. He quickly works through his routine and exits the shower. He wraps a towel around his waist, grabs his clothes off the floor, and makes his way to his room.

After closing the blinds, Dan finds himself standing in front of his mirror. A few dark bruises lay on his neck courtesy of Phil’s lips. He brings his hand up and lightly touches them. The feeling of Phil’s mouth and hands on his body come back to him. He can feel his throat constrict and he forces himself to breath.

Dan knows that he will have to cover them up for school tomorrow. Luckily, he has makeup. He pulls on a pair of sweats and a sweater that covers a few of the lower hickies. He flips on his tv and climbs back into bed.

Dan glances at his phone and notices that he has a few missed calls. Upon unlocking his phone, he discovers a few texts as well. All are from Chris and Pj. They’re checking in on him and letting him know that they’re here for him if he wants to talk. Dan sighs to himself and locks his phone. He settles down into his blankets and attempts to lose himself in anime. It works for a while, but Dan still cries himself to sleep later that night.

Dan reluctantly gets out of bed the next morning and pulls on his uniform. He stands in front of his mirror once again. His eyes are puffy from crying. Deep, purple semi circles are under his eyes. They match the marks on his neck. His skin appears pale. Well, more pale than he is usually. He runs his hand through his untamed curls. Dan can’t bring himself to care whether his hair is straightened or not today. With a sigh, he leaves to head to school.

He solemnly walks to school with his head hung low. The sky is overcast and Dan feels as though it represents his mood perfectly. He doesn’t look up until he’s in front of the school. No one is paying attention to him. He doesn’t see Phil or his gang either which is a plus. Dan isn’t really ready to face Phil yet. With a silent sigh, Dan walks into the building.

“Dan!” Dan hears a voice call out his name just as he opens his locker. Chris stops next to him a moment later. Dan looks up at him with an expressionless face.

“You look like shit,” Chris blurts out. He clamps his hand over his mouth. Dan weakly shrugs in response.

“I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant. I mean you do, but I shouldn’t have said anything.” Chris babbles on for a minute until another voice cuts him off.

“Shut up Chris. You’re just making it worse.” Chris jumps and lets out a slight yelp as Pj’s hand comes down on his shoulder. Dan turns to look at his other friend who is giving him a sympathetic look.

“Are you okay?” Pj asks in a quiet voice. Dan again shrugs weakly in response. Both Pj and Chris nod their head in understanding. The warning bell rings and people scuttle off towards their first classes of the day.

“I’ll see you guys at lunch,” Dan says quietly before shutting his locker and turning away. The boys watch him walk down the hallway before he disappears inside a classroom. They turn on their heels and book it to their classroom. Once their seated, Pj pulls out a piece of paper. He scribbles on it before handing it to Chris.

Pj: Poor Dan.

Chris: I know. He seems really torn up.

Pj: It has to be about Phil.

Chris: How do you figure?

Pj: He clearly has a broken heart. Obviously that can only mean Phil.

Chris: It could be something else.

Pj: True, but it’s too coincidental. He disappears off to god knows where during the dance. I see Phil acting like he’s running from something. Then, Dan turns up all upset. They have to have been together.

Chris: I can see that. Maybe that’s what happened. Hopefully Dan will tell us at lunch.

Pj: I hope so too.

Lunch time came sooner than anyone expected. Dan hadn’t seen Phil all morning and that was perfectly fine with him. If he was honest with himself, seeing Phil would probably send him sobbing again. He folds his arms on top of the table and lets his head drop on them. Pj and Chris sit down on either side of him a few minutes later.

“Are you not eating?” Chris asks at the sight of his friend.

“No,” Dan mumbles out from under his arms. Pj rubs his back.

“It’s going to be okay. Do you want to talk about it?” Dan thinks for a moment. It’s been two days since the dance and they were his best friends. He owed them an explanation. Dan lifts his head and looks at his friends.

“I’ll tell you guys after school. You guys can come over.” HIs voice was slightly hoarse from disuse and all the crying he had done. The boys nod in agreement and the table falls silent for the rest of lunch.

It’s the end of the day and Dan is stood by his locker waiting for his friends. The hall is mostly empty due to the fact that they’re taking forever to come retrieve him. Dan hears shoes click upon the floor and lifts his head to look in the direction of the noise. He expects one of his friends to be coming around the corner, but he’s not so lucky.

Phil takes two steps around the corner and stops dead in his tracks. His eyes are wide and locked with Dan. Dan feels his breath catch and his heart go into overdrive. Phil blinks at him a few times before turning around and sprinting down the hallway. Dan watches him leave until he’s out of sight. Then, Dan remembers to breath. Chris and Pj find Dan staring off down the hallway a few minutes later.

“Dan? Are you okay?” Chris asks as he gently pushes Dan’s shoulder. Dan shakes his head and snaps out of his trance.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go.” The boys fall instep and make their way to Pj’s car. A short time later, they arrive at Dan’s house. The boys follow Dan into the house and up to his room. Dan settles against the headboard. Chris sits on the end of the bed and Pj sits in Dan’s office chair. They wait in silence as Dan collects his thoughts.

“I owe you guys an explanation,” Dan starts.

“Well duh,” Chris interrupts Dan.

“Shush,” Pj scolds Chris and swats his hand at the boy. Chris dips his head in apology.

“You guys remember at the dance when you two went off to dance?” They both nod in remembrance.

“Well Phil came over to talk to me.” Both boys feel their breaths catch for a moment. Pj shoots Chris a quick look that said “I told you” when Dan wasn’t looking. Dan closes his eyes and takes a couple deep breaths before continuing.

“He was being sweet and he kept complimenting me. He told me how pretty I look and he made me feel so special. We kissed.” Both Pj and Chris’s mouthes fell open in surprise. Neither could say anything, so Dan took the opportunity to continue.

“He led me to a classroom and we continued making out. Things got kind of heated.” Different unpleasant scenarios ran through both Pj and Chris’s minds.

“When-,” Dan’s voice cracks. He feels as though he’s going to cry again. He takes a deep breath before continuing. “When he ran his hand down my body, he felt my bulge. He freaked out. He accused me of being a tranny. I told him that I’m genderfluid and who I was. He told me he wasn’t gay and then he left. I cried for a bit, then went to go find you guys. That’s when Chris found me.” Silence settles over the room as Dan finishes his tale. It’s a few minutes before anyone spoke.

“I’m so sorry Dan,” Chris says before enveloping the boy in a crushing hug. Pj moves from the chair and joins in the hug. Dan begins to cry as he’s smothered in his friend’s affection. Pj begins to rub Dan’s back as they sit in their hug.

Dan sniffs a few times before pulling back and breaking away from his friends’ embraces. He gives them a weak smile.

“It’s going to be alright. I’m sorry that he rejected you, but it will be okay,” Pj says quietly. Chris nods in agreement and Dan in understanding.

“I know it will. It just hurts though. I really liked him,” Dan response weakly. Both of the boys nod their heads.

“He wasn’t right for you. Give it some time. Before you know it, you’ll find someone who likes every part of you,” Chris says with a smile. Dan half smiles back at him. Dan has expressed to both of them his fear of never finding someone who accepts him as genderfluid. He knows that Chris is right. Right now though, his heart hearts.

“My heart feels like it got stomped on though,” Dan whispers as his face falls.

“They wouldn’t call it a crush if it felt wonderful all the time,” Chris says with a cheeky smirk. Pj rolls his eyes and Dan lets out a small laugh.

“Are you going to be alright?” Pj asks. Dan looks at him.

“Yeah. Eventually I will anyway. Thanks for being here for me,” Dan answers. They sit there talking about nothing in particular for a while longer until both Pj and Chris have to head home. Dan does feel a lot better after talking to them. He knows that they care greatly for him and he’s grateful for them.

The rest of the week passes by in a blur. Dan stops crying and seems to be working his way out of his funk. Pj and Chris are happy for him. They hope that he can move on from this and find someone way better than Phil Lester.

Dan doesn’t see much of Phil for the rest of the week. Phil’s purposely been avoiding Dan. He’s embarrassed about making out with a boy. He’s straight after all and shouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as he did. He can’t figure out if he enjoyed it because he thought Dan was a girl or because Dan was a great kisser.

Dan is coming back from music at the end of the day on Friday. He’s making his way to his locker and is in a pretty empty area of the school. It’s the wing where all the elective classes are held. He’s rounding the corner, lost in his own world, when he runs into someone. Dan reaches out towards the wall to stop himself from tumbling on the floor.

“Sorry,” he says quietly. He lifts his head and finds himself staring into a pair of piercing, blue eyes. Dan’s breath catches as his eyes sweep over the rest of the person’s face. He’s face to face with Phil Lester. His first reaction is to protect himself, but he’s frozen in place.

Someone bumps into Phil and sends him stumbling backwards. He’s mumbling about people needing to watch where they’re going before he hears the other person speak. The voice makes his blood run cold. He lifts his head and finds himself face to face with Dan. He opens his mouth to say something, but the words don’t come out.

“Phil,” Dan whispers.

“Dan,” Phil whispers back.

Phil apparently felt the same way. He doted on Dan and would do things for him that went beyond the realm of friendship. It was just normal between them. They really didn’t think anything of it nor did either one tried to put a stop to it. Things came to a head one evening. They were at Dan’s flat; playing video games and just hanging out.

They were laughing over some dumb joke when Phil looked over at Dan. He noticed the way that the way light illuminated Dan’s face and seem to make him glow like an angel. The light accented his plump, kissable lips and his sparkling eyes.

Dan turned to face Phil; wondering why he wasn’t laughing any longer. Phil is staring at him and Dan stares back. Phil slowly slides his hand up and cups Dan’s cheek. Dan’s breath catches in his throat. Phil leans in and carefully places his lips against Dan’s. They kiss is sweet and innocent. It sends tingles through Dan’s body. They make out for quite a while and Dan falls more in love.

You treat like your boyfriend

And trust me like a…like a very best friend

You kiss me like your boyfriend

You call me up like you want your best friend

You turn me on like you want your boyfriend

But I don’t want to be your secret anymore

Ring, Ring

Dan glances at his ringing phone. Phil’s picture flashes on the screen. A smile spreads across Dan’s face.

“Hello,” Dan states as he answers the call.

“Whatcha doing?” Phil asks.

“Chilling. How ‘bout you?”

“I’ve got some exciting news.”

“Oh ya? What is it?”

“I would rather tell you in person. I’m coming over.”

“Alright. See you then.” Dan ends the call and wonders what Phil has to tell him. He turns back to the television, but he’s not really paying attention. He hadn’t heard from Phil in about two weeks. Not since the night that they made out.

They hadn’t really talked about what they were. Dan would love to be with Phil, but Phil didn’t give an indication either way. Dan was pulled out of his thoughts by his doorbell ringing. Dan opens the door and unsurprisingly finds Phil standing on the other side. Phil is wearing a nice button up and overly tight, dark skinny jeans. Dan allows his eyes to rake up and down Phil’s body. He can feel his cock twitch at the sight.

“Hey. Come in.” Dan steps aside and opens the door wider for Phil. Phil steps through the door and Dan closes the door behind them. A moment later, Dan found himself pressed against the wall. Phil’s lips were crushed against him. Dan couldn’t help, but kiss him back. Phil pulls back and smiles at Dan.

“What was that for?” Dan asks breathily.

“I just wanted to. I’ve missed your lips,” Phil replies before pecking Dan’s lips once more. Dan smiles and envelopes Phil in a hug. He’s missed being so close to Phil.

“What did you have to tell me?” Dan ask. Phil stiffens slightly. Dan pulls back and furrows his brow at his friend. Phil pulls out of Dan’s embrace and laces their hands together.

“I’ll tell you later. There’s something I want to do first.” Phil leads Dan away from the door and towards the bedroom. Dan is confused as Phil leads him to the bed. However, the confusion dissipates as soon as Phil’s lips return to his.

Phil pushes Dan onto the bed and moves to straddle him. He kisses Dan while his hands roam over Dan’s torso. Dan runs his hands along Phil’s back. Phil is moaning against Dan’s lips at his touch. He sits back and pulls Dan up into a sitting position. He makes quick work of ridden Dan of his shirt. Dan undoes the buttons of Phil’s shirt and helps him take it off. The shirts are flung to an unknown part of room.

Phil pushes Dan back onto the bed and works his way down his front. He’s leaving hickies and wet, open mouth kisses in his wake. Dan can feel his body jolting at the contact. Phil’s fingers dance up Dan’s sides as he uses his mouth to undo the man’s jeans. Once Dan’s zipper is down, Phil mouths the outside of his erection through his underwear. Dan moans at the contact and threads his fingers through Phil’s hair.

Phil brings his hands down and loops his fingers in Dan’s underwear. He slowly works his way off the bed, taking Dan’s pants with him. Dan shivers as the air hits his cock. Phil works his his own pants and underwear down. He stands naked in front of Dan and wraps his fingers around his cock.

Dan watches as Phil strokes himself. He brings his hand down to touch himself; only for his hand to be swatted away a moment later. Dan looks up to see Phil beginning to stroke him. Dan bucks into Phil’s hand. Phil pulls his hand away from his own length and grabs a few items out of the drawer next to the bed.

Phil pulls his hands away from Dan and liberally coats his fingers. He drags one of his fingers around Dan’s rim before sinking it inside. His other hand comes up and begins to play with Dan’s nipples. Dan clenches at the intrusion for a moment before relaxing. Phil moves his finger in and out quickly before adding another.

Dan is a panting, moaning mess by the time Phil is easily working three fingers in his ass. He’s begging Phil for more, for his cock, for anything. Phil chuckles at the man as he retracts his fingers. He quickly pulls on a condom, coats his cock in lube, and sets it at Dan’s entrance. Dan attempts to thrust himself down on Phil’s cock, but is only successful in slightly catching the tip on his stretched out rim. Phil grabs Dan’s hips and sinks into his warmth.

Dan lets out a loud moan at the stretch. Phil holds himself deep into Dan as he waits for the man to tell him to move. Dan doesn’t tell Phil to move. Instead he starts rocking himself on Phil’s cock. Phil pulls almost all the way out and then snaps his hips forward. Dan digs his nails into Phil’s sides.

The rhythm they have going is quick and hard. Phil is letting out low moans as Dan clenches around him. Dan is one good thrust away from screaming. He does start screaming with pleasure when Phil hits his prostate dead on. Phil knows he’s close. He can’t hold on much longer because the noises Dan is making is driving him closer and closer to the edge.

Phil reaches between them and grabs Dan’s cock. He starts rapidly jerking the other man off in time with his own thrusts. Dan cums a minute later. His face is twisted in pleasure and his mouth is hung open in a soundless scream. The sight is enough to tip Phil over the edge. He slams into Dan one final time before cumming in the condom. Phil works them both down from their highs which leave them panting heavily.

Dan winces slightly as Phil pulls out of him. Phil disposes of the condom and grabs tissues to clean them up. After everything is done, they lay next to each other on the bed. Both are still breathing slightly heavy.

“What did you want to tell me?” Dan asks, suddenly remembering why Phil came over to his flat in the first place. Phil doesn’t answer right away. Dan turns on his side and looks over at him.

“I got a boyfriend,” Phil replies flatly. Dan’s eyes glance down and he feels his stomach drop.

I’m trying to be honest cause I can’t relax

Oh, when I get around you I can’t hide the facts

I let you take advantage cause it felt so good

I blame myself for thinking we both understood

Dan learns more about Phil’s “boyfriend” over the course of the next few weeks. While they call each other boyfriends, they aren’t exclusive yet. At least, that’s what Phil tells Dan.

The boyfriend is a pretty great guy whom Phil met at a party. Phil actually seems quite taken with the man in Dan’s opinion. That doesn’t make it hurt any less. Dan feels his heart ache every time Phil mentions his “boyfriend”.

“Can I talk to you?” Dan asks Phil. They’re seated on Dan’s couch watching a movie. Phil pauses the movie and turns to face Dan.

“Sure,” Phil replies with a smile. Dan glances away. He’s trying to look anywhere, but at Phil. He starts to fidget in his seat.

“Are you okay?” Phil asks. He reaches out and places his hand on Dan’s shoulder. Dan nods, still refusing to meet Phil’s concerned gaze.

“Um-Yeah,” Dan stutters out quietly. A slightly uncomfortable silence settles over the room.

“What do you want to talk about?” Phil asks quietly.

“I want to talk about us.” Phil furrows his brow at Dan.

“What about us?”

“You’re the only person I’m seeing. I know that you’re still seeing him, but I just wanted you to know that you’re it for me.” Phil nods at Dan. “Do you understand what I’m trying to say to you?”

“You’re telling me that you’re not sleeping with anyone but me. Do I have that right?”

“Yes. I really like you a lot Phil,” Dan confesses quietly.

“I like you too Dan.” Phil leans in close to Dan and kisses him. The kiss becomes heated rather quickly. Soon, they’re moving towards the bedroom and clothing is being shed.

You treat me like your boyfriend

And trust me like a... like a very best friend

You kiss me like your boyfriend

You call me up like you want your best friend

You turn me on like you want your boyfriend

But I don't want to be your secret anymore

Ring, Ring

Phil’s picture is displayed on Dan’s phone. Dan sighs heavily before answering.

“Hello?” Dan’s voice sounds flat and bored. However, Phil doesn’t notice.

“Can I come over. Please?” Phil asks without saying hello back to Dan. Dan scrunches his nose.

“Yeah. Sure,” Dan replies flatly.

“Great,” Phil says with a slight smile in his voice. “See you in about fifteen minutes.” Then Phil hangs up on Dan. About twenty minutes later, Phil is sitting on Dan’s couch. His eyes are red with tears and he keeps sniffling. It makes Dan’s heart ache to see Phil like this.

“What’s wrong?” Dan asks as he puts his arm around Phil in comfort.

“We had a fight,” Phil sniffles out. Dan knows that he means him and the “boyfriend”.

“What about?” Dan forces out through his clenched teeth. He doesn’t enjoy talking with Phil about his boyfriend.

“It was really stupid crap. Something about plans for this weekend which led into a fight about us not spending enough time together which led to me storming off.” Dan just nods his head in seemingly understanding. He tries to be there for Phil, but he’s finding it harder with each passing day.

Phil buries his head in Dan’s chest. Dan pulls him closer into a hug. He’s rubbing Phil’s back. Dan loves being this close to Phil and yet hates that it can’t last. He hates having to share Phil. He would love to keep him all to himself. Phil slowly kisses up Dan’s chest, neck, and finally kisses his lips.

“What are you doing?” Dan whispers.

“Trying to forget for a while,” Phil murmurs against Dan’s cheek. Dan sighs internally. He really shouldn’t let Phil have his way. Yet, he doesn’t put up an external struggle when Phil leads him off to the bedroom.

Don’t wanna, don’t wanna play the crying game

Do you feel the same? You feel the same

Don’t wanna, don’t wanna spin the bottle again

Do you feel the same? You feel the same

A few days later, Dan is sitting in the dark. Not the literal dark because the overhead light is burning brightly, but the metaphorical dark. The darkness has invaded his mind and he feels as though it is swallowing him whole.

He finishes his fifth or sixth glass of alcohol. Dan can’t remember anymore. He’s trying to make himself feel as numb as possible. It’s finally starting to work.

He can’t take it anymore. The only time Phil calls him anymore is when they fuck. Their friendship no longer exists as it once did. He’s tired of being Phil’s fucktoy. He feels wetness upon his face. Dan lifts his hand to his face. He realizes that he’s been crying. He doesn’t try to hold back anymore and lets the tears flow freely.

Dan sits and cries for what feels like hours. The second bottle is long gone by the time his tears end. Before he allows sleep to take him away, he’s made up his mind. The next chance he gets, he’s giving Phil an ultimatum. It’s either going to be Dan or the “boyfriend”.

You treat me like your boyfriend

And trust me like a... like a very best friend

You kiss me like your boyfriend

You call me up like you want your best friend

You turn me on like you want your boyfriend

But I don't want to be your secret anymore x2

Dan gets his opportunity a week later. Phil and him are sat on Dan’s couch watching a movie. Neither are actually watching the movie. They both know that it’s just passing time until Phil pulls Dan into the bedroom.

Phil makes the first move as always. He grabs Dan’s face and forces him to turn his head. Dan stares into the blue eyes that he fell in love with so long ago. Where Dan once saw love and happiness; now all he sees is emptiness and hurt. Phil presses his lips against Dan’s, but Dan doesn’t kiss back. Phil tries a few more times before stopping and pulling back.

“What’s wrong?” Phil asks with confusion. Dan drops his gaze to his lap.

“I can’t do this anymore,” Dan replies in a whisper.

“What do you mean?”

“What do you think I mean Phil?!” Dan exclaims.

“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you.” There is a slight defensiveness to Phil’s voice. He’s slightly taken aback from Dan’s outburst.

“I’m talking about what we’re doing. I can’t keep being your fucktoy.” Dan jumps off the couch and starts pacing. Phil sits there is silent confusion.

“You’re not my fucktoy.” Dan stops pacing and faces the man on the couch.

“Oh really? You only call me when you want to fuck. What am I then?”

“You’re my friend,” Phil says quietly. Dan shakes his head.

“No I’m not Phil. We haven’t been friends in quite a long time. I’m tired of this Phil. I’m tired of sneaking around. I’m tired of you only calling to hang out so we can fuck. I’m tired of being your second choice.” Phil goes quiet. He has a look of contemplation on his face and his head is down so he doesn’t have to look at Dan. Dan takes a deep breath in order to calm down.

“You need to make your choice Phil. Right here, right now. It’s either him or me. You have to choose one.” Dan can feel tears pricking his eyes.

“I can’t,” Phil whispers without lifting his head. The tears begin to fall from Dan’s eyes.

“Yes you can. You have to. It’s either him or me.” Dan crosses his arms in an attempt to stand his ground and shield himself. They both what in silence. Phil raises his head a few minutes later.

Dan had stumbled into the kitchen this morning. His eyes were blurry and still heavy with sleep. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and his pajama bottoms were slung low on his hips. He expected to see Phil making breakfast, but the kitchen was empty.

Once he realized he’s alone, Dan poked his head in the lounge. It was also void of Phil’s presence. Dan cocked his head and listened out. The flat resonated with silence. Dan checked the office and the bathroom. Each room was empty. Dan knocked on Phil’s door and pushed it open when he heard nothing.

“Phil?” Dan called out as the door opened. The room was empty. Dan furrowed his brow in frustration. The room looked to be in order, save the paper laying in the middle of the bed. Dan made his way towards the paper with hesitation. He picked up the paper and allowed his eyes to flutter over the page.

Dan,

     I must confess something. I heard you last night. I’ve heard you every night that you’ve had ‘private time’. I’ve heard the noises you make. I’ve heard you call my name. Don’t be embarrassed please. I really don’t mind.

     I can’t ignore my feelings for you any longer. I want you. I want you so bad Dan that it makes my heart ache. I want you writhing with pleasure beneath my fingertips.

     I have a proposition for you. I will be out of the apartment until 3 p.m. If you want me as bad as I want you, be on my bed when I return. If you aren’t there, I’ll assume you didn’t want me. Don’t feel bad if you don’t. We will ignore this message and proceed with our lives.

     Just think about it.

        Phil

Dan stared at the page in disbelief. He read the page four times before everything really hit him. Phil’s heard him wanking. Phil’s heard him calling out his name when he has reached my climax. Dan felt a red blush flush his face at the realization that he had an audience.

Phil confessed to liking him. That realization hit Dan on his second read through. He noticed the proposition on the third time. The fourth time is when everything fully sunk in. He took the paper back to his room and began to pace. 

Dan had found himself at a crossroads. On the one hand, he could give in and finally have Phil. On the other hand, he could ignore Phil and they could continue as they always were. However, that’s slightly a lie. Dan was aware that whatever he chooses will have an effect on their friendship. After a few hours of  pacing, Dan had made up his mind.

That is how Dan found himself outside of Phil’s room at ten to three. He takes a deep breath and pushes the door open. The room looks exactly the same as it did hours before except for the lack of page on the bed.

Dan steps inside and shuts the door. He quietly makes his way across the room and sits cross legged on the bed. He hunches his shoulders forward and curls in on himself. He keeps his head down so he can stare at his feet.

He hears the front door of the flat open. His heart quickens as Phil’s steps become louder the closer they come. Dan’s breath catches in his throat as the bedroom door opens. He doesn’t lift his head. He hears Phil shut the door and begin to move around the room.

Dan can see Phil’s legs. He feels Phil’s hand cups his chin and lift his head. He’s greeted with the most beautiful sight he has ever seen. Phil’s hair is pushed back in a slightly messy quiff. His eyes are sparkling, deep blue pools that are glistening with happiness. A wide, loving smile is adorning his face.

Dan can feel himself smiling in response. He can feel his body starting to relax in Phil’s presence. Dan watches as Phil leans down and closes the gap between their lips.

“I see you decided to accept my proposition. Good,” Phil murmurs against Dan’s lips with a smirk. Dan feels Phil press their lips together and hesitates for am moment. Then, he eagerly kisses Phil back. He feels Phil’s hands move to cup his face.

Dan pulls back from Phil who gave him a rather confused look. He shifts and moves back towards the head of the bed. Dan watches as Phil crawls across the bed and moves to hover above him.

Dan wraps his arms around Phil’s neck. They clash their lips together with heat and passion. Whimpers are escaping through Dan’s lips as Phil runs his hands over the other man’s body. Phil slips his fingers under Dan’s shirt and dances his fingers up his torso. Dan jolts at the touch.

Dan sits up and tugs at the hem of Phil’s shirt. Phil gets the hint and reaches behind his head to pull the shirt over it. Dan makes quick work to dispose of his shirt as well. Phil moves his lips across Dan’s jaw and down his neck. Dan lets out a particularly loud moan when Phil hits the sweet spot on his neck.

Dan ruts his crotch against Phil’s. Phil moans in response. He sits back on his knees and unbuttons Dan’s pants. Phil walks himself backwards off the bed; taking Dan’s pants and underwear with him. Dan blushes and moves his arms to cover himself. Phil shakes his head.

“Don’t cover yourself babe. You’re too beautiful for that,” Phil says gently while peeling Dan’s arms away from his body. Dan smiles shyly and feels himself blush. Phil drops his own pants and underwear. He watches as Dan’s gaze lingers up and down his body. Phil smiles as he moves to grab the lube from the drawer in his side table.

Once he has the lube, Phil clammers back on the bed. He repositions himself in-between Dan’s parted legs. Phil slides his hand over Dan’s inner thigh and over his dick. Dan bucks his hips into the touch. Phil strokes Dan’s cock a few times, teasing him. Dan moans loudly at the contact.

“Please Phil,” Dan pleads at the older man. Phil gives him a sly smile in response and opens the lube. He pours some on his fingers before dancing his index finger around Dan’s waiting hole. He sinks the finger in and gives Dan a moment to adjust.

“More,” Dan whimpers out less then a minute later. Phil complies and slides another finger into Dan’s ass. He begins to scissor the hole open while searching for that tiny bundle of nerves. Dan arches his back when Phil hits his prostate. Phil is able to get three fingers working Dan open before the man is begging to be fucked.

Phil retracts his fingers and pours more lube in his hand. He slides his hand over his length a few times while slightly bucking his hips at the contact. Dan is watching Phil with his eyes blown wide with lust. Phil lines up his cock with Dan’s asshole and slowly sinks inside. Dan lets out a low moan at the stretch. Phil slides halfway in and pauses while waiting for Dan to adjust. Dan nods his head and Phil finishes bottoming out.

Phil pauses again and waits on Dan. The pain gave way to pleasure and Dan starts to thrust himself on Phil’s cock. Phil takes it as a sign that he can start moving. He pulls almost all the way out and thrusts back in. Dan digs his nails into Phil’s shoulders.

Phil sets a quick pace and Dan matches his thrusts. The room is filled with moans from both men. Phil slides his hand between their bodies. He wraps his fingers around Dan’s cock.

“Oh god!” Dan cries out as Phil hits his prostate. Phil angles his hips. He hits the spot over and over again. Dan arches his back at the stimulation. Phil can feel the heat gathering in his groin.

“Close,” Phil moans out. Dan is close as well, but the pleasure he’s feeling is too overwhelming for him to talk. Phil figures that Dan is close as his noises have become more high pitched. Dan cums with a scream. He paints both his and Phil’s stomach with white ropes of cum. Phil feels him clench around his cock and he can’t hold back any longer. With one final, powerful thrust, Phil cums deep in Dan’s ass. He slowly fucks them both through their highs.

They’re both panting once they’ve gotten down from their highs. Phil pulls out and rolls sideways onto the bed next to Dan. He blindly reaches over to the side table and grabs a few tissues. He hands a few to Dan before using a few a few to clean himself up. They dispose of the tissues over the side of the bed. Phil lays back against the pillows and pulls Dan against his chest.

Dan settles into Phil’s chest and wraps his arms around his waist. Phil runs his fingers through Dan’s hair.

“I like you,” Dan whispers quietly.

They don’t really talk at all on the way to the café. A comfortable silence envelopes them. They make their way into the café and fall in line to order.

“What do you want?” Phil asks after turning to face Dan. Dan sweeps his eyes over the board, but the choices all blur together.

“What are you getting?” Dan asks Phil.

“A hot caramel macchiato,” Phil replies with a smile. Dan smiles back at him.

“I think I’ll get the same.”

“Good. You won’t regret it,” Phil flashes Dan a cheeky smile and turns towards the worker to order. Phil handed the cashier money and Dan stepped off the side to move out of other peoples’ way. He was standing by the pick-up area when Phil joined him a moment later.

“Why don’t you go get us a seat? I’ll wait for the drinks,” Phil offers. Dan nods and turns around to scan the shop. Chairs and tables are scattered throughout the space. Low lights and art works accent the space. Dan spotted a pair of chairs in a semi secluded corner. He makes his way over and sits down. He watches Phil make his way carefully across the shop towards Dan.

“Whew!” Phil exclaims as he flops down into the chair across from Dan. Dan watches the way that Phil’s hair falls in his eyes and he blows it away. A small smile graces Dan’s lips.

“Thanks for this,” Dan says gestures towards Phil with his raised coffee cup. Phil nods and takes a sip out of his own coffee cup.

“So tell me something about you,” Phil says after a few minutes of silence. Dan raised his head from staring at his coffee cup and looks at Phil.

“What do you want to know?” Dan asks.

“What’s your last name? That’s a great place to start,” Phil replies.

“Howell. Yours?”

“Lester.”

“What do you do?” Dan takes a sip of his coffee.

“Office work.”

“Do you like it?”

“I don’t mind it. It’s mainly busy work, but it does have some upsides. Weekends off and I met Connor so that’s something,” Phil answers before taking a sip of his coffee.

“How long have you known Connor?” Dan asks.

“About two years now. I met him once I started working there after I graduated from university.” Phil smiles at Dan. Dan goes quiet for a moment and Phil uses the pause to interject his own question.

“How long have you known Lacey?” Phil knows the rough answer to this from speaking to Connor. However, he would rather hear the answer from Dan himself. Dan smiles at the mention of his friend/manager.

“For a few months. I got hired back in July. I just graduated from secondary school and I need a job.”

“So you’re eighteen?”

“Yep. How are you?”

“I’m twenty-three.” Dan feels his face flush pink. He knew that he was younger than the man sat across from him. However, he didn’t realize how young. Dan suddenly feels like a child compared to Phil.

Phil knew that he was older than Dan. Connor had mentioned it and Dan just looked young. Phil wondered if Dan felt weird about their age gap. Phil had no problem with it, but he wouldn’t want to do anything to make Dan uncomfortable.

“Are you going to university?” Phil asks; breaking the silence they had lapsed into. Dan shook his head.

“No I’m not. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I figured there was no point in me going if I was clueless. So I decided to take a gap year. When I told my parents, they weren’t too happy. My mom gets it though. She made me get a job because she said it was uni or a job. Clearly, I wasn’t going to uni so job it was. That’s how I ended up at the bookstore.” Phil mulls over this new information for a moment.

“That makes sense. It’s better to wait and not just jump into it. You don’t want to wait to long though. Otherwise it will be harder to get back to it.”

“That’s true. It’s just a gap year. It’s not like tons of things are going to change in a year. Other than me making up my mid about what to do at uni. I’m currently saving up to move out of my parents’ house though. Then, I plan to go to school around here.”

“That’s a good goal. It’s nice to have some independence.” Dan nods in agreement. They have lapsed into another comfortable silence.

“What’s your favorite band?” asks Dan.

“Muse,” Phil replies. A large smile breaks out on Dan’s face. Phil feels his heart skip a beat. He would love to see Dan smile like that all the time.

“They’re my favorite too!” Dan exclaims. Phil’s smile mirrors Dan’s. This leads into a long discussion about various bands and artists. After a while, they slide from music to film to literature. They discover that they have a lot in common. Yet, there are enough differences between the two of them to keep things interesting.

Someone approaches them from the side and touches Phil’s left shoulder. He jumps at the contact and Dan dissolves into a fit of giggles. Dan giggling is music to Phil’s ears. He is smileing at the sound when he turns to face the unknown person. A worker stands next to them with a smile on her face.

“I’m sorry to scare you. I just wanted to let you know that we’re closing soon.” Dan and Phil look around the café. They had been so wrapped up in their own world that they didn’t notice the changes happening around them. Darkness has converged upon the city. The café is nearly empty. One or two other groups grace the interior.

“It’s fine,” Phil replies, “We will get going.” The worker nods her head and walks back towards the counter.

“We best be going,” Phil says after he’s already stood up. Dan looks up at the man and internally frowns. He doesn’t want this night to end. Phil reaches his hand towards Dan. Dan takes Phil’s hand and feels himself being tugged to his feet. They find themselves face to face. Phil feels himself smile at how close Dan is. He can feel Dan’s body heat. It’s a nice warmth that makes Phil feel happiness.

Phil drops Dan’s hand and moves away from the table. Dan follows behind him. They step out the café. The street is quiet. Light from the street lamps and a few shops illuminate the space. There is a chill in the air from the October weather. Phil turns to face Dan. Dan looks down at his shoes and shuffles awkwardly.

“Can I have your number?” Phil asks. Dan looks up at him and nods his head. They each dig their respective phones out of their pockets and exchange them. After inputting their information, they swap their phones back.

“I’ll text you sometime,” Phil says.

“Sounds good,” Dan replies with a smile and a nod. Phil waves bye at him. Then he turns and heads for the local tube station. Dan watches him go until he’s around the corner. With a sigh, Dan turns around and heads off towards home.

Dan climbs into bed later that night with thoughts of Phil swarming his mind. He lays on his back with one arm under his head and stares at the ceiling while replaying the day in his head. They have a lot in common and Dan feels as though there is a connection that he can’t quite explain. The sound of his phone going off breaks him of his thoughts. Reaching over, he grabs his phone and sees that he has a new message.

From: Phil

I had a great time tonight! :)

To: Phil

so did i! :)

From: Phil

We will have to get together again soon :)

To: Phil

yes we will :P

From: Phil

Goodnight! Sweet dreams x

Dan stares at the ‘x’ at the end of Phil’s last text. He can feel his heart flutter briefly.

“It probably doesn’t mean anything,” he tries to convince himself.

Dan briefly considers that he is possibly developing a crush on Phil. He shakes his head and pushes the thought out of his head. Dan locks his phone and sets it on his side table. He closes his eyes and falls asleep with a smile on his face.