#phanphandom

Was it possible it came from the coffee shop below my apartment building? Wherever it was coming from, it made my stomach growl.

Wrapped my wet hair on a towel and put on my robe; as I opened the bathroom door, the scent was more intense.

No way! I thought to myself.

I poked my head over the counter and there he was Dan on his flannel pajama pants and a black t-shirt. Humming AND cooking.

He didn’t hear me come out of the shower; maybe he didn’t even notice I was awake yet.

-Excuse me. I cleared my throat. What are you….?

-Pancakes! Didn’t you say yesterday you much rather be waken up with this over music? He said without even facing me, fully focused on the stove.

-I remember saying something about a kiss too. I giggled.

-Well I’m kind of busy at the moment. He turned his head towards me shooting me a smile.

I walked towards him and wrapped my arms around his waist, leaning my head on his back.

-This smells delicious. I don’t recall ever having pancakes before.

-I know! You didn’t have anything I could have used to make them. I had to go to my flat and ransack our fridge.

-Sorry! I’m pretty basic when it comes to breakfast. Coffee, toast and I’m on my way.

-I can tell. Why don’t you go get dress before you get sick again? Not that I mind the robe at all. He said with a wink.

I cupped his cheeks on my hands and planted a small kiss before heading to my room.

It didn’t take me that long to get dressed as I already knew what I was going to wear so I used the few extra minutes to put on some light makeup. There wasn’t much time to do a full face so I limited it to some foundation, concealer, and loose powder to set it all; A hint of blush and mascara.

I made it back to the kitchen and found Dan already seated in one of the stools.

Our food was served, a few pancakes for each of us, a glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee.

-Oh my god, this smells delicious. Thank you.

-Don’t thank me until you’ve tried them. He smiled.

We ate our breakfast as we talk a little. I’m telling you, it was the best breakfast I had in a long while and the fact that Dan made it for me, made it taste even better.

I caught myself staring at him a few times; he probably noticed but was too focused on his food to even say something to me.

I liked the view almost as much as the way that he made me feel. I liked him, I really did. It was bizarre, as I don’t tend to grow attached to people I barely know but there was something about Dan that would make you love him even at first glance. Well…technically, at second in my case.

-I really have to get going. I announced as I was taking our dishes to the sink.

-Yeah I know, unfortunately I can’t persuade you stay in, can I?

-I’d love to stay and hang out but I have an office to run, a dress to pick and…

-A dress? Like in…

-The dress I’ll be wearing to your gala.

­-Oh! Will you show me?

-No way in hell! It’ll be a surprise.

-I normally don’t like surprises but I guess I can live with it for just a few days. Can you at least give me a hint? He said as he put his hands together as he was praying.

-It’s purple.

I grabbed my stuff and before leaving, I put on some perfume.

-I love the smell of it. He said grabbing the bottle

-Thanks. It’s my signature scent. I’ve been wearing the same perfume for 10 years now.

He vowed down and brushed his nose through my neck so as to fill his lungs with my perfume and leaving goose bumps all over my body.

-It definitely suits you.

-Stop it, Dan! I said as felt my cheeks turn bright red.

He wrapped his arm around my neck as we walked towards the door.

I locked the door behind me as I turned back to face him. We got lost on each other’s eyes before kissing softly.

-Text me later?

-Pinky promise.

I planted one more peck before the elevator doors shut in front of me.

 ~Time Lapse~

 I was drafting a presentation for Russel as my chat lit up.

Laura:

When are we getting the hell out of here? We have a dress to pick!

You:

Ugh! I haven’t forgotten about that!!! Russel needs some stats for a meeting. I’m half way through it

Laura:

This is more important! Let’s go.

Plus my stomach is growling already

You:

I know, mine too. I haven’t eaten anything since this morning.

Laura:

Oh yeah….the pancakes <3

Bloody hell, you are lucky.

You:

Oh shut up! Last thing I need right now is to get lost in my thoughts.

Give me 30 and we’ll be on our way.

Laura:

Just 30. Not a minute more.

You:

Yes mom!

I typed as fast as I could. I don’t know if it was because of how nervous I was due to the dress or the fact that I was actually famished.

Saved and sent I said to myself as I clicked the send button on my email.

Grabbed my purse and sprinted over Laura’s spot at the front desk.

-Shall we, madam? I said as I extended my hand

-I thought you would never ask.

We got out of the office and into the tube.

I briefly told her about what happened yesterday after she left during a short coffee break, to say that she was shocked it’s an understatement, so she took it upon herself to interrogate me the entire ride.

A few minutes later, we got off on Covent Garden and walked the few blocks that separated us from the store.

I didn’t realize it was a vintage store which made me extremely happy. I love vintage clothes and thrift shopping.

The place was packed with sequins gowns, long, short, anything you can think of and it was divided by color, which I really appreciated, otherwise, I’d have felt extremely overwhelmed.

I was distracted by a text from my boss for, kid you not, a split second and when I raised my head from my phone, Laura was already diving into the hangers on the purple section.

-FOUND IT!!!! She yelled at me with the dress in hand and a huge smile on her face like if she just won a trophy.

As she approached me, I stared at the size. That’s not even going to fit me I thought to myself.

-Maybe we should contemplate others; I don’t think I will look good on that.

-Oh come on, Y/N! It’s perfect. C’mon, let’s go try it on. She said as she dragged me to the fitting room.

I never met a woman that doesn’t dread a fitting room. I was no exception. I’m mostly happy with my curves, but there is always an icky feeling when I try on clothes.

I peeled off my clothes as I stared myself in the mirror with only my underwear. Took a deep breath and put the dress over my head, making sure I wouldn’t stain it with my makeup.

It fitted and I didn’t look half as bad as I thought I would.

I put on my glasses to have a better look at it and the moment I gazed onto the reflection on the mirror, it downed upon me: I looked nice and I felt pretty.

-C’mon, mate! What’s taking you so long?

I shoved the curtain to a side and stepped out.

Laura just stared at me for a moment.

­-Mate, you look bloody gorgeous!

I smiled as kept on staring at my reflection.

-Ok, I’m taking it! Now, let’s just go and eat before I go all Hannibal Lecter on you.

I got into the small cubicle again so as to get back into my clothes.

-Y/N, your phone is ringing.

-Ugh! I bet is Russel! I bet he still doesn’t understand what I sent him. Can you please pick up for me and tell him I’ll call him right back?

What is it with bosses calling at the worst possible time? I sigh.

-Y/N’s phone, Laura speaking. I heard her as I was struggling to get back into blouse.

-Oh, Hi Daniel! Y/N is in the middle of trying on dresses, would you like to leave her a message?

I immediately poked my head through the curtain, still in my underwear the second I heard Dan’s name.

I started waving my hands and making gestures so she wouldn’t tell him anything about the dress if he asked which he did.

-I’m afraid I can’t tell you, she’ll kill me if I do but I can say one thing for certain…She will look absolutely breath taking.

-SH-SH-SHUT UP, LAURA! I shouted as she started giggling.

-You shut up, it’s the truth! She hissed. I will tell her to text you as soon as she can manage to put on her trousers again. She now burst out laughing.

-Asshole!

She stuck her tongue out.

-Pleasure to talk to you, Dan. By the way, BIG FAN of your videos! Ciao

She proceeded to hung up.

Stepped out and Laura still had my phone on her hands.

-Did I just spoke with THE Daniel Howell?

-You sure did!

-Oh girl! You are so lucky and he is even luckier! You will look amazing that night.

-For the millionth time, shut the fuck up and let’s go eat.

After paying for the dress, we headed out.

Took my phone to check my messages, Dan texted me shortly after Laura ended the call.

Ok, I know I’ve said I could wait but I can’t I want to see you in the dress.

Patience you must have, my young padawan

See you tonight?

I’m going to try. I have rehearsals

Boo! K…text ya later! :*

I opened the door and waved Dan hello as made a gesture signaling that he should enter.

Gave another few chews to the food in my mouth and, with great effort, I swallowed. Patted myself in the chest and muffled a cough.

‘You are always so delightful to watch’ I thought to myself.

Dan just stood in front of me; contemplating the picture I was giving him and just burst out laughing.

-I’m fine. I said shaking my head while I walked back to the couch. Come, sit. What’s up?

He just sat there, with his hands over his knees, looking at his feet in dead silence.

-I don’t read minds, sweetheart. What’s up? What did you want to ask me? I inquired while grabbing the bowl of nachos to offer him some.

He shook his head and sighted, still not saying a word. ‘What the hell is going on with this guy now?’ I thought.

-Dan, you are scaring me. Are you alright? I asked again but this time, I started rubbing his back with my left hand.

He was making me nervous.

He sighted again, still not making eye contact

-I’m sorry. I just….You don’t have to say yes, though.

-Say yes to what? Whatever you are thinking, you better spill it out before I assume you are having a stroke.

There were a few more moments of silence until he shifted his body towards me. He was now facing me, his right leg folded under his butt. He looked scared. He started making me a bit uncomfortable.

All of a sudden he laughed; I didn’t understand what the hell was going on.

-You have cheese all over your face. He grinned as he proceeded to rub it off with his thumb.

-Forget the cheese. You are making me nervous. TALK. I now demanded

­-Ok, so…hummmm---Remember the organization I told you about? The one that’s having a fundraiser in two weeks?

-I do, yes. What about it?

-Well, it turns out that I got more invitations that what I initially anticipated. I was going to go with Phil, but I got four tickets. And I wanted him to use that opportunity to go on a date with Hazel.  He and Hazel have a thing for each other since like forever and Hazel said yes and---

-Dan, you are rambling. I interrupted. He was talking at light speed and I was falling off tracks in the conversation

I grabbed his hand between mine.

-You don’t want Phil to go with Hazel? Is that it? You want to ask me how to tell him to ‘un-invite’ Hazel? I was so confused.

He took a deep breath.

-Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to go as MY plus one to the event.

His face turned bright red after he said that and I could even feel his palm a bit sweaty, as I still had his hand in mine.

That question took me by surprise; I’m not going to lie.

All I could say was

-Oh...

My lack of response was now making him even more nervous.

-You don’t have to say yes. I mean, it’s weird that I asked you. We don’t know each other that well. Again, you don’t have to say yes. Forget that I asked you that stupid question. He said as he stood up.

I could feel he wanted to run away but he couldn’t. I was still holding his hand.

-Shut up. You are giving me a headache. I joked as I pulled his arm down and forced him to sit back down. I would love to go with you.

Now it finally downed on me, he was nervous because he was asking me out. ON A DATE

God, he is incredibly and adorably awkward.

-You would?

-Well, I was not about to say no to free food and booze. I stuck my tongue out and winked at him.

As stupid as that may sound, I felt that it’d lighten up the mood.

He started giggling.

All of a sudden it hit me. I just agreed to go to, what he called an award show like event.

I’m the most casual person in the whole wide world, I only got dressed up for weddings. How the hell was going to pull off a sophisticated look?

I was internally panicking but in order to go onto a full on freak out mode, I had to ask

-So, what I should wear? Should I match with you in some way, shape or form? I’m sorry, I’m just not very good at….you know? Dressing up all girly and pretty.

I wouldn’t say I’m not feminine, but I normally go for comfortable clothes rather than what’s on trend or whatever.

I could feel my facial expression was telling him that I was internally screaming my head off.

-No, we don’t have to match. He smiled. I’ll be wearing a blue tux because its black tie, but you can wear whatever dress you feel like it. I’m sure you can put a potato sack and still look amazing.

Ok, now not only was I losing my shit but the idiot made me blush as well.

-I see. Ok, I’m going to wait till you leave so I can freak out about it in peace.

-Wait no! Why? If you are not comfortable with it, you don’t have to go. I promise I won’t get upset.

-Daniel, I’ve said I’m going and I will, so shut the fuck up.

-Alright, alright. I’ll shut up now.

We both kept quiet. So much so that I heard Dan’s phone vibrating in his pocket.

-Sorry, I have to go. Food arrived.

I still was speechless so all I could do is nod.

I walked him to the door without even saying a word, like if for some reason I was now mute. My head, on the other hand, was spinning at 20 thousand miles an hour.

-I know you asked me to shut up but…are you sure?

No, I was not sure, not really but I would never tell him that.

I planted a kiss on his cheek.

-It’ll be my pleasure.

We both grinned.

-Nice! Text me later?

-Will do.

As I closed the door, I frenetically started looking dresses and texted Laura. I needed someone to guide me through this as I was not mentally prepared for any of it.

 °Dan’s POV°

As I got into the apartment, I found Hazel and Phil setting up the table.

I startled them with the sound of my keys hitting the glass bowl next to the door as I tossed them in.

-SO?!!? They shouted in harmony.

-She said yes. I’ve got a date

The moment I said those words out loud, my heart started racing again. I actually asked Y/N on a date, not any date but to be my plus one to, probably, one of the most important nights in my life.

The fact that she said yes made me happy and now I had 2 weeks to be a complete nerve wreck.

Hazel and Phil hugged me, like if I just told them I won 10 million pounds.

-I told you she wouldn’t say no, Danny! My 6th sense never fails.

The rest of the night was a blur; I don’t even recall what movie we watched or what we talked about.

As I was closing the office at 1:30 am on Saturday morning, I decided to take a cab home, I was feeling feverish, covered in cold sweat; it was definitely not a good sign.

As I was waiting for the elevator to arrive, at my apartment complex, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

-Hi Y/N! He said effusively as I turn to look at him Oh my, you look really bad! Are you feeling alright?

-Hi Phil. Actually, I feel like a shit. I replied as I tried, and failed, holding in a sneeze.

-London winter is very cruel. You should drink some hot tea and hop into bed.

-That’s the plan. I’m sure I won’t get out of bed the entire weekend. What are you doing so late?

-I just came from a late dinner with a friend, what have you been up to?

-Work! UGH! I sighted in annoyance.

We both hopped into the elevator and within a minute we arrived at our floor.

-Take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything. He waved goodbye as he entered his apartment.

-Will do! Good night.

I dropped everything on the floor as I made my way to the bathroom. Turned on the hot water to fill in the bathtub, ‘maybe a relaxing hot bath would help?’ I thought to myself

After my bath, the piercing pain in my body seemed to have mildly decreased

Made myself some tea and even if my stomach was not having it, I forced myself to down it. I went to look in my back pack for my medicines so as to take something that would allow me to sleep only to find out that left my pouch at my desk.

God damn it, Y/N! How can you be so stupid! I coursed myself out loud.

So the only thing that was for me to do now was pray to all the gods I knew for me to be able to sleep.

I went to bed and covered my aching body under a pile of blankets.

I don’t think I was able to sleep for more than 2 hours in a row, and when I did, I woke up covered in sweat.

On one hand, that’s awesome as I was going to be able to sweat it off, on the other hand, there were limited beddings in this apartment.

I was awaken, for the millionth time, my entire body felt like a bulldozer has managed to roll over me yet left me alive.

Breathing hurt; thinking hurt; my stomach, fumbled. I was barely able to open my eyes.

I am no stranger to this feeling but yet I felt like I was going to die, I know I am a tad exaggerated, but that's how I was feeling at that point in time.

Suddenly my phone started humming against my night table.

-Morning! How are you feeling? Phil told me you weren't doing well last night

Damn it! I thought to myself. I should've known that Phil was going to talk to Dan.

-Hey! Still feeling like shit. I wasn't able to sleep almost at all.

I really needed this pain to go away, it seems, as my brain betrayed me and took control of my fingers and kept typing.

Sorry to be a pain in the ass but do you happen to have something for the fever? I forgot my meds at work and I really need something right now.

I sounded like an addict trying to score their high. I couldn't believe I did that and now I was feeling like shit due to whatever was flowing through my veins and because I might potentially made him worry about me.

Fuck sakes! I hated myself. I never liked asking for help but, unconsciously, I knew I had to

-I’ll be there in 5 minutes. He texted

I crawled out of bed, as quickly as my body allowed me, made my way to the bathroom and I managed to, at least, brush my teeth and put my rattled hair in a bun.

Gave myself a look at the mirror Deplorable was the only way I could describe the image that the mirror was reflecting: A pale greenish face, under eyes worth of a raccoon, dehydrated looking lips and a sweaty forehead. What a delight! I thought to myself.

Still wrapped on a thick blanket, I felt my body creak. My head was still pounding and even with all the blinds still down, the bit of light entering through them, were hurting my eyes.

The doorbell rang and I felt as if someone just banged a hammer against my skull.

It must’ve taken me 5 minutes to walk the 9ft that separated me from the front door.

As I was opening it, I put the duvet over my head so as to avoid any sunlight coming in from the hallway.

-Come in. I said with my very raspy and congested voice.

-Oh, Y/n! You sound awful! Why on earth didn’t you text me?

-Because I’m a fucking moron that doesn’t like needing people or asking for help.

-Here, take this. I’ll grab a glass of water from the kitchen.

-No need. I told him as I swallowed the pill he handed me.

The fact that I took that pill with no water shows how desperate I was to get this tortuous pain out of my body.

-Oh wow! He said while giving me a shocked look. Do you need anything? Want me to me you some tea?

I hated the fact that he felt the need to look after me but at the same time, I kind of liked the fact that some was taking care of me. I was going to allow it, till the ibuprofen made its way through my blood. After that, I was planning to make him leave. I was a grown ass woman with a LOT of pride. Silly me….

-A cup of tea will be fine, thanks. After that you can go, no need to baby sit me. I tried to sound determined.

-Will you shut up already? You really think I’m going to leave you while you are looking like that? He snorted as he disappeared into the kitchen.

I didn’t want to sound contemptuous, so I just didn’t bother replying.

I creeped to the sectional couch on the living room and allowed my body to collapse.

A few minutes later, he came back with two cups of tea, as he sat next to me, I could see he was still in his pajamas.

I grabbed the cup he handed me and offered to share my blanket which he accepted.

He pressed his lips over my forehead so as to take my temperature.

­­-You are burning up.

­- I’ll be fine. It’s just the flu, don’t worry.

I finished my cup of tea and that’s the last I remember.

She had those kinds of eyes that irradiate comfort, I was no longer nervous.

-       Your apartment smells really nice, chocolatey

-       Hahaha! Really? Is that the first thing you tell a woman?

I didn’t know what to say, I just stood there with my eyes wide open. I was trying to say something when she interrupted me

-       I’m kidding! You can close your mouth now, but thanks, I made brownies to have as dessert. What would you like to drink?

-       What do you have?

-       Beer, Coke, wine and something called Ribena? I don't know what it is but I saw everyone at work drinking it so…

-       You still haven't tried Ribena? I'm offended. Get that!

-       All right, all right! Hold your horses! Jesus Christ! I only been here a few days, I’m not yet a full on Brit yet.

She said as she disappeared into the kitchen

 -       Where are we eating? Counter, coffee table?

-       Coffee table! The couch has a lovely view. She shouted.

As I was waiting for her to come back with the drinks, I put the pizza down where she told me and saw her laptop over an auxiliary table next to the couch.

Her Spotify account was up and a song paused. She was listening to ‘If I could only see by Tonic’

‘She does have an impeccable music taste’ I thought.

As I was caught in my train of thoughts, she came in from behind me and startled me

-       Already snooping through my laptop? she joked

-       Nah, I was just curious to see what you were listening to.

-       You can press play if you want to, that way if there are any awkward silences, the music will fill them up. But you might want to turn down the volume first. I have a neighbor that gets utterly annoyed if I play it too loud she said as she stuck her tongue out.

-       HA HA HA. You are not as funny as you think you are! I mirrored her previous grimace

-       Here is your Ribena, I decided it was a beer day for me, but just in case I need some alcohol to put up with your unbearable existence.

-       Thank god I live next door and I can leave whenever you start getting tipsy.

-       Low blow, mate! Shall we? she said pointing at the pizza

-       Yes! I’m starving!

As we were eating and talking about our lives, I noticed that she kept on staring at me. That always made me uncomfortable but I wanted to know why she did that.

-       You are staring at me again. Do I have something on my face?

-       Damn, sorry! I thought I was being smooth. I don’t know but ever since you got in here I feel I’ve seen you before.

‘Fuck, fuck, fuck!’ I thought. She recognized me; I couldn’t believe it and I didn’t even bring up my YouTube yet. ‘How the hell did it happen?’ I decided to play it dumb and see where this was heading.

-       Really? You know a lot of tall ass guys with hobbit hair?

-       I can’t say I do, you remind me of a guy on a video a friend of mine showed me a long time ago.

I was made, but I kept my cool

-       Really? Who?

-       I don’t even remember his name, but I do remember he was dressed as a dinosaur and trying to eat cereal someone was throwing at him. It was actually quite hilarious.

I couldn’t believe my damned luck. Not only she has seen me before but she’s seen me doing one of the most stupid videos I’ve made in my life. All I wanted was for the earth to rip open and swallowed me. I don’t think I ever craved death as much as I did in that precise moment.

I don’t remember how long I remained zoned out, but all of a sudden she was waving her hands in front of my face.

-       Dude! You here among the living?

I didn’t reply, I just covered my lit red face with my hands when all of a sudden it happened

-       OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I softly screamed. And I mean softly only because my hands were still on my face and muffled the sound of my very pitch high voice.

-       What?! What is going on? She said while grabbing my hands and putting them away from my face.

She had to have figured out so, I might as well come clean right then and there.

-       It’s called Dan the Danasaur and it is, in fact, me on that video. I made that video back in 2013.

I told her while staring at my feet, I couldn’t make myself look her in the eye until I hear she was laughing and her laughter started to sound like she was choking.

-       Here! Take a sip of this. Are you ok?

It took her a few seconds to compose herself. There were a minute or two of deafening silence until she spoke again.

-       Ok, I was not expecting that like AT ALL. Is that what you do for a living? Videos on the internet? She asked with, what felt, underwhelm in her voice.

-       Well, yes. I am a youtuber among other things.

I made eye contact again with her and I saw that she was a little blushed and with a smile on her face. I did not know what the hell was going on.

-       What? You keep staring at me again

-       That video, the one you did? Was the only thing that made me smile during a very rough time in my life. My friend found it on the internet and sent me the link via email. It was one of the few things that, back then, made me feel a hint of happiness. Unbelievable how the universe works, right? So, now that I have you here, let me thank you. Your moronic ass helped me get through some deep shit.

I was dumbstruck. What I was supposed to tell her? I mean, I could see a hint of sadness behind her eyes. Should I hug her? Make a joke? I needed to act and I needed to do that quickly

-       I am glad that my personal and public humiliation did you any good.

She started laughing.

-       Public humiliation is not only my forte but also a great source of laughter. You are kinda cool, Prick. Maybe I should dig a little into that YouTube channel of yours.

-       Well, this was nice. I think I should go now and choke myself to death. I said as I stood up. I was literally going to run to my house and die.

-       Don’t be an idiot! I would never do that if it made you uncomfortable. I told you! You sort of a cool dude, I much rather get to know you like this than from what you put out there.

I sigh in relief.

As we resumed our chitchat, a song started playing that made Y/N sit up straight; she took her hands to her chest and closed her eyes. I could see that the song meant something deep to her.

-       Have you ever heard a song and thought ‘This is exactly me. This song sums up everything I want in life’? Never have I ever found one like that till I heard this.

It was Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls. I’ve heard it before but never really paid attention to the lyrics until Y/N said that. For some reason, I felt compelled to give it my undivided attention.

-       I never thought of that, but it is a beautiful song I resumed as the song finished.

She gave her bottle the last sip and stood up

-       I think I need a refill. You want something else or you are good?

-       I’ll take a beer, thanks

-       Coming right up!

As she disappeared into the kitchen, I took my phone out of my pocket; I had a text from Phil

Everything going ok?

Yeah, everything is going fine.

she’s seen one of my videos, at least

tell you later.

It took her a moment to come back with our drinks, I found myself looking at her straight in the eyes, I felt myself smile.

Also if I said that I wasn’t mildly turn on, I would be bluntly lying.

I wasn’t expecting Phil to be up, but he was so, I could not escape the interrogation.

-I’m taking that dinner went well, given the time. He said as he showed me his phone

-Yeah, it was good. She got sleepy and called it the night.

-Well…? Are you going to spill or what?

-It was good, as I texted you, she recognized me from one video a friend sent her way back but never got into my channel, so the only impression he has of me or my online persona is the cereal challenge

-You kidding me, right? He burst in laughter

-Nope, I kid you not. She promised me she was not going to watch any other of my videos as she much rather get to know me face to face, which I very much appreciate.

-ANNNND…..?

-Nothing. We ate, she made dessert, we talked and maybe tomorrow I’ll take her sight-seeing.

-Do you seriously think I’m buying that?

-Damn it, Phil! I may or may have not encouraged us to play a game that may or may have not be R rated. I admitted while feeling my cheeks slightly burning.

-You did what now?

-There was a board game under her TV called awkward questions or something like that, she caught me with the box as she came back with drinks and I didn’t want her to think I was snooping around her apartment and all of a sudden, there was I suggesting we should play it. Turns out, it was a sex game.

-And I thought that those type of things only happened to me.

-It was really cumbersome at the beginning but we ended up playing it for like an hour until her mother called. I swear that call could not have come in at a better time or I’d have ended up embarrassing myself trying to awkwardly cover ‘my friend’.

-How was that comfortable for any of you?

-Oddly enough, it was quite natural. I  think she is the type of girl that doesn’t mind talking about stuff like that at all, I really enjoyed myself tonight….well, not myself….Fuck. I enjoyed the evening. You know what I meant.

-And you are going to make plans for tomorrow, then?

-I’m debating it. On one hand I do want to hang out with her again, she is really funny and all but on the other hand I don’t want to give the wrong impression. I have no idea what I’m doing, not going to lie and the fact that she will only be here for 3 months….I don’t know, man. For now I think I’m going to try go with the flow.

-Yeah, because that comes naturally to you. Phil said with irony in his voice while rolling his eyes.

-Thanks, Phil! You are such a good friend! I grunted.

-You should try and do that, I mean, there is no way you can predict the outcome of it all therefore, it’s a waste of time to overthink it or get all worked up about it. I told you before you went there; you need to let it be. No matter what happens, you know I’m here.

-Yes, I know. I guess I can try and let this all pan out as it’s supposed to.

-Now go to bed and drink water. I can tell you are a bit… He made a drinking gesture as he smiled and continued his way to the kitchen.

As I was climbing up the stairs, my phone started vibrating in my pocket.

 I’m the worst. I forgot to offer you some

brownies for you to take home! I made a whole

batch, that I’ll probably end up eating before I can

catch some sleep.

How dare you? You are definitely

the worst neighbor in the whole

wide world

I know!!! Bad Y/N, BAD!

Do you think you’ll be able

to sightseeing with me tomorrow?

Again, you don’t have to.

I haven’t checked my schedule for

tomorrow. I promise I will check as

soon as I wake up and let you know.

 It’s fine, really!!!

I don’t think I’ll be up before

noon, that’s if I manage to

sleep at all. All of a sudden

I’m wide awake.

If you wanted me out of your

flat you only had to tell me to

leave. There was no need to

fake drowsiness.

Shut up, Daniel! I was not

faking it!! I just got to bed

but my brain decided that

it wanted to wander.

-_-

I hate when that happens.

I hate sleepless nights.

What’s on your mind?

Hahaha, don’t you think I’ve shared

enough for one night? : P

We both did! I blame the beer

and you!

Me? Excuse you!

You had the brilliant idea,

I just played along.

You are the bad influence here,

I’m just the innocent victim.

Innocent? HAHAHA

I highly doubt there is an

ounce of innocence in you.

I hate repeating myself but

EXCUSE YOU!?

If I’m not innocent, then

neither are you so shush!

I never said I was!

Did I? ;)

 Point taken!

Ok, I’m gonna let you

go to bed. I’m

going to watch something

till I pass out.

Nite, Prick.

Good night, Tipsy!

 As I got myself in bed, I couldn’t help but go through every single detail of that night; kept re reading our texts.

I don’t recall if I ever had such an amazing and smooth night like this one before, where everything flowed so naturally. It felt like I knew her from past lives or something and that feeling scared the crap out of me.

I didn’t know what the morning will bring but I really want her to see her sooner rather than later.

I couldn't back out my invitation, could I? I was going to live next to Dan for the next 3 months and the sole idea of having an awkward encounter after something like that made me sick to my stomach.

'Fake it till you make it’ I am not the most social person in the world. I used to, though but as I grew older my tolerance to people have decreased, enormously.

In addition to that I am awkward, very very socially awkward. I'm the kind of person that often asks themselves 'Did I just say that or thought about it?’ so things were not looking all so bright for me.

One thing was for certain, I was feeling lonely.

I was used to see my family at least twice a week, and see my friends all the time. I had only been in London for 5 days and I was already dying to sit with any of them for coffee and a chat.

The idea of having someone to talk to or hang out was actually quite comforting.

I had to get the fuck out of my head and stop thinking too much.

It was just a dinner.

Trying to shake my own thoughts, I was brought back to reality with a knock on the door on the office I was sharing with Martin.

It was Russell, the UK brand manager who just arrived from a client's meeting.

'Hi Y/N. Martin’ he said as he extended his hand 'Have you already reviewed the schedule?’

'Yes, we have’ said Martin 'I think we'll be ready on time if not sooner’

I only limited myself to nod and smile

'Tomorrow the office will be closed, there is an issue with the heat on the back end conference rooms and the Realtor told me they'll come and fix it in the morning, so we already have gotten ourselves a day off’ he smiled

'Awesome’ I said a bit too enthusiastically.

It was almost time for me to clock out. I was equally excited and nervous but I had a few things to do before heading out so I tried focusing on that instead of allowing my thoughts to run wild.

 °Dan’s POV°

 I had a knot in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't remember the last time I was this nervous, neither did I recall when the last time I had a dinner date.

I did have my fair share of fooling around but wasn’t something I did often nor I was that fond of.

This seemed to be different, for some reason. Not quite a date but it wasn’t a mere hang out with a friend either. She was neither of those things at this point and that’s what made me nervous.

I was going in blind. It was literally a blind date.

Phil realized that my head was not in the right place while we were making a video for our gamming channel.

‘Mate, where are you? This is not worth it if you are not engaged’ he said in a harsh voice

‘Sorry, I’m just way in my head about tonight. I’m nervous’ I replied dropping my controller

‘Why are you so nervous? Is not like she is an alien with tentacles ready to eat you or something’

‘I don’t know. This feels different, strange even. Feels like it’s my very first time talking to a girl, 16 year old Dan all over again’ I knew I can tell Phil anything without fear of being judged.

‘Look, it’s just dinner. Don’t take this as a date as it isn’t, how could it be? You both barely saw each other and the one time you did, was under the worst possible circumstance. You are just meeting a neighbor, whatever happens after tonight, will. Whether you panic now or later. Don’t get ahead of yourself’

‘You are right, Phil. I just can’t seem to get out of my head’

‘Maybe you should cancel it’

‘No, I don’t want to. A side of everything I’m feeling, I actually and 100% want to go through with it’

‘Then you have your answer already. Can we please go back to the game now?

Once again, Phil was right and I do have my answer. Whatever is meant to happen, will and it was beyond my control.

 °Your POV°

It was finally time to leave the office. I was so pleased that I was going to have a day off tomorrow, for some reason I had the feeling that I was going to have a very long yet fun night.

I run to the subway. It was going to take me around 30 minutes to get home and I wanted to stop by the supermarket to get some chips and dips.

I know Dan was going to bring pizza but what type of host would I be if I didn’t have something to eat in the meantime.

I was going through all the options beverage wise, and I thought it would be insane to buy one of everything that the market had, so I played safe and just asked.

‘I’m running to Tesco to buy some stuff for tonight, any request? Talk now or forever hold your peace’

I put my cellphone back in my purse as it was pointless to wait for a reply during my ride; the reception was really bad down there.

As I blasted some songs into my years, I kept thinking about tonight. It excited me the fact that I was actually going to meet Dan properly, for some reason I grew fond of him, even if I only started talking to him a few days ago.

Maybe it was due to my loneliness; I bet that was making me feel attached to whatever human contact that I could get.

As I get off, my phone starts vibrating

‘Whatever you want it’s fine by me’

‘Sewer water it is, then’

I laugh to myself, why was I being that sassy?

While I was at the store, I decided to buy some mix to bake brownies, also vanilla ice cream to top them off to have as dessert.

I grabbed a couple of beers, some chips, a couple of dips, a Coca Cola and something called Ribena. I had no idea what it was but the people at the office would drink that nonstop, so maybe I could take that opportunity to try it.

I made it back into the apartment and I had around 2 hours to make dessert, have a shower and clean up a bit

‘Why did I even offer to dine here?’

Turned on my laptop and started playing some music to help me do everything much faster

‘First date by Blink 182’ started playing

HOW SUITING! I thought as I started the baking process while I danced.

 °Dan’s POV°

As I was lying in bed browsing through the internet, I hear some music playing.

‘She is home’

Once again, my heart beat started accelerating and my anxiety was at its peak.

‘Just two more hours; two more hours’ I kept repeating myself.

‘I guess I should start getting ready so I stop checking my phone every 2 damn seconds’ I thought to myself.

I answered a couple of more emails I had to send my agent and proceeded to go have a bath.

After I showered and shaved, I called the pizza place to get it delivered on time.

I must of spent 40 minutes trying to decide what to wear till I finally decided to wear my black skinny jeans, a gray t-shirt and signature leather jacket.

The doorbell rang and I checked my phone one more time: 7:20

Took one more look at myself in the mirror before heading out; took a deep breath, it was show time.

 °Your POV°

Put the brownies in the oven and rushed to the bathroom, I didn’t want to take a long ass shower and neither did I have the time for one.

Wrapped myself in a towel and made it to my room and stared at my wardrobe for solid 15 minutes.

I went for a pair of high waist skinny jeans and a red v neck t-shirt. Put on a neckless and a pair of earrings. Changed my nose stud for a hoop and proceeded to put a bit of makeup.

I didn’t even bother to put on shoes; I didn’t like wearing inside the house.

Went back to the kitchen as the oven just dinged; dessert was ready.

Checked my phone: 7:25

‘He should be here any moment now’ I thought as I put on some perfume.

I had to start doing breathing exercises or I was going to lose my shit.

Suddenly, I hear a knock on my door.

My heart stopped.

‘Who’s there?’ I asked as the dumb ass I am. I face palmed myself so hard I must’ve left a red imprint of my entire hand on my face

‘Pizza!’

I walked to the door, unlocked and opened it.

There he was, a very tall, brunette guy, smiling at me with a box of pizza.