#servant!phil

10

Dan giggled as they ran through the courtyard, shoes and socks abandoned.

He turned his head around to face his friend, “You can’t catch me!” he laughed as he swivelled around a tree, only to find himself face to face with Phil.

“Or I can,” Phil grinned mischievously.

He tapped Dan gently on the arm before racing off.

Dan watched and groaned as his friend ran away, black fringe flying in the air behind him. With one more deep breath Dan chased after his friend who was easily faster than him. Dan gained ground on Phil which was a miracle and his hands skimmed Phil’s arm before a stick got in his way. He felt his feet fly out from beneath him and he crashed into Phil head first.

They both toppled over with gasps of shock, their limbs were tangled together and Dan started to giggle.

“What?” Phil asked with a confused look and brushed his legs off as they stood up.

Dan shot him an evil smirk, “You’re it!” He laughed before he raced off, only just catching the eye roll Phil aimed at him.

~-~-~

Dan was awful at maths.

All the endless numbers and equations gave him a headache. He ran his fingers along the sum he was attempting to work out but none of it made sense. Phil scribbled away beside him. Dan tried to catch his attention, but he wasn’t paying attention to him.

He turned to the question again.

3 + 2 = ?

6    6    ?

Dan groaned and buried his head in his hands. Finally Phil seemed to acknowledge Dan’s struggle as he chuckled.

“You right?” Phil whispered and Dan shook his head into his hands.

Their teacher glared at them over her laptop but said nothing.

“Need help?” He offered, Dan nodded against the table. “Alright where are you up to?” Phil asked as he scooted his chair beside Dan. Dan pointed to the question and Phil stifled a giggle into his palm.

“Hey!” Dan grumbled.

Phil shrugged, “That’s kinda pathetic Mr Dumb Bear.”

“It’s rude to insult a prince.” Dan attempted to find a way to defend himself but failed miserably.

Phil rolled his eyes, “Really? That’s the best you can do?” He smirked.

Whenever Phil smirked it looked like a smile but by now Dan knew the difference between a true smile and a smirk. They had grown up in the castle together after all.

“Help me please.” Dan begged, his lip stuck out in a pout.

Phil laughed at his false begging face but obliged anyway. Technically he probably wasn’t allowed to say no but Dan and Phil had never bothered with the servant’s rules.

As he poked Dan’s lip back into his mouth he pointed to the equation, “To start…”

~-~-~

“You have a banquet.” Phil mumbled over the top of his book.

Dan groaned, “I almost forgot!” He slammed down his book on the table with a loud clunk that made Phil jump in shock. He knew his mother, the Queen, would kill him if he was late.

Actually she would probably kill Phil, not that it was his fault but she would find a way to make it his fault.

“You should go get ready.” Phil added putting down his book as well.

Dan nodded, already getting ready to leave before he gasped, “Aren’t you helping set up?” He asked. Phil smacked his head and jumped to his feet.

“Your mum’s gonna kill me!” He groaned as he pulled on his vest.

Dan shooed him away, “If you go quick she might not notice!”

They both knew that wasn’t true but they could dream.

~-~-~

Dan sat on the rough chair, with a leveled glare at the wall as though it was forcing him to go the banquet. The wall of course had nothing to do with it, however it was the only thing in his line of vision, so it would have to do. His hair was being attended to by a new servant. Or should he say attacked by a new servant. She was spraying it so vigorously he was sure it would be a tough shell when she was finished. It was straightened out which was at least a relief.

“How about this one sir?” Ellen, his personal maid, asked as she presented a blue button up. Dan went to nod before he remembered that his hair was being attacked with a comb.

“Perfect Ellen thanks.” He mumbled.

She nodded before she marched out of his vision, her greyed hair pinned into her signature bun.

~-~-~

The banquet was just as boring as usual. Maria, the daughter of Duke and Duchess Maidon, was watching his with eyes wide the entire time. Dan avoided looking at her as she made him uncomfortable.

“Dan, how were your lessons today?” His father asked with a reassuring smile.

He felt Maria’s eyes burn into the back of his head as he turned to face him.

Dan shrugged mildly, “A little difficult but Phi-” he halted himself quickly, “I got some help and I understand it now.”

His parents nodded, his mother’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, unnoticeable to anyone who didn’t know her well, like Dan did. The servants smiled at him as they placed a plate of food in front of him. His parents and the Duke and Duchess of a nearby town began to discuss things Dan didn’t understand.

He swallowed a mouthful of his meal, and tried to avoid a conversation with Maria.

“In my opinion servants shouldn’t be friends with princes.”

Duchess Maidon scowled, her mouth twisted as she placed a piece of duck in her mouth with a pristine poshness.

Dan felt his cheeks burn but he didn’t comment. There was a pause before his mother replied,

“My opinion exactly.” She commented idly before changing the conversation to politics.

Dan didn’t stop glaring at his plate for the rest of the meal.

~-~-~

Phil bustled around Dan’s room dusting his shelves.

“How was the banquet?” He asked.

Dan felt his cheeks burn as he remembered the Duchess’ comment. He couldn’t tell Phil.

He shrugged, “Boring as ever.” He muttered, as he stared at the roof. Phil seemed to accept that, not that it wasn’t true. He grew quiet while he focused on polishing a vase.

“What do you want to do when you’re older Phil?” Dan asked.

He tended to ask Phil questions like that, as they made him feel more normal. Normal kids didn’t know for certain what they would be when they were only ten.

Phil laughed softly, “King’s Advisor. What else?” He muttered.

Dan nodded, he should have expected that answer. Phil’s father was the King’s Advisor and as his mother had died when he was young, it made sense that he would take the role.

“Ok… but do you have any things you want to do first? In the castle or out.”

Dan waited while Phil thought, as he moved to Dan’s TV and wiped it clean.

Eventually he nodded, “I want to wait the parties so I can see you forced to wear your fancy outfits and talk to snobby kids.” Phil poked out his tongue.

Dan rolled his eyes, “Ugh don’t remind me! I’ve got a party this weekend and I’m not looking forward to it.” He groaned.

Phil snickered, “I know.”

There was another lapse of silence before Phil sighed lightly.

“I do want to wait parties though. It seems like fun. Getting to be a part of it all.”

Dan nodded.

“It’s not fun, but I understand."

~-~-~

Dan stared at his shoes while his mother scolded him, and waited for it to be over.

“You are a prince Daniel.” She groans, “I allow you to play games, but not during your piano lesson.”

Dan sighed involuntarily, “I forgot it was my piano lesson Mum.”

She narrowed her eyes, “It was because of Lester the servant boy wasn’t it?” She asked calmly, although he knew she was anything but calm currently.

“No, it wasn’t Phil Mum.”

His mother let out a heavy breath through her nose at the use of Phil’s first name.

In her opinion it was correct to call servants by their surname and nothing else.

Dan of course disagreed.

“Lester,” she hissed, “Has had a very bad influence on you Daniel.”

Dan resisted the urge to scream, “No he hasn’t.” He growled under his breath, as he attempted and failed to be hostile.

The Queen shook her head in displeasure.

“If it wasn’t for your father, I would ban you from speaking to him.” She said coldly.

Dan met her steel glare with his own, “Lucky Dad’s here then."

~-~-~

Dan and Phil were playing an intense round of Mario Kart when his father knocked on the door.

“Can I speak to you Dan?” He asked with a smile, “Who was winning?” He added as Phil had begun to shut off the game.

“Speedy Bear, as always.” Phil grumbled, the King was very obvious in his liking of Phil, unlike the Queen who clearly wanted nothing to do with the boy. Dan grinned at his father while he laughed softly, “Well run along Philip, I’ll call for you to return when I’m done with Dan.” He said and shooed Phil out of the room

Phil bowed quickly before he scurried away, despite knowing The King would never get angry at him about the rules. Bowing was customary and Phil was trying to practise.

“I thought we could get lunch?” His father suggested, already indicating for Dan to follow him out of the room. Dan grinned, he knew that by lunch his father meant they would go to the kitchens to have a sandwich and sit in the small dining area. He enjoyed his time with his father anyway.

“Sounds awesome!” He exclaimed, and leapt to his feet in excitement.

They walked along the hallways in comfortable silence, Dan with a slight skip in his step.

He loved eating with his parents, especially his father as both of them were very busy. Barely having time for Dan except for dinners and banquets. He understood though, running the country was a difficult thing to do. A lot of their energy was focused on doing the right thing for their people, and that meant they didn’t have much time for their son.

It didn’t stop him from celebrating the occasional times like these.

“So what did you want to tell me?” Dan asked as they entered the kitchens.

His father smiled at him affectionately, Dan was known for being curious, “I'll tell you when we sit down.”

Dan sighed heavily but followed his father to the servants dining room. A couple of maids were eating there, and seemed surprised to see the King and the Prince. A few however knew that when they had time Dan loved to frequent the private dining room.

Either with Phil or his father, as it kept him feeling like a reasonably normal boy, unlike the giant church like dining room for the royals. In fact, Dan rarely went into the royal dining room if he could avoid it. It only served to remind him how different he was.

They sat down with a plate of sandwiches and some chocolate milk for Dan, and a coffee on the way for his father.

“So? What do you want to tell me?” Dan asked impatiently, as he grinned from ear to ear he dug into his sandwich. The King rolled his eyes fondly, while he wiped crumbs from the corners of Dan’s mouth, “Well would you like good news or bad news first?” He asked.

Dan furrowed his eyebrows at that question.

After a bit of thought he replied, “Bad. Get it over with quickly.” He said, as he took a big gulp of chocolate milk.

His father nodded, “Right, well then.” He paused, to think about how to word the news Dan assumed, “Your mother and I are going on a business trip so Nanny Madison will look after you.”

Dan groaned, and slumped over so his head knocked on the table.

“I should have said good news first.” He grumbled, voice muffled by his arm as he continued to lean on it. His father laughed gently, and pushed his head off the table.

“We won’t be gone long, besides you haven’t heard the good news.” He pointed out.

Dan perked up slightly, but not much. He hated when Nanny Madison looked after him.

She was even stricter than his mother, as she believed Phil would “taint” his prince qualities, so they didn’t get to spend much time with each other. She even believed Dan should learn boring skills like fencing, like the old prince days.

“Nothing like the good old days,” she would say, as she handed Dan a terrifying mask and a sharp thin sword.

“The party this weekend has been rescheduled, and Philip will take over for Ellen while we’re gone as she is accompanying us.” His father said with a knowing grin. Dan perked up considerably, Nanny Madison wouldn’t be able to stop him from seeing Phil after all.

“He’s not too young?” Dan asked joyfully.

The King shook his head, “It will be good training for him, Nikki will guide him of course, but mostly it will be Philip.”

Dan squealed with delight, wrapping his arms around his father, nearly knocking over their drinks in the process. His father chuckled into the hug but held Dan in his arms gently.

11

Dan waved to Phil from the window. Phil had been piled up with work recently for the upcoming party, (Dan was trying to forget).

Unfortunately, that meant the two boys hadn’t been able to spend as much time as usual.

Dan trudged his way back to the huge grand piano. He stretched his fingers over the cool white keys. Eventually he decided he would play his favourite piece, Fur Elise. The notes tinkled and filled the air in a way that even his piano teacher was impressed.

“You ‘ave have practised?” She said simply in her french accent, as though this was a new concept. Dan nodded despite the fact that he hadn’t practised since their last lesson. Piano came reasonably naturally to him, most of the time, “Of course.”

She smiled, while she adjusted her long brown hair so that it wouldn’t get in the way.

“Show me Symphony 40.” She brandished to the piano and he nodded.

Even though he hated Symphony 40.

~-~-~

Parties were in Dan’s opinion worse than banquets, as he hated to be looked down upon, and that’s what happened for the entire party.

Duchesses would smile stiffly at him, as though they couldn’t quite remember how to smile, exchange a few words. All the while they looked as though the last thing they wanted to do was talk to a small “child”, he was an eleven year old not a baby.

Nevertheless they barely had a conversation before moving on there way.

Dukes were no better.

Besides, just like at banquets, Phil wasn’t allowed to attend, which left Dan miserable and alone.

He hated the other rarities of young children who stuck their noses in the air and trod as though on smashed glass, one flat foot and they would be doomed.

God Dan hated them, more than words could express.

One girl, with a bony chin and huge brown eyes would stare over at him, her mouth pressed into a thin line and her dark brown hair curled into an elaborate updo.

Dan had never spoken to her though as she was always by the side of a tall prince who he wanted nothing to do with.

As the clock struck nine Dan began to wonder if he would be able to leave, after three hours of utter boredom he was ready to be out.

Suddenly he saw Phil emerge through a side door, black hair messy from the wrestling he and Dan had done earlier. Dan watched as his best friend went over to a waiter and begun to collect plates and crockery, until it was stacked to nearly the height of Phil himself. All Dan could do was watch in horror as more plates were added to the pile, this left Phil’s legs trembling and his mouth screwed up in concentration.

Dan already knew everything would go wrong before it did, it was like watching a movie in slow motion. One moment it was all fine, Phil was about to leave the room with his ridiculously tall pile of plates, the next there was a smash as Phil’s legs gave way beneath him.

Plates and crockery of every sort smashed to the ground, which left a maze of shattered glass and pottery around Phil.

Both Dan and his mother ran towards him at the same time, but for different reasons.

Dan could see his mother compose her ‘we will talk later face’ as they raced across the ballroom.

Phil sat amongst the rubble, crying silently, cuts in his hands and knees from the smashed plates that had cut into him, Dan reached him first as his mother tried to appear semi composed.

The entire ballroom watched them but Dan couldn’t care less, he was a kid after all, if they wanted to treat him like one he would be one.

“Phil,” he said when he was in earshot, stepping over smashed glass to reach his best friend who sniffled as Dan pulled him into a hug, “It’s gonna be okay.”

~-~-~

Dan was sat on the floor of the servant quarters, piles of spelling words spilt over his legs. He was testing Phil while he folded the royal family’s clothes.

“Rhubarb?” Dan asked being sure to hold the card out of Phil’s view.

Phil groaned reaching for a pair of trousers.

“I haven’t got a clue.” He muttered. “I’m going to fail.”

Dan shook his head, “That’s what I say every maths test, and what do you say?” He asked with his eyebrows raised.

Phil sighed, “You need to believe in your abilities.”

“Exactly!” Dan clapped his hands together, “Now, Rhubarb.”

Phil sighed, “R - H - U - B?” He paused and Dan nodded in encouragement. “A - R - B?” He finished.

Dan let out a whoop of excitement, “Correct!”

“Wait really!” Phil dropped the t-shirt he was folding in shock.

Dan nodded happily, before he picked up the next card.

“I knew you could do it.”  

~-~-~

“I’m bored,” Phil complained, and sprawled himself across Dan’s lap so that he couldn’t focus on his homework.

Dan groaned, as he tried to shove Phil off him, “Go away! I’m doing my homework!” Dan said with one final push.

Phil didn’t relent, staying on his lap as he continued to pout, “but I’m bored!” He repeated as though that would make Dan change his mind. “Come on grumpy bear!”

“Plus it’s hot and I don’t have any work to do! We can have a water fight.” Phil said and poked Dan in the side.

Dan’s ears pricked up despite himself, “Do we have water balloons?” He said, as he attempted to keep a calm air about him.

He must have failed because Phil smirked, “Yes,” he said with a shrug, “But I thought you wanted to do your homework so…” He trailed off and Dan groaned, before he slammed his laptop shut and turned to stare at his smirking friend.

“I hate you,” Dan grumbled as he stood up.

Phil let out a whoop of excitement, and began to drag Dan along by his arm.

As they entered the kitchen, Dan grinned; Phil had already gotten out a bucket of water balloons.

“Someone was prepared,” Dan turned to Phil who shrugged in embarrassment.

They walked over to the sink which wasn’t being used by anyone, “Well I figured you couldn’t turn down a water fight,” Phil explained.

Dan nodded, Phil had always known him better than he knew himself, and he was never one to turn down a water fight.

The King wandered out of the pantry, a cookie stuck out of his mouth. He glanced at the two boys who were stood in front of the sink, “What are you two doing?” He asked.

Dan started, he hadn’t heard his father walk into the room, “We’re going to have a water fight!” He replied excitedly.

The King laughed, the sound loud and booming, “Do either of you actually know how to fill up a water balloon?” he asked with a knowing raise of his dark eyebrow.

Dan turned to Phil who stared back at him with wide eyes, well this had created a problem. Phil shook his head sheepishly and the King laughed again, as he moved over to help them.

As he taught them how to correctly fill up a water balloon Dan couldn’t stop the smile that bloomed, the grin on his face physically hurt his cheek muscles. The King would laugh loudly whenever Dan or Phil accidentally burst one all over themselves (it was mostly Dan). Even Dan couldn’t help but laugh loudly as Phil accidentally slipped on water and ended up splashing a water balloon over Dan’s head. Dan retaliated by leaping on him which left both boys soaked.

In the end the water fight never quite made it outside.

12

Dan was well and truly sick of parties. The tape measure was cold against his bare chest and Phil laughed softly as he shivered.

“Oi!” Dan grumbled, Phil poked out his tongue but didn’t say anything. The seamstress clucked her tongue at him.

“Do not move Your Highness, it makes it far too difficult.” She scolded him gently, in her so-posh-it-must-be-fake British accent. Although Dan could hardly talk, he sounded like Winnie the Pooh. Phil snickered under his breath.

“Lester,” she turned her head absentmindedly and Phil jumped into straight posture, “Pass me the red silk dear.”

Phil nodded as he retrieved the bright material. She held it against the white material she was fitting Dan with and turned to Phil.

“What are your thoughts?” She asked with a tilt of the head.

Dan felt a swell of gratitude, she had gotten so sick of Dan asking for Phil’s opinions, she had begun to do so herself. Phil furrowed his eyebrows in thought before grabbing the white material and holding it against Dan’s chest.

“It really brings out his eyes, and the red is a strong comparison to his complexion.”

Dan felt his cheeks flush red.

“I agree.” The seamstress, Betty, nodded.

Betty had left them in private to discuss the material choices for his other garments.

They were sat on the floor of his bedroom (if it could be called a bedroom, it was more like a Dan’s wing) surrounded by various fabrics, embroidery and silks.

“This one would be nice?” Phil held up a blue silk. Dan watched the way the light danced on the blue fabric, perfectly reflecting his friends eyes.

“Nah, would be nicer on you.” He muttered, as he looked back down at the materials on his lap.

Phil raised his eyebrows.

“I won’t ever need it. The King’s advisor doesn’t wear silks.” Phil replied casually.

Dan wondered how strange their conversations would sound to normal twelve year olds.

Twelve year olds who didn’t grow up in a castle.

Twelve year olds who didn’t wear silks, or jewels.

Dan shrugged, “I’m just saying it would look nicer on you. Plus that type of linen scratches me.”

Phil nodded and put it down gently.

Phil held up a pale green material against Dan’s bare chest. His cold fingers made Dan shiver.

“Are you cold, Bear?” Phil smirked evilly.

He pressed freezing fingers against the bare skin. Dan shuddered and attempted to push the icy hands off him but Phil didn’t let up.

He poked his finger into Dan’s side, “Phil!” Dan exclaimed.

His mother walked into the room just as the word left his lips, of course.

“Lester,” she said curtly, “How is the material choice?”

Phil swallowed heavily and Dan felt himself sob internally.

“It’s going well Ma’am,” Phil was stood in front of Dan with his back as straight as a pole, all emotion drained from his face. Betty walked in and eyed him curiously before she saw Dan's mother.

“Your Majesty,” she curtseyed quickly, “Is everything alright ma’am?”

His mother nodded, before she turned to Phil, “Show me,” she waved her hand impatiently. Phil scrambled to hold the material against Dan yet again, this time Dan didn’t shudder at the cold. Or laugh at his friend tickling him.

His mother watched them warily, “Yes. It will do nicely.”

~-~-~

Dan pulled at his collar which was cutting into the skin beneath his neck. He glanced up at the large clock, three hours to go. He let out a sigh involuntarily just as a prince from a nearby country approached him.The boy was at least four years older than Dan but he had a name Dan couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Phil would remember, he was good at names.

“Hello Daniel, lovely party,” The prince smiled at him.

Dan nodded, he felt short and inferior compared to the tall teenager.

“Yes… lovely.” Dan glanced up at the clock again, only to be disappointed by a minute that had passed.

He restrained himself from groaning, and the boy raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Dan couldn’t blame him. Dan folded his small gloved hands behind his back, attempting to make himself look innocent.

“You don’t look as though you’re enjoying it,” The prince smirked.

Dan scrambled for a topic change, “I apologise but I believe I’ve forgotten your name,” he smiled politely.

“It’s James.”

Of course it’s James. Such a posh name for a posh person.

“That’s a very nice name.” Dan replied.

James laughed airily, as though he didn’t believe him.

He shook his head, “You’re a strange child Daniel.”

“There aren't many ordinary princes.”

Dan was hovering around the table, covered in various punches and wines. All served in glass goblets. People smiled and greeted him as he passed but nobody attempted to start a conversation, which Dan was grateful for. He hated the forced conversations and the polite exchanges. For not the first time that night, he wished Phil was at the party, so he could talk to someone normal.

“You look sad Daniel.” A duchess greeted him as she picked up a piece of bruschetta.

Dan shook his head politely, “Not at all ma’am. Just tired.” He gestured to the clock, which was proudly bearing 10:00 pm in large gold numbers. She nodded knowingly, most twelve year olds would be asleep by now after all, Dan chose not mention that Phil usually crept into his room around this time.

It was a perfectly acceptable lie for a twelve year old.

“You should see if you can totter off to bed?” She offered before gliding away. He hated the way posh people, like his parents, seemed to glide rather than walk, as though a simple walk was far too ordinary for them.

He glanced at the clock.

The news of him being “tired” would spread to his mother in the next ten minutes, who always listened in to conversations. He should be out of here within a quarter of an hour.

Sure enough, his mother approached him as the clock hit quarter past.

“You’re tired Daniel?” She asked with a kind smile. He loved his mother much more when she was in a good mood, she was so much more approachable.

“Yes,” he added a yawn for extra measure.

She glanced at the clock delicately and seemed shocked by the time.

“I’m not surprised either! Goodness!” She waved him away, “You go off to bed now.”

He nodded and dashed off before she could change her mind.

~-~-~

Phil was waiting in his room as usual.

They were used to the routine by now.

Dan would go to a party which he was unhappy about.

He would get out early by pretending to be tired

Phil would meet him in his room for the run down of Dan’s boredom.

Phil glanced at his watch.

“You’re earlier than usual.” He commented casually.

Dan shrugged, “It was an easy fake this time. Duchess Lendon was concerned.”

Phil nodded in understanding, Duchess Lendon had always been the most motherly of them all.

“Tell me everything.” Phil grinned.

Dan took a deep breath before he began his spiel, starting with Prince James who had talked to him for an hour.

13

“Are you positive?” Dan asked again as he followed Phil around and cleaned cabinets.

“Yes.” Phil replied without even a glance up from the glass he was scrubbing.

Dan bit his lip nervously, “But what if-”

Phil cut him off by finally meeting eyes with Dan irritably, “I want to wait the parties Dan. It’s never going to happen if I don’t ask your mum.”

“Yeah but-“

“No buts. I’m going to do it now.” Phil said as he completed the cleaning with a final wipe.

Dan huffed nervously but otherwise let him go without complaint.

“Good luck!” He called out.

~-~-~

Phil had been busy since the morning and Dan was dying to speak to him.

What did his mother say? He slammed his hands down on the piano keys. There was no way he could practise with this kind of stress. So he made the decision to give up and go find Phil, with a slam of the lid he got up to exit the room.

Jonathan, a servant, rushed into the room.

“Goodness Sir are you ok?” The thin balding man asked with a gasp.

Dan shuffles awkwardly, “Yes Jonathan sorry.” He scratched his head, “I’m just not in the right headspace to play.”

Jonathan nodded in understanding, “I understand Mister Daniel but please,” He gestured to the shiny piano, black gloss glittering in the warm sunlight, “Don’t injure the piano because of it.” He winked softly before waving Dan out of the room.

~-~-~

From Dan 3:27 pm 3/06

where are you!?! i need to know how it went

From Dan 3:30 pm 3/06

if you don’t reply i’m going to kill you

From Dan 3:32 pm3/06

i know you have your phone on you!!! you always do!!!

From Dan 3:33 pm 3/06

seriously???

From Dan 3:36 pm 3/06

this is getting ridiculous...

From Phil 3:37 pm 3/06

You’re unbelievable :) I’m in the east wing, I was washing dishes so I couldn’t reply you dork

From Dan 3:37 pm 3/06

coming now!!! (i’m a prince not a dork :P)

From Phil 3:38 pm 3/06

Prince Dork then!

~-~-~

“How did it go?” Dan pounced on Phil the second he saw him. Phil let out a grunt as they fell over.

“Really?” Phil asked with an eye roll while he stood up, “She said yes by the way. But I have to go through extensive training first.”

Dan pumped his fist in the air with a whoop of excitement. Phil laughed softly, as he picked up a pile of washing from beside him, “Come on. We can talk while I hang this washing up.”

~-~-~

From Dan 10:02 am 8/10

i haven’t seen you in days are you ok???

From Dan 10:20 am 9/10

phil??? You literally haven’t been talking to me are you alright???

From Dan 9:30 am 11/10

phil???

From Dan 9:40 am 11/10

what’s going on???

Seen at 11:40

From Dan 12:40 am 12/10

why did you walk off on me today??? you yelled something out but I couldn’t hear you

From Phil 12:42 am 12/10

Hey Dan! Sorry cant talk fr long supwr busy

Your mum has beem loading me witj work

she

From Dan 12:43 am 12/10

she what???

From Dan 12:44 am 12/10

phil

From Dan 12:45 am 12/10

meet me at my room at 6 ok???

From Phil 12:59 am 12/10

k

~-~-~

Dan sat on his bed and waited. It was 6:30 and Phil still hadn’t turned up.

He felt his fingers twitch towards his phone, but there was no point. Phil hardly replied to his texts currently anyway. There was the sound of fast footsteps before Phil burst in, hair ruffled and face red from running.

“I’m so sorry,” Phil gasped, as he collapsed onto Dan’s bed

Dan shook his head, “It’s okay.” he paused before asking the question that had been plaguing him for days, “What’s going on?”

Phil sighed, “I’ve had so much work lately. I just don’t have time to hang out.”

“Or answer texts,” Dan pointed out. Phil seemed to see something interesting on his shoes.

“Yeah, or answer texts.”

Dan rolled his eyes, “I thought you were mad at me or something.”

Phil looked up with so much shock in his eyes that Dan felt bad.

“Why would I be mad at you?” He asked, forehead creased in worry.

Dan sighed, “I don’t know… I guess you just hardly were speaking to me and I freaked out. We just...” He could feel Phil’s eyes on him, waiting for him to finish. “We just… always talk. We’ve never split up before.”

Phil looked exhausted and sad.

“I’m sorry Dan. I really am.” He watched Dan with hopeful eyes, “If I could get away from all the work I would.”

Dan smiled, “I know.”

~-~-~

Phil couldn’t get away from the work.

He was making an effort to text Dan, that much Dan could tell. However he had no time to actually see Dan, or really do anything fun anymore.

Dan was on his computer, finger tapping the mouse absentmindedly, when suddenly it struck him.

“Mum.” He muttered to himself.

Why had it not been obvious before?

She was giving Phil too much work on purpose.

To keep him away from Dan.

He leapt to his feet and slammed the chair into his desk.

Just as he was leaving his room his father came in.

“Dan!” He said as they bumped into each other. Dan slowed to a stop and turned to his father.

“Sorry Dad, is it important?” He asked as he walked back into his bedroom.

The King nodded while he settled onto one of Dan’s plush couches.

“It’s about Ellen.” He said and indicated to Dan to sit down.

“Is she ok?” Dan asked worriedly.

Was she ok? Was she sick?

His father smiled at his concern, “Don’t worry. She’s fine.” He assured his worried son, “In fact she’s pregnant!” The King announced with a joyful smile.

Dan couldn’t stop the smile spread over his face, however a small niggle at the back of his mind was saying what now?

“That’s great! So she’ll be going on maternal leave for a bit or…” Dan trailed off as he saw his father shake his head slowly.

“That is why I need to talk to you,” he said, “She wants to be a stay at home mother so-“

Dan finished for him, “So she’s resigning.”

The King nodded and waited for Dan to speak again.

“I need a new personal maid.” Dan supplied and his father looked pleased.

“Yes, and I thought you were old enough to pick on your own.”

The solution presented itself to Dan so clear and simple he could almost laugh.

“Completely up to me?” He checked.

His father raised an eyebrow curiously but said, “Yes. Your mother has agreed.”

“Phil.” Dan said excitedly.

His father smiled as though that was expected.

“It will be done.” He said simply with a small shrug and a wink.

Dan couldn’t fight the huge smile that spread over his face.

~-~-~

His mother was furious. Except she couldn’t do anything about it at all. She had already agreed after all.

“Pick someone else Daniel.” She growled, arms crossed over her body like an angry barrier.

Dan stood firm, “No. I choose Phil. He would be perfect as he already knows me so well.” He smiled sweetly. She narrowed her eyes, knowing that she was beaten.

“Go tell him.” She said sternly.

He grinned while he raced off to tell his friend.

To Phil 3:21 pm 18/10

where are you? i have news!!!

To Dan 3:22 pm 18/10

Washing room? You OK?

~-~-~

Dan ran as fast as he could, his chest begged him to stop but his brain repeated

Phil, Phil, Phil, Phil

He could scream with happiness. After three weeks of barely talking Dan couldn’t take it anymore.

“Phil!” He exclaimed as he dashed into the washroom.

Despite being entirely out of breath he was still bouncing with happiness.

“Dan!” Phil replied as Dan leapt on him. “What on Earth?”

He had to stop himself from squealing at the prospect of Phil being around him all the time.

“Guess who’s my new personal maid?”

Phil’s eyes widened as the words left Dan’s lips.

“No way!” He gasped, understanding straight away.

“Yes!” Dan grinned.

Phil dropped the wash basket to wrap his arms around Dan, it clattered to the floor and spilt piles of clothes everywhere. Dan grinned as he hugged his best friend back tightly.  

14

At midnight Dan woke up drenched in sweat and shaking like a leaf. He only just made it to the bathroom before he vomited up the contents of his stomach.

Where was the button for Phil again? His sick brain only half worked. There was a moment of panic before his stomach lurched again. He sobbed softly, his stomach swirling.

That’s when he remembered the button.

There was one on the sink basin.

He raised a shaky hand to the small button and pushed down on it before his stomach lurched again.

It was really hot in the room, despite the fact that he wasn't wearing a shirt.

“Dan!” Phil gasped, glasses askew on his face and hair messy from sleep.

Dan whimpered softly in response, there was an aching pain in his stomach that seemed to spread through his body.

“Oh Dan, okay where does it hurt?” Phil murmured softly, voice still slightly husky from only just waking up. Dan pointed to his stomach. “Are you hot or cold?”

“Hot.” Dan replied, voice soft and shaky from the pain.

Phil nodded, and helped Dan to his feet.

“Ok, I’m taking you to your bed.” Phil explained to him, “I’m going to turn on your air conditioner and get you a bucket.”

Dan nodded.

“You’re going to take off your pants so that you’re not too hot. Do you want ice?” Phil helped him onto the bed.

Dan nodded shakily.

Phil raced off.

Dan pulled off his pyjama pants so that he was just in his boxers. His stomach lurched again but he didn’t throw up, luckily.

Phil returned with ice, a bucket and some medicine.

“Here you go.” He said as he handed Dan the ice pack.

Dan took it gratefully and placed the soothing cold on his head. Phil passed him some medicine.

“You’re going to be ok,” Phil’s voice was soft and comforting.

He stroked Dan’s hair softly while Dan clutched his stomach from the stabbing pain.

“Thank you.” Dan whispered back.

~-~-~

“Are you alright Dan?” Phil checked in on him later that afternoon. Dan opened his eyes drowsily.

“Uck,” He groaned.

Phil chuckled softly, “Your Mum is going to come in a bit, she’s just wrapping up a meeting.” He told Dan, moving around the room to swap a glass of water and give Dan some new medicine.

“No, don’t leave.” Dan pouted as Phil turned to leave the room.

Phil laughed gently, “Dan, you have clothes that need to be washed, and I told you, your Mum is coming.” He shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Okay…” Dan dragged out the end of the word and added puppy dog eyes for extra emphasis. Phil merely shrugged with another soft laugh and left the room.

Dan flopped back down, the pillows surrounded his head. His stomach gave an uncomfortable lurch but he had long since emptied his stomach.

“Dan?” He heard his mother ask from the doorway.

“Come in Mother,” he smiled through the pain, sitting himself up against the pile of pillows.

She sighed softly when she was his flushed form, “Are you alright? Have you eaten?” She fretted, perching on the couch beside his bed.

“I’m fine and no I tried a while ago and vomited it back up.” He replied, his body shook  from the cold despite the fact that he was sweating like he was in sauna.

She pursed her lips, “Do you have a fever?”

“Yeah I think so.” He cuddled the blankets around him.

“Do you want me to get you a doctor to come in?” She said with a tinge of worry threaded through her words. Dan nodded.

“You should probably sleep. I’ll call a doctor,” she smiled gently at him, before exiting as quickly as Phil had done. Dan repeated the action of collapsing back into the pile of pillows, sleep greeted him much faster than expected.

He dreamt like a photo album.

Small snippets that constantly changed.

Each as random as the last.

He was in charge of four bawling babies.

All that surrounded him was an empty dark abyss.

He was at a ball surrounded by girls but he instantly migrated to a young prince.

Geese pecked at him from every angle.

He was drowning in a sea of cats.

Phil poked him gently and he woke with a start.

“You right?” He asked and passed him a glass of icy water.

Dan nodded, “Yeah just… weird dreams I guess?” He chuckled, but the dream about the ball was stuck in his brain like glue. Phil didn’t look convinced but shrugged it off, “You were talking in your sleep a bit.” he snickered, “Don’t peck me bad geese no!” Phil flailed his arms mockingly.

Dan rolled his eyes, “Shut up!” He scoffed, “I’ll have you know they were pecking from every angle.” He stuck out his tongue.

“Nice to see your usual sarcastic attitude back,” Phil smiled genuinely.

Dan grinned back, his hair still stuck to his face with sweat.

~-~-~

When Dan finally emerged from his sickness there was a another party in three days. Phil was finally, after a year of training, going to wait a party. Dan for the first time ever was excited about the party, he wouldn’t be suffering through it alone. He could also tell that Phil was bubbling with excitement.

Phil bounded around Dan’s room, smile glowing on his face.

“Come on!” Phil exclaimed.

Dan groaned as Phil passed him his shirt and pants.

“I don’t wanna!” He flopped onto his bed, throwing his hand to his forehead for dramatic effect. Phil rolled his eyes and pulled Dan's foot so that he fell off the bed. “Get up, the party’s in an hour you don’t have time to be fussy.”

Dan stuck out his bottom lip in a pout, Phil smirked and poked the lip back in.

“Come on get up!” He said far to happily for Dan’s liking.

~-~-~

Dan smiled politely at the princesses who curtsied to him. He gave them a small bow back. Although he could clearly see the princesses were beautiful, he found himself wishing he could meet more princes.

Like in his dream a few weeks ago.

He shook away the feelings hurriedly.

Now was not the time to question his opinions on princesses, he didn’t need a partner yet anyway.

Someone tapped him delicately on the shoulder.

“Would you like a drink sir?” A familiar voice asked, a teasing tone added for extra measure.

Dan rolled his eyes as he turned to face Phil, “Do you have any alcohol?” He asked sarcastically.

Phil tutted at him, “Absolutely not! Take a non alcoholic drink.” He inclined his head to the tray he was carrying.

Dan smiled gratefully and took a glass.

“How’re you liking the party scene?” He asked with a smirk.

Phil laughed, “I’m beginning to see why you got so bored, they’re all just drifting in their fancy way.”

Dan pulled a face in agreement.

“Hello Daniel.” A voice said from behind him.

Dan grimaced at Phil before he turned to face James, who had spoken to him at any party possible. Despite the four year age gap and the fact that Dan hated him.

“Drink.” James snapped his fingers at Phil.

Phil looked shocked by the abrupt rudeness of it but maintained a polite manner anyway, “What would you like?” He asked.

“Wine.” James said just as harshly and held out his hand for the glass.

Phil carefully retrieved a glass from his tray and passed it to the snobby prince.

“Have you met my sister, Cecilia?” James asked with a slight incline of the head.

Dan wanted to punch him for the way he had spoken to Phil but he forced himself to remain calm.

“No.” He replied through gritted teeth.

James raised his eyebrows at the curt answer but simply finished his drink with a gulp.

“You should,” He said, “Another.” He snapped at Phil again.

Phil passed him another drink, sharing a look with Dan.

As the glass came into contact with James’ gloved hands it slipped through his fingers, smashing to the ground and spilling wine all over the prince’s legs.

“Look what you did!” James sneered at Phil.

A few people had turned to stare at them in shock.

“I-I’m sorry I thought you had it.” Phil replied shakily.

Dan stepped to comfort him, placing a hand on his arm.

“It wasn’t his fault that you didn’t hold onto it properly.” Dan said to James with a protective glare.

James scoffed, “Sticking up for the servant? What is he your boyfriend?” He asked with a smirk.

“No. He’s my friend.” Dan growled. “Leave us alone.”

James spun on his heel and marched off without another word.

Phil smiled at him gratefully before he ducked to his knees to wipe up the spilt wine.  

15

“Dan! You need to get ready for god’s sake!” Phil exclaimed when he walked into the room.

Dan huffed but turned off the video game anyway.

“But I don’t want a gala!” He pouted.

Phil rolled his eyes, “Come on you’ve only got three hours and I need to get you ready.”

“I hate this,” he groaned, and screwed up his face in over exaggerated anguish.

Phil laughed, the soft sound filled Dan’s veins.

“We haven’t even started!” He exclaimed and pulled Dan to his feet.

Dan sat on the couch as Phil brought out two suits.

“I have to wear a suit!” Dan exclaimed and smashed his head into the pillow beside him.

Phil chuckled, “Yes you do.” He held them up, “Now which one?”

Dan turned to look at them, one was a navy blue with a pale blue shirt, the other was black with a crisp white shirt.

“The black one, like my soul.” He muttered and pointed to the black suit.

Phil laughed, “Perfect choice.”

Dan stuck out his tongue, Phil copied the action. Somehow making it so adorable Dan wanted to kiss him.

Did I really just think that?

Dan walked out of the change room, the suit fitted him perfectly, it shaped all the right places and made Dan look so much more handsome than he was. He could have sworn Phil’s cheeks tinted slightly pink when he walked out.

Probably because the room was very warm.

“On a scale of 1-10 how awful do I look? 1 being you look like a literal trash can, and 10 being I would make out with you in that suit.” He spread his arms awkwardly to show off the outfit. Phil stroked his chin in thought, “I’d say about a 9?” He said eventually.

Dan nodded, and ignored the thumping of his chest as his best friend stepped forward to adjust his collar.

“Jewel cufflinks or silver?” Dan asked Phil, as he turned to the boy who was strewn out across the bed. He showed the ruby cufflinks his mother had bought him for his birthday.

Phil screwed up his nose, “Definitely silver, jewels make you look tacky.”

“Really?” Dan replied and put down the rubies, picking up the silver. Phil nodded as he helped Dan attach them to the sleeves of his shirt.

“They look like you’re saying,” Phil spoke in an over the top british accent, “Woop-di-doo I’m a prince! I have money and jewels yay!”

Dan snorted at the awful impression.

“I do not speak like that!” He poked Phil in the side.

Phil smirked, “Sure you don’t Winnie the Pooh.” He teased.

“Oi!” Dan pushed him over onto his bed.

Phil laughed loudly as he grabbed Dan by the tie and pulled him down as well.

“If I look so tacky why did you let me where jewels so often!” Dan sat up with a start.

Phil shrugged, “I wasn’t allowed input into your outfit choices I guess.”

Dan pushed him, “You know I would have listened to you.”

There was a short pause before Phil chuckled, “Yeah I suppose you would have. I just didn’t think it was my place.”

“It’s always your place.” Dan said and poked his friend in the cheek.

Phil shrugged, “Well then, don’t wear jewels they’re tacky and I hate them.”

Dan rolled his eyes, unable to keep the grin off his face as he checked the time on his phone, “Oh shit!” He exclaimed as he leapt to his feet, “Come on! Mum’s going to kill me if I’m late!”

Phil groaned, “That’s what I’ve been saying all afternoon!”

~-~-~

He stood at the front of the room, the large crown heavy on his head. Hundreds of “eligible” young girls in beautiful dresses watched him eagerly. It was expected that he would go forward and dance with the girls he was considering.

But he wasn’t considering anyone.

After all he was only fifteen!

Why would he need a girlfriend, why would he want one? If he was honest with himself he had a crush on someone else, and it certainly wasn’t one of those princesses. He could just imagine how everyone would react if he went up to Phil and danced with him out of everyone in the room. Phil waved gently from the food table where he was waiting for his tray of cakes.

His mother sent him a look that said, “Daniel dance with one of them!”

He swallowed the hatred of the evening he stepped towards a pretty girl with blonde hair. She practically squealed with excitement and stepped away from her group of friends.

“Hi,” he bowed.

“H-hello,” she curtsied awkwardly back. With a smile he took her waist and her hand gently. They waltzed around the room, while jealous girls eyed them with looks of malice.

“So what’s your name?” He asked politely.

She smiled, “Elizabeth.”

Wow how original.

“That’s a lovely name.”

“Thank you.” He bowed again as they finished.

“No, thank you,” she said with another quick curtsey before she scurried away.

End me.

He scooted his way over to Phil while he had the chance.

“Hello.” Phil smiled as he approached.

“Hi.” Dan replied with a heavy sigh.

Phil chuckled and handed a princess a cake who was definitely only there because Dan was.

“Save me.” Dan groaned as she walked away.

Phil shook his head gently, “You know I can’t.” He began to walk through the sea of princesses.

“Follow me?” He looked back at Dan who reluctantly followed.

“They’re all so desperate it freaks me out.” He complained when they weren’t within earshot of any girls.

Phil nodded in understanding, “They keep asking if I’ve ever gotten to see you get dressed.”

“That’s… That’s just creepy.” Dan muttered and Phil laughed in agreement.

“Your mother is looking at us.” He hissed out the side of his mouth, and offered a cake to an overjoyed girl.

Dan sighed heavily, “Bye.”

~-~-~

Both Dan and Phil glanced up in shock as The King marched into Dan’s bed chambers, his old face worn out and exhausted but plastered with his signature smile.

“I was thinking you boys might want to go out for an ice-cream?” He suggested and Dan grinned as he climbed up from the game of Monopoly he and Phil had been playing.

With a nod Dan turned to Phil and said teasingly, “I can run you bankrupt later, let’s go get ice-cream!”

Phil rolled his eyes but took Dan’s hand to be hefted to his feet, “Sounds great!” He said to The King but turned to Dan mischievously, “But I believe you are the one who's bankrupt currently Daniel,” he poked Dan in the side.

“Well, whoever is bankrupt or not can wait. This King needs a break!” Dan’s father ushered them out of the room impatiently, clearly eager to get out of the palace and into the normal world.

Dan laughed loudly as his father all but tugged him out of the palace doors, one guard accompanied them as usual, despite Phil being “an escort”.

“Where are we going Your Majesty?” Phil asked as they left the huge gates of the palace behind.

The King tutted, “Please Philip if you’re going to use titles at least go with Sir? Your Majesty seems a bit ridiculous for someone who’s taking you out for ice-cream!”

Phil flushed a dark shade of red which shouldn’t have made Dan’s heart ping like it did, “Y-yes Sir,” Phil mumbled.

Dan tried to make his face as neutral as possible as his best friend turned to look at him, “Can we go to the little Italian place you took me when I was six?” Dan pleaded, not meeting Phil’s gaze for fear he would turn as red as Phil currently was.

His Father seemed surprised Dan remembered the little Italian ice cream shop they had only visited once but beamed anyway, “Of course!”

The guard made herself noticed by leaning her head in slightly, “Would you like a car Your Majesty?” The buff woman asked.

The King waved her away, “Nonsense! We can walk! I may be an old royal but I can still use these old things,” he waved his legs around and skipped off as though to prove his point. Dan laughed boisterously, and encouraged Phil to join him in a run as they left behind their duties for the day. Dan’s father danced and walked around in a strange walk that reminded Dan of a chicken, successfully pulling loud giggles out of both boys mouths as they continued to run alongside him.

The ice-cream shop was exactly the same as Dan remembered it, small and brightly coloured. With vintage records that lined the walls, each cut into beautiful shapes and hung to decorate the small room.

The walls were a strange shade of yellow, tinged with a bright blue that reminded Dan of Phil’s eyes, and the ice cream took up most of the space, kept in huge bucket sized containers.

Flavours were lined one after the other, each more exciting than the last. Bubblegum, chocolate fudge, tiramisu, honeycomb, vanilla bean, just to name a few.

Dan instantly ordered a vanilla bean and honeycomb in a large waffle cone.

Phil’s mouth was gaping open, like Dan he rarely left the palace and clearly hadn’t been to an ice-cream store this wonderful.

“What would you like Philip?” The King asked and turned to the fifteen year old boy who looked like he’d never seen real ice-cream before.

Dan grinned at him as Phil continued to splutter in uncertainty, finally he said, “Erm same as Dan.”

Dan nudged him in the side, “Good choice,” He whispered as the worker handed him the ice-cream, too busy to notice he was serving The Prince.

As they sat down in a window booth, the blue sky stretched out like a huge expanse, and licking at their half melted ice-creams they laughed so hard Dan thought he might burst. His father had a way of reminding both him and Phil of the memories that had long since faded away. Like the time Dan had gotten himself stuck in a drying room in a game of ‘Intense Hide and Seek’ as five year old Dan and Phil had named it. He was unable to get out of the warm room Dan had later emerged with an intensely curly fringe and no clothes.

Dan groaned as Phil laughed his head off at him, having completely forgotten about the very disgruntled young Daniel.

“Oi shut up Mr Philip!” Dan poked Phil in the side, “I distinctly remember somebody getting stuck in the top shelf of the pantry with a mouth full of jam biscuits!”

Phil turned a bright shade of red as both Dan and his father burst out laughing at the memory of a very sticky four year old and how on Earth he had gotten up there.

The King shook his head, still booming with laughter, “No no! Now both of you seem to have forgotten about the time…”

16

“Mum! I don’t need another gala! They’re not working!” He pleaded with his mother but to no avail.

She shook her head with a heavy sigh, “No Daniel. You are sixteen without anyone and your father and I are getting old. What happens if something happens to us? I want you to have someone.”

The words stabbed at Dan.

He knew who he wanted.

Who he would never have.

“I know Mum, but maybe we should try something else. I’m still only sixteen, can we take a break?” He begged.

She sighed heavily.

“One more Daniel. Then we’ll stop okay? Please?” Her eyes pleaded with him.

He nodded.

“Okay.”

After the first gala there had been at least ten more. With no more success than the first had been. Eventually Dan gave up, and just purposefully spent time with Phil.

“I hate this.” Dan muttered.

Phil nodded, “I know.” He passed a drink to a princess with a bright smile that made Dan’s heart stutter. “But your mother is worried.”

“I know,” Dan said with a sigh. He smiled politely to a girl they passed, “It’s just not working.”

Phil shrugged, “She’s hoping it might.”

A princess tapped Dan on the shoulder.

He spun around in shock, “Er hi?”

“Hello,” she curtsied, “My name is Princess Cecilia? We’ve met before. I’m James’ sister.”

The name made Phil’s eyebrows shoot up and Dan want to growl.

“Yeah hi,” Dan smiled politely, and wished she would go away as he saw James approaching them.

“Your mother thinks you two would be a good match,” James said in lieu of hello, “I see he’s still here.” James looked at Phil was a sneer.

Phil went bright as a beetroot but made no move to go anywhere, in fact he did the most sarcastic thing imaginable.

“Would you like a glass of wine?” He asked with an innocent smile.

James’ eyes narrowed but he didn’t say anything.

“How are you Daniel?” He said and turned to Dan.

Dan forced an incredibly fake smile and replied, “Fine thanks.”

At that he grabbed Phil’s arm and marched away, calling over his shoulder, “Nice meeting you Cecilia.”

~-~-~

The tears poured out at three am.

He sobbed into his pillow until his eyes were dry and his throat was hoarse.

Why

Why

Why

He didn’t want a girlfriend.

At all.

He wanted the opposite of that.

But aside from anything he didn’t want to be a disappointment. He clutched the blankets to his chest.  

“Phil,” he croaked through the tears.

He didn’t want to press the button, but he did at the same time.

Dan held his pillow up to his face and screamed as loudly as possible. It was mostly muffled by the pillow but Phil managed to hear it anyway. He ran into the room with hair that was messy from sleep and eyes that were wide with worry.

“Dan… what’s wrong?” He gasped and slipped onto the bed beside Dan.  

Phil held Dan to his chest and he sobbed heavily as tears cascaded down his face.

“Oh Dan,” Phil murmured and rubbed Dan’s back gently.

The tears began to slow until Dan was barely crying at all.

“What’s wrong Dan?” Phil asked gently, still rubbing Dan’s back for comfort.

Dan sobbed softly, “There’s so much happening and… and I don’t want a girlfriend but I’ll disappoint my parents… I just… I… don’t want to be a disappointment.”

Phil passed him a box of tissues, “You need a break.”  He said knowingly.

Dan nodded, “Yeah I do…” He dabbed at his eyes, despite the fact that tears were still falling slowly.

“I’ll take you out tomorrow. We’ll tell your mum that you need to go out and I’ll take you to a market nearby!” Phil suggested with an excited grin.

Dan smiled through the tears, “That sounds great.”

Phil nodded and pulled Dan back into a hug, “Then we’ll do it.”

~-~-~

Phil bounded along the path ahead, a bright green shirt and jeans fitted to his body.

“You’re going to love it!” He exclaimed gleefully, before he slowed down to walk next to Dan, “At least I hope you will or this will be awkward.” He laughed.

Dan chuckled, the fresh morning air nipping at any skin it could find. They had dressed Dan in black skinny jeans and a grey-black jumper so that people would be less likely to recognise him. Although as Phil said, there was a high possibility people would know who he was. It was nearby the palace after all.

The market was bustling to say the least.

It was a simple place, a farmers market Phil told him, but the energy was so different to the castle, and Dan loved it. There were stalls set up in a semi circle, ranging from scones to fresh produce. Children played in a petting zoo on the side and parents flitted between shops to find the best bargain.

Phil turned to him with a bright smile, “What do you think?” He asked.

“It’s amazing,” Dan smiled in return.

The weight of his stress momentarily faded away into the hustle bustle of the environment.

“Are you hungry?” Phil asked as they walked along the stores.

Dan’s stomach grumbled in response, “That would be yes.” He laughed.

“The scones are the best you’ll have ever tasted!” Phil exclaimed and pulled Dan along by the arm.

Dan grinned, “Even better than Chef Mari?” He asked with a smirk.

Phil nodded, “Yep!”

As they arrived at the stall the large man gave Phil a knowing smile.

“Phil!” He boomed happily, “How are you my boy?”

Phil grinned, “I’m great Bryan, and you?” He replied.

“I’m splendid! Who’s this lad? Your boyfriend?” Bryan asked with a smile.

Both Dan and Phil’s cheeks flushed red hot at that comment.

“N-no,” Phil stammered, “This is Dan. My best friend.”

Dan waved timidly, “Hi.”

Bryan let out a loud laugh, “I’m just teasing boys! The usual I assume?” He looked at Phil who nodded. When he passed the bag of scones to Phil, Dan could have sworn he heard him whisper, “He would be cute boyfriend though hm?”

But he was positive he was just imagining it.

“My hands are freezing.” Dan complained.

Phil rolled his eyes but linked their hands together. His hands were warm and soft.

“Better?” He asked with a grin.

Dan nodded.

A small three year old boy bumped directly into Dan’s leg and fell onto the ground with an oomph.

“Sorry!” The boy apologised and jumped to his feet.

The mother rushed forward, an apologetic look on her face and Dan recognised her straight away.

“Dan!” She exclaimed.

“Ellen!” He replied as she picked up her little boy.

She sighed happily, “You let your curls out!” She smiled.

He nodded, “Phil convinced me.” He said and inclined his head to his friend beside him.

She beamed at the two of them. Then she noticed their linked hands, “Oh! Are you?” She trailed off as they let go hurriedly.

Dan’s face heated up once again.

“No my hands were cold,” Dan explained. Probably too quickly.

He hoped neither of them picked up on it.

She seemed slightly disappointed.

“Tell me any news ok boys?” She asked before she called out her goodbyes.

Phil smiled at Dan.

“Apparently we’d be a cute couple.” He snickered.

Dan felt his cheeks heat up, little did Phil know that was what he wanted.

“Y-yeah,” he laughed, but it was forced.

Don’t get your hopes up Dan

That night Dan was the happiest he had been since his 16th birthday. Phil and he had ate and laughed at the farmers market until well into the evening. Everyone there seemed to know who Phil was. Only one person aside from Ellen recognised Dan.

It was perfect.

~-~-~

“You are awful at dancing,” the King commented with a smirk as Dan danced around the room and pretended to be some sort of rock star.

He dropped to the floor behind the couch with a squeal of shock and embarrassment, “Dad!” He yelped as he heard his father began to chuckle.

As Dan peeked his head over the back of the couch he watched his father raise his eyebrows at him, “You know you’ll start to have galas again soon? Where you’ll need to dance…” The King trailed off, and allowed Dan to finish the sentence for himself.

Dan stared at him mortified, “But I can’t dance!” He exclaimed as he leapt to his feet, his tired brain finally realising what his father meant.

At that moment Phil walked in with a basket full of Dan’s now clean clothes and several of Dan’s possessions which found their way around the castle.

The King turned on him and Phil nearly dropped his pile, “Y-your Majesty!” He stammered in shock.

The King smirked and Dan recognised the look on his father’s face, he had an idea.

“Philip?” He said, and turned on Dan’s best friend who placed the basket down so he wouldn’t drop it.

He stood up slightly straighter, “Erm yes sir?”

“Do you know how to dance?” The King asked and all of a sudden Dan knew where this was headed, he wanted to curl into a ball and cry.

Phil glanced at Dan in confusion who merely shrugged lightly and tried not to blush too heavily, “No sir,” Phil replied honestly once he realised Dan wasn’t going to help him out at all.

The King nodded as though that was the expected answer, “Good. I’ll book you two a dance lesson, I know Daniel will never be able to learn without a partner and it would be an interesting learning experience for you Philip.”

On that note the King spun on his heel and walked out of the room, leaving behind a very embarassed Dan and a shocked and confused Phil.

~-~-~

He could feel Phil’s heart as it thudded against his chest they were pressed so close together, the dance instructor clapped at them to begin moving their feet in time to the music.

Dan took a deep breath, and tried to distract himself from Phil’s breath he could feel fanning against his face whenever they stepped.

I’m so fucked

He thought as Phil giggled lightly, their feet constantly trodding on each other.

The dance instructor tsked at them whenever they stepped out of time or tripped over feet but Dan couldn’t find himself to care.

Phil’s heart rate picked up as Dan finally looked up from the floor, although that was definitely due to the speed they were moving at, neither of them were exactly what you would call fit.

As Dan made eye contact with Phil and found himself staring into those beautiful blue seas that were Phil’s irises he tripped, which sent both boys flying to the floor in a mass of limbs.

Dan landed on top of Phil, and burst into a fit of giggles as the dance teacher sighed in exasperation.

“You need to focus,” she said simply, although she clearly knew this was a lost case.

Dan nodded in apology and rolled off Phil as his cheeks began to heat up, he hoped Phil would blame it on embarrassment and not the close proximity of their faces.

That was the last thing he needed.

“Try again,” she said calmly.

17

Princess Cecilia curtseyed politely.

“It’s lovely to see you again Dan.” She smiled sweetly.

He smiled back, despite the fact that he was there against his will, “Likewise.”

“I’m very grateful that you chose me to court with.” She sounded genuine.

His intentions were not. In fact it was completely his mother’s idea.

If he had a choice he would be dating Phil.

“No problem. You seem lovely.”

It wasn’t a lie. She did seem lovely, but that didn’t mean that Dan wanted to date her.

He definitely didn’t want to date her.

“When will we have our first outing?” She asked.

The question was understandable but it still made Dan want to cry.

“When will suit you?” He asked politely.

She shrugged delicately, “Tonight?”

No

“Yeah sure,” he heard himself say.

“Great!” She pecked him on the cheek, “See you then!”

Dan wanted to scream.

~-~-~

He was pretty sure that the world was taunting him.

Firstly, he had to go on this date in the first place.

But secondly, the person he wanted to be on a date with was waiting it.

Of course.

Phil smiled at him as he placed the dish in front of Cecilia, “Here you go.” He said to her with one of his beautiful smiles.

“What is it?” She asked, the resemblance to James there and then gone in a second.

Dan felt a stab as Phil’s face dropped, “I don’t know I’m just the waiter.” He placed Dan’s plate in front of Dan.

“That’s alright Phil, there’s a menu beside your arm Cecilia.” Dan said with a tight smile.

He could see that Phil knew it was a fake smile.

“So, when did the servant start living here?” She asked with a slight incline of her head.

Phil came back in at the moment to pour them a glass of lemonade. His face made it clear to Dan that he had heard the question.

“Phil and I grew up together. His father is the King’s Advisor.” Dan explained, emphasising Phil’s name. Cecilia nodded politely, her face unreadable.

“Who’s your best friend?” He asked to make the conversation move.

She waved her hand dismissively, “Her name is Maria, she’s the daughter of a Duke.”

“Oh okay.” He muttered.

“Yours is the servant boy?” She asked.

He nodded, was that not already obvious?

“His name is Phil.” He told her for the second time that evening.

“Sorry.”

He couldn’t tell if she was genuine or not.

They had finished their meal and were sat on the windowsill beside the table.

“I’ve had a great time tonight,” She smiled at him, they were incredibly close.

He forced himself to stay still, to not move as far away as he could.

“Me too.” He smiled gently. Despite the fact that it was a lie.

Then her lips were on his.

He froze against her, eyes wide open.

She didn’t seem to notice, her eyes were closed and her lips were soft.

They pulled apart.

She had slightly tinged red cheeks and he felt awful because he would never feel the same about her.

“Goodnight Daniel.” She kissed his lips once more.

He felt the same way he had the night last year, before Phil took him to the market.

He wanted to scream.

But he didn’t.

~-~-~

“You didn’t look like you liked that,” Phil smirked, as he lounged backwards shirtless on Dan’s bed,

Dan tried not to focus on how stunning his bare chest was.

“No I didn’t like that at all.” Dan replied as he fell onto his bed with a groan.

Phil raised an eyebrow at him, “Is there a reason?”

“Yes, there’s so many reasons.” Dan pouted.

Phil gave him a look to say tell me .

Dan found himself ranting, “I don’t like her brother first of all so I don’t want to be related to her family. Also what if she’s like him? She’s already rude to you! Plus why would I want to have a girlfriend for fucks sake! I can’t use the excuse of being too young now because I’m seventeen! What am I meant to tell my mum now because I can’t tell her the truth that I want a boyfriend.” He realised what he said and halted to a stop.

Phil looked slightly surprised but then he nodded, “You should just tell her.”

“You don’t care?” Dan spluttered.

Phil looked slightly offended, “Why would I care? I’m bi after all.”

Does that mean we have a chance?

Dan wanted to ask.

But he didn’t.

He just smiled and said, “Cool.”

~-~-~

There was a wedding he was attending in three days and he didn’t want to take Cecilia. Luckily for him it turned out she was sick. Unluckily for him he now needed to bring someone and he had no idea who.

“Why don’t I bring you!” Dan yelled out of nowhere.

Phil nearly dropped the iron he held in his hand at the abrupt noise.

“To what?” He asked casually, as he resumed ironing Dan’s shirt.

“The wedding!” Dan exclaimed and leapt to his feet.

Phil stared at him as though he had lost his mind, “I’m a servant, it’s not my place”

“You’re going to be the King’s Advisor! It’s like a business thing or something.”

Dan was probably insane but he didn’t care.

“You’re insane.” Phil said but he a grin covered his face, “But it might work.”

His mother wasn’t happy to say the least.

“It would be a great work opportunity for him Mum.” Dan reminded her and she sighed heavily.

“Ok fine, but only because you don’t have a plus one.” She went back to the files she had on her desk without another word.

He ran away as quickly as possible, before she could change her mind.

~-~-~

The wedding was extravagant and beautiful. Something even more beautiful was Phil in a suit. Dan couldn’t look away from him. The black suit he wore made his eyes pop with bright blue, his navy blue tie complemented him perfectly. Dan wished that he could grab him by it and kiss him on the spot.

But of course he didn’t.

“Thank you for coming Daniel.” The newly wedded princess greeted him, she turned to Phil, “And what is your name?”

Phil smiled awkwardly, “Philip.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She smiled before gliding off.

“Posh people always glide.” Dan muttered.

Phil chuckled, “You don’t glide.”

“Thank god.”

They both laughed loudly which caused a few couples to stare at them strangely.

Dan shoved Phil in the arm playfully, “I’m glad you came with me.” He admitted.

“I’m glad I could come. Three days without you, would’ve been unbearable!” Phil joked.

Dan laughed softly.

A princess curtsied as she passed and they both bowed politely in response. Dan tried not to think about how much he loved Phil acting like a prince.They were hovering awkwardly, and their stomach’s grumbled from lack of food.  Finally a waiter approached them with a tray of sandwich and they both took one gratefully. Dan noticed that Phil gave the waiter a bright smile.

“I know how awkward it is to be that guy. He deserves encouragement,” Phil shrugged.

Dan repressed the want to kiss him right there and then. With his considerate heart and beautiful eyes, it was difficult not too.

“Understandable, I’ll keep that in mind.” Dan replied.

Phil smiled at him.

Suddenly the music changed into a well known waltz tune. The newly-weds started the dance, the bride’s large dress swept around the room. Dan enjoyed watching the beautiful display until everyone began to join in. It was then that Dan and Phil realised they were the only pair that weren’t a couple.

“Do we just-“ Phil mumbled.

“Yeah yeah we could… I mean,” Dan stammered in response.

Phil shrugged, “Should we join or stand or do we erm…” He scratched his head awkwardly.

“Let’s just…”

“We should…”

“Yeah ok…”

They stood to the side and watched.

Dan wanted nothing more than to take his best friend by the hand and join in.

For them to be a couple and it to be fine.

But they didn’t and they weren’t.

Dan sighed gratefully when the music came to an end. The couples split apart with a smile and resumed polite banter.

“That was…” Dan trailed off and left the sentence unfinished.

Phil nodded in agreement.

They both stared at each other before bursting into a fit of laughter.

“Only we could be that awkward.” Dan gasped, doubled over.

A duchess glared at him as though he had personally beheaded her family.

He couldn’t care less.

~-~-~

They’d had many sleepovers in their life, but they hadn’t shared a bed since they were young.

This room had clearly been booked for Dan and Cecilia.

Not Dan and Phil.

Phil’s cheeks were slightly tinged red as he mumbled, “So, which side do you want?”

“Left I guess?” Dan replied, dropping his bag to the floor.

Phil watched him drop it, “I probably should have carried that for you.” He said.

Dan looked up at him in shock, “What? Why?”

“I work for you…” Phil trailed off as Dan shook his head at him.

“Not for this weekend.” Dan told him with a grin, “Technically you’re my plus one!”

This was so much worse than Dan expected, he was hyperaware of every movement Phil made.

He could hear Phil’s light breaths as they puffed out of his lips, he couldn’t help but imagine about what would happen if he rolled over and kissed those lips.

“You need to stop this Dan,” he whispered to himself, and luckily Phil was in too deep of a sleep to hear him.

However he couldn’t make himself want to stop, he really liked Phil and maybe that was okay.

~-~-~

When they arrived home they went to Cecilia.

“Dan!” She exclaimed, her nose red and her eyes puffy.

“I need water.” She snapped at Phil.

Phil’s eyes widened in shock.

“I-I’m off duty right now but you can call-“

She sighed irritably, “I want water. You are a servant aren’t you?”

“Y-yes…” Phil stammered.

“Well then,” she shooed him off.

Dan shot her a dirty look, “No he’s off duty he doesn’t have to get you water.”

Phil shook his head, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back in a second.”

He shot Dan a comforting smile over his shoulder while he walked away.

“I missed you!” Cecilia exclaimed.

Dan shook his head, “You can’t treat people like that.”

She sighed, as though disappointed in him, “He’s a servant Dan, it’s his job.”

“He’s my friend,” Dan walked away as Phil rounded the corner. “Don’t give her the water Phil,” Dan said as he stopped Phil from walking into the room.

~-~-~

Dan officially hated Romeo and Juliet. Phil however seemed entranced, which gave Dan the perfect opportunity to watch him without being caught. He looked so beautiful, sat on the couch beside Dan.

“We would be like Romeo and Juliet if we dated.” Phil said absentmindedly.

Dan froze in shock.

“How so?” He asked with a forced casual air.

Phil shrugged, and turned the page, “Well forbidden love. Prince and servant aren’t exactly ideal.” He continued to read.

Dan was conscious of his mouth hanging open.

How would he usually react?

“So you’d only date me if we were both princes?” Dan joked.

Phil shook his head, still focused on the book, “No I’d date you anyway.”

It was then that he seemed to realise what he said, he froze cheeks so red they could be cherries.

“Are… are you serious?” Dan spluttered.

Phil nodded slowly, eyes still glued to the book, but his eyes were no longer moving.

He finally looked up, “I mean if you want me to be?”

Was this happening?

“Yeah I do.”

They had moved closer.

Dan was very aware of every movement made by either of the boys.

“Promise you’re not playing some awful joke.” Dan said softly, they were so close that Dan could see the specks of yellow in Phil’s eyes.

“I promise. Do you?” Phil whispered, Dan could feel Phil’s breath on his face.

“Yes. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to kiss you.” Dan said, eyes locked with Phil’s.

Phil laughed gently, it tickled against Dan’s face.

“Go for it.”

They closed the small gap that was left.

Phil’s lips pressed gently against his and Dan’s eyes flickered closed as they touched. It was gentle, as Phil’s lips only just touched his. However Dan was hyperaware of every place their lips were pressed together. Every place their bodies touched.

They were both inexperienced at kissing, Dan knew for a fact this was Phil’s first kiss, he wished it was his but he had been kissed by Cecilia so unfortunately no. It was amazing anyway, the way their lips ghosted against each other. As they mirrored each other's movements, and their noses brushed together.

Phil pushed him away suddenly, and Dan felt his chest constrict. He was an idiot, of course Phil would never want him.

“You’re meant to be falling in love with Cecilia.” Phil gasped, eyes wide with worry as he stared at Dan.

The knot in Dan’s chest evaporated immediately.

He merely rolled his eyes in exasperation, “That was never going to happen.”

“Good,” Phil smiled and he slid forward until their lips collided once again.

This time it was stronger, more forceful. As though Phil was trying to remind himself that Dan was actually kissing him. Their lips were like fire against each other, soft and forceful. The fire didn’t burn him, instead it ignited itself inside of Dan and warmed him from the inside out. He brought his hands to Phil’s chest, bunching his shirt between his fingers.

Phil smiled into the kiss, which caused it to end far before Dan wanted it to.

However when Phil cupped Dan’s face in his hand while he pulled away, Dan couldn’t help but lean into the touch. His hand warm, as it encased Dan’s cheek. Phil smiled at him as though he was the most beautiful person in the world, just the look made Dan blush heavily.

“How long?” Dan asked, in an attempt to take away from the blush on his cheeks.

Somehow Phil seemed to know what he meant, “You were sick when we were fourteen…” He trailed off into a laugh as Dan’s eyes widened. “What about you?”

“My first gala.” Dan admitted.

Phil laughed gently and pressed their lips together softly, “This has taken far too long in that case.” He mumbled, the words tickled against Dan’s lips.

Dan threaded his fingers through Phil’s hair, moving his lips against Phil’s clumsily. Phil didn’t seem to mind, if anything he sighed into the kiss.

Both boys happier than they had ever been.

~-~-~

“I have to work.” Phil mumbled against Dan’s lips.

Dan pouted, sticking out his bottom lip. Phil chuckled as he poked the lip back in, the same way he had been doing since they were young.

“I do still work for you Dan.” He laughed while he stood up.

“But why,” Dan groaned.

Phil rolled his eyes, “Come on you royal pain.” He offered a hand to Dan.

“Really?” Dan narrowed his eyes at him, but took the hand anyway.

“I’ll see you in two hours for your fitting.” Phil smiled at him and kissed him once more before he left.

Dan grumbled as he glanced at the clock.

Fuck

He had promised to help Cecilia with her geography, which was currently ranked in last on what he would like to do.

But he had no choice.

With impressive speed he collected his geography books and ran down the corridors, narrowly missing a maid.

“Sorry!” He called over his shoulder.

~-~-~

Betty, the seamstress, glanced at her watch, “Ok I have an appointment with your father Mister Daniel. I will be back at two pm. Philip, help him pick embroidery.” She instructed, already halfway out of the room.

“You look really nice.” Phil said with a smirk once she had left.

Dan was stripped down to his boxers. A flush crept up his neck and onto his cheeks.

“Th-thanks.” Dan stammered.

Phil cupped Dan’s flaming face in his cool hands.

“You’re blushing,” He told Dan.

Dan’s blush deepened, “I know.”

Phil pressed their lips together gently, light as a feather.

“You’re cute when you’re awkward.” Phil teased, and poked Dan in the dimple.

Dan pecked Phil on the lips, “I’m never awkward!” He gasped in false shock.

Phil rolled his eyes, but didn’t object to the kiss Dan placed on his lips.

Dan smiled against the kiss as Phil pulled him closer. Cold hands trailed along Dan’s bareback.

“We need to pick embroidery.” Phil mumbled.

Dan groaned but pulled away anyway.

They sat too close for best friends, but that was okay because that’s not all they were anymore. Occasionally Phil would turn and plant a kiss to Dan’s cheek, directly on his dimple.

Dan would turn as crimson as the silk beside them. When the light clicked on in the hallway, signalling Betty’s return they slid away from each other.

Dan could still feel the warmth on his side where Phil had been.

~-~-~

Cecilia grumbled something about how much she hated English.

Dan wanted to sigh heavily, they had nothing in common. Yet whenever Dan tried to find a way to tell her that she dismissed him. She seemed to think they had a chance, despite the fact that Dan had begun to reject any date ideas.

“Would you like to go to the museum on Saturday?” She asked as she looked up from her book.

Dan shook his head, “No thank you. Phil and I are going to have a sleepover.”

Her face darkened at the mention of Phil, “Gosh you should just date Phil instead.” She said sourly.

The words hit Dan a little close to home.

“You and I aren’t dating Cecilia.” He said, staring pointedly at his book.

She seemed slightly shocked, “I know…”

“You said I should date Phil instead. ” Dan pointed out.

There was a long pause before she replied with a turned up nose.

“I was just pointing out that you seem to love a servant boy more than a princess.”

Dan clenched his fingers around his book.

“Whatever,” he hissed through clenched teeth.

I definitely do.

~-~-~

“Can I watch?” Phil asked.

Dan looked up from the piano, his hands still rested on the keys, ready to play.

He smiled, “Yeah sure.”

Phil shuffled across the room and sat beside him.

Dan flexed his fingers before he begun to play, they glided across the piano. A soft melody began to form but he found himself slightly distracted by Phil beside him.

“You’re really good.” Phil murmured and pressed his lips against Dan’s temple.

Dan felt his cheeks heat up.

“Thanks,” he replied as the tempo sped up.

Phil rested his head against Dan’s shoulder. It made it harder to play but he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

They laughed as had to lean across the piano to play the next note and bumped into Phil while doing so.

“Oh fuck it!” He exclaimed throwing up his hands, he connected their lips a little too quickly, so their teeth clacked together slightly before it grew soft again. He revelled in the way Phil gasped in shock before he reciprocated. His hands threaded themselves through Dan's hair. Lips heated as they gently pushed and pulled at each other’s. Dan’s hands were cupping Phil’s cheeks, after a couple of days practise they had begun to get the hang of how to kiss. Both learnt they were certainly not against a bit of tongue every now and then.

“I promise I was intending to just watch you play piano.” Phil giggled when they pulled apart.

Dan shrugged, “This is fine by me.”

He slid along the piano bench so that their bodies were pressed up against each other. His body heated up in every place that it touched Phil’s but he didn’t really mind. Phil’s lips were against his again and his head spun. He felt his knees go weak and was relieved they were sitting down. He leaned into Phil anyway, pushing their bodies even closer. Phil licked his lip tentatively and Dan gasped, his lips parted just enough to allow Phil’s tongue access. Dan brushed their tongues together which pushed Phil further along the seat.

They both jumped apart as Phil accidentally leaned on the keys. Mouths swollen and panting slightly.

“I blame that on you!” Phil exclaimed, his eyes glowed in the dimly lit room.

Dan stared at him, “Me? You were the one who did it!” He pointed out.

“If you didn’t make me so dizzy I wouldn’t have slipped backwards,” Phil smirked, as he moved closer again.

“I am a good kisser.” Dan replied with a slightly lopsided grin.

Phil laughed airily, “Care to demonstrate?”

~-~-~

Saturday couldn’t arrive fast enough in Dan’s opinion.

With the amount of time his mother was forcing him to spend with Cecilia, he barely got to see Phil.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Cecilia asked, as she pressed a kiss to his lips.

Dan froze, his fists clenched beside his body as her lips touched his. It felt tense and uncomfortable yet Cecilia smiled as she pulled away.

“Er… yeah? Listen I’m not sure I’m okay with kis-”

“Bye Dan!” She exclaimed as she ran towards her brother, James, who had just arrived. Dan seized the opportunity to leave.

He ran into his room where Phil was waiting. Leaping on his boyfriend, they fell onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. Phil pressed their lips together and Dan’s heart soared. His head spun as their lips parted slightly.

“Hi,” Phil said with a small smile.

Dan laughed and pressed their lips together gently, “Hi.” He mumbled while he cuddled into Phil’s chest. The warmth enveloped him as Phil cuddled him closer. He breathed in the scent of cleaning supplies and raspberries.

“I’ve missed you.” Dan whispered, his cheek still pressed up against Phil’s chest. He never wanted to move again, would be happy to spend his whole life there.

Phil chuckled and pulled Dan up so he could see him, “I missed you too, but it’s only been two days.”

Dan rolled his eyes, and leant slightly closer so their lips were connected. It was a gentle kiss, filled with affection and love. Just kissing to remind each other that they were together. They loved each other.

“Idiot.” he mumbled against Phil’s lips.

Phil chuckled, and it made Dan’s stomach flip, “Royal Pain.”

“You want the left again?” Phil asked later into the night. Dan tucked under his chin, head rested against Phil’s chest. They were sharing a bed again, but this time it wasn’t weird. This time they were boyfriends. Dan flushed as Phil pressed a gentle kiss to his hair.

He nodded, “Can’t guarantee I won’t be mostly on your side though.” He added as he snuggled further into Phil.

Phil smiled, it was so bright Dan thought he might faint, “I can deal with that.” He snickered, and kissed Dan on the nose lightly. Dan felt his cheeks turn a bright red and he buried his face in Phil’s neck.

“You’re an idiot.” He mumbled, unable to help the grin that spread across his face.

“You can talk.” Phil chuckled.

~-~-~

Dan groaned as his pillow shifted beneath him. Wait what? He opened his eyes to see Phil smiling down at him, even without glasses he seemed to look at Dan as though he was beautiful. This of course made Dan flush an extreme shade of red.

The morning sun made Phil’s eyes sparkle as they stared at each other. Dan could hardly believe how lucky he had gotten.

“You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen,” Phil mumbled, his words slightly slurred since he’d only just woken up.

“I beg to differ,” Dan teased, and tilted his head so he could kiss Phil on the neck, just below his chin. Phil murmured something unintelligible about cute curls, which Dan assumed was in reference to his hair, as it was usually straightened.

Dan liked Phil when he had only just woken up. His hair was messy and his eyes were slightly glazed over.

“I wasn’t sure you were ever going to wake up,” He murmured and rubbed his eyes with a grin.

Dan smiled as Phil fumbled for his glasses, “Good morning to you too,” He joked, as he poked Phil in the cheek.

“I don’t want to move,” Dan mumbled and clung tighter to Phil.

There was a short pause before Phil replied, “Me neither.” He wrapped his arm around Dan as though it would protect them from the outside world.

If Dan could pause that moment for the rest of his life he would.

But he couldn’t.

They had to move.

Just not yet.

~-~-~

“You look unusually happy.” Cecilia commented as Dan slipped onto the table beside her.

He scoffed, “Wow thanks.”

She rolled her eyes in exasperation, “It’s not a bad thing. Just different. What happened?”

“Nothing just happy I guess…” Dan muttered, despite the fact that he knew exactly why he was happy.

The memory of Phil’s face squished into his pillow made him smile just thinking about it. She furrowed her eyebrows at him in disbelief but didn’t say anything.

He took the moment of silence to start to study for his exams coming up. His laptop turned on slowly, droning as it lit up. While he waited, Cecilia leaned onto his shoulder.

“Did you miss me yesterday?” She asked with a bat of her eyes, long lashes fluttering.

Dan felt his breakfast rise in his throat.

“Of course.” He replied half heartedly.

She smiled, seemingly satisfied with that response and moved away.

“How was your… sleepover?” she said sleepover as though it was a rotten word.

Dan took a deep breath for patience, “It was great. We had a lot of fun.”

“Did the servant sleep on the floor?” She asked innocently. Dan had to physically clench his fingers under the table to not punch her.

Dan glared at her, “ Phil shared my bed actually.”

Her mouth formed a small ‘o’.

“I… okay then.” She smiled icily.

Dan smiled back, but his was genuine.

The sooner she understood the message, the better.

~-~-~

Phil’s hand was warm in his. He couldn’t help but think about how strange it was that they had been dating for a month.

Phil seemed to be on the same train of thought, they often were.

“It’s been a month.” He smiled.

Dan nodded as he watched the red and yellow leaves rustle in the wind.

“It has,” he tugged Phil along, running towards the willow tree at the back of the orchard.

When they were concealed beneath the leaves Phil pulled him close.

“Happy one-month-a-versary!” He announced with a short peck to Dan’s lips.

Dan smiled back at him, “Happy one-month-a-versary.”

They connected their lips softly, hands rested at each other’s waists. Every time Phil kissed him Dan felt like flying. The kiss started slow and gentle, before it grew urgent and passionate. Hands threaded through each other’s hair, lips soft and insistent. Phil pushed Dan against the tree and Dan gasped in shock.

“Wow someone is stronger than they think,” he smirked, as he leant forward to connect their lips again.

Phil chuckled against the kiss but didn’t break them apart.

When they pulled away for air he grinned, “Years of work tend to do that to a person.”

Dan rolled his eyes, and pulled Phil towards him again. Glad that he was leant against a tree as Phil swiped his tongue along his lip gently. Dan felt his knees wobble so that he was practically clinging to Phil in order to remain upright.

Despite Dan being taller he always ended up lower in the kiss, as Phil’s lips made him go weak. He sighed as Phil pushed his head back against the tree, their lips barely broke apart for seconds, which left them both breathless and panting.

“Happy anniversary idiot.” He said as he rested their foreheads together.

“Happy anniversary, you royal pain.” Phil replied, eyes closed as his nose brushed against Dan’s.

Dan leaned forward and pressed their lips together, far more gentle than before, the kiss said everything he couldn’t put into words.

The boys were too caught up in each other’s lips to notice Cecilia as she walked along the path.

She turned red with anger as she saw Dan kissing that ‘servant boy’.

With a flourish she turned around with a plan ticking in her brain.

If she got rid of him, Dan would be hers.

~-~-~

“Where’s your jewel brooch Dan?” His mother asked shrilly, marching into the room with a glare at any of the maids in the room. The maids hurried out as though they might die if they remained any longer. His father entered slowly after her, a reasonably placid expression adorned his face.

Dan looked up in shock, “What? It’s missing?” His jewel brooch was an ancient heirloom, worth millions, if not billions of pounds.

“Yes! It is missing Daniel!” She shrieked, while she looked around the room as though it might be lying there ready to be found. Dan winced at her loud tone.

His father laid a hand on his back, “Julia,” he looked at the queen sternly, “It’s not Dan’s fault. We’ll work it out.” He told her gently, Dan gave his father a small smile of thanks, which was easily returned. However, the jewel itched at the back of Dan’s mind. It was worth a lot of money. If someone stole it…

Dan watched his mother take a deep breath of patience, the same way he did when stressed. She pressed her fingers to her temples and inhaled heavily.

“We need to check the servants.” She said with forced calm and dropped her arms to her side as though they were too heavy to hold up. Dan nodded numbly, still in shock at what had happened.

“We need to check Phil first. He could get to them easiest,” His father looked at him, as though asking if Dan was okay with it.

Dan wanted to say no automatically. However he knew Phil would be fine, there wouldn’t be any danger in it. If he said no he would need a reason, and he wasn’t ready to admit they were dating. He wasn’t sure how long it would take until he would be ready to tell his parents, or at least his mother.

“Okay.”

~-~-~

Phil looked up at the royal family in shock as they approached. His eyes wide and concerned. Dan offered him a reassuring smile and he could see Phil relax slightly.

“Lester, we need to check you for possible stolen property.” Phil’s face slipped as the words left the Queen’s lips. He glanced at Dan as though to check if this was true. One little glance told him that Phil was in a state of shock.

Dan didn’t say anything but he could see Phil understood the little quirk of his lip.

Dan watched as Phil nodded shakily.

A guard member stepped forward and checked him over.

Dan felt incredibly flustered as he watched the guard pat down Phil’s body. He wanted to scream, “That’s my boyfriend, do you mind?”

Of course he didn’t say anything, how could he?

Suddenly both the guard and Phil froze.

With a slow movement a brooch was pulled out of Phil’s pocket.

Dan’s world collapsed.

Phil looked up at him, eyes full of fear.

All Dan felt was pain.

Tears spilled over his face, and flooded down his cheeks.

“I swear I wouldn’t… I don’t know why that’s there- Dan…” Phil stammered, moving towards Dan.

Dan backed away, and shook his head.

“Don’t.” He muttered before he ran off.

Filled with fury, pain and an ache in his chest that wouldn’t go away.

~-~-~

The tears soaked his pillow but Dan wasn’t sure whether he cared or not.

“Dan?” His dad knocked on the door.

He sobbed and let out a croaky, “Come in.”

He could hear his dad walk over to the bed, but he didn’t bother to look up.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked and Dan shook his head into the pillow.

His father stroked his back gently and Dan felt his body relax slightly.

“Were you dating Phil?”

Dan sat bolt upright in shock.

“Y-yes.” He muttered and wiped his eyes, there wasn’t any point in lying. His father would never judge him anyway.

He nodded slowly, “Yes, I thought as much.”

“You did?” Dan looked at his father’s calm expression in confusion.

He smiled in amusement but it was saddened, “The way you looked at him Dan. I’m sorry.”

Dan nodded, aware that he was crying again.

Phil had betrayed him.

Was he only dating him to get to the jewels?

What was the point?

He let out a loud sob.

Dan’s father pulled him close and wrapped him into a warm hug.

He shook with pain as he remembered how Phil had done it before.

“I’m so sorry.”

~-~-~

Phil tried to lock eye contact with him. Dan was looking anywhere else in the room but his eyes, those beautiful blue eyes that shone like a crisp morning.

He choked back a sob, he wouldn’t cry again.

“Dan, please sit down.” His mother instructed with a kind smile.

He knew that his father hadn’t told her, but she still knew Phil was his best friend.

Used to be his best friend.

Dan bit his lip to distract himself from the stinging in his eyes.

He also noticed Cecilia was there.

She gave him an apologetic smile, it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

But she had never liked Phil, so that didn’t surprise him.

His mother started the meeting with a clap of her hands.

“Mr Philip Lester, you were found with a jewel of the kingdom. How do you explain yourself.” She asked.

Dan could see Phil visibly swallow heavily, “I would never steal from the kingdom. I’ve been framed I swear.”

His mother furrowed her eyebrows but his father didn’t seem shocked by this presumption.

“Daniel when was the last time you were out of your room without Philip?” He asked Dan.

Dan tried to think about what he had been doing last night. First he had gone and met up with Phil, his eyes stung with tears as he remembered the way Phil had kissed him over the piano. Had he done that to distract Dan?

Phil had left and Dan had continued to practise. He actually managed to get stuff done with Phil gone, although he had missed him, it hurt to remember. “I played piano.” He said, as he stared at Phil. Attempting to keep any traces of sadness out of his eyes.

He must have succeeded as Phil shriveled under his glare.

“Where were you when Daniel was playing piano Lester?” His mother asked with a glare at Phil.

Dan saw Phil’s face blanch and that was all he needed to see.

“I-I was doing the dishes…” he stammered nervously.

Eyes locked with Dan’s but they would occasionally flit away. Dan wondered whether Phil was trying to tell him something, if he was Dan didn’t want to know.

“Ella,” His mother said as she turned to the maid nearby, “Go get Cook please.”

As the words left his mother’s lips Phil turned even paler. Dan didn’t think that was physically possible and yet he watched the colour drain from his face.

“Don’t bother. He wasn’t doing it.” Dan mumbled.

He had learned every expression, memorised every inch of Phil’s smile, he knew every spot of colour. Dan knew that Phil was lying. He was broken from the pain, but he wasn’t going to protect Phil if he didn’t care anymore.

“I wasn’t stealing it.” Phil promised, eyes filled with tears.

“Stealing is a major act and it must be punished accordingly.” His mother said crisply, as she completely ignored Phil.

Cecilia nodded in agreement.

Dan wanted to punch her. She had no right to even be there. To give her opinion, to even smile at Dan. She had no right and Dan wanted to kill her for being right about Phil.

He decided to clench his hands until his fingernails were dug deep into his flesh instead of punching her.

“I guess it depends on you Dan, he is under your command.” His father turned to him.

Phil’s eyes begged with him.

“Dan…” He whispered, “Please. I would never…”

Dan’s eyes stung with tears, “You did Phil. It’s too late now.”

He turned to his parents, “I’d say firing him.”

Dan watched as Phil crumbled under Dan’s words. He cried silently into his hands.

It broke Dan’s heart to watch.

No Dan.

He betrayed you.

~-~-~

Dan woke up on the day exactly two weeks after Phil had stolen Dan’s jewel.

The sun was still in the sky.

Birds still twittered and whistled outside his window.

Yet Dan felt empty.

Phil had once lain beside him in this bed. Their limbs tangled together, the warmth radiated between them as they slept.

The bed didn’t feel the same, he doubted it ever would.

He had considered buying a new bed, new sheets, new everything. Goodness knows his family could afford it.

It didn’t seem right though, the idea of throwing Phil away.

No matter what he had done.

Dan rolled over and buried his head into the pillow beside him with a groan. It still smelled like Phil. Fuck.

He grabbed it and threw it across the room, it hit the wall with a thump and nearly knocked a painting off as it did so.

He automatically regretted it, and leapt to his feet to run and retrieve the pillow that smelled like the boy he missed so much. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he clutched it to his chest and breathed in the scent that he missed so badly. That he hated himself for missing at all.

He got to his feet, placed the pillow on the bed and tried to ignore the way his whole body shook as he let go of one of the many reminders all around him of Phil.

“Why did you do this?” He sobbed, as he clutched his chest to attempt to hold it in place. Phil would never hear him, would never know, but it helped to ask.

Every day since well… Phil well… Dan had gone straight to the bathroom to scrub away the tears, which left his skin red raw as he remembered the way Phil had comforted him when he was sick. All those years ago. Even back then, Phil had always been there.

Dan didn’t know how to function without him.

He had never had to do so before.

Memories of kisses with freshly brushed teeth danced around Dan’s brain until he was back to not being able to breathe.

Fuck he hated this.

~-~-~

He couldn’t go to the orchard, or the pond, or the dining room, or the courtyard. Everywhere Phil stood in the centre of his mind. Dan couldn’t shake him.

The last place he hadn’t tried was the library, so he decided he would go there now.

“Where are you off to Mister Daniel?” Alexis, his personal servant, asked. Dan had told her not to call him that, but to no avail.

He shrugged, “The library.” He said simply.

She smiled at him, “Doing a little tour of the castle aren’t you?” She laughed softly.

Alexis was new to the palace, she had worked in a restaurant nearby for most of her life.

She had soft brown hair which didn’t quite reach her shoulders, as though it wasn’t sure whether to be long or short. Her skin was slightly tanned and she was a reasonably large woman, overall she had a similar look to a giant teddy bear. Dan had discovered very early on that she wasn’t sure how to deal with Dan’s breakdowns, since she barely knew why he was so upset, as Dan hadn’t told her. He assumed no one else had either, although he could never be sure.

She had never met Phil, unlike all the other servants who had practically raised him. Dan wasn’t sure how to tell her what had happened without making the pain worse, he already cried himself to sleep every night. He didn’t need more than that. He had opted to letting the other servants comfort him instead.

Cook had let him sit in the kitchens when it had all gotten to be too much. Most of the servants had known about their relationship due to walking in on a kiss or just guessing so he felt more comfortable with them now that… well now anyway.

“Er... yeah... I guess so. Ok bye.” He hurried off before the situation could grow to be more awkward.

The library it turned out was even worse. Although Dan hadn’t thought that was possible.

Every time he looked at a book he remembered something about Phil.

He had loved horror, Dan thought as he saw a horror book.

As his finger traced over the spine of a blue book Dan felt tears spring to his eyes, they were the exact shade of blue as Phil’s eyes.

He slumped to the floor, and clutched the blue book to his chest.

Maybe if he held it hard enough it would bring Phil back.

He could hold him in his arms again instead.

“Help me,” Dan whispered fingers gripped around the book so tightly he would probably leave dents in the hardback.

“Oh!” He heard a female voice exclaim. A female he did not want to speak to right now, Cecilia. “Dan. Are you alright?” She asked as she slipped down beside him.

Did he look fucking alright?

“M’fine,” he mumbled into his arms, the book still held firmly in his fingers.

“Do you want me to read to you? Take your mind off it?” She asked.

Dan went to say no, but he realised it actually would help.

He shrugged, “Actually yes please.”

She opened her book and begun to read, “If I profane with my unworthiest hand. This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims- Dan?”

At the familiar words Dan had begun to sob.

Romeo and Juliet.

Oh fuck.

If nothing else would make Dan crumble to pieces it was this book.

“Stop reading… please,” he gasped between tears.

“He’s not worth this Dan.” She muttered, as she stroked his arm gently.

He stood up and walked away without another word.

Because he was.

He loved him, and he never told him.

~-~-~

“Daniel it has been two weeks. He was nothing more than an awful friend. You will practise piano and that is the end of it.” His mother scolded, her hands on her hips as Dan protested.

With a sigh he nodded, “Yes mother.”

He didn’t give her a chance to reply before he walked away, towards the piano room.

As he sat down on the familiar seat of the piano he felt four different emotions.

First was relief, he had missed the familiar keys beneath his fingers.

Second was sadness, Phil had sat on this seat beside him, he had kissed his cheek and distracted him from what he should be doing.

Third was anger, Phil had taken away everything he loved when he left, piano, reading and mostly himself.

Fourth was happiness as he begun to play, the familiar rhythms on the sheet music floated through the air and calmed him.

Tears streamed down his cheeks endlessly. They dried out his eyes and wet his cheeks.

However for the first time in two weeks, Dan felt close to happy.

~-~-~

It had been four months since Phil had left and Dan didn’t feel better.

If anything he felt slightly worse.

“Daniel! It’s been a while,” A duchess greeted him with a smile. She turned to Cecilia who was on his arm, “And who is this young lady?”

Dan smiled, “Too long!” He faked, “This is my… partner,” He still choked on the word partner.

“I’m Cecilia.” She said with an elegant smile and a small curtsey.

Dan nodded along.

“Well it’s lovely to meet you Cecilia, and to see you Daniel.” The duchess bid them farewell.

He absentmindedly looked around the room for Phil. Before he remembered with a stab that he wasn’t there.

This is why he had avoided parties.

“Dan!” James’ voice greeted from behind.

Cecilia turned around to greet her brother with a hug, Dan was relieved to have her off his arm.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” James asked with a sneer.

The word made Dan want to collapse to the floor in sobs.

Cecilia looked at him worriedly, like she knew something she shouldn’t. Dan didn’t think much of it.

“He’s not around any more.” Dan said with tight lips.

James raised an eyebrow at him but otherwise made no remark.

“What a shame, I was hoping for a wine.” He smirked.

Dan clenched his hands into fists, in an attempt to calm himself down.

He forced a casual shrug, “You’ll have to ask someone else. I need some air.” Cecilia looked like she wanted to follow him but he walked away without another word.

~-~-~

The air was crisp and the wind stung his eyes.

Or maybe they were tears.

He was vaguely aware of someone coming out onto the balcony.

“Dan?” His father asked gently.

Dan nodded and he came and stood beside him.

“It’s been four months. I know it’s hard, but sometimes it doesn’t work out.” The king sighed heavily, and turned to face Dan, who avoided his eye contact.

“It can take longer than four months to get over love.” Dan mumbled.

18

“You told me to take you to my happiest memory,” Dan growled, “So here we are.” He brandished his arm to the small marketplace.

Cecilia sniffed primly, “I didn’t think it would be so… grotty.” She complained.

Dan felt the familiar stab of longing for Phil as she moved to kiss his cheek gently.

“Could we go back?” She asked pleadingly.

He shrugged, “You can if you want. I’m going to stay for a bit.”

She rolled her eyes before striding off towards the castle.

He buried his hands deep into his pockets and tried not to think about how much he missed Phil. The marketplace was a constant reminder of him, yet Dan couldn’t bring himself to leave so quickly.

“Dan!” The scone man, whose name had slipped Dan’s memory exclaimed.

Dan couldn’t tell if he looked happy or nervous.

“Hi! Could I get a fruit scone?” Dan asked as he tried to be casual, and prayed he wouldn’t ask about Phil.

“Of course my boy of course!” The man exclaimed as he handed him a warm scone.

Dan took it gratefully, the warmth wonderful on his icy fingers. He muttered a thank you before he wandered off.

Despite the market being his happy place, he couldn’t think happy thoughts. Cecilia wanted to marry him.

He missed Phil.

Phil.

Fuck that was Phil.

Phil was stood in front of him and Dan felt his stomach constrict.

Everything seemed to slow to a stop as those beautiful blue eyes locked with Dan’s.

“Phil,” he whispered unknowingly.

Dan wanted to run up to him and kiss him.

But he also wanted to scream at him.

Why did you ruin it?

Everything was perfect!

He did neither of those two things.

They merely stood there, and stared at each other for who knows how long. Dan wasn’t sure he would ever be able to move again.

Finally Phil broke the serene trance they had found himself in by mouthing, “Jewels make you look tacky.” His black fringe flew around his face in the wind.

Dan furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Phil didn’t say anything, he just turned and walked away. Dan could have sworn he had seen tears in his beautiful blue eyes.

Suddenly he remembered

“Jewel cufflinks or silver?” Dan had asked Phil, as he turned to his friend who might have been strewn out across the bed.

He had held up his ruby cufflinks.

Phil had screwed up his nose, “Definitely silver, jewels make you look tacky.”

“Really?” Dan had replied putting down the rubies and picking up the silver.

Phil nodded as he helped Dan attach them to his shirt.

“They look like you’re saying,” Phil had spoken in an over the top british accent that had made Dan laugh, “Woop di doo I’m a prince! I have money and jewels yay!”

Phil had shrugged, “Well then, don’t wear jewels they’re tacky and I hate them.”

“Jewels make you look tacky.”

“Jewels make you look tacky.”

“Jewels make you look tacky.”

Why would he steal a jewel when he hated them?

Had someone framed him?

Why would anyone frame Phil? He would never do anything to hurt anyone.

There was no point…

Names and faces ran through his mind.

His Mother?

Another servant?

James?

Cecilia.

Jesus Christ.

It was the only option that even made sense.

But why?

Dan paced back and forth and chewed on his lip in concentration.

Unless she knew about their relationship it wouldn’t make sense to do anything, there was no reason.

She had always hated Phil but framing him?

What would be the point?

He groaned in frustration and ran a hand through his already messy hair.

Maybe she had found out about them?

Oh fuck.

Dan ran home as fast as he could, his feet pounded on the gravel as he dashed towards the palace.

~-~-~

“YOU FRAMED HIM!” He screamed.

Cecilia jumped so high she nearly fell off the couch she was stretched out on.

“Wha-what are you talking about Dan?” She gasped, and placed a hand over her heart in shock.

His mother glanced up from her book in surprise.

“How could you?” He hissed, “I was so happy. You ruined it all.”

Cecilia turned as white as a sheet.

“I d-don’t know what you mean.” She stammered.

Dan shook his head angrily, “I didn’t even think about it.” He growled, “I should have realised.”

“Daniel?” His mother said gently, “What’s wrong? What do you mean?”

Cecilia was sat on the couch, her shoulders tense and her eyes the size of saucers.

“She framed Phil,” he pointed to her, “and I was so stupid to not see it.”

His mother stood up and approached him cautiously.

“Where has this come from?” She asked.

Dan took a deep breath to calm himself.

“I met Phil in the marketplace.” He started, Cecilia made a move to cut in but Dan held up his hand, “That’s when I remembered. Phil hates jewels.”

Cecilia’s face turned even paler if that was possible, which confirmed Dan’s guesses.

“Why would he steal a jewel when he hated them?” He asked rhetorically. “It doesn’t add up. Why? I was so fucking happy Cecilia…” he trailed off as a sob caught in his throat.

His mother was stood next to him now, a hand rested on his back. The same way his dad did when he needed comfort.

“Did you frame Philip?” She asked Cecilia, a small frown creased into her forehead.

Cecilia nodded as she burst into tears.

“Why?” Dan asked, because how had she known?

She blubbered for a bit before she replied, “I wanted to be your partner Dan,” she sobbed, “I wanted you to love me like you loved him.”

His mother started slightly at that comment but Dan ignored her.

He shook his head in disbelief, “You would ruin my life and happiness, just so I would date you? Because yes you’re right, I loved him.”

I love him he thought to himself.

“I wanted you Dan.” She attempted to redeem herself.

“I was so happy.”

He ran off without another word, anger pulsed through his body like a fire.

~-~-~

With a scream he threw himself onto his bed.

Alexis, his personal servant, darted in with a start.

“Are you alright sir?” She asked nervously.

He sat up so he wouldn’t make her too uncomfortable, she wasn’t the best with emotions, “I’m fine Alexis. I’ve just been an idiot that’s all.”

She nodded slowly, clearly thinking hard about something, “What happened?” She asked and slipped onto a chair beside his bed. It was such an out of the ordinary act, he couldn’t help but be shocked.

“Oh, I didn’t realise something huge and I might have lost my best friend forever.” He explained.

She nodded again, as she wriggled into a more comfortable position, “Tell me everything.”  

Suddenly Dan found himself telling the whole story, starting from when they were ten.

~-~-~

How he had ended up back in the marketplace Dan had no idea.

He just needed to walk, to get out of the palace. Away from his mother’s worried and confused gaze, Cecilia’s false apologies. He needed to get away from it all. So he had ended up in the marketplace, without any purpose to be here. Although he supposed his subconscious would want to see Phil.

“Back again Dan?” The scone man asked, Dan was once again too awkward to ask his name so he just nodded. “Is Phil here?” He asked before he could stop himself.

He instantly regretted it, because the scone man smiled knowingly. As though he knew Dan would ask that.

“I don’t know, but he works in the store across there.” He said as he pointed to a music store across the marketplace. Dan thanked him before he walked over to the store.

It was a cramped tight space, but cozy and warm. Due to it being a market stall there were no proper walls or anything of the sort. Instead sheet music and small instruments lined the outer walls. Dan felt himself drawn to the piano music as soon as he walked into the area. There was a boy behind the counter who looked around Dan’s age, he started as he clearly recognised Dan.

“Your Majesty,” He said before he bowed lowly, Dan nodded at him politely before he continued towards the sheet music table.

“C-can I help you with anything sir?” The boy asked nervously. He glanced around the shop as though it was going to jump out and murder Dan. Which of course made Dan uncomfortable. He looked around for what might be making the boy nervous, but there was nothing.

“Er no I’m alright,” Dan replied with a kind smile. The boy nodded and just as Dan turned back to the music he was looking at he heard someone else speak, a very familiar voice.

“Okay Max you can go on your break… now,” Phil trailed off as Dan looked up at him. He felt his heart stop as he stared into those beautiful blue eyes. He hadn’t gotten to see him properly for so long and doing so now felt like being stabbed. His hair was messy and hurriedly swept into his familiar fringe, his eyes were more blank than Dan had ever seen them.

“I-I’ve been on break for too long anyway.” Phil finished as he turned back to the boy behind the counter.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind if you go for a bit longer.” He said in response, Dan felt awkward as he watched this whole exchange, yet he couldn’t rip his eyes away from Phil. He didn’t have his usual glow, but he seemed to harness all the light from the open market stall anyway.

“No no, go on your break.” Phil shooed the other boy out, before he took his place behind the counter, and stared at the laptop screen intensely, completely ignoring Dan.

“Phil I…” Dan muttered, Phil didn’t look up.

Phil continued to jab at the cashier keys, each time he did it Dan winced at how hard he was pressing.

“I’m sorry.” He finished, Phil continued to ignore him. He may as well have shot him for how much it hurt.

“I’ll leave.” He mumbled and walked out of the store without a second glance.

He didn’t see Phil look up, tears welled up in his eyes. Dan had to physically run to get out of the marketplace before he broke down crying. He collapsed to the floor, each sob burned in his chest.

Knees pressed hard into the gravel path although he could barely feel them past the throbbing in his chest. He was crying so much that he felt like he might cough up a lung, but he couldn’t stop. Every time it began to slow he would remember Phil’s face when he saw Dan. The way his eyes had widened in fear. The way he didn’t look the same as Dan remembered because he was as broken as Dan was.

He wasn’t sure how long he sat there crying, knees hugged to his chest as sobs wracked through his body. However it must have been a reasonably long time because the boy from the shop, who he thought was named Max came back.

“Your Majesty?” Max asked, as he crouched down beside Dan. “Are you alright?”

Dan shook his head, “I’m fine, please leave.” He croaked, the tears almost slowed to a stop from embarrassment.

“Prince Daniel can I just say-” Max started again but Dan cut him off with a glare to the side.

“I said please leave.” He repeated angrily, sobs threatened to escape again, he turned his head back to his knees and buried them.

“Fucking hell your Majesty listen to me.” Dan looked up in shock as the profanity left Max’s lips. The boy was staring at him so intensely, with possibly more anger than Dan himself.

“I could have you locked up for that.” He mumbled, as he wiped his eyes hurriedly.

Max shrugged, “But you won’t.”  

Dan had to fight back a snort of laughter, because of course it was true. He would never lock someone up for swearing in front of him.

“Look, I don’t know much about Phil’s life before he came here. All I know is, he lived in the palace, he fell madly in love with someone, it didn’t work out.” Max looked at him pointedly as Dan’s resolve slipped.

“Today, was the first time I saw any real emotion in his eyes.” He shrugged, “When he said he fell in love with someone I thought it would be a maid or something. Apparently it was the prince.” Max looked at him, and waited for a denial.

He wasn’t going to get one from Dan.

“He hates me.” Dan said, and cringed at the way his voice cracked pathetically.

Max shook his head with a sigh, “He loves you.”

At that he walked away before he seemed to remember something and turned back around, “Keep trying by the way. He deserves it, and I think you do too,” and with those words in the air he left.

Then Dan was alone again, as a few more tears leaked from his eyes, trailing down his face.

Now however, he had hope.

~-~-~

He wasn’t sure why he constantly ended up at the marketplace. Although he assumed it was Phil, as he drew him in like a magnet to metal. Somehow he found himself purchasing a coffee for both him and Phil, despite knowing he didn’t have the bravery to go up to him. He couldn’t be ignored again, it destroyed him in a way he never knew anything could, as it ripped through his soul like the claws of a large animal and scratched and destroyed every ounce of happiness he might have had left.

Yet he had bought a coffee for Phil, with no way to give it to him.

Luckily, or unluckily, Dan still wasn’t sure, Phil was on his break, which meant Dan only had to deal with seeing Max, who admittedly shot him a weird look as he held up the coffee.

“For Phil,” Dan explained, as he passed the cup to Max over the counter.

The boy stayed silent for a long time, just staring at Dan as though he had gone insane, before he shrugged.

“Leave a note on the cup, something so he’ll know it’s from you.” He said with a sly smile, before he left the cup of coffee with a pen and gave Dan a bit of privacy to write the note. Dan nodded uselessly, the longer he took hanging around the stall, the more likely Phil would come back. Then Dan would have to go home and cry again after being ignored. Instead he uncapped the pen, and ignored the way his hand shook slightly as he scribbled a note.

As he ran away he bumped into Phil, who stared after him in shock. Dan felt pins and needles explode where they touched, and he wished he could kiss Phil again. Wished Phil was his and he was Phil’s.

For now, a note would have to do.

Dear Romeo,

I’m so sorry

I was wrong

From your Juliet

~-~-~

He scribbled notes like a madman, Phil had distracted him from the upcoming talks he had to do. As his coronation became a foreseeable future, much of Dan’s time was taken up learning the things he hadn’t yet been taught. A hand laid itself on his back, warm and comforting.

Dan looked up at his father and smiled, “Cramming for the speech?” The King asked as he slipped into the chair beside Dan.

He nodded, “Yeah.” He mumbled, too busy scribbling down on cue cards to properly talk.

“Dan?” His father mumbled, and Dan looked up from his laptop he was currently reading off. “Your mother told me about… Cecilia.” He said calmly.

Dan felt his lunch rise in his throat at her name. However he managed a tight lipped smile. “What about her? The fact that she stabbed me in the back or something else?” He asked sarcastically.

His father looked at him worriedly, “Dan…”

“I’m fine.” Dan cut him off.

He watched his father debate whether or not he should roll his eyes at Dan, before he seemed to decide that it would be fine. He gave Dan a heavy eye roll before he responded, “I’m the King, my servants tell me when my son is crying his eyes out and screaming until his voice is hoarse.”

Dan swallowed heavily at that remark, after he saw Phil in the marketplace he had cried until he didn’t think he had any more liquid left in his body and screamed until it hurt to breathe, as though it would bring Phil back, as though he could fix everything. Alexis had just let him be as she didn’t to be the person to disturb him.

For that Dan was very grateful.

“Okay so not completely fine.” He admitted, and avoided his father’s kind gaze.

However there was only so much silence he could take before he was forced to look up. The King was simply watching him, as he waited for an explanation.

“I saw Phil in the marketplace, understandably he was pissed and wouldn’t talk to me. He ignored me and I-I feel awful.” Dan muttered at an incredibly fast pace.

He had barely finished the sentence before soft arms were being wrapped around him. Dan sunk into the embrace.

“You’re going to be ok,” His father whispered.

Dan wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not.

~-~-~

He stood in the safety of a stall, hidden from sight where Phil wouldn’t be able to notice him. This wasn’t the first time this week that Dan had snuck into the marketplace to watch Phil, occasionally he would try to work up the courage to talk to him.

He never did though.

“Do you want anything sir?” The lady in the stall asked and he shook his head hurriedly, before he moved into the next stall instead.  

From behind a stack of books Dan peered over to Phil. He was talking to a customer enthusiastically, his beautiful smile not as wide as usual. Yet it was still there. Just seeing it made Dan’s tense shoulders relax and his stomach flip. He needed to stop watching Phil, while being here made him feel happy, tonight he would be left to sob into his pillow. As he wished he hadn’t been an idiot, hadn’t practically thrown away the only person he loved.

For now though, he couldn’t force himself to leave.

Couldn’t look away from those beautiful blue eyes, the closest Dan had seen to happy since… since they were together. He could see what Max meant, Phil’s emotions weren’t as strong as they used to be. His smile was only half there, his eyes didn’t sparkle with happiness the way they used to. He just didn’t look as alive.

That was Dan’s fault.

Another stall owner looked about ready to approach him, he took that as the cue to leave.

As he left the store and as Phil saw him his eyes that Dan loved so much widened in shock.

Dan ran away, as fast as he could.

~-~-~

He was scrolling through Tumblr, as he took a much needed break from the endless responsibilities when Cecilia tapped his shoulder. He didn’t even bother to hide the growl that came from his throat at the contact. She backed away slightly under his murderous gaze, but mostly stood her ground.

“I came to apologise but you can’t really blame me?” She said with a heavy sigh, Dan stared at her in shock. She couldn’t be serious?

Yet she stood there, face genuinely serious.  

He stood up, unable to keep the anger out of his eyes.

Body quaking with anger, “I can’t really blame you?” He hissed. She shrunk away as he loomed over her, his tall height a perfect angle to terrify her.

“Then who do I blame Cecilia?” He said her name as though it tasted foul in his mouth, which wasn’t entirely false.

“It w-wouldn’t have w-w-worked out. Servants can’t d-d-d-date princes.” She stammered, trembling in front of him.

Dan attempted to reassemble his face so it was less furious, however he couldn’t do it.

“It would have worked out. We loved each other, anything else could have been sorted out. You ruined it Cecilia, not us.” He leveled his glare with hers, and was met with frightened green eyes that flickered in shock as he added, “Leave me alone, I don’t want to speak to you. Not now, not ever.”

She stammered out some unintelligible answer before dashing away. Dan watched her go with a satisfied smile. He knew that there was no way he could focus on Tumblr now that his mind was on Phil, so he decided to head to the marketplace. When he checked the time on his computer he grinned, Phil would be working now. He had been so many times now, that he had memorised Phil’s schedule. He wasn’t sure whether what he was doing was stalkerish, but it hadn’t been intentional. Besides Max had told him most of it anyway. He slammed his laptop closed, deciding that the servants could put it away, he left straight for the marketplace.

~-~-~

As he ducked straight into a fresh produce stall as he saw Phil, Dan couldn’t help but grin. His hair was slightly messy, he had clearly been having a rough day. Dan must have gotten the timetable wrong as Phil was clearly about to take a break. He watched as he headed over to the scone stall, running a hand absentmindedly through his already messy fringe. Dan would have been lying if he said his heart didn’t jump at that small movement.

Everything Phil did made his heart jump, apparently it did the same for a skinny girl with blonde hair who Dan could never compete with. He felt his heart thump for an entirely different reason as she approached Phil with a plastered smile.

Phil seemed shocked to see her, but not altogether upset. He probably knew her, she was probably his girlfriend for all Dan knew. Phil was bisexual after all, he had told Dan that all along. However it stung like a wasp, when she took him by the bicep, and led him away from a very surprised scone man. Dan would have to learn his name again, he felt awful. They chatted seemingly happily, although Dan was slightly too far away to hear exactly what they were saying. He considered moving closer, but since he was currently toeing the line of stalker he decided against it.

Instead he opted to listen to Phil laugh from afar. It wasn’t the same beautiful laugh Dan had grown to love. It wasn’t the one where he stuck his tongue out and giggled loudly, but a lot had changed. He wouldn’t have been shocked to hear that Phil’s laugh had as well.

He swallowed his jealousy as she laid a hand on Phil’s heart, the world seemed to rock. She smiled up at him, and whispered something in Phil’s ear which he couldn’t hear.

He shouldn’t care, should have known Phil would have moved on.

They weren’t together any more.

Still, he was being stabbed repetitively in the chest every time the girl smiled at Phil.

The same Phil, Dan was desperately head over heels for.

He actually choked on a bit of vomit when she kissed him on the cheek gently.

Dan had hoped however that he would push her away, not lay his hand over hers. Phil smiled gently at the girl and said something to her.

Tears dislodged themselves from his eyes.

He tried to scream at himself in his mind, What were you expecting to happen? Of course he’s moved on! Why would you get your hopes up?”

It wouldn’t work though, it didn’t stop the tears. Or the feeling of his hopes being ripped to shreds.

Dan ran as fast as he could, his blood pumped in his ears, and tears streamed down his face.

He could have sworn he heard his name being called after him.

However it was just his mind, as it tortured him some more. Pretending Phil would ever want him after what Dan put him through.

A cruel kind of torture.

~-~-~

Phil wiped his sweaty fringe out of his eyes, aware that it was probably a mess. He caught himself looking around for Dan and kicked himself.

“No Phil. He hurt you.” He tried to tell himself, even though he knew it was useless.

He was still madly in love with Dan, and it would be a lie if he told himself otherwise.

Max smiled at him gently as he returned from his break, “I’ll take over. Go get a scone or something.” He said and nudged Phil out of the store.

Usually Phil would have argued, but they had been so busy today. He took the break with open arms. He ducked out of the music stand he worked in and crossed the marketplace.

His hair was falling in his eyes so he ran a hand through it without thought. That would have made it even more knotted and messy than before, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

Not truly at least.

He smiled widely at Bryan as he approached, he knew it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He didn’t think Max had noticed how fake his smiles were as they had only met when Phil was broken. Bryan however, knew it all, and always gave Phil a worried smile.

Hence why Phil usually avoided this particular stall, despite the fact that he loved the scones and Bryan to pieces, “Er… the usual please.” He stammered.

Bryan didn’t say anything, for once his loud voice quiet as he surveyed Phil worriedly. He wasn’t sure what he would prefer, endless “Are you okay?” or silence.

However this thought was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder as he took his scones. He thanked Bryan before he turned around, to be faced with a girl who smiled at him in a way that made Phil feel uncomfortable.

Her blonde hair was tied into a ponytail and her eyes bored into his soul. He felt strangely defensive, had to physically bite his tongue to stop himself from saying “I have a boyfriend.”

Which he didn’t.

She took his arm by the bicep and dragged him away from the stand, and introduced herself while they walked.

“I’m Olivia,” she said in a surprisingly deep voice, “But you can call me Liv!” She added with a giggle.

Phil forced a laugh, he was polite after all. No harm could be done in being nice to her. So he smiled.

“Phil.” He replied. She was much shorter than him so he had to look down to lock eye contact. Her eyes were a striking brown, although as he looked into them all he could think was Dan Dan Dan .

They weren’t as beautiful as Dan’s eyes, his were a warm chestnut, hers a deep muddy shade.

She leaned close to whisper in his ear, he struggled not to grimace as her breath tickled his neck, “You’re very handsome, Phil.” She purred his name.

He felt bile rise in his throat, sure he liked girls but this wasn’t something he wanted.

Not when he couldn’t seem to get over Dan.

Especially not after Dan had turned up at the market eight months after their breakup.

No, he wasn’t enjoying this at all.

“Th-thanks,” he muttered, and laid a hand on her arm to dislodge her. Apparently she got the wrong message as she smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Phil froze in shock, she had kissed him.

Her hand was still on his chest, although he wasn’t totally sure when it had been put there. He laid his hand over hers and begun to take it off, noticing that she had bunched his t-shirt in her grasp.

As if the situation wasn’t bad enough, he heard a choked sob from not to far away.

His head whipped around to be met with Dan, tears streaming down his face. He ran away at a speed Phil didn’t even know Dan could achieve.

He shoved the girl away and started to run after him, “Dan!” He screamed after him.

The other boy however either didn’t hear, or didn’t care.

~-~-~

Dan felt like he was rotating in a fucking loop.

He felt happier.

He got hurt.

Sobbing until he couldn’t breathe.

Phil fixed him again.

He felt happier.

Neverending, constant.

Somehow he always ended up in his lounge room or on his bed, sobbing until he couldn’t breathe.

In these times, Alexis was amazing at comforting him.

She wouldn’t force him to talk, instead she sat beside him and let him cry. If he wanted to talk, scream, throw things. She would listen, give him a pillow to scream into and pick up broken vases or whatever else he had thrown.

Right now, he was just crying. Leant heavily on her shoulder, he let the tears wrack through his body, they spilt over his cheeks and onto her cardigan. Alexis didn’t seem to mind, which was a relief to Dan.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked gently, while she patted his knee in consolation. He nodded and sat up a bit straighter to look into her eyes.

“Am I bugging you yet?” He asked with a slightly watery smirk.

She just rolled her eyes, “What happened to make you a blubbering mess again?”

“A g-girl,” As he begun to tell her he choked on his words. She nodded, seeming to have all she needed to know.

“Oh Mister Daniel.” She murmured, and pulled him against her chest again. He sobbed quietly and remembered how Phil had placed his hand on the girl’s. How she had kissed him lightly on the cheek.

He was shaking from the pain the memories brought.

The way Phil had smiled down at the girl.

Stab to the chest.

He had grabbed her arm gently.

Stab to the stomach.

She had kissed him on the cheek.

Stab straight to the heart.

Sobs erupted from him as he clung to Alexis desperately.

If she minded she never told him so.

~-~-~

Dan was sobbing into his pillow until it was practically soaked through when Alexis returned.

She opened the blinds with a snap, causing bright light to flood the room.

“Up you get Prince Daniel.” She said while she bustled around his room.

He almost felt embarrassed about the state, before he remembered it was her job to clean up his mess. She had also listened to him cry for a good hour a couple of days ago. Still, the empty crisp packets and tissues were rather embarrassing no matter who was seeing it.

He didn’t say anything, but chose instead to groan into the pillow.

“You can’t stay here forever,” she scolded him.

He shook his head into the pillow, “You mistake my skills.”

Tears still flowed steadily down his face, as they had been for the last couple of days.

“Philip isn’t dating anyone.”

At this news Dan started and emerged from his pillow.

“Wh-what?” He mumbled and swiped away the tears as quickly as possible, although he was sure Alexis saw them.

She rolled her eyes at him in a motherly way, “My daughter is best friends with Max.” she explained, “he says that Mr Philip is completely and utterly single.”

She continued scooping his mess into a rubbish bag, “This news didn’t surprise Cook Martha at all, in her words you were both head over heels for each other .”

A blush crept up Dan’s neck and onto his face as she said that.

“So up! You’re going to the market and you are going to apologise to Mr Philip in person.” She shoved him off the bed.

He grumbled slightly but other than that didn’t argue, his brain was more focused on the fact that Phil didn’t have a girlfriend.

He was still single.

Not that Dan had any right to be happy about that, but he couldn’t deny the way his heart beat a little bit faster.

~-~-~

Dan felt his legs slow involuntarily as Phil came into view, he was working on the stand as usual. A piece of black hair fell in front of his eyes, his hands sorted through sheet music gently.

He looked so peaceful that Dan didn’t want to disturb him.

Didn’t want to see those beautiful blue eyes harden as Dan came into view, the eyes that used to soften when they kissed. However Phil decided that for him by looking up, their eyes met and Dan watched as they didn’t harden, but instead widened.

“Dan?” He asked gently and Dan did all he could not to run over to him.

“Phil…” he mumbled as he entered the stall, every thought he had ever had leaving him as he stared over at the boy he loved with all his heart, “I’m so sorry…”

Phil shifted uncomfortably, his eyes pooled with tears, “It was my home Dan… do you know how hard it is to be kicked out of your own home by the person you love most?”

Dan winced at the words, his own tears springing to his eyes. He felt himself nod, Phil stared at him, confused. Eyebrows furrowed behind his glasses, God, Dan loved his glasses.

“Yes, I do, because to me you were home and I thought you had kicked me out. I thought you didn’t care. I was so terrified and sad that I didn’t even think…”

He trailed off as Phil’s lips tugged into a small hesitant smile, “I’ve missed you.” He mumbled.

Dan found himself moving forward, he wrapped his arms around a tense Phil, “I’ve missed you too.” He whispered into Phil’s shoulder, who slowly relaxed in his arms.

A tear etched it’s way down Dan’s cheek as Phil’s arms wrapped around him, unsure but still there.

~-~-~

Dan wasn’t sure how he had ended up in the servant’s quarters in his pajamas. It was nearing three am but an idea had forced Dan out of bed. He shivered in the early morning iciness, voices could be heard from the night staff as they bustled around, making food and cleaning dishes. The Head of Staff’s office loomed at the end of the corridor, he shouldn’t feel scared of a door, he was the prince for crying out loud.

However he couldn’t deny the way his stomach twisted at the prospect of the awkward questions, of why he could think this was a good idea. He wrung his hands tightly, and drew his dressing gown tight around his body as he shook from the cold. This was for Phil, after all Dan had done, Phil deserved it.

He raised his hand and rapped on the door without another thought. There was a pause of silence where Dan held his breath then.

“Who’s knocking at this time of night?” Muttered the old man Dan only knew as Head of Staff.

The door creaked open and the man started at the sight of Dan.

“Your Highness!” He bowed, his nose nearly brushed the floor in his haste to be polite. “What brings you here at this hour sir?” He asked and Dan took a deep breath. This was what he had been worried about.

“Well, I actually have someone I want you to hire. Or rehire per say. Can I come in?” He mumbled quickly, he knew his words were a strange string in his sleep deprived state but he didn’t care.

The Head of Staff furrowed his eyebrows in confusion but nodded anyway, “Come on in,” he opened the door wide for Dan. Dan hurried in, the heater warmed his toes as he stepped onto the carpet.

“Thank you.” He said as the Head of Staff offered the plush armchair across from his desk.

The office was large, nearly the size of Dan’s bedroom. A huge filing cabinet towered on the left wall, timetables were plastered all over the remaining wall space, it reminded Dan of a criminal investigator in a tv show. Although these timetables were far less exciting than that he supposed. The sky was dark outside the small window above the desk and Dan yawned which reminded him of how late it was.

“How can I help you Your Majesty?” The man asked, and glanced nervously at Dan.

After yawning again Dan replied, “I would like you to rehire Phil Lester please.”

There was a long silence, where the Head of Staff stared at him as though he had gone mad. Dan stared back, despite exhaustion starting to hit him he was determined to fix this for Phil.

“Sir…” The head of staff began once he realised Dan was completely serious, “He stole from the royal family. Which is a huge crime, I cannot…” He trailed off at Dan’s steely gaze.

He was glad he could still look intimidating in his half asleep state, “Phil didn’t steal the jewel, he was framed. Please rehire him immediately.” Dan ordered.

Once again silence followed his words before the head of staff opened his laptop with a quiet sigh, “I will not be able to make him your personal assistant once again. He will be an ordinary cleaner,” he looked at Dan over his glasses to see if this was approved of.

Dan nodded, “That’s fine.” The Head of Staff paused for a moment, looking at Dan worriedly, “Sir. I don’t mean to pry but are you sure this isn’t because of you know…” At Dan’s embarrassed denial he nodded and continued.

When Dan left, his feet dragged along the carpet from exhaustion but he felt a tingle of pride in himself. Finally, for the first time in eight months he had done something right.

~-~-~

Phil was working the shop again, Dan felt awful as he begun to realise how much Phil had to work in order to maintain himself. He seemed to constantly be in the shop. Dan stood there and watched for a bit, debating how to go up and approach him. It stabbed at him to see how broken Phil still looked. While strangers may see him as peaceful, Dan could see the tiny crease between his eyebrows, the way his shoulders never quite seemed relaxed, how his fingers gripped the sheet music slightly too tightly. It seemed that he was worried it would blow away despite the distinct lack of wind. Even a breeze was absent from the air, it seemed spring had finally decided to arrive.

“Dan?” He heard his name being called out and his head snapped upwards to Phil’s face, who was staring at him in confusion. It didn’t slip Dan’s notice the way Phil’s voice cracked slightly when he said Dan’s name.

“Prince Daniel,” Max nodded, barely glancing up at Dan from his work. He did however glance at Phil somewhat nervously. Dan smiled at him as genuinely as he could, a wave of nervousness had suddenly overtook him. When he planned to come and tell Phil he hadn’t felt this scared. Now however he was beginning to question whether this was a good idea or not.

Maybe Phil liked his new job better? Maybe he never wanted to see Dan again. Dan wouldn’t blame him if that was the case.

Phil stood there and watched as Dan smiled half-heartedly, he shoved away the little burst of concern he felt at Dan’s nervous expression. He shouldn’t be able to tell from a tiny flicker of Dan’s smile that the prince was concerned. However, he could, and there was nothing he could do about it.

“Is there a reason you’re here D-Prince Daniel?” he followed Max’s example in calling Dan by his true title but he didn’t miss the small flinch Dan gave in response.

“Er... yes actually, I have news,” Dan mumbled.

Phil’s stomach dropped.

He should have known this would happen, Dan was bound to move on at some point. Phil himself was meant to have moved on. It didn’t feel like he had, at this point, when he realised Dan had finally found someone. He should feel grateful that Dan had even thought to come to him, but his world was crumbling anyway.

“Okay,” he managed to blurt out without a crack in his voice, which made him feel very proud.

Dan’s eyes narrowed slightly in confusion, it was such a small change that Phil knew Max probably wouldn’t even notice it.

“So I… well it’s just… ugh,” Dan burrowed his head in his hands, “This is so much harder than I thought it would be,” Phil heard him mumble into them. Max looked at him in confusion, Phil shrugged. Although he hated to admit it Dan’s awkwardness had always been Phil’s favourite part of him. Just seeing him as he bumbled and stammered over words the same as usual, made him want to cuddle him into his arms and press a kiss to his forehead. He mentally slapped himself, Dan had found someone else. He was meant to be past this.

“It’s fine, I get it.” Phil said softly, Dan’s head snapped up in confusion.

“Phil that makes zero sense,” he replied, and stared at Phil as though he had gone insane. He turned to Max, who wore a similar expression of confusion. Dan continued to stare at him, and seemed to wait for an explanation, Phil resisted the urge to look into Dan’s eyes. He knew no matter how much he didn’t want to, he would end up mesmerised by the rich deep brown of them.

Dan stood there waiting for Phil to explain himself, he could see Phil’s eyes dart around, as they looked anywhere but Dan’s own eyes. What Phil had said made no sense, so clearly he had misunderstood Dan, but Dan wanted to know what he meant.

So he waited.

Eventually Phil clearly broke under the silence muttering, “I thought you were telling me you were engag-” he broke off but had said enough for Dan to understand. He shook his head hurriedly, careful not to admit anything as he wasn’t sure how comfortable Phil would be with his true feelings. That he couldn’t imagine himself with anyone but Phil. The boy who would probably never trust him again, and rightfully so.

“No, it’s nothing like that. Much happier at least I hope it will be happier, you might hate it actually but that would be understandable,” he knew he was rambling again but couldn’t help it.

He stopped however when Phil held up his hands to stop him, the smallest smile tugged at the corners of his lips, “What is it?” He asked.

Dan felt his heart surge with want, he wanted to be able to kiss that smile like he used to. To wrap his arms around Phil because he just could. He pushed those thoughts to the farthest corner of his mind he bit his lip, “I got your job back at the castle. Or at least a job, not my p-personal assistant anymore.”

He watched as Phil’s mouth dropped open, forming the smallest oval possible. His bright blue eyes locked with Dan’s as he checked to see if Dan was serious.

“Please don’t mess with me,” Phil whispered, voice barely even loud enough to distinguish but Dan heard it anyway.

He shook his head softly, a small smile crept onto his face, “I’m not fucking with you. I went and spoke to the Head of Staff, you’ve been rehired.”

There was a pause, where Dan watched Phil’s eyes blink rapidly.

“Th-thank you so much,” he choked.

Dan grinned, but it felt slightly forced, he knew Phil was holding back his emotions. Probably trying not to be too vulnerable in front of Dan. Dan could understand that, it hurt, but he understood.

Max stared at them, mouth wide in shock. Dan turned to him, “I’m sorry if this is annoying for you or…” but he trailed off as Max shook his head harshly.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! Sorry your Highness but Phil please tell me you’re doing this!” He rounded on Phil who was gaping at him, tears glistened in his eyes.

Dan felt his heart hammer as he saw the wide grin on Phil’s face, every time Dan had come and watched Phil he hadn’t seen him this happy.

It was the old Phil, the Phil he loved and sorely missed.

“Of course I’m doing it Max I… thank you Dan,” he turned to Dan and his arms jumped outwards slightly before they closed again.

It was clear his first intention was to hug Dan before he remembered that he didn’t want to. Dan barely cared, his heart leapt at the fact that Phil had returned to his first name.

“You’re welcome,” he grinned as Phil leapt around eagerly.

~-~-~

Dan hated how awkward it was when they saw each other, he hated the way he felt a stab of pain every time Phil avoided eye contact.

That didn’t stop him from trying though.

He “somehow” found himself in the servants quarters when he knew Phil would be there, in the hopes of teasing some conversation out of him. He invited him to fittings, classes anything possible. Phil declined them all, but Alexis wouldn’t get off his back about continuing to try. She wouldn’t tell him why but he heard servants whisper about the boy crying in the toilets. He wasn’t dumb enough not to know who it was.

So when he made his way down to the servant quarters and found Phil washing up he took the opportunity.

“Hi,” he greeted Phil as he marched over and sat on the bench beside the clean up station. Servants jumped out of his way.

Phil glanced up at him, eyes wide in shock, “Dan? What are you doing down here?” He asked and continued to scrub at a plate. Dan shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant and not at all like he’d come down to see Phil, “Thought I’d see what you were up to since I was bored.” He swung his legs back and forth on the counter.

He enjoyed the way Phil’s mouth quirked into a smirk despite himself, “You’re unbelievable,” he shook his head, and turned back to the washing up. Dan laughed softly, he loved the way Phil’s eyes were sharpened with focus. He could see that they still weren’t as comfortable as they used to be but it was a step forward that Phil hadn’t closed off from Dan yet and he would take it.

“Remember when we came in here and filled up water balloons?” He prompted, feeling his muscles tingle as Phil started to giggle.

“And you burst one all over yourself?” He laughed, Dan watched with an amused grin on his face. Unable to stop himself from laughing too, Phil’s laugh was contagious.

“Hey! I remember you accidentally threw one at my head!” He retorted.

Phil snorted, “Accidentally?” He waggled his eyebrows and Dan gasped in mock horror, throwing his hand to his chest as though mortally betrayed.

“How could you!” He gasped and splashed Phil lightly with the soapy water.

Phil snickered before he did the same.

Dan sighed in contentment, Phil’s guard wasn’t all the way down, but he was laughing and mostly relaxed with Dan. Just the idea of Phil being able to talk to him without any walls built up again made Dan bubble with happiness.

~-~-~

The horse felt extremely uncomfortable beneath him, he knew it didn’t trust him and he doubted it ever would. Horse riding was Dan’s least favourite activity. He hated having to get up on a giant animal that definitely didn’t like him and trot around for an hour. However his mother insisted, and it was the one thing his father fully agreed on.

“You ready to ride?” The stable boy asked and glanced up at Dan nervously before he remembered who Dan was, “Your Highness?” He added, his voice shook nervously.

Sam, his name was and Dan was pretty sure he was only eight years old, the poor boy was terrified of Dan for some unknown reason but Dan liked him.

“Yep,” he replied stiffly, still terrified from being so high up on an animal who he didn’t trust, plus he doubted the horse trusted him. “Open the doors Sam,” he added politely.

Sam nodded, his blond hair bobbed on his head as he opened the huge oak doors.

“Thank you!” Dan called out as he began to trot out the doors, arms clung around the large horse, Mabel, for dear life.

Why horse riding was a princely skill he couldn’t understand, but he hated it. Had done since he and Phil were only young boys.

“Ok,” he muttered to himself, and clicked his tongue to urge the horse forward. She obeyed his order but far too quickly for his liking.

“Fuck!” He screamed as they raced forwards, he felt himself slip out of the saddle and he realised he hadn’t tucked his feet into the stirrups too late.

In that moment Dan was certain he was going to die as he flew over the front of Mabel. He shielded his face as she leapt over him.

“Holy fuck!” He shrieked while she raced away, “Fuck you, fuck you you fucking fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.” He shook from adrenaline, lying on the ground.

His arms and legs ached all over from the fall, but as he flexed them he couldn’t seem to find anything that was broken or too badly injured. Sam raced out of the stable like a flurry of nervous energy.

“Oh my goodness! Your Highness! Prince Daniel! Are you alright?” He squeaked in terror as he bounded over to where Dan was lying on the ground, still quivering with fear.

At Sam’s fear though he sat up and attempted to ignore his sore arms, “I’m fine Sam,” he mumbled but the small boy shook his head nervously.

“No sir! Don’t get up! I’m going to go and get help okay sir? You might be badly hurt!” He explained, and jumped around in fear, at Dan’s nod he rushed off, small limbs flailing as he sped across the racing track.

Dan groaned and flopped back onto the hard track with a wince, everywhere ached.

Luckily he had seemed to miss all of the danger spots on his body, his pelvis, spine, ribs, head and even legs were still fine. That reassured him slightly, but the constant pain in his arms and legs made him want to cry. There was a small amount of blood resting on the surface, from where he had scraped along the ground. Mixed with dried mud and dirt he looked an utter wreck.

“He’s right over here!” He heard Sam’s nervous voice echo through the air as he ran towards Dan. “Prince Daniel!” He exclaimed once they were in talking distance of Dan, “I got help.”

He sat up his eyes squeezed shut to deal with the pain from his sore arms, the huge scrape along his right would sting that was for sure, “Thanks Sam,” he replied and opened his eyes.

There crouched right in front of his face was Phil, all the remaining breath whooshed out of his body.

“Ph-phil,” he mumbled, and winced as Phil hoisted him to his feet.

“Just as bad at riding as ever huh Dan?” Phil teased as he poked him in the side, Dan felt a tingle of joy as Phil teased him as comfortably as they used to.

Sam however looked beside himself with fear and confusion, “You called the Prince by his first name,” he stumbled over his words.

Phil turned to Sam in shock, as he accidentally pressed down on Dan’s arm Dan let out a gasp of pain. That was definitely going to bruise later.

Everywhere was probably going to bruise later.

“Sorry,” Phil mumbled to Dan before he looked back at Sam who was glancing between them in confusion, “Erm yes I did.” He shrugged simply, and wound an arm around Dan to help him on his feet.

Something appeared to dawn on Sam because his mouth dropped open, “You’re… you…” he muttered.

Dan shook his head gently, “Yes,” he whispered and Sad clamped his mouth shut.

Phil didn’t seem to notice tiny Sam’s revelation though as he helped Dan across the path.

“I’ve got him now thank you…” Phil turned to Dan for Sam’s name.

Sam, Dan mouthed and Phil nodded.

“Thank you Sam.”

Sam nodded hurriedly before he rushed off as quickly as his tiny legs could carry him.

Once Sam was out of earshot Phil turned to him smirking, Dan blushed as he realised how close they were.

“So you fell over the front of a horse?” Phil teased and Dan grumbled.

“Shut up,” he pouted, and banged his hip into Phil’s gently. He couldn’t deny the way his body buzzed in every place they were touching, as much as he was trying to get over his feelings for Phil. He couldn’t help it, not when he saw him every day. As they walked along the path, Phil continued to tease him and Dan felt his muscles relax slightly. Fuck, he’d missed this.

Out of nowhere he felt Phil tense, his arm that was around Dan’s waist clenched so tightly that Dan actually let out a little squeak of pain.

“What’s wrong?” He asked and turned to see the tree they were walking past. He felt a stab of pain as he realised what Phil was remembering.

Their one month anniversary had been under that tree, the long leaves had protected them from the world.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, burying his face into Phil’s shoulder.

He could feel Phil relax slightly, although sadly the walls had been built back up when they passed the tree. Phil didn’t say anything but he did tighten his grip on Dan slightly, pulling him closer and that was enough for Dan.

~-~-~

He let out a hiss of pain through his teeth and the nurse gave him an apologetic look.

Dan tried to convey to him that he didn’t care that much, not while Phil’s hand was clasped in his.

“You alright D-Prince Daniel?” Phil asked, Dan tried to hide the wince he gave when Phil used his full title. It felt like something was ripping at his chest. Even though he knew that it was probably only because of the nurse who was there, it still hurt.

“Yes I’m fine,” he mumbled through gritted teeth.

Every time the nurse dabbed at his scrapes it stung badly. He tried to remind himself that it could have been much worse.

He chose instead to focus on Phil’s warm hand in his own.

That only served to bring tears to his eyes as he begun to remember when this was normal.

When he could hold Phil’s hand in his own without the worry about how Phil was feeling.

Phil was watching him worriedly so he forced a bright smile, however that only made Phil more worried as his frown deepened. The nurse stopped dabbing at a particularly large gash on his arm and looked up at Dan over his glasses. “I’m going to go and log this in Prince Daniel. Then I’ll find you some medicine to help with the pain,” he stated, before he got to his feet and walked out of the room without another word.

As he left the room Phil turned to him, face screwed up in mock anguish.

“God forbid you ever break a bone!” He joked while he poked Dan in the ribs and cackled as he squirmed away.

Dan stuck his tongue out as Phil finally relented, “It was a traumatic experience!”

That caused Phil to giggle which had to be Dan’s favourite sound in the world, he missed the sight of Phil’s tongue as it poked through his teeth. His eyes bright with pure happiness.

“Traumatic,” Phil echoed, and rolled his eyes when he finally stopped giggling.

Dan nodded, unable to prevent the grin that spread across his face as Phil beamed at him.

“Remember when you tried to saddle a pony yourself?” Phil reminisced, Dan flushed at the memory, he remembered how the small butterscotch pony had ran away from him before he could get on, which left him on the ground in the splits as he’d just let go of the barrier.

“Ugh don’t remind me!” He groaned and buried his face in his hands.

That only made Phil laugh harder as he continued to remind Dan of all of his mishaps with horses, “No no Phil I can totally jump over that barrier,” Phil mocked, putting on an incredibly posh accent that sounded nothing like Dan.

“Hey! It’s not my fault you’re a natural,” Dan grumbled, Phil had always been a better horse rider than he, he had a secret knack with animals that Dan could only dream of. Although according to Phil the huge animals scared him, despite the fact his name literally meant lover of horses.

“Oh why thank you!” Phil grinned, and pretended to flip his hair in mock superiority.

Dan groaned and shoved him in the side which only made Phil burst into laughter once again.

~-~-~

Dan couldn’t deal with the pain of it any more, he felt like he was going to explode. Every time Phil looked at him his heart spluttered, he missed him so badly. No matter how much he tried to suppress the feelings they kept bubbling back up. Like a volcano inside himself. He couldn’t do anything though, he wouldn’t do that to Phil. He could see it just in the way Phil tried not to look at him that he didn’t fully trust Dan anymore.

Too scared to be vulnerable or hurt, and understandably so. While Dan didn’t directly want to hurt Phil, he was the one who kicked him out of his home, who didn’t trust him.

They’d loved each other, Dan could understand how that was a kick in the guts.

That didn’t seem to be able to stop him from actively searching for Phil at every opportunity possible.

After he had wandered aimlessly for a bit he found him in a small room, cleaning portraits and dusting.

“Hi,” he greeted as he entered the room, Phil looked up in shock a small smile etched across his face.

“Don’t you have anything better to do than follow me around?” He teased, Dan felt his heart burst as Phil shot him a cheeky grin.

He rolled his eyes, “I just wanted to talk,” he shrugged with over exaggeration, “But if you want me to leave.”

He began to leave the room but Phil’s arms seized him from behind.

Suddenly he found his back against the wall, Phil’s hands gripped his shoulders so tightly they felt as though they were being compressed.

He gasped as Phil pressed their lips together and Dan’s heart all but leapt out of his chest.

It was passionate and fiery, their lips burnt against each other, it was so much more intense and terrifying than anything Dan had ever felt but he loved every second. He loved the way Phil’s hands were had his shoulders pinned in place as they kissed. The way Dan could feel his heart beat against his ribcage, in complete denial that this could actually be happening.

God, he had missed this, Phil’s tongue swiped across his bottom lip and his legs wobbled beneath him, if it weren’t for Phil’s hands holding him up he would have collapsed. It wasn’t as soft and loving as any of their other kisses had been but Dan had missed Phil’s lips against his too much to care.

He felt like he was soaring and falling all at the same time.

Time had paused in this moment and Dan wanted it to stay that way forever, just the two of them with their lips, tongues, hearts and souls intertwined.

Phil’s lips said everything, they reminded Dan of the pain in the last eight months, of how much they’d missed each other. In the way they pushed and pulled against Dan’s he could feel the fear of losing Dan, even though they hadn’t regained each other.

Just as quickly as it had started Phil was jumping away from him as though he had been burnt.

“You can’t do that!” He exclaimed, was he tugged at his hair so harshly that Dan wanted to run forward and take Phil’s hands in his own, just so he would stop hurting himself.

He breathed out shakily, “Phil you kissed me…” he mumbled.

“I know!” Phil screamed back, shaking harshly from shock, “I know and it was stupid I shouldn’t- I can’t…” he broke of with a sob that crumbled Dan’s world.

He crumpled to the floor with his head in his hands and Dan could only stand there and watch as Phil sobbed.

“I’m so stupid…” He heard Phil whisper to himself between gasps and he felt himself move forward on reflex.

“No,” he shook his head, before he dropped to his knees beside Phil, “You’re not stupid.”

Dan laid a hand on Phil’s shoulder and sighed as he leaned into the touch, moving them closer together until Phil was in Dan’s arms.

“You’re the opposite of stupid Phil,” he reassured him, burying his face in Phil’s hair.

It broke his heart to hear his Phil crying, to feel his shirt dampening with his tears.

“I’ve missed you so fucking much Dan,” Phil sobbed, hands clutched onto Dan’s shirt as though he would disappear if he didn’t hold on tight enough.

“Fuck, I’ve missed you too.” Dan replied, as tears of his own spilt over his cheeks.

They sat there for God knows how long, just sat in each other’s arms.

When Dan finally heard Phil’s sobs slow to a sob he pulled him up in his arms so they were face to face. It broke his heart to see how red and tear stained Phil’s face was but he needed to say this.

“I know I fucked up, but I miss you more than you can imagine. I will never hurt you again I promise.” He said softly, Phil’s eyes were soft and vulnerable. Any walls he had built were gone and Dan had never felt so grateful for that.

Phil leaned forward and connected their lips again, softly this time.

It was filled with missed memories and sadness, Dan could taste the salt from their tears but it was okay. They were okay.

He smiled into the kiss, and pressed their foreheads together.

“I’ve missed you so much.” He whispered and a smile spread across Phil’s face.

Dan grinned as he watched a blush creep over Phil’s pale skin, “Missed you more.”

~-~-~

Words couldn’t describe the way Dan’s heart was soaring right now.

Phil’s limbs tangled amongst his own in his bed, their faces so close together that their breaths mingled.

He clutched Phil’s hand tightly in his own, loving the way their fingers twined together.

“It’s two in the morning Dan you need to sleep,” Phil grumbled, as he attempted a pout but just made Dan want to kiss him again, he looked so adorable and sleepy.

“I fucked up my sleeping pattern okay?” Dan replied with a devilish smirk.

Phil giggled, “You royally fucked up your sleeping pattern,” he snickered apparently proud of his awful pun.

Dan groaned loudly, “That is truly awful,” he complained not quite succeeding in forming a frown. Who could blame him?

After eight months without this he couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re awful,” Phil stuck out his tongue and laughed as Dan reached forward and kissed him on the nose. “Sap,” he teased as he poked Dan gently in the side.

Dan nodded, not willing to argue if it meant he could continue to kiss Phil on the nose, as he liked the way it made Phil’s face squidge up.

“Alexis seems nice,” Phil yawned, and wriggled closer so that his head was tucked under Dan’s.

Dan nodded in agreement, “She’s lovely, but she didn’t quite erm understand at the start…” he trailed off and hoped Phil wouldn’t make him explain.

He could feel Phil frown into his neck but thankfully he didn’t say anything.

“Did she start crying when I came in here?” Phil giggled lightly, Dan smiled as he remembered the way Alexis had started to sniffle before excusing herself from the room.

“Yeah she did,” he responded, and cuddled Phil closer so he could bury his face in his hair.

He heard Phil sigh into the touch, which made a smile blossom on Dan’s face as he pressed it into Phil’s hair.

There was a comfortable silence where Dan savoured in the warmth Phil’s body let off when he heard Phil whisper something that made his eyes snap open.

“Pardon?” he mumbled, knowing his heart was beating ridiculously fast against Phil’s back but there was nothing he could do to stop it.

He groaned as Phil shifted in his grip, flipping over so they were eye to eye, “I love you.” Phil whispered again.

This time Dan was certain he heard the words correctly. His mouth dropped open and his heart fluttered impossibly fast as he heard Phil, his Phil, say those words.

Those three words that felt like a universe to Dan.

“I love you too,” the words slipped out of Dan’s mouth so easily it felt like breathing, because it was true. He had loved Phil for so long now it barely felt like a revelation, but still to admit it out loud, to Phil, was exhilarating.

Dan’s heart thundered against his chest, and he knew Phil could feel it from the little smile that tugged at his lips.

“I love you Dan,” he whispered again, the words wrapped around Dan, warm and soft.

Dan leaned forward slightly and pressed their lips together, and sighed into the warmth of Phil’s mouth.

The kiss felt different, sweeter almost, like the words they had just spoken were now sewn into their kisses. The words filled Dan with the beautiful feeling of flying, soaring above clouds and beyond. As cheesy as it was, he would fly anywhere if it was with Phil.

Phil sighed happily as they pulled away, “I’ve missed that,” he grinned at Dan.

Dan felt his cheeks flush up and he buried his face in Phil’s neck.

“You look cute when you blush,” Phil teased, as he wrapped his arm around Dan which ruined any attempt of making Dan annoyed.

“Shut up,” he grumbled anyway and smiled as Phil giggled above his head.

“I love you,” Dan tested again, and loved the way the words felt on his lips.

He felt Phil smile, as he pulled Dan to his chest just a little bit tighter, “I love you too.”

~-~-~

Dan knew he’d missed Phil badly, but every time he saw Phil and remembered I can kiss him again. It made his heart jump and his fingers tingle. Phil seemed to feel the same way because Dan would constantly find himself being tugged into storage cupboards, bathrooms, empty hallways, just for their lips to be pressed together gently. He grinned when he heard Phil’s voice in his bed chambers, excited he would get to see him again but stumbled to a halt when he heard Alexis’ harsh tone.

“You’re being utterly ridiculous Mr Philip and I won’t stand here and listen,” she scolded him. Dan could practically hear her stern frown and crossed arms.

“B-but,” he heard Phil stammer, “Technically we haven’t-”

Dan was itching to hear the end of the sentence but unfortunately Alexis cut Phil off.

“No buts about it.” She tutted, Dan could hear her move around the room and Phil was probably helping her clean up, “You weren’t here Mr Philip,” she continued, her voice suddenly sad.

“What do you mean?” Dan heard Phil ask.

Dan pressed his back against the door to hear better, but also to stabilise himself. He wasn’t sure what they were talking about but his heart thudded uncomfortably loudly. Was Phil having second doubts?

He could only just hear Alexis sigh heavily, “You didn’t see every day, Prince Daniel crying over you. If he doesn’t mean I love you when he says it I don’t know who does.”

Dan felt a smile beam across his face as he heard Phil mutter, “Me.”

So he wasn’t having second thoughts, he hadn’t changed his mind.

Just that thought alone relaxed Dan.

He decided he’d done enough eavesdropping so he knocked on the door.

“Alexis can I come in?” He asked, pretending he didn’t know Phil was in there, as someone who hadn’t listened to their conversation probably wouldn’t know that.

“Yes Your Highness!” She replied, her voice had regained its usual enthusiasm.

Dan entered the door without another word, and smiled involuntarily as he saw Phil. Whether he knew Phil was in there or not he would have smiled.

There was nothing he could do about it, Phil was like a living ray of sunshine.

“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Alexis smirked as she the room.

The second the door shut behind her Dan leapt on Phil, and knocked him onto the bed.

Phil let out a yelp of surprise as they fell backwards but tightened his grip on Dan.

He regained his smile as they hit the soft mattress.

“Hello,” He grinned and Dan remembered when they’d done this last year. Towards the start of their relationship.

He beamed back, “Hi.” His smile slipped away as Phil’s face morphed into something more nervous. “What’s wrong?” Dan asked, as he placed a gentle kiss to Phil’s nose.

He laughed as Phil’s face squidged up the way he loved it to, “Nothing I’m fine,” Phil replied, but his eyes betrayed his true thoughts.

Dan rolled his eyes, “It may have been eight months but I still know you and you’re not fine,” he deadpanned and barely leaving a blink he added, “So what’s wrong?”

Phil sighed, an amused grin tugged at the corner of his lips, “Do you want to be my boyfriend?” He asked.

Dan’s eyebrows furrowed at the question, “Do you really need to ask?” He replied with a soft laugh.

However as he looked into Phil’s eyes he could see that he did, he still didn’t think that Dan loved him.

“Fuck, Phil. I swear I love you, more than you could imagine. Of course I’ll be your boyfriend. Fuck I want to be more than that one day.” He brushed the tears that had built in Phil’s eyes away with the pad of his thumb, “So don’t worry about that.”

Phil grabbed Dan by the shoulders and pulled him into a rough kiss, his lips smashing into Dan’s.

“Thank you,” he mumbled as they pulled away and Dan smiled in return, before he kissed him sweetly, because that said everything Dan couldn’t.

~-~-~

“But how would we tell your parents?” Phil asked, Dan risked a quick glance to look at him before he let his eyes flick back to the screen.

He was completely smashing Phil at Mario Kart, and didn’t want to lose his lead. “That’s a bit of an intense conversation to resume during Mario Kart don’t you think?” he mumbled, eyes still glued the screen.

He could see Phil shrug out of the corner of his eye, “It’s just on my mind,” Phil replied.

Dan smirked and paused the game so he could turn to face his boyfriend, “This is because you’re losing isn’t it?” He teased, and kissed Phil on the cheek.

Phil rolled his eyes, before he took Dan’s controller so he couldn’t go back to the game, “Not everything’s about Mario Kart Dan,” he smirked, reciting Dan’s mother’s favourite sentence from when they were twelve.

Dan grumbled but nodded at Phil to continue,

“I just want to tell them.” Phil began, “The secret thing didn’t work so well last time…” he trailed off and left the sentence to finish itself.

Dan couldn’t help but nod in agreement, he didn’t want to hide them again either.

“So…” Dan prompted, Mario Kart completely forgotten now.

Phil sighed lightly, “So I don’t think they would exactly welcome me as your boyfriend with open arms. Not after what Alexis told- I mean…” Phil stumbled, before he flushed bright red after he realised what he had admitted.

Dan just nodded, he had already known after all, however he did allow a small smirk to tug at the corner of his lips, “Probably not. We need mum to like you before she knows it’s you,” he racked his brains as to how would be best to do that.

Suddenly Phil’s eyes widened and he gripped Dan’s arm, “A masquerade ball,” he mumbled under his breath.

“What?” Dan asked, he watched as Phil started to smile and rubbed his hands together in excitement.

“You should host a masquerade ball. Introduce me while I’m wearing a mask!” Phil bounced with excitement, beaming at Dan about his idea.

It was beginning to dawn on him how brilliant of an idea it actually was. Re-introduce Phil as a mystery perfect suitor who Dan loved.

His mother would love Phil, and maybe wouldn’t freak out when she found out who he actually was.

“That is actually fucking genius!” He exclaimed, and laughed loudly gripping Phil’s arms and shaking him slightly so he burst out laughing, “Phil Lester! You’re a genius!” Dan pulled him into a warm kiss, both boys expressing their excitement through their lips.

~-~-~

Phil giggled and the sound warmed Dan’s heart until he felt like he was sat next to a warm hearth.

“You can’t sneak out at night Your Highness,” Phil bowed mockingly and Dan tugged him to his feet with an eyeroll. He pulled Phil into a gentle kiss, before  cuddled into his boyfriend’s arm happily. Phil tried to take the opportunity to lead Dan back to his bedroom, which Dan hoped would soon be their bedroom. Currently Phil spent most nights with Dan, aside from the occasional time they separated when necessary, to avoid suspicions. Tonight was one of the nights when he was technically in the servants quarters, but Dan couldn’t sleep without him.

“I can do what I want,” Dan smirked as Phil groaned, but followed Dan to the kitchen’s nevertheless.

They tiptoed in, hoping the late night staff would have finished up by now. They were in luck as the kitchen was eerily quiet. Dan grinned as he flicked on a lamp, it let a dim light flood the room but not too bright that they couldn’t handle it.

He quite liked when he was alone with Phil, and it was completely calm.

“I’m hungry,” Dan hurried over to the pantry as Phil chuckled.

“I would assume so, you did drag me to the kitchens at one am,” he pointed out and Dan pulled a face at him over his shoulder.

He pulled out a packet of cookies with a flourish and grinned, “Let’s feast!”

They slid onto the marble bench, Dan was too tired to care that it probably wasn’t hygienic to sit where people prepared food. He shoved a cookie into Phil’s mouth who laughed in response, crumbs falling onto the floor and across his face.

“They’re… really mmhm... good,” Phil swallowed before he pecked Dan on the lips gently, “Almost sweeter than you!”

Dan groaned at the awful cheesiness, but couldn’t deny the way his stomach bubbled every time Phil complemented him. No matter how cheesy it was.

“Apparently late night Phil is a cheesy boyfriend,” he teased as he pulled Phil in for a longer kiss, and enjoyed the way he could taste the chocolate of the cookies on his lips.

He began to find it almost difficult to steady himself as Phil cupped his face in his hand, their lips danced together lazily as they were both half asleep.

“You taste like cookies,” Dan giggled drowsily, and grinned as Phil stuffed a cookie into his mouth in response.

“I want you to taste like cookie,” Phil giggled and Dan snickered as he enjoyed the small pout on Phil’s face.

He kissed it away gently, smiling into the kiss as Phil hummed appreciatively. Their lips moved against each other in a way that made Dan’s stomach flip and swirl, and filled his body with a tingle that flooded down to his toes. He grinned as Phil pulled him closer so that Dan was sat on his lap, their lips didn’t break apart aside from a quick gasp of breath.

Suddenly there was a click and a bright light flooded over them.

They both froze, Phil pulled away from Dan’s lips as quick as lightning, eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights and they heard an amused chuckle.

Dan grimaced slightly as he turned to be met with Phil’s father who was stood there, hands on his hips in amusement, “I really hope you two weren’t going to go further than that because this is a kitchen and that is my son,” he turned to Dan with a smirk.

Dan felt ready to sink through the floor and die, it seemed Phil was on the same thought path as he buried his face in his hands.

When Dan glanced over at him he could see the flush of his cheeks even past his fingers.

“Dad,” Phil started but the King’s Advisor cut him off with a wave of his hand.

“No no! I told you I would do this and I intend to keep my word,” He exclaimed and Dan turned to Phil in hope for an explanation.

He got nothing but an apologetic glance and embarrassed flushed cheeks. Phil looked cute when he was so embarrassed.

“Daniel, whether prince or not. I believe that my son deserves someone who will love him endlessly. Will you do this?” Phil’s father asked with a false posh accent.

Dan nodded, he had begun to see where this was headed and understood Phil’s overwhelming embarrassment.

“Yes,” he replied and smirked at Phil who looked like he wanted to die.

“I am very glad. Now, if you two have sex in a kitchen I will personally disown you Philip!” He announced before he marched off to the pantry where Dan assumed he was originally headed.

Phil turned to him, cheeks so dark a shade of red that Dan wanted to cuddle him closer and comfort him.

However this was far too good of an opportunity to tease Phil and he planned to seize it.

“You’re blushing,” he said in a sing song voice, and snickered as he nudged Phil’s arm gently, Phil groaned and shoved him in the side before he buried his face into Dan’s neck.

Dan wanted to continue to tease him but Phil snuggled into him made his heart warm and he couldn’t find it in himself.

He blushed slightly as Phil’s father smiled warmly when he walked out, an apple rested in his hand.

“I’m surprised I didn’t guess to be honest,” the King’s advisor admitted before he left them, and called over his shoulder, “Try to go to sleep soon boys!”

Phil mumbled something unintelligible into Dan’s shoulder which Dan took to mean he wanted to go to bed.

“Wanna stay in my room?” Dan asked gently, as he pressed a soft kiss to Phil’s forehead.

Phil nodded sleepily, and Dan tugged him to his feet, wrapping an arm around his sleepy boyfriend. They tiptoed their way back to Dan’s bedroom, and took admittedly longer than they should have because they kept stopping to press gentle kisses to the other’s lips. They had time to make up for after all.

~-~-~

“I am not getting back on a horse,” Dan grumbled as Phil pulled him along towards the stables. He knew Phil liked horses, but forcing him to take part after what happened last time was a step too far, Phil shook his head, and smiled back at Dan in a way that made Dan’s heart melt and his stomach flip.

“Yes you are and we are going riding,” Phil replied easily, he skipped along as they walked towards the stables. At Dan’s groan Phil rolled his eyes, “It’ll be romantic.”

Dan pouted but didn’t argue anymore as Phil continued to walk them towards where Sam was waiting.

He instinctively dropped Phil’s hand, as much as it felt wrong. His hand now swung beside him, almost too empty.

As they approached Sam smiled at them, which displayed one missing tooth right at the front of his mouth, “Why did you let go?” He asked curiously, eyes wide in interest.

Phil turned to Dan, his mouth hung open in shock, “Of what?” Phil asked, Dan could hear the underlying tones of nervousness, which meant Phil knew just as much as he did what Sam was talking about.

“Your hands, you let go! You don’t have to you know. I won’t tell anyone,” Sam said the last part in almost a whisper, as though telling them a secret. Dan couldn’t help the small smile that bloomed on his face, as Phil took his hand again. Sam grinned back at him and Dan almost wanted to reach forward and hug him.

However he knew the small boy would freak out if the prince did anything of the sort, so he restrained himself.

“You lost a tooth!” Dan pointed out and couldn’t stop the smile that covered his face when Sam beamed.

He nodded eagerly, “Last night!” He exclaimed, and bounced on the balls of his feet happily.

“Did the tooth fairy come?” Phil asked and Dan wanted to kiss his boyfriend right there because the look on Sam’s face was worth a million pounds.

“Yes!” He squealed, and pulled a shiny two pound coin out of his pocket and waving it around excitedly, “She gave me this!”

“That’s amazing!” Phil exclaimed and it took all of Dan’s willpower not to kiss him, why did he have to be so perfect?

Sam continued to bounce around before he settled down and asked in a very polite tone, “What would you like Your Highness?”

“Can we have one horse please Sam?” Dan asked and he nodded.

“Would you like Mabel or Fern sir?” Sam asked, he straightened his back as he turned to work mode. Dan couldn’t help but smile as he watched the tiny boy attempt to be professional.

The idea of riding Mabel made him shudder though, “Fern please.” He replied, Phil sent him a knowing look and he flushed while avoiding eye contact.

As Sam went to turn away he stopped, and turned back to face the two older boys, “There’s a small corner where you can’t see anything over there,” he point to a corner where indeed they would be out of the view of any prying eyes, “It might take me a while to saddle her up.” He explained. Dan grinned as Phil went a bright shade of red, and mumbled a quiet, “thank you,” as Sam turned to run away.

They slipped into the corner, hidden behind the red bricks of the stable and the trunk of a Sycamore tree they were truly out of eyesight, unless someone actually walked around the tree they couldn’t be seen.

“For an eight year old that boy is clever,” Phil smirked, as he pressed Dan against the brick wall behind them.

“We were nowhere close to as smart as that at eight,” Dan replied with a laugh, just before Phil kissed him, and caused him to lose his breath as quickly as he gained it.

He blushed as Phil pinned his shoulders up, as he knew fully well by now that Dan lost his balance when Phil kissed him.

“Maybe you weren’t,” Phil teased and Dan just rolled his eyes, pulling him in for another kiss.

Their lips danced together and Dan lost track of time, he forget everything except the way it felt to have Phil’s lips against his.

They broke apart, gasping for air before they moved back together like magnets. He never wanted to leave Phil, to not have Phil by his side.

“Prince Daniel!” Sam’s young voice called out from beside the tree.

Phil pulled away from him, he appeared to be as reluctant as Dan felt.

“Coming Sam!” Dan called back, and pecked Phil once more on the lips, enjoying the way it made Phil’s face beam with happiness.

His lips were swollen and red but twisted into a bright smile that turned Dan’s insides to goo.

They slipped out from out of the tree to find Sam looking very proud of himself, stood before them with the reins of a tall, light brown horse held in his hand.

“Here you are sir!” He held out the reins to Phil who thanked him gently. “Are you alright to mount her sir?” Sam asked and Dan nodded shakily, his fear of horses returned now that the giant creature stared at him. “I-I’ll be fine Sam. Thank you.”

Sam nodded, before turning to run away, his tiny body disappearing as he entered the stable.

“You’ll be fine,” Phil reassured him, guessing correctly as to why Dan was faltering.

As Dan continued to stare at the giant creature he was putting his faith in Phil sighed, “I’m jumping on after we get started remember?”

Dan took a deep breath, and tried to remind himself that Phil was a much better horse rider than him.

“Okay,” he slipped his foot into the stirrup, and used it to boost himself over the huge animal. Fern was much calmer than Mabel, but taller and as Dan sat on him he remembered why he usually rode Mabel.

“He’s really tall Phil,” Dan stammered, his muscles tight with fear as he held onto the reins until they were pressed harshly into the soft skin of his palms.

Phil nodded, “You’ll be fine Dan, I’m going to be there with you okay?” His voice soothed Dan and he felt his muscles relax slightly.

“Okay, let’s go.”

They began at a walk before they started to bounce into a trot, as the trot gained speed Phil began to run beside Dan, he tucked his foot into the stirrup and pulled himself up easily. Dan would be lying if he said his heart didn’t pound a little at the strength of his boyfriend. Even more so, when Phil wrapped his arms around Dan’s waist, “There see, we’re fine,” Phil grinned into his ear and Dan felt a happy shiver travel from the base of his spine to his shoulder blades.

“I love you,” he leaned back into Phil, their heads rested closely together and he sighed into the feeling.

He could just see a smile in Phil’s cheeks, “I love you too.”

~-~-~

Dan lay sprawled out on the bed, a stern expression on his face, “Nope. We can find another way.”

Phil flopped on top of him, the close proximity of their faces made it very difficult for Dan to concentrate, “This is the only way.” Phil insisted and Dan groaned, before he buried his face into Phil’s neck.

“She’ll never agree! To not tell my parents… that’s I don’t know... against servant code,” Dan muttered, his breath fanned into Phil’s neck. He smiled as Phil tried to hide a shiver.

“Firstly, I hid our relationship and you were fine with that. There is no servant code. Secondly she so knows about our relationship.” Phil pointed out and Dan pressed a gentle kiss to Phil’s neck, reveling in the way it made Phil gasp in shock and happiness.

“True,” Dan mumbled, his lips still ghosted against Phil’s neck.

“That is,” Phil gasped again as Dan kissed the sensitive skin, “Very distracting.”

Phil tugged him to his feet and led him to Betty’s chambers, which made Dan very grateful he had Phil because he wouldn’t have had a clue where to begin.

“Betty?” Dan called, as he knocked on the door gently.

The door flung open so quickly Phil nearly fell in, since he’d been leant against it.

There stood Betty, her brown hair pinned into the same bun as usual, a pen stuck through it. Her tall figure nearly matched the ridiculous height of both Dan and Phil but not quite, her strong grey eyes bore into Dan but he could see the same kindness he was used to in her round face.

“Your Highness? What brings you here?” She asked, shock evident on her face as her eyes flitted between him and Phil.

Something seemed to click in her brain as she stepped aside from the door to allow them in.

The first thing Dan noticed was her room was very small, he hadn’t ever been into the servant’s rooms as Phil had always come to Dan’s chambers instead.

There had never been any reason before now to enter one, but it was certainly small. Around the size of Dan’s bathroom, with only just enough space to walk around the bed, with a reasonable sized area at the foot of the bed. Betty’s bed was a dark purple, definitely not black but also not bright enough to be considered violet either.

“We need suits, and we need my parents not to know.” Dan cut straight to the chase, strangely this didn’t seem to faze Betty in the slightest.

“Matching or contrast?” She asked.

Even Phil seemed taken aback by the calm air she had about the whole thing, “You don’t want to know why?” He asked, his voice sounded completely in awe of her folded hands and pleasant smile.

“I figure I’ll find out at some point,” she waved her hands in dismissal.

Dan nodded slowly, barely able to understand the logic there, but for some reason it seemed to be fine with Betty.

“So, matching or contrast?” She asked once again, and stared at them over her rectangular spectacles.

Dan turned to Phil who shrugged, which was incredibly helpful.

“Well we don’t want to be too obvious, so contrast?” He suggested and Betty nodded, which made Dan smile.

He knew there was a reason he had always loved Betty.

“Now strip down both of you, I need to measure you.” She went into her closet to retrieve a measuring tape.

Dan turned to Phil, his cheeks flushed as they begun to take off their layers of clothing.

Despite the fact that they were dating, Dan felt embarrassed with only his boxers on in front of Phil, especially when Phil looked at him the way he was now, as though he was the most beautiful thing in the world. His eyes soft and warm, a smile smile adorned his face.

Dan barely thought that was fair, not when Phil was stood there with his pale chest clearly on display.

Every tiny giggle that left his lips made Dan fall further and further in love.

Subconsciously he had moved forward and suddenly their lips were touching gently, ghosting against each other. As they heard Betty begin to re-enter the room they pulled apart, much to Dan’s disappointment.

Betty raised one eyebrow slightly at the close proximity but it wasn’t a surprised look, more like a smirk, which Dan wasn’t sure Betty was able to produce.

“Mister Daniel,” Betty clicked her fingers for him to come over, “I’m thinking a dark blue, but not too dark. Between navy and cobalt, thoughts Mr Lester?” She asked, all in one breath, to the point as usual.

“Erm yeah sounds good,” Phil replied, his eyes never strayed from Dan.

His soft gaze made Dan’s knees wobble and his heart thunder against his chest.

“You’ve lost weight,” Betty commented idly, as she wrapped the tape measure around his hips and legs.

She then moved on to Phil, it shocked both of them as she grabbed his face and stared straight into his eyes.

“Eggplant purple,” she declared after about thirty seconds, “It would complement your eyes perfectly.”

Dan nodded, every colour would go perfectly with Phil’s eyes in his opinion so he wasn’t going to deny an expert’s opinion.

He tried not to allow the spark of jealousy that flared in his shoulders to truly erupt as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

Firstly, it was her job and he knew that this was necessary. Secondly, she was nearing on her fifties and he knew that she had a husband so he really needed to keep his jealousy under control.

He noticed Phil smirk at him and realised he wasn’t hiding the jealousy very well.

“Shut up,” he mouthed, with a pout.

Phil shrugged, but didn’t stop smiling, eyes bright and so fucking beautiful Dan wanted to die, “I didn’t say anything,” Phil mouthed back, before he blew Dan a kiss.

~-~-~

Alexis had insisted they get changed separately as it was more romantic. Which Dan had to admit, it was true, but it didn't help with the fear of Phil’s possible reactions to Dan in his outfit. What if he hated it?

As he looked in the mirror, Alexis straightened out his suit and helped to fasten the mask, he could see that Betty was right in her choices.

He wore a dark blue suit, just lighter than navy with a crisp white shirt, it sat tightly on his form, and made his shoulders more pronounced and his body more shaped.

His mask was fully gold, tendrils of embossing circled his eyes and twirled their way up to the centre of his forehead where they shaped a small crown.

He could see his brown eyes glowed from behind the mask, the flecks of gold that Phil assured him he had were for once visible.

“You look very nice Your Highness,” Alexis beamed at him, a motherly look in her eyes.

Dan let his instinct take control as he turned around and hugged her.

She squeezed him back tightly but pulled away happily when a hesitant knock sounded at the door.

“Alexis?” Max’s voice called from behind the door, “Neither of us can tie his erm… tie,” he explained.

Alexis rolled her eyes at Dan, but she grinned anyway. Dan knew she loved to help all of them, especially Max, as apparently he had barely ever openly told her he needed help despite being the best friend of her daughter.

“I’m going to get some fresh air,” Dan mumbled as Alexis hurried out, he grinned and stepped out onto the balcony and relished in the wave of cold air that washed over him.

As he stared out at the sun beginning to set Dan thought about tonight.

His mother had, as predicted, been beyond happy when Dan told her that he’d found a suitor who he really loved.

The fact that this suitor was a boy didn’t seem to bother her at all, which meant Dan felt slightly less terrified.

Although if he was honest he was more scared of Phil changing his mind, not actually wanting to tell his parents about them, not wanting them anymore. It was irrational and stupid, but he couldn’t help it.

Warm arms wrapped around him from behind which caused Dan to squeal in shock but any scared thought also flew from his mind as Phil pressed his lips to the back of Dan’s neck.

“You scared me Phil,” Dan grumbled, but he found it difficult to keep the smile off his face as Phil continued to press tickling kisses to the sensitive skin at the top of his spine.

“Hi Bear,” Phil whispered softly, The use of Dan’s childhood nickname made his heart flutter. However Dan could hear the nerves in his voice.

He turned around to face Phil and his heart stopped, a deep purple mask shaded Phil’s eyes and matched perfectly with his purple suit.

There were music notes painted onto the mask that framed the underneath of his eyes, edged with gold embossing that shone in the dusk light.

He looked so stunning that for a moment Dan forget everything that was scaring him, because he had this boy to call his own.

“You are so beautiful,” Phil said softly and that alone left Dan speechless.

He was beautiful?

The last thing he had expected was to be called beautiful before he got the chance to tell Phil the exact same thing. Rather than replying he leaned forward and pressed their lips together, trying to tell Phil how much he loved him while his voice was forgotten. It didn’t matter because as Phil kissed back it was like they were having a conversation.

“I love you. I love you. I love you.” His lips repeated as they brushed against Phil’s.

His hands reached up to cup Phil’s face and they moved closer as Phil’s hands rested on his hips.

“We have to go to the party now,” Dan whispered, he wished he didn’t have to break the beautiful, silent moment.

However he could see Alexis stood near the door, nervously fluttering but not wanting to come and break them up, which Dan could understand. So he had to be the one to break the serene moment they had, much as he hated it.

Phil smiled gently and pressed a kiss to the nose just visible out of Dan’s mask.

He moved so close that their eyes were perfectly in line and Dan felt his heart skip a beat as he stared at the beautiful seas that he loved so much.

They were so close he could see the flecks of yellow that reminded Dan of paint splatters in the blue green canvas that was his boyfriend’s eyes.

“I love you,” Phil mumbled and it made Dan tingle all over.

“I love you too,” he replied, as Phil’s eyes bore into him in the most beautiful way, as though he was trying to memorise every fleck of gold in Dan’s eyes.

“Let’s do this,” Phil took his hand.

~-~-~

His mother had set up the whole works; trumpets, an announcement, hundreds of eyes turned in him and he had to swallow back the fear in his throat.

With one last glance back at Phil who offered a shaky thumbs up as he stepped into the ballroom.

He was pretty sure no prince had been introduced to a ball with trumpets since the medieval times but there was nothing he could do as they burst into a little introduction.

“Prince Daniel!” A man with a deep voice presented.

Dan smiled, his mask thankfully hid most of his fear.

He could see his mother beam at him happily from behind an elegant gold and white mask lined with soft blue, her huge ball gown matched it perfectly. As he stumbled his way down the stairs, and tried not to seem like too big of a flop he smiled back at his mother, relieved that she actually did seem excited about meeting Phil.

“I’m so proud of you Daniel,” she kissed him on both cheeks and the act of affection made him grin.

“Thank you mother,” he replied softly.

He saw Phil sneak in through the servant doors, his hand tugged along by a tiny Sam in a white suit. Sam’s usually messy blonde hair combed neatly to the side and a small bow tie sat beneath his chin. Phil looked up at him and grinned, his face only partly visible beneath his mask but Dan could still see the fond enjoyment in his eyes.

Sam’s white mask was simple, and obvious that it belonged to a servant, but cute all the same, Dan wanted to run up and pull him into a hug, but that wouldn’t be appropriate, in this setting especially.

“So when will I meet this suitor of yours. Is he here?” His mother asked as she looked around, Dan was careful not to look at Phil despite how much his head wanted to turn there.

“He is here, and you will meet him soon,” Dan replied, and tried to keep a semi mysterious air. The more he got his mother excited to meet his suitor and then how much she liked him was very important.

His mother nodded and walked away to his father, he had to admit the small bounce in her step made him extremely happy. Many people approached him with well wishes and congratulations, in the past other suitors may have attempted to still become his partner despite him having found someone.

However in modern times that wasn't considered appropriate, thank god.

“Congratulations,” James sneered at him, Dan couldn’t help but wonder why he had been invited in the first place. Dan smiled back brightly, and ignored the malice in James’ eyes choosing to focus on the fact that he wouldn’t have to hide his relationship with Phil any longer.

“Thank you,” he replied before he marched off to Phil, he decided that there had been enough mystery as to who his suitor was.

Phil seemed slightly surprised as he saw Dan walk towards him and he giggled softly as Dan came into earshot.

“Impatient?” He teased.

Dan groaned with a small pout, he wished he could just pull Phil into a kiss there, but he knew they needed to take it slowly, “Just a little,” he replied with a shrug.

Sam grinned at him widely, his tooth just beginning to grow back, “Hello Prince Daniel!” He replied cheerily, before he lowered his voice to a hushed whisper and after he beckoned Dan closer he added, “I haven’t told anyone that it’s Mr Philip,” he promised.

Dan grinned, and gave the small boy a wink, “Thanks Sam. You won’t have to keep it a secret too much longer,” he said with a smile.

The idea was almost too good to humour, that Dan would be able to pull Phil into a kiss no matter where they were. That they could hold hands, cuddle in the library, walk through the orchard and plant kisses to lips without the worry of being spotted.

He felt Phil place a hand on the small of his back, which sent shivers up his spine.

“Let’s go talk to your parents yeah?” Phil whispered in Dan’s ear, his mask brushed the side of Dan’s face slightly. Dan nodded, and shifted so that Phil’s arm was wrapped tightly around him before he kissed him softly on the cheek. Both boys snickered softly as James’ wine glass dropped to the floor with a quiet smash, due to Cecilia gripping his arm too tightly. Her soft pink dress was large and flowery, like she was trying too hard to stand out.

Dan smiled at her, unable to keep dislike from his eyes.

She glared back, her blatant anger harsh in her eyes. In all honesty he was surprised she hadn’t told everyone it was Phil, since she had to have guessed already.

That much he could be grateful to her, it wasn’t much, but he supposed it would have to do.

His mother beamed with excitement, and clutched onto his father’s arm.

The King was wearing a pale blue suit to match his wife and a knowing expression, his mask hid some of it but Dan could see his father knew exactly who the mystery suitor was.

He swallowed heavily and allowed Phil’s arm to calm him.

“Mother, Father,” he nodded to both of his parents, “This is my suitor,” he stepped to the side as Phil kissed his mother’s hand.

“It is a pleasure to meet you my queen,” Phil bowed.

Dan could have sworn he saw his mother blush happily as Phil stood back up.

“And what is your name?” She asked with a polite nod of her head, clearly already taken with Phil.

Dan watched as Phil took a moment to consider before he replied calmly, “ Isn't a charade part of a masquerade ball Your Majesty? Why, I think under a mask we show who we truly are, our real faces are the masks, the masks we put on to survive the real world. The masks that we hide behind and hope to shield us from jealousy, anger and hatred. Tonight, however, we can be however we want .”

The queen nodded her eyes lit up in interest for this mysterious stranger and Dan grinned as Phil squeezed his hand.

Neither the King nor Queen appeared to notice this though as they smiled at each other.

Dan could still see the knowing twinkle in his father’s eyes as he ushered them away, “Go dance! Enjoy the night!”

Phil turned to him with a smile, taking his arm in a similar fashion to how you would escort a princess, “Shall we dance Your Highness?” He asked, a bright smile lit up his face.

“Yes we shall,” Dan replied, his cheeks ached from the smile that wouldn’t go away.

He beamed, and happiness radiated from his chest as Phil took his hip, and took Dan’s other hand in his so that they were in a typical waltz position. They began to twirl around the dance floor with the music, laughter bubbled in Dan’s chest as he was reminded of what an awful dancer Phil was. Their feet trod on each other’s whenever they turned which just served to make Dan laugh harder.

“You’re so bad,” he giggled as Phil spun him around clumsily.

He loved the way his body felt pressed up against Phil’s regardless of whether thier dance was elegant or not. They had stopped being in a traditional royal relationship the moment they started after all.

Phil poked his tongue out, “Shut up,” he grumbled, and attempted to pout but was smiling too widely to properly achieve it. Dan grinned and pulled Phil in closer against him, and let their hips press together as they twirled around, he swapped their hands so that Dan was in the lead.

“Maybe you should let me lead us?” Dan suggested with a raise of his eyebrow.

Phil opened his mouth to object before he snapped it shut and nodded in a resigned way.

Dan winked with an over exaggerated flourish, and ravished in the way it made Phil giggle, his tongue poked through his teeth. With Dan’s lead they begun to glide across the floor, Phil’s feet being tugged away from Dan’s until they were danced around the room so elegantly that he saw Cecilia’s jaw drop open.

He remembered when she had danced with him the first time.

She had practically dragged Dan onto the dance floor. She had held herself against him but Dan had attempted to hold her at arm’s length. This made it a not at all enjoyable dance and he was quite unable to properly lead them with the space between them. It was awkward and clumsy as Cecilia was an awful dancer for a princess and without Dan’s help was unable to actually waltz with him.

Dan couldn’t help but grin as he thought about how different this was.

Phil was pliant and warm against him, he allowed himself to be lead across the dance floor with a smile constantly on his face.

They felt like one person together, one unit that could do whatever they wanted.

“Okay yeah you leading was a good idea,” Phil murmured as Dan spun him around,before he pulled him back against his chest easily.

Dan laughed softly as he opened them up only to draw them back together again.

“I know,” he whispered when he drew Phil close enough.

They continued to dance all through the night, eventually too exhausted to continue to waltz around the room, instead they simply swayed in each other’s arms, heads rested on each other’s shoulders.

Dan could sense Phil look at something over Dan’s shoulder. He looked as though he wanted to go and do something, Dan followed his line of view and saw tiny Sam carrying a huge pile of plates and other dirty crockery, his tiny knees shook from the heavy weight he was carrying. They walked over to him without another word, hands slipped into each other’s as they walked as though on instinct.

“Hey Sam,” Phil bent down to the small boy’s height who attempted to look at who was them to him over the pile of plates he was carrying.

“Hello Prince Daniel! Hello Mr…” he trailed off as he remembered he wasn’t allowed to say Phil’s name. Dan took some of the crockery at the top of the pile out of Sam’s hold and heard the boy’s sigh of relief as the weight was semi relieved.

“Hi Sam,” Dan offered him a gentle smile, “Do you want us to help you?” He asked and Sam nodded hurriedly.

Phil took a similar pile to Dan’s off of the huge pile of plate the small eight year old was carrying. Dan remembered when Phil used to be this kid, the one who was piled with plates and crockery and anything else that needed to be lugged to the kitchen.

He wished that someone could have helped like he and Phil were now.

“Are we taking them to the kitchen?” Phil asked, and smiled at a noble as they passed.

Sam nodded again, he had to walk twice as fast in order to keep up with both Dan and Phil.

However he beamed with excitement as they walked to the kitchen, “I was given the special job of helping get the dishes but then people piled them a bit too much,” Sam explained. Phil gave Dan a look that said that was what Phil was told as well, they both smiled sympathetically.

“We’re very proud of you for trying so hard,” Phil encouraged him with a bright smile although Dan could see the pain behind his eyes, as he remembered the way he had crashed to the floor when he and Dan were only eleven smashing at least twenty plates that were held in his arms.

As they placed the plates down and re-entered with Sam in tow, a musician announced that this was the last song before the prince and suitor’s final dance.

“Would you like to dance with us Sam?” Phil asked and Dan beamed at him.

Sam’s eyes widened until they were the size of saucers, a huge smile covered his face as he nodded excitedly.

“A-am I allowed?” He asked, as he nervously glanced between Dan and Phil, when they nodded he bounced on the balls of his feet excitedly, “Yes please!” He exclaimed.

Dan took his hand and led him to the middle of the dance floor, Phil took his other hand and filled Dan’s body with tingles.

Sam took Phil’s hand so that they were stood in a small circle and swaying on the spot.

“You’re like the bestest prince ever Prince Daniel,” Sam said happily as Dan twirled him in a little circle. Dan felt his heart warm happily as the words left Sam’s lips, “Thank you,” he grinned.

Phil smiled at him, his eyes warm and soft, “I agree Sam. He’s like the bestest in the world.”

Dan felt his cheeks flush as Phil squeezed his hand.

The song trickled to an end, Sam jumped backwards and bowed awkwardly before he hurried off. Dan took Phil in his arms and assembled them so that they were ready to dance, as it was the last dance of the night, everyone would watch them.

“Do you want me to lead?” He teased Phil, who merely rolled his eyes and allowed Dan to take his arms.

They begun to glide across the floor, and their feet stepped in perfect time. Although Phil’s steps were a little more clumsy. Dan could feel Phil’s heart as it thundered against his chest, they were pressed so closely together.

“I love you,” Phil whispered in his ear as they begun to slow to a stop.

Dan grinned, “I love you too,” he replied easily.

He cradled the back of Phil’s head in his hand and pulled their lips together.

Their masks brushed against each other’s as their mouths pressed together gently, as usual they fitted perfectly and comfortably so that they seemed connected.

Every part of them, connected and together.

Hands in hair, lips softly pushed and pulled against each other.

It can’t have gone for more than thirty seconds but it was Dan’s favourite kiss they ever had, the way their lips appeared to pour out their love for each other. Every time they touched sweet and comfortable, a reminder that this was the last time they would be a secret. In a couple of minutes everyone would know about them.

Dan couldn’t tell whether his heart was thumping because of the kiss or because of nerves.

As they pulled away he smiled gently at Phil, “Are you ready?” He asked softly, so quietly that only Phil would be able to hear.

Phil nodded, his eyes never looked away from Dan’s.

“Ok,” Dan whispered, “I have an idea, do you trust me?” he asked nervously.

Phil’s eyes were an electric blue today, the purple and gold of the mask brought out the bright green and yellow flecks in his irises.

“I will always trust you,” Phil replied without even a thought.

Dan blushed lightly, and pulled away out of Phil’s arms just enough so he could reach Phil’s mask easily.

“Take mine off first,” Dan whispered, this felt like a special moment that should remain between the two of them, they didn’t need other people to eavesdrop.

Phil nodded, his warm fingers brushed against Dan’s face as he undid the golden clasps, “I love you,” Phil mumbled as he revealed Dan’s face, Dan felt his heart leap at the way Phil looked at him.

“I love you too,” Dan said back as he removed the purple mask from Phil’s eyes and revealed the person that Dan loved so dearly, the eyes that sparkled like the ocean in the morning.

He heard a few people who could see Phil gasp, his parents however were on the other side. Unable to see the newly revealed person beneath the mask, the mystery suitor who Dan had finally fallen for. His father seemed to be a bit nonchalant, Dan had no doubts that his father already knew who the mysterious person behind the mask was.

“I love you,” Dan whispered one more time, as he took Phil’s hands.

“I love you too.”

As Phil drew him into the last kiss they would ever share before his parents knew about their relationship Dan couldn’t help but smile.

This was all he wanted in life, to be able to kiss Phil like this whenever he wanted.

In front of whoever he wanted.

Phil’s nose nudged against his gently as their lips melded together. It was soft and warm, like being cuddled in a fluffy blanket, Phil’s lips tasted and felt like home.

As they drew away Dan couldn’t stop the smile that covered his face, and it seemed Phil felt the same.

He could feel his mother’s eyes burn into them from over Phil’s shoulder, so with a sigh he gave Phil a look that said ‘are you ready?’

Phil nodded, and took his hand and Dan took a deep inhale of air to calm the nerves that were returning to his system.

Together they turned to face Dan’s parents.

His mother’s mouth dropped open, so that she vaguely reminded Dan of a painting he studied at one point called The Scream .

“Philip?” She gasped, and clutched Dan’s father’s hand so tightly Dan actually saw the King wince.

Phil shrugged sheepishly, his skin an adorable shade of pink as Dan’s parents “met” him as Dan’s boyfriend.

He bowed politely as he had been taught to his whole life, as he let go of Dan’s hand for a moment to do so.

“Your Majesties,” Phil murmured so lowly that the royal family could only just hear him.

Dan glanced at his parents worriedly, or more specifically his mother, his father seemed to be rather proud of himself as he must have already guessed.

His mother appeared to have mildly recovered, as her mouth had closed and her grip on Dan’s father has loosened. As his mother inhaled through her nose Dan felt his heart drop and tears sting his eyes, he could already sense disapproval on the horizon.

“Treat him well,” The queen said, her voice slightly strained but genuinely happy, “My son deserves someone like you, someone kind. I’m sorry for how I’ve t-treated you,” She apologised.

Dan could tell how hard it was for her to say, she never apologised to anyone.

Never admitted she was wrong, or that she had done something bad, but she was now and that was all that mattered.

It was both Dan and Phil’s turn to let their mouths hang open now, Phil’s hand gripped Dan’s as though he believed if he didn’t hold on tight enough it would all be a dream.

Dan felt exactly same way, this couldn’t be real.

Couldn’t be real.

“I love you Daniel,” his mother turned to him, “I want you to be happy. Understand I will need some time but I will definitely support you.” She faced both of them and added, “Both of you.”

Even the King was staring proudly at his wife, this was possibly the best moment of Dan’s life.

He dropped Phil’s hand and raced forward. He pulled his mother into a hug, she let out a small gasp of surprise before he wrapped her arms around him.

It was tense and strange, he hadn’t properly hugged his mother since he was very tiny, but her petite frame was warm and he was just so grateful.

~-~-~

They trudged their way up to Dan’s bedroom.

No.

Their bedroom, at a time that nobody should be awake.

In fact he was almost positive that the sun had begun to rise through the window in his lounge room but he didn’t bother to check.

He flopped into the bed, and was automatically drawn to the warmth that was Phil. He wrapped his arms around Phil’s waist and drew them together, pulling Phil’s lips against his like a reflex.

Phil tasted of expensive wine and grapes as Dan’s weirdo of a boyfriend “doesn’t like cheese”.

They were soft and lazy kisses as both boys were too tired to make out but more just enjoyed being able to kiss each other. Dan loved the way that even in their exhausted state, Phil could still make his stomach flip and his heart race. Even though he was sure he would kiss these lips hundreds of times to come, it still felt like a treasure that he needed to protect and that was alright with him.

Their bubble had been popped, Dan’s family knew about them, their secret was out in the world. However they were still just Dan and Phil, a special secret that still felt like it only belonged to them.

Dan wouldn’t have it any other way.

He pulled away and tucked his head under Phil’s chin against the warm chest that he would use as a pillow.

“I love you idiot,” Dan pressed a kiss to the skin beneath Phil’s chin, and enjoyed the way it made a little gasp escape Phil’s lips.

He could hear the smirk in Phil’s voice as he replied,

“I love you too, you royal pain.”