It was about halfway through the second month of living with Phil that Dan actually started to question what it is he did. He didn't want to say he'd been watching Phil, per say, in order to get an inkling of light into his life- because he wasn't, really. Phil would happily share himself with anyone who asked, Dan just. Never asked. He got snippets, though, and he clung to those. Phil liked video games. Phil had a brother. Phil loved cats, but was allergic.
Finally, though, it became too much of a mystery as to what exactly his roommate was doing on the computer all day, and he had to ask. "So," he drawled as they were walking back into the lobby after a night out to eat. The restaurant had been nice, and it had been almost like a date- almost. Dan couldn't let himself think like that; loose hearts sunk cheap wifi, as a horrible just thought up version of an old saying went. "What do you do for a living?"
Phil's face lit up. "Oh! I run an online school." His brow furrowed a bit after he said that, though, and he sighed. "Or, I'm trying to get it up off the ground. I want to try and cater to people- kids, adults, everyone- who can't really learn in a classroom, or can't go outside their homes for some reason or another."
'Of course' was Dan's first thought. Of course Phil was that guy, the one with the golden heart who just wanted to "make the world a better place". It was just another tally mark on the probably endless of things that made him endearing. Jesus Christ, did Dan have a problem.
He smiled, pushing that thought aside. "That's really nice, actually. I think that-"
"Evening, dudes." That was the moment that Ian and Anthony decided to walk out of their office, the former smiling widely at them and hopping over the counter. "What're you chatting about?"
"I was just telling Dan about my school." Phil murmured. Both of the superintendents hummed knowingly.
"Ah, yes. The Lester school for Shut-Ins; a noble calling." Ian said, and even though it was an obvious joke, Phil's face twisted into an uncharacteristically dark expression.
"It's not for shut-ins, it's for people who have trouble learning in traditional schools." he spat. "And, even if I wouldn't say it's noble, it's necessary for some people. Some people can't go to school, or can't work at that pace, or-" He was cut off in the beginning of what was obviously a rant he was used to having to go on by Anthony's sigh.
"Chill, Phil." he drawled, glaring at his partner in crime. "You're doing great work. Ian's just a dick- right, Ian?"
Ian shrugged, walking back behind he counter. "True enough. Sorry, dude."
Phil's face was still red, but the expression on it was less venomous; still angry, but more in general than concentrated at Ian. "Sure. Of course. Night, guys." He turned on his heels and made for the elevator, leaving Dan to jog behind.
"Phil," he said, sticking his arm in the elevator doors just barely quick enough to keep them from closing without him. He slipped inside and let a moment of silence pass befriend continuing. "For what it's worth, I think what you're doing is great."
Phil smiled, almost all the venom having drained from his features. "I know," he sighed. "I'm just so used to people saying those things that I just kind of exploded."
Dan nodded, understanding. "People can be dicks" he agreed. "But, it is important to remember that you're doing something worthwhile, and that means more than what others have to say."
Phil's smile had returned to its normal brightness at this point, and Dan was happy to see it once more. As he had noted on the first day, Phil's face somehow didn't feel right without a smile on it. "You're right," he said, putting his hand on Dan's shoulder. "Thanks. That means a lot."
Dan returned his smile sheepishly. "Anytime." he said as the door pinged open to their floor. There was a quiet walk down the hall, and Phil yawning as he opened the door to their apartment.
"I'm turning in." he said. "G'night, Dan"
"Night, Phil." Dan replied. He wasn't going to sleep tonight; too many butterflies. But, Phil didn't need to know that quite yet.
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A/N: Oops, this was supposed to be up yesterday. Better late than never, though. Next Up: Purpose, The Internet Is For Porn, and a Mixtape.
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Fanfiction[for phanfic's album fic contest] Dan Howell, recent college dropout and haver of weekly existential crises, is looking for a place to live, and probably a reason for it, too. Phil Lester just wants to get his Internet education startup off the grou...
