Lay Me Down

Words

    Dan's new room was on the third floor, closer to the physical therapy ward, Phil stood, unable to move forward, inside the elevator as it opened.

"What's wrong with you now? Come on. You're excited, aren't you?" Adrian asked and Phil couldn't phrase how excited he was that Dan was awake, but he couldn't phrase either how terrified he was of Dan being awake. He started walking rather than answering, Adrian sighing and leading the way. Phil heard quiet talking from outside the room and realized it was Dan's mum. Adrian opened the door quietly and walked in.

"I found someone outside." he said, casually, the smile on his face uncontrollable as solemn as he tried to act. He was happy to have his brother back, Phil realized, and then it didn't matter what he was worried about because Adrian had his brother back and Dan's parent's had their son back and when the two adults blocking Phil's view of the bed turned to look at him with smiles just as big he felt okay.

He felt even better when they stepped out of the way and a long legged, bright brown eyed, brown haired boy smiled and whispered, "I was wondering when you'd get here, Phil."

Phil sat between the window and the bed, Dan's family on the other side. They talked to him and Phil stayed quiet.

"Why don't you guys go get lunch? I promise not to take a nap." Dan said, voice uneasy still from lack of use. His humor left his mother with a playful scowl, a gasp from his father, and an eye roll from his brother. They all agreed, though, eyes flickering from Dan to Phil and back.

Dan rolled over to face Phil.

"I thought you were a dream." he said, softly.

"You're awake." Phil said, dumbly, unable to think of anything else. "And you heard me."

Dan nodded. Phil didn't say anything else, for once, he was utterly speechless.

"Phil?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." Dan smiled, and reached out and took Phil's hand.

"Thank you." Phil shrugged and Dan laughed. It was the most beautiful thing Phil had ever heard.

"You're so lame, let me make this a moment, okay? I don't know if I'd have gotten lost if you weren't here to keep me here."

"This is a moment, that's the exact same reason I was thanking you. I'm so happy you're awake. Do you hate me for talking your ear off?"

"I very much don't think hate is the word I'd use." Dan smiled, and using the strength he could manage, pulled Phil closer.

Phil didn't expect the kiss, but he almost thought Dan didn't either. Dan didn't have the lung capacity to keep it up long, but when they moved apart they were smiling, bumping foreheads, sharing breath.

"Not only are you a huge dork, you're a good kisser. Oh no." Dan laughed, then his face went soft. "I think I love you a little. Can we figure that out and talk?"

"I think I love you a little too. Please, Dan Howell, do me a favor?" Phil asked something he didn't until that moment really ever know if he'd get to ask.
It felt like a miracle.
"Talk to me?"