ADOPTED BY PHAN

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

"Phil, please-"

The shorter boy finally turns around. He looks up at Dan with tear-filled eyes, feeling guilty for ignoring him. He'd never done that during an argument before. And the only reason he did it this time was to keep their daughter from hearing the fight.

"I'm so sorry for how I acted back there. I've been under a lot of pressure lately, but in no means was it right for me to take it out on you. Lately I've been selfish, stupid, and- and that needs to stop. Because I- I am losing too many people I love. And I don't ever want to lose you. Please-" Dan's voice cracks, and he is unable to finish the rest of his sentence. He breaks into tears, wrapping his arms around Phil. "I just love you so much. I'm so sorry for the way I've treated you-"

"It's okay," Phil whispers, "I'm sorry for overreacting."

"You didn't overreact, Phil. Okay?" Dan says, pulling away to wipe his tears. "Your response was completely rational. I was the one in the wrong, and if I ever do something like this again, please call me out on it. Because I never want to be the one putting you down."

"Don't worry, Bear. I know you. I know how rare it is for you to act this way, and I know when something is bothering you. Tell me what's wrong?"

Dan takes a deep breath and a seat on the couch. "It's about Chris."

Phil sits next to him and grabs his hand. "What happened?"

"We got into a bit of a disagreement. At least, that's how it started out." Dan looks away from Phil, fixating his glance to the floor. "I think he's out of our lives for good."

"Well, what was the fight about?"

"You."

"Me?"

Dan gets up from the couch, pacing the room as he speaks. "He told me that he's in love with you! He had the audacity to tell me that he's in love with you, and that he's not going to hold back anymore! We're bloody engaged and this man is trying to get with you!"

"What did you say to him?" Phil asks innocently.

Dan stops pacing and cracks a smile, "I told him to get the fuck out of my life and stay away from the man I love." He then drops his gaze and his expression, "I'm sorry for telling him that last part-"

"I'm glad you did," Phil smiles at Dan.

"What?" The younger man looks back up.

"I'm glad you told him that. If he's going to try to ruin a relationship, especially ours, then I don't want him in my life." Phil shrugs, "We've had some good memories with him. I don't want those to be ruined by what could happen if he stays in our lives."

There's a sweet silence in the air. Dan sits back down on the couch and rests his head on Phil's shoulder. He sighs to himself before whispering, "There goes one of our best man's."

* * *

The date is April 27th. Skye's birthday.

Iris nervously rings the doorbell to her grandmother's house. Within seconds the door is open and Skye is in Iris' arms.

"I'm so happy to see you," Skye mumbles into Iris' shoulder. "This is like the first time in forever I'm not alone on my birthday."

The blonde wipes some fallen tears away before grabbing Iris' hand and pulling her into the house. They walk down a long corridor and into a dining hall, where two plates of pizza await on the table.

Iris giggles, "This is so cheesy."

"Was that a pun?" Skye smiles.

The brunette laughs harder in realiziation of her unintentional joke. While she's distracted by the humor, Skye grabs a small camera off of the nearby counter. She hits record, beginning her vlog.