Unreadable: A Phan AU

The walk to work

The walk to work should have been tense, but the air between Phil and I was as light as it had been the first night. I guess it turned out that we just needed to address the sexual tension that had made its way into our friendship. As we walked, Phil was going on about the wonders of Buffy and how I was going to watch it all next Saturday and Sunday.

"So after work, we have to run back to my flat to get the episodes. While there, I can also grab my toothbrush, glasses, a few other things, and some more clothes," Phil recalled.

I didn't hear what he went on about after. I was stuck on the fact that Phil planned on staying over longer. I knew he was probably looking for distractions so he wouldn't think about Adam, but it was nice that he wanted to spend more time with me. I felt a warmth go through my chest and heat up my cheeks at the thought.

"Dan? Are you listening or are you off somewhere else again?" he joked.

"Yeah, sorry. Just trapped in my inner monologue I guess," I apologized.

"It's fine, just remind me to grab my charger so I don't have to fight over yours," Phil chuckled.

I laughed with him at the memory of our wrestling match over who got to plug in first, ending up with him pinning me against the ground repeatedly. I'd just steal it back when he wasn't looking, until he checked his phone and pinned me down again. I bumped his shoulder as we turned to get him back.

"Hey! Trying to kill me before my first day isn't going to make your life any easier," he replied and shoved back.

We fought for the remainder of the walk, pushing and poking each other until we arrived at the shop. We walked in and I immediately fell into my routine of going to the back office to get everything ready and greet Matthew.

After a minute of shuffling papers and going over what my priorities were for the day, I heard someone clear their throat. I looked up and Phil was awkwardly standing in the doorway and looking confused. I returned the look until I registered that he probably had no idea where to start.

"Oh! Sorry, I've been doing this for so long that I kinda forgot that you're new to this. I don't think Matthew would mind if I spent most of the day helping you, but he still has yet to meet you," I explained as I led Phil to his office. I knocked on the door and not a minute later, I was greeted by a short, overly tan, middle-aged man.

"Danny Boy! Good to have you back. A few customers said that they felt lost without their shopping helper, heh. Anywho, what do you need, son?" Matthew greeted me with a slight hug and a cheesy smile.

"Good to see you too, Matthew. I wanted to introduce your new employee, Phil," I smiled and side-stepped to make way for Phil.

"It's very nice to meet you sir, I'm very grateful for the job," Phil greeted and put out his hand. Matthew looked him up and down, not saying anything but narrowing his eyes and not returning the handshake. Phil slowly lowered his arm and looked back and forth, from me to him, pleading for my help.

"Whatcha think you can add to the shop that we don't already have, boy?" Matthew questioned.

"Uh, I think I can help organize and restock the inventory, work behind the cash register..." Phil looked at me for help again and I replied with raised eyebrows. I told him countless times what Matthew valued most in an employee, I just hope he listened. "...and a whole lot of money!" he finished more as a question than answer.

"Hmmm sorry, but I don't think you have what it takes, lad. I'm gonna have to ask you to leave," Matthew's previously kind demeanor gone, replaced with a scowl and seriousness.

Phil eyes went wide as confusion and shock made it's way into his expression. He looked like he wanted to argue but the dead-set look on Matthew's face stopped him.