Living London (An AmazingPhil and Danisnotonfire fanfiction)

Chapter 17: Gathering

*Rachel POV*

The sun began to rise later in the morning. Hardly peaking through the clouds, it would only shy behind them once again, and sheets of rain would come down.

I straightened my collar and looked at my tired eyes in the mirror. Everything was a quiet shade of gray. It relaxed my room in calm tones.

I looked to the full laundry basket near my doorway. I turned back to the mirror and felt the surface of the nearby dresser for a hair tie. I ran my fingers through my hair and smoothed the bumps into a ponytail.

I patted my feet on the cool, autumnal tiles of the flat until I reached the compact washing machine. I sorted through clothes into colors and washed the lighter ones first.

I heard an inhale across the room and turned to see Abby yawning hugely across the room. I involuntarily yawned in response.

"Going to the interview?" I cut through the silence hesitantly.

"Yup," she looked back to the hallway. "Actually, I'm not sure what to wear."

I examined her clothing choice - a thin, three-quarter sleeved red dress, with black tights and shoes. She was great with fashion, as always. I raised my eyebrow, "You're fine."

She snickered. "I can't trust you when you're dressed like that. Baggy sweatpants and a white collared shirt? Really?"

"I can't figure myself out today," I explained. "The shirt makes me feel like I'm on top of my life while the sweatpants tell me to not overwork myself."

"Weirdo," she mocked, but smiling sincerely.

"Good luck," I said, "I'm sure you'll get the job. You have good experience."

"Agh, I dunno," she doubted.

"We'll see," I reaffirmed.

She smiled unsurely and stepped toward the door. She opened it and waved meekly. The sound of the door echoed through the rooms, leaving the rhythmic sound of the washing machine to keep my ears busy.

I circled to the fridge and stared a good long time at its contents. Bread, eggs, leftover chicken. I decided on eggs. I flipped a pan out of the drawer and began frying.

Once I was done, I turned off the stove and realized that it was raining, and that the sounds of the rain had blended with the sound of frying eggs. I ate my breakfast to the comforting sound of rain. I leaned back in the on the kitchen chair in admiration of the tapping of rain on the windows.

I got up and promptly put my dishes into the dishwasher. I heard the washer beep from the other room. I moved the load into the dryer and exchanged a new one into the washer.

I shuffled to the window. Streams of water slid down the window and spread across the windowsill. I heard an occasional tap of drops of rain that were too eager. I felt a small smile play on my lips.

I heard a knock on the door.

I looked up in confusion. Abby? Did she forget something?

I tiptoed cautiously to the door. "Who... is it?" I said quietly than intended.

"Rachel! It's me!" I heard the familiar voice.

I opened the door. In front of me stood Phil, who had a wet umbrella in one hand.

"I'm bored," he explained.

I laughed lightly. Dan had been gone a week on a trip to see family. "Well you can come in. I'm afraid nothing exciting is going on currently. Abby is out at a job interview. I apologize for my clothing choice, too."

"It's okay," Phil smiled. "I like your outfit by the way. It's unique."

I smiled. Always looking on the bright side, huh, Phil?

I motioned him in. He walked in. I closed the door behind him. "I've just been doing laundry. And I might redo some literature notes."

"How's that going?" He asked.

"Well, but you know, I wish I hadn't lost a semester."

Phil grinned. "You'll get through it either way."

I smiled lightly.

"Have you heard from Dan?" I asked him.

"No, you?"

"Oh," I felt my voice drop, "He must be busy."

"Don't worry," Phil said, "Dan is very much of a family person. He cares about them a lot."

I smiled. I liked that picture.

"I'm not worried. Just miss him, I suppose." I paused, "But what have you been up to?"

"I've recorded some solo DanAndPhilGames videos. One will be uploaded tomorrow."

"That's great," I smiled. "I hope it goes well. What kind of game is it?"

"It's a surprise," Phil taunted me.

I laughed, "Darn."

A key turned in the door. Abby ran in, "I got it! I got the job!"

I jumped excitedly, "I knew it! Congrats!"

"Great job!" Phil gave a thumbs up.

Phil dashed into the kitchen. I felt immediately confused. "What?"

"Tea to celebrate!" He called.

I felt a rush of happiness.

The run peaked through the clouds shyly again, lighting the room much more than before.