Old Places, New People || Phan

9-Dan's P.O.V

Wallet? Check. Keys? Check. Phone? Check. Straight Hair? Check. Festive Clothes? Check. Dimples? I smiled at myself in the mirror, staring intently at my soft cheeks. My small facial indentions appeared momentarily. Check. I then smiled wider, turning away and walking down the hall. I slipped my arms into my jacket, and put my hand on the handle of the front door. Before I could turn it, someone turned it from the outside. I fell back, preparing for my imminent death. Then the door opened and Charlie poked his head around the corner. "Hey Dan, why're you on the floor?" He smiled at me strangely. "I-I um-" Suddenly, Charlie let out a loud laugh. "What?" I frowned in indignation. Charlie just laughed harder. "I've known you for practically my entire life, and I've never seen you get so flustered! You must be heading out to meet your boyfriend." He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed. I  got up, my cheeks hot. I frowned and exited the house, pushing past Charlie and muttering "He's not my boyfriend."
***
By the time I had reached the path to the clearing, I had shaken off the incident with Charlie, my happiness overpowering any other emotion stirring inside of me. I plodded down the path and I was soon in the clearing. My heart stalled as I saw him. Phil was leaning against the trunk of the oak tree, his black hair framing his thin, pale face. His eyes were closed, his dark lashes framing his crescent eyelids, and his arms were folded across his chest. His pale pink lips were parted slightly, only to allow room for his lip piercing. I moved to call out to him, but then a better idea popped into my mind, I silently moved to the other side of the tree and shimmied up the trunk. I winced as a branch snapped beneath my foot, but Phil seemed too deep in thought to notice. I sat down on the base of a thick branch hanging above Phil. I scooted farther down the branch, until I was sitting just above Phil. I looked around before finding an acorn above me. I carefully picked it off, turned so I was hanging off of the branch like a sloth, and reached behind me to drop the acorn. It landed on Phil's head, and his eyes sprang open. I fought my giggles back as he looked around wildly. "Who's there?!" He shouted. I couldn't hold it back any longer. I snorted loudly and began to giggle crazily, still hanging precariously over Phil. He confusedly looked around for a moment before finally pinpointing my location. Just as he glanced up at me, a frown on his face, but laughter in his eyes, my hand slipped from the branch. "Agh!" I shouted as I landed on Phil. I giggled, my head resting on his chest. All of a sudden, I heard Phil gasp and suck in a sharp breath. I looked up at his face, and was surprised to find tears in his eyes. "Phil, what's wrong?" He gently sat up and let out a slow breath. "M-My ribs-" He leaned up against the tree, and as realization hit me, I scurried off of him. "Oh my god Philly, I'm so sorry! I totally forgot, I-I didn't mean to-" Hot tears sprang to my eyes, and I wiped them away furiously. Phil shushed me and wrapped his arms around me, pulling my head gently to his chest. I had suddenly stopped crying, joy flowing through me at being in Phil's arms once again. He stroked my hair, his chin resting atop my head. My hands were resting inside his coat pockets, and our feet were entwined. We sat like that for lord knows how long, just enjoying each other's company. After awhile, despite wanting to stay still for as long as possible, I shivered, the cold winter air seeping into my bones. Phil gently, but suddenly, stood up. He brought me to my feet with him and winked. Then he began to sprint. After a moment of confusion, I followed him. When he saw that I had joined him in running through the woods, he smiled at me and shouted, "Let's run to the square, and then we can go shopping!" He shot forward, and I raced after him. We raced through the forest, sometimes stumbling and laughing, but never stopping. I don't know how much time had passed, but we eventually reached the streets, and then town. We stopped in front of the first shop on our list, doubling over to catch our breath. We received many strange stares from passing people, but we were more focused on laughing and not falling over. Then Phil took my hand and squeezed it, smiling at me. My cheeks flushed and my smile widened. "Now that's what I like to see," Phil said. He smiled back at me and pulled me into the first shop.
***
"Phil, do you really need that?" I raised one eyebrow and smiled at him. He giggled. "Of course I need it! Who doesn't need a plush blob fish?!" I told him to put it back, and he ducked his head and put it back on the shelf. When he wasn't looking, I put it in my basket, hidden underneath the camera for Peej and the "Almanac Of Strange Medical Cases 2015" for Chris. This was going to be a great addition to my other Christmas present for Phil. I smiled and continued being dragged along by my companion.
***
"So, I said to the guy, get your own pancake!" I giggled at Phil's story, our hands still tightly clasped together between us. I was reminiscing on how great our day had been, when Phil suddenly stopped. I looked up to see that we were at his house. "I had a great time with you today Dan." He smiled down at me, his beautiful blue eyes affectionate and loving. What? Get ahold of yourself Dan. I shook off my thoughts and gently hugged Phil. "Me too, except with you." He giggled at my wording. "Hey Phil, I know you'll probably be busy with your family, but did you want to come over to Charlie's for a small get together for Christmas? It'll just be Charlie, PJ, Chris, Me, and You, so it won't be anything big." He smiled down at me, his eyes lighting up. "I would love to!" We gazed into each other's eyes, smiling widely. "Philip! Come on inside! Dinner's ready!" Mrs. Lester stood on the front porch, smiling at us. My cheeks flushed bright red and Phil laughed. Phil began to walk up the path, leaving me to stand by the gate. When I began to turn away, a bit disappointed, Phil called out, "SEE YOU AT CHRISTMAS DANOSAUR!" I smiled and turned around. "SEE YOU AT CHRISTMAS PHILION!" I grinned widely and walked away. Maybe this year's Christmas wasn't going to be so bad.