stars [phan]

four

"Yeah we all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun. "
-John Lennon

Phil stayed with Dan until about 3am, when he knew he should probably go back and try and sleep before he started work. Again, they hadn't talked much, but they exchanged phone numbers.  At least now they could talk more. The walk home seemed agonizingly slow, and he collapsed into his bed without even taking his clothes off. It was only a few hours later when his alarm woke him up and now, as he was trying not to fall asleep while stacking shelves, he slightly regretting going to see Dan on a work night.

"What's wrong with you?" Elise asked. Phil yawned.

"I didn't sleep well last night, sorry." He blinked furiously and went back to sorting books.

"Hmm, out partying again are we?" Phil laughed. They both knew that he never went to parties. Nobody ever invited him anyway.

"I was meeting a friend," he said after a while. Elise wouldn't judge him for seeing someone in the middle of the night. She'd never judge him for anything. He glanced up at her and she raised her eyebrows.

"A friend?"

"Yeah, I met him on New Years. In the middle of a park staring at the sky." He rubbed at his eyes. "I saw him again last night and I kinda lost track of time."

"That explains why you look like you haven't slept in a week." Elise chuckles. "Are you okay to keep working?"

"Ye-eah," he yawned again. "I'll be fine." Elise disappeared out back again and brought him a coffee after a few minutes. "Thanks."

He takes a sip of the hot liquid and puts it on the counter. He didn't know if he'd be able to see Dan again tonight. He needed to catch up on sleep, but he guessed he could text him. As if on cue, his phone buzzed.

hey phil, i hope youre not too tired xD

Phil laughed quietly.

no, im fine. almost falling asleep standing up but thats cool

Dan didn't text him back immediately. Was that too sarcastic? He picked up his coffee and took a huge gulp, forgetting it was still hot. There go my taste buds.

lmao sorry

its ok, it was worth it xD

Phil could feel the coffee starting to take affect, energy slowly seeping into his bones.

do you want to get lunch or something? i havent eaten yet and im heading into town soon

Phil considered it for a second. He was still really tired, but he could have more coffee. His shift finished in half an hour.

sure, i finish in half an hour :) what place?

ill come past

Phil smiled slightly. He'd get to see Dan again, this time in the day.

The next half hour seemed to drag on forever.

***

Dan shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, pacing down the paved streets just out of sight of Phil's shop. He glanced at his phone. It was almost time to go and get him, but he'd been waiting for him to finish for what seemed like ages. Phil was the only friend he had right now. He didn't want to lose him as easily as he lost everyone else. 

After what seemed like ages, he finally plucked up the courage to go and meet Phil.  The black haired man was standing against the closed door of the store with his hands in his pockets, smiling as he saw Dan approach.  Dan swallowed the lump in his throat.  He wouldn't mess this up.