Without love ~ phan

Chapter VII

Dan's POV

Well I guess that explains where Phil went off to.

Walking in here, I wasn't surprised to witness Tracy surrounded by black people. I mean, of course I was surprised. I never thought Link would stoop so low as to trick me into getting a detention for his own benefit. I never thought he would be stupid enough to join a bunch of black people somewhere as dangerous and prejudiced as school. Sometimes I swear he doesn't remember how cruel high schoolers can be.

I suppose that deep down I had some knowledge that whatever Link was planning in this unsupervised room was not going to be acceptable in this day and age. Just like everything he's been up to this December. That's why the biggest surprise coming in here wasn't the plethora of dark skinned dancers, but Tracy without her sidekick. I knew he had to be around here somewhere so I surveyed the room and swiftly discovered Phil, sitting on a desk that was pushed to the side. I may be seeing things, but before he has the chance to turn away, his eyes seem to be analyzing me. Geez, I'm not some zoo animal. I roll my eyes in utter annoyance before giving my attention back to Tracy. Unfortunately, she takes notice of my Phil observation and says, "Let's go over there where Phil is. I can introduce you guys to Seaweed." Seaweed? Is that a real name?

People stare at us from either side as we make our way to the end of the room but they never stop moving. It's impressive what some of them can do. How nice it would be, to recruit them to the Corny Collins show. It's really too bad that they don't have a chance.

Upon reaching the desk occupied by Phil, I'm just now noticing that another desk is pushed up against his and a black boy is sitting on top of it. They stop mid-conversation to smile at us. It's not meant as an insult but it feels like one. "Link, Daniel, you know Phil obviously," Tracy says. Phil gives us a small wave and looks down while simultaneously fixing his fringe, trying to hide his face. He's unsuccessful and I notice his cheeks aren't the usual paper white, they're cotton candy pink and just as soft looking too. He may be different but I know he doesn't wear makeup which can only mean he's blushing. What's his problem?

"And this is our other good friend, Seaweed." She motions towards the boy sitting practically on top of Phil and he reciprocates by holding out his hand for us to shake. Link takes no time to shake his hand with vigor and I follow up with a much less enthusiastic approach. No, I'm not some idiot who thinks that his color will come off on my skin, but I can't help but be nervous. Any pro-segregation person with functioning eyes and ears could walk in here at any second and see Link and I with these people. If that happens, all of the years of building our reputations will go down the drain. You know, typical teenage problems.

"So now that we're all here," Tracy says as I drop my hand from Seaweed's grip. "It's a good time for us to have some fun. Shall we?" "We shall," says Link, taking her hand and leading her to the middle of the floor. Seaweed smiles at me one more time before catching up with them but Phil stays put. Well, this is terribly uncomfortable. Either I can stop being stubborn and encourage Link's downfall by dancing with them, or I can stay here and try to ignore rambling Phil.

I glance over at Phil, who's twiddling his thumbs and chewing on his lip. Note to self: never trust Link Larkin again.

Phil's POV

Another day, another moment of slight panic due to being left alone with Daniel Howell. What's worse is that I know he saw me looking at him but I don't know how he reacted. Could he have been excited? Of course not, Phil. The only time he's ever appeared to be excited is on his dance show. And yet, here he is, standing next to me instead of showing off his moves with his best friend. I knew from the moment he walked in that he's restless being here and, though I hate to admit it, a silent Phil is a safer option than the ecstasy of dancing outsiders. There's the likeliest explanation of why he's not retreating, right there.

I sigh and twist my fringe with my fingers. Daniel may be standing next to me, but he's certainly not with me. I can make him with me, though. I'll take baby steps and maybe fall into something intergalactic. Determination will make him my friend just as he once was. He didn't seem very interested when I talked to him before, but this time I'll be smarter. Everyone likes talking about themselves and their own interests so I'll use that to move forward. What could go wrong?

"So, Daniel."

Dan's POV

Oh, no. He's talking to me. Aren't my crossed arms and empty stare making it perfectly clear that I'm not interested in human interaction right now? Okay, it's fine. Just make eye contact with him so you don't look rude.

I turn to him and listen while he continues, holding back a sarcastic smile. "I've seen you on The Corny Collins show. Have you always liked dancing?," he asks. Oh, thank goodness. A simple yes or no question. Just keep those coming and this can be over real fast. "Yes," I reply, most likely letting a little sarcasm slip through with the over exaggeration of a positive voice. He stares at me for a couple more seconds, waiting for me to say more. I pretend that I'm oblivious and think that that's all he has to say to me, smiling slightly and turning back to stare at anything other than his eyes. Again I cross my arms, this time in a happy go lucky stance rather than a defensive one. Nice talk, Phil.

He doesn't take the hint. "So, how long have you and Link been friends?," he asks. I swivel my head in his direction, probably too quickly. If I were more confident I would widen my eyes and breathe loudly through my nose, like a bull preparing to charge. Instead, I clench my fists, hidden stealthily by my armpits. "Since birth," I respond. It's such a stupid question, I can't help but answer sourly. From preschool to present day, Phil and I have gone to the same schools and been in a lot of the same classes. Link and I were attached at the hip for the majority of the time, they said we were practically twins and everyone is fascinated by twins. He had to have noticed.

Finally appearing confused and hurt gives it away that he caught my annoyance. Perfect. This is who I am Phil Lester, I advise you to keep your distance.

Phil's POV

Of course I knew the answer to that question already. Talking about dancing didn't look like it was going to get anywhere, why not badger him about his personal life? I thought I was being smart but I guess he's more stubborn than I ever thought possible. I don't know why he's making this so difficult. Could I be so unpleasant?

"I will crack you, Daniel Howell," I whisper to myself, pulling the sleeves of my sweater past my hands and balling them in my fists. "Maybe not today, but soon."

Before I know it, an exodus of smiling faces pass me by and Tracy's arm is linked with mine, saving me from the flawed opportunity. One down and many more to go.