Bad Words | phan

4-The Coffee

A/N: Sorry that this chapter is almost nothing but character development.

Phil, who still felt guilty about upsetting Dan, decided to call and check on Dan's mental status, as well as asking about their project. Just like the first time he called, Phil found himself nervous. Now, however, Phil had angered Dan and Dan had a reason to be rude towards him. Regret filled his senses when he thought of Health on Monday. He shouldn't've pushed his luck, and he certainly shouldn't've asked Dan anything that made him uncomfortable.

Phil reached for his phone, sighed, and clicked on Dan's contact. Dan had just gotten out of the showers after football practice, when his phone started ringing. He ignored the noise, pulling jeans over his boxers and a black, leather t-shirt. One of his teammates yelled, "Answer your damn phone, Howell!"

Dan rolled his eyes, but have a half-smile. "Fuck off," he called, picking up the phone. Without looking at the Caller ID, Dan picked up the phone. He assumed it was his mother, Louise or Joe, so he said, "You know I'm at practice. What's wrong?"

Those were the words that Phil heard. Phil smiled to himself at the phrase 'What's wrong?' coming from Dan. While he knew that the words weren't intended for his ears, Phil also knew that Dan had aimed those words to someone. That meant even the terrible Dan Howell had a soft spot for someone. He loved someone. Love is the most powerful force in the universe. Love overcomes. Love remains. Love never fails. Phil smiled because he knew there was at least some good in Dan Howell.

After a brief hesitation, Phil grew nervous again. Now that Dan had shown a small bit of kindness, Phil feared he would be even more upset. Summoning his courage, Phil replied, "It's Phil." After a singe second, he added, "From Health."

Dan realized who he was speaking to. A small anger arose within him, remembering the scene Phil had orchestrated in Health. Who was Phil to confront him about his weekend plans? Who was Phil to ask him about alcohol? Phil knew nothing about Dan, or his life. Dan must've been reveling too much with his expressions, because Joey Graceffa glanced at him, and raised his eyebrows in a silent question. Dan flicked his wrist, nodding and Joey nodded once before walking away.

Concealing his emotion, Dan asked, "Why do you feel the need to call me? Are you worried I've been drinking?" While Dan was making fun of Phil, he ordered if the boy cared enough to ask.

On the contrary, Phil was too caring. He knew Dan was mocking him, but didn't want to make the brunette uncomfortable, so he ignored the comment. Phil apologized, "I wanted to apologize about Health class. That was rude and inconsiderate. I have no business in your personal life, and it wasn't my place to tell you how to live your life."

Phil had hoped Dan would immediately forgive him, but Dan didn't reply to the apology. Dan was still upset about what had happened because, deep down, he knew that he did have an alcohol. He just sat on the other end of the line, saying nothing and doing nothing. Phil realized that his apology had not been accepted, so he continued, "I was wondering if you wanted to meet up and work on the project sometime."

Grabbing his bag, Dan walked out of the locker room. He felt like people were listening to his conversation, even if no one could've possibly heard Phil on the other end of the line, and he was doing most of the talking. Sliding into his car, he agreed, "Yeah, I just want to get done with this shit." Unseen to Dan, Phil cringed at the curse word, but they technically weren't working on the project in that moment, so Phil decided to let it be.

Phil did, however, smile at the agreement. He knew he had nothing to worry about, especially when he was on the phone. Dan couldn't jump through the device and strangle him. Phil cheerfully asked, "Could you meet me at Starbucks on Saturday around eleven?"