Phanfic Collection

Buttons

Summary: Coraline Au. Phil moves house and he discovers a whole new world and a little button eyed boy called Dan.
Words: 4.2k (well damn)
A/N: I really like this one sorry guys I can't put warnings on or it will spoil it. Read at your own risk.
Paragraphs in italic are flashbacks.

"Phillip Michael Lester get in here now and go unpack in your room. I swear to god if you bring mud into our new house there will be trouble" my mother bellowed.
It was a Wednesday, it was raining and we had just moved house. Mum never told me why and dad hardly ever speaks to me, he has "work" to do. And mum always shouts, she's always stressed because of her "work" too. But she's kinda scary when she shouts so I don't question anything, I skip onto the porch, hang my raincoat and wipe my shoes before entering the new house.
It is cold and the Windows are leaky. It is big too. The rickety walls seemed to tower over the tallest of people.
I ran up the creaky stairs to my room, it was mainly boxes but I guess it was mine.
After much thought, I decided to hang the dragonflies from the poles that stood from each comer of my bed. Like bunting. And I carefully placed the picture of my 2 amazing friends from back home - Pj and Chris - on top of my silver lion stand. And yes my room looked better, but there was just something missing. That thing that made a room more cosy, a house to more home like. But I had unpacked all of the boxes so there was nothing missing. I hadn't left anything behind. Had I?
"Phillip dinner is ready" my dad yelled up the old stairs. I wish they wouldn't call me Phillip. It makes me sound posh and i'm really not. I'm Phil, just plain old simple Phil, not a posh Phillip. I'm into loads of geeky stuff and I'd rather live my life in a simple informal manner. But I wasn't going to argue, not today at least.
***
"Dad what is this?" I pick the green slimy gloop off my plate.
"Phil eat it" my mother looked at me sternly.
"Why can't we eat food?" I asked.
"Why can't you just be quiet" my mother was speaking through gritted teeth now.
"Can I explore?" I asked. My mum looked angry then she realised I meant outside. I think she was happy to get rid of me.
"Yes, but don't bring a speck of mud in and you will be back before dark and... You will go straight to bed when you get back. With no dinner"
"Okay. Goodbye!" I jumped up not looking back, running to get my raincoat and my shoes again before she changed her mind.
Where can I go?
***
I followed a skinny black cat up to the top of the hill. It looked like it knew where it was going and I had no where else to be. Then I heard something. The rustling of trees in the distance, getting closer actually. Then-
"Hey!" I looked around searching for the mystery voice. "Who are you?"
"I'm Phil-" I stutter.
"You're not from around here are you..." A girl said. She jumped down from the Rock and walked towards me. Her hair was blonde, like really blonde, with pink tips. She wore a sweet little dress with a belt and some leggings. She was pretty but damn she was scary when she wanted to be.
"I just moved"
"Where from" she asked stepping into the light.
"Manchester. Who are you?"
"I'm Louise"
"Well Louise you seem to ask a lot of questions." I tired to sound confident in my reply.
"Well I have a right to, my grandma owns the place. I was surprised she doesn't normally allow adults to buy an apartment if they have a child"
"Why"
"Oh don't you ask a lot of questions" she smiled. "You know with a common name like Phillip it's difficult for people not to generalise you, thought I'd let you know so you can be different. Maybe something more"
Then in the distance someone shouted "Louise". I looked at the girl.
"Well I have to go. Goodbye Phil. I hope I see you around!" She ran away. Over the muddy hill and towards the dim field that fog would not let me see. Gone. Alone again.
The dusk approached so I head home too. Snapping a branch from an old bush to mess with on my way. Then having to drop it next to my raincoat and my shoes. Only to realise the horrid burning sensation that spread up my fingertips.
Poison oak.
I kick the branch away and itch my new rash. It had to be me.
Slamming the door behind me I entered hell once again. I tried to say goodnight to my parents. But they was sat in a dark room, only lit by the artificial blue light that came from the never dead computer screens. So they ignored me. They also ignored the door ringing.
Outside the door there was a small box and a note that was stained with rain droplets.
"Phillip, saw this and thought of you. Don't be like the rest of them ;)
Louise xx"
Then I opened the black box to reveal an old porcelain doll. That had black hair like mine and a raincoat too. It wore the same red plaid shirt and the skinny jeans. But it had blue buttons for eyes. It was kinda creepy but it was from the only person I may call a friend one day so I take it to my room.
It's silly that made the room feel that tiny bit more cosy, exactly what I was looking for.
***
I tried to sleep. I really did but I couldn't, the doll stared at me with its soulless buttons and curiosity got the better of me. So I explored the room I wasn't meant to.
The keys was on a hook above the door and wasn't that difficult to reach I mean i'm 6"2 so- but there was 2 keys. One opened the big door and the other had the same button on top as the creepy doll, that was in my hand, had for its eyes.
After a quick exploration I found a smaller door, Covered in wallpaper, and the key fit so I opened it.
Lights burst from the door in vivid hues, They enticed me as they danced. So I crawled through the door and out at the other end.
To my disappointment, I ended up in the same room. Or so I thought.
"Phillip" a pleasant voice called. It sounded like mum when she wants shouting.
I ran to the kitchen to see. My mum stood with her back to me cooking, humming as she went. Then I realised, As she turned, this wasn't my mother.
She looked the same and sounded the same but it wasn't her. I knew it. The biggest give away was the black shiny buttons for eyes.
"Oh sweetheart you must be starving go grab your father from the study and we'll eat like kings" it giggled.
"Who are you?" I asked my heart in my throat yet at my feet at the same time.
"I'm your other mother silly. Everyone has one! I've missed you" it pulled me Into it's bony embrace. "So get your father"
I waddled upstairs and pushed the door open, to find my "other dad" playing a beautiful song and singing loudly. My dad can't play the piano he sits in his computer all day.
"Um hello?" I choked on my words I'd be surprised if they reached him.
"Oh Phil! Is dinner ready?" It asked.
"Y-yeah"
"Hmm" then it ran down stairs and my legs seemed to follow.
As I got closer I could smell the amazing food. The sent of a good old roast dinner permeated the air around me.
"Doesn't it smell amazing" it asked me. My tummy rumbled in agreement.
We sat at a large table and polled the food on our plates. The lady got me something to drink and I gobbled my food down. I've never eaten something so nice before.
"Is there anything else you want dear" the other mother asked me after a huge tea and some beautiful chocolate cake.  I knew what I wanted to say, I wanted to be accepted for who I was and then have something to show for it.
I certainly did not mean to mumble "a boyfriend". I instantly looked up in regret. Surely the other mother accepted me she said she's meant to be everything happy.
"Luckily Phil we spoke to a  boy like you today, he lives with the 2 ladies downstairs who have invited you to watch their show after dinner. Silly old mother forgot." It laughed. A wave of relief came over me.
It was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. The lady nodded her head as if to tell me to go, so I did. I ran to the door and pulled it open. A boy stood there with one amazing looking flower. He had chestnut brown hair and the chocolate buttons to match. He was my height and my age and he seemed quite shy too. He was looking down at the floor messing with his feet. Well I think he was it's difficult to tell when he has buttons for eyes.
"Hi" I beamed hoping he would talk back to me.
"Hello. I am Daniel. But call me Dan" he smiled. Wow. Dan had a gorgeous smile.
"I'm Phillip but call me Phil" I said taking his hand into mine and shaking it.
"I heard you liked lions and plants so I found both, it's a lion snapper and it's for you." Dan help out the lion snapper to me. It was a yellow plant with a orange 'mane' arounds its flower and I swear it moved every so often. Snapping at the air. It was pretty cool so I took it from his hands and placed it inside.
"Thank you"
"Don't mention it. Now come Phil we have a show to see" Dan said in a fake posh voice.  Arching his back, standing up taller and looping his arm waiting for me to thread my arm through. I giggled as I linked arms with him and marched towards the old ladies house.
There was a huge sign above their door. It read "Phillip and Daniels special show extravaganza" which didn't really make sense but I followed Dan through to the stage.
It was dimly lit and all the seats was taken up by dogs. All the same type of dog too. And they all had buttons for eyes.
We took our seat and waited for it to start. 3 dogs by the side of the stage ran in their little wheels, opening the curtain as their tiny legs ran.
Meaning the show had begun.
My eyes were fixated on the old ladies doing unbelievable stunts. But in the Courbet of my eye I saw Dan looking at me. Smiling so wide he had dimples. I smiled and he must have noticed as he coughed and he looked back at the show.
***
Dan walked me back to the house and we said our goodbyes. I decided that his smile was the best all around and I wanted to see it more. So I pecked him on the cheek. Satisfied with the outcome as he turned a bright pink and plastered that amazing smile on his tan face as he walked away from my door.
I told the other mother about the show. She was fascinated too. She said the old ladies hadn't had a show like that in years and that everyone is happy I am finally here. She rubbed something on my rash and told me never to worry. Finally she assured me that it would all be here later and I drifted off to sleep.
***
The yellow dawn woke me up. I ran down stairs to see which mother was in the kitchen.
"Oh" I sighed as my mum turned around. Ugh she didn't have buttons. I miss it already. That world was beautiful everything I could ever imagine.
I missed Dan. Something felt right with him. I liked it. I wonder if he feels the same way. I was desperate to know and to go back.
The day went slow. I explored the "garden" and the house. But I was bored. Really bored. I felt kinda home sick. Of the home back in Manchester and the home on the other side of the wall.
It was 3pm and I couldn't wait no longer. My parents was ignoring me. But I tried to tell them is be out for tea. I said I was going to see Louise. But my mum just sighed and told me to leave the kitchen.
So I ran upstairs and pulled open the door. Bricks. Did I really dream it? No. I couldn't have. I felt full when I woke up. The poison oak rash was gone too. It never goes that quickly. I closed my eyes in frustration, with hope that when I opened my eyes I could see my other family. The family who cared.
Then, even with my eyes closed, I could see flashing lights. Quickly I opened my eyes to see the tunnel stretching out before me, the purple and blue lights. I could go see him!
I crawled through and pushed the door open. The brown haired boy was sat on the chair in the corner of the room asleep. He had something beside him. I didn't question it. I just ran to the boy and kissed him in the cheek.
"Morning Daniel" I whispered gently. I saw his eyes flutter open. Then his face began to light up as he registered what I had done. He smiled when he stood up to meet my face and wrapped his arms around me. It felt nice to be with him. I had only met him yesterday but it felt like an eternity, and there was always an indescribable electric feeling when we was close.
"I was waiting for you. It sounds silly since we met yesterday but-"
"I felt the same" I interrupted. A smile grew on his face. He pulled me close and kissed me -properly.
"You're amazing but you keep missing my lips" he giggled.
"That was the point" I laughed as I kissed him more.
"Tease" he laughed. Then he pulled up 2 tickets that were by his side and he smiled. 
***
"Mr Bobinski wants to put on a show with his mice. He's up here" Dan lead me up the stairs to a weird smelling flat. Cheese. Ugh I hate cheese.
He pushed open the door to reveal a beautiful display of lights, each one begging us to walk further in. Pulling us to the cotton candy, the popcorn and then our seats.
Music blasted out the speakers and the show began.
Mice danced for us creating various shapes that anyone could only dream of.
When it was over we sat in the steps to the building. Taking in the beauty of the stars above us.
"Wow that was amazing!" Dan screamed.
"I wish I could stay here with you, forever." I smiled putting my head on his shoulder. I felt Dan go cold. He pulled me up to his eye level and stared at me blankly.
"Gosh it's late er lets get you back before mother gets mad"
"Mad? She's amazing everything my real mother isn't"
"She's n-" then Dan was cut off by the door opening and my name being called loudly. We exchanged our good nights and I left him with no kiss. Meaning I'd just have to come back.
Eventually I drifted off to sleep and woke up in my "real" bed.
I hated it. Now I knew what my world could be like I hated here.
***
I visited the better world more often, almost every day. Sometimes I didn't even see my other mother because I only came to see him. slowly I fell in love the brown haired boy on the other side of the wall. And I think he fell in love with me too. One day I was with Dan in the garden. And I wanted to tell him.
"Hey Dan."
"Hm?" He continued with tending to the beautiful flowers.
"I love you."
"I love you more" he giggled. We made eye contact, well as much eye contact as you can make with a boy who has buttons for eyes. I wanted to kiss him. So badly it hurt. So I walked closer too him smiling. He got the hint and we kissed. It was short, sweet and gentle. All of a sudden Dan pushed me back. He seemed sad. I could tell.
"Phil. Phil. I made a mistake"
"What was the mistake?" I asked in a concerned tone.
"I listened to her" Dan turned away.
"Who?"
"The other mother"
"Dan?" I gently pulled his gaze back to me. Dan was never like this. I don't understand.
"She lured me here and keeps me. I can still feel every emotion. Mostly pain. She makes me be friends with the children to make them stay too but they're luckier I guess. She kills them but me im here forever and I won't let you fall into the same trap as me, I love you I really do so you have to leave. I can't put you through this pain"
"Do you fall in love with everyone?"
"No no. No matter how she tortures me I'll never let her do that. But I couldn't help myself with you" a single tear fell down the now pale cheeks. "You're the only person have let my guard down. In this life and in my last. It felt right. It felt different. I'm so stupid. She's gonna get us both now. I'm sorry." He looked up and kissed me. "I'm so sorry but you have to leave"
"Dan-"
"Do you believe me" he sighed. Then I looked behind me at the window of the old house. The other mother was stood there. Smiling. But a smile that sent shivers down my spine. She was glaring at Dan then smiling at me, as if I wouldn't notice that she clearly wanted to hurt him. I knew that look anywhere. Buttons or no buttons, the frown was so recognisable it hurt.
"I believe you. So come with me"
"Into a world where everyone has eyes?"
"I can't leave you"
"You can"
"No I can't. You're the only person who has ever listened to me. Actually loved me"
"I'm sure thats not true"
"It is" and now it was my turn for a tear to fall down my pale cheek. Dan pulled me into a hug.
"I will always love you, but you have to go. Be safe" he whispered. Then I felt some boney fingers grab my shoulder.
"Phil it's time to come inside"
"No" i screamed and put my head into dans neck. I tightened my grip and Daniel did the same.
"Now" it's voice was stern. "Don't disobey your mother"
I lifted my head up "you are not my mother"
"Ha! Don't you think I know you've been coming here every single day for over a week. You may aswell live here. Me and your father want to speak to you. Make an arrangement"
Dan bowed his head but as I started  to leave he lifted it and grabbed my arm- shaking his head. "Please" he whispered.
"I'll be okay and so will you" I replied before following my other mother into the kitchen. She sat down beside a very sad "other" father.
"You want to set him free? Then do it for a price Phil. You love him don't you?"
"Yes" I bowed my head.
"Want to end his pain?"
"Yes"
"Then find his eyes before sunset. Find them and he's free don't and you die"
"But-"
"If you fail and die that's more pain for him isn't it so you best find his eyes" I stood up and went to leave. "Oh wait. If he's free you take his place. So back out now- leave now- if you can't take it. This is your last chance"
I grabbed the slender hand that was stretched out towards me and shook it. "Deal"
Then she grew more horrifying. She got slightly taller, her hair turned even more black as it thinned. Her skin became more pale then mine, and that's saying something. Somehow she grew more- like a monster. Less human, less anything. I stared at her- it - in horror and it stared back.
"You won't win" it smirked.
"Do you want me too? Take his place?" She considered it for a moment. The bony brows were pulled towards each other as its mouth crinkled into a frown. It's hand came up to its forehead and scratched.
"I do. You're mine. Of corse I want you to win" an evil laugh filled my ears, the sly grimace filled my thoughts. "I'll give you a clue." It laughed again and moved around the room. It forcefully grabbed my "other" father who looked weak, tired, drained. The firm hand remained on his shoulder, "where the first sign of love came from is where  fist sign of hope will bloom" the hand squeezed harder and the man gulped. "Good luck" and the smile that sent shivers down my spine returned.
I ran out to the garden back to Dan but he was gone. When I looked behind me she was gone too. Everything that once shone now looks dull, faded and broken. I turned around in circles trying to figure out a way to go. "First sign of love?" I said aloud, not noticing the moon creeping out in the distance. I need to save him. "Remember Phil!" I scream slapping my head.
It was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. The lady nodded her head as if to tell me to go, so I did. I ran to the door and pulled it open. A boy stood there with one amazing looking flower. He had chestnut brown hair and the chocolate buttons to match. He was my height and my age and he seemed quiet shy too. He was looking down at the floor messing with his feet. Well I think he was it's difficult to tell when he has buttons for eyes.
No that can't be I was here? And it said "bloom" I scream again in frustration at the glowing moon. "Remember Phil!!!!"
"I heard you liked lions and plants so I found both, it's a lion snapper and it's for you." Dan help out the lion snapper to me.
Wait. "Bloom" and a "sign of love". Giving a flower sure is a sign of affection at least and they bloom. The loin snapper must have come from the garden.
The garden.
I looked at the full table that was in the hallway one last time. There was the dying lion snapper. The yellow was pale and the orange mane was withering.
That's it.
I sprinted as fast as my legs would take me to the centre of the garden. Leaping every time something dares to attempt to block my path. Something inside me was burning, something I've never felt before.
Love.
I panted and scanned the area around me. The flowers were dying, bending towards the cobbled floor. A single note was left on the dry fountain.
"Life was cloudy until the bright lights and happy blue eyes cleared the way"
Lights? The tunnel? No. Wait. The show! I was happy there with Dan. I remember Dan watching me, maybe that's what he saw. I sigh at the thought of sprinting again but I get this feeling pooling in my stomach and heart that tells me to run.
When I reach the door instantly the lights switch off. Silence and darkness surrounds me. I clench my fists until my knuckle turns white, I wouldn't hit anyone and I don't even think I look intimidating but it is a comforting feeling.
Slowly the door creeks open, revealing a dark room with 2 glowing orbs at the very end near the stage. Dan's eyes. It must be.
I creep through noticing what seems like 200 dogs with button eyes sleeping - snoring.
My feel feel heavier as I try to sneak past and eventually I reach them. His eyes.
"YES!" I shout. Then the blinding lights turn on. The dogs, the other parents and the other people on this twisted world are sat in the seats clapping.
"Well done Phillip" it's voice is cold and harsh there's no love behind them, "here's your prize" everyone's attention is drawn to the curtain.
A life less body flops to the floor. Dan. His skin is pale. His hair is dull. His mouth is open. His clothes are dirty and ripped. His buttons are gone. There's nothing in its place, empty dark sockets.
"Go on" it smirked. I held the coffee orbs in my hand and crawled towards his lifeless body. As I got closer they shook and rushed to fill the gaps. For a second life returned and he smiled.
"T-thank y-you" he stuttered. Carefully I kissed his capped lips and smiled. "I- I love you a- and I always w- will"
"I know bear. I love you more" i smiled.
"You- shouldn't have- D- done that"
"I know. But I did and you're free. Don't say thank you again just relax. Breath. Sleep my love"
And with that Dan smiled before slowly closing his eyes for the final time. A tear escaped my cheek as I held him in my arms. His smile faded and he returned to the state he was in before.
But this time I know he was at peace.
"You're right phil he's free. But you're not" she approached me.
Then everything went black...
***
I feel my face. I pinch my arm checking if it's real. It is.
Panic fills my body and I run to a mirror. There they are, sickly sparkling and gloomy glistening in the light.
My new blue buttons...