Phan One Shots

~ Arranged Marriage

Arranged Marriage

Words: 3178

Summary: Phil's parents say that if Phil doesn't have a wife by 25 then he'll be set up in an arranged marriage. Luckily his best friend Dan is there to help.

"We had a deal Phil." Phil's father repeated in frustration. 

"I know but I really don't-" Phil tried once again, his own anger at possible tipping point.

"You aren't worming your way out of this. I want results! Now get out there and find a wife or we'll have to do it for you. Linda and I have found plenty of suitors-"

"But I don't want to get married so young dad." Phil insisted, gritting his teeth in the process. His hand clenched the strand of his hair in frustration. He really didn't want to be dealing with this right now. He jumped a little when he saw his best friend leaning against their kitchen doorway. He wore a concerned yet curious expression. 

Phil's father demanded his attention once more. "Young?! Don't make me laugh Philip, 25 is a perfectly suitable age to settle down. In fact it's getting on. I think your mother was generous in extending your deadline. I was married at nineteen, I'd say you're overdue." Phil's father replied haughtily.

"Yeah well it's not the dark ages any more dad." Phil replied bitterly and Dan stifled a giggle which made Phil feel only slightly better.

"Watch your mouth boy. This isn't up for negotiation. If you haven't found a wife before your next birthday then we're setting you up. Goodbye."  The line went dead and Phil angrily dropped his phone on the counter, knuckles turning white as he gripped the side tightly. 

"Well shit." Dan breathed and Phil let out a bitter chuckle in reply. Dan frowned and walked over to his best friend. He put his hand over Phil's clenched ones and made him loosen his grip before he hurt himself. "Hey, it's ok. Come on." Dan cooed and pulled Phil into a hug. 

"It's not okay Dan. I don't want to get married to some stranger." Phil breathed shakily and felt his eyes get hot. Dan only tightened his grip around his friend because he hated to see Phil in pain - especially after everything they'd been through. Phil had helped Dan out of a dark place in his younger days and he felt it was a great injustice for someone just so fucking nice to be punished this way. He bit his lip and tried to think of a solution to this problem that had been hanging over them for quite some time. He had considered many possibilities before to help Phil but time was pressing him into finding a proper solution. 

His lightbulb moment came, but he wasn't sure whether Phil would like it or not. "I have a proposition." Dan started, swallowing his nerves and putting on a confident front. He pulled away from Phil to look him in the eye. Phil sniffed and nodded his head - all too eager to find a way out. "How about you marry me?" Dan suggested with a grin.

Phil's eyes went wide with shock. Dan? His best friend? "Huh?" Phil blurted, the information not entirely sinking in. 

Dan smirked, "Think about it. It'll be a fake marriage and everything'll still be the same. We can still live together and go on with our lives. The only difference is a legal document and some rings. We don't have to do anything - just keep up appearances for your parents for a while." Dan explained, hoping it was helpful. He didn't mind marrying Phil - he'd probably jump off a cliff for his best friend if he knew it would help him. 

Phil swallowed. "Dan, are you sure about that? I don't want to drag you into my mess - not when you have your own future. What if you meet someone and this marriage prevents you from seeing them? What if it causes problems? What if my parents find out-"