Phan // Doctor's Appointments

Appointment Five

The wind blew sporadically and shifted Dan's hair around on his head as he made his way to the nearest Starbucks. He was stooped over in an attempt to battle the biting wind, which was relentlessly pushing him backwards. Dan's hands were wrapped tightly around his own mid-section and he took slow, trudging steps up the street. The day's events played in a continuous loop inside Dan's mind. Cat's disbelieving expression, his own angry outburst and other happenings made regular appearances in his own brain as he continued his journey.

When he finally entered Starbucks, he immediately found Doctor Lester sipping what looked like a tall latte at a table at the back of the café, staring absently out the window. The steam from the coffee rose elegantly, and danced in front of Phil's face, twirling around effortlessly before disappearing into the atmosphere just above the doctor's head. It was strange seeing Phil without his distinctive white coat, and without a stethoscope hanging casually from his neck. Today, the doctor was dressed in a red flannel shirt and, from what Dan could see under the table, black skinny jeans.

Dan strolled over to where Phil was enjoying his coffee and took a seat opposite him.
'Morning-ish, how are you?' Dan said, glancing at his phone to discover that it was already two in the afternoon.
'I'm alright, how are you?'
'Ugh, it's been a rough morning...' Dan's statement was punctuated with a tired shrug.
Phil got up suddenly and walked briskly towards the serving counter, where a steaming mug had just been placed. Phil picked up the fresh drink and brought it over, setting it down on the table in front of Dan.
'I got you a caramel macchiato,' he said, 'I hope that's alright?'
'Perfect,' Dan said with a relieved smile. He brought the drink up to his face and let the steam warm his chin, then shut his eyes and grinned stupidly.

When he opened his eyes, Phil was giggling.
'You're so strange,' he exclaimed.
'It's so cold outside!' Dan insisted, 'Anyways, as I was saying it's been a crap morning.'
'Why's that?' Phil asked.
'Cat didn't know that I-I'm gay...' Dan said awkwardly.
'Cat?' Phil asked, unsure of who Dan was referring to.
'Oh, um, Cat. M-my flatmate.'
'And what's the problem with that?' Phil continued.
'S-she, um, she's kind of in l-love with me.'
The two men fell into an awkward silence. Dan refused to meet Phil's eyes, keeping his own fixated on the mug in front of him.

'Well, she can't have everything,' Phil stated simply, 'No matter how much she wants you, she needs to respect that she can't have you. If you need a place to stay, let me know, okay.'
Dan remained silent for a moment longer, mulling over what Doctor Lester had said.
'Thanks,' he replied, 'But, I think I should stay with Cat for a bit. Maybe I can help her get over it?'
'Whatever you think is right.' Phil said with a reassuring smile, 'I'll drop you home, I've got my car with me.'
'It's alright, I can walk!' Dan exclaimed.
'I'm not letting you walk home in this! You'll get blown out to sea or something just as tragic!' Phil replied without hesitation, 'What's your address?'

Dan explained that he lived opposite the doctor's office, then, they placed their mugs on the serving counter and headed out the door. Phil took Dan's hand in his own and led him around the corner to where his car was parked. Once they were both seated, Phil started up the car and began driving slowly towards Dan's flat. A quarter of the way through their journey, Phil took one hand off the steering wheel and placed it gently on Dan's thigh, giving it a small squeeze.
'Keep me updated, I need to know that you're okay. Remember, you can come and stay with me any time that you like.'
'But what about your wife?' Dan asked quietly.
'Oh, she moved out weeks ago. Plus, she's not my wife anymore!' Phil replied with a pathetic laugh.
'I'm sorry,' Dan said softly.
'Don't be, I'm much happier now.'

They finally rounded the corner onto Dan's street and Phil pulled over onto the pavement. Dan didn't move just yet, and instead looked over towards the doctor, whose eyes met his own.
'Thanks a lot,' Dan said with a shy grin.
Phil leaned in suddenly and placed a loving kiss on Dan's lips. He lingered there for a few seconds before pulling away and smiling at the younger boy.
'I'll see you soon,'

//

SORRY I HAVEN'T UPDATED THIS IN TWENTY YEARS

AND THANK U ALL SO MUCH FOR GETTING THIS TO 100+ READS OOHHMMYYGOODD