Finding the Phandom: A Dan and Phil AU

Chapter 9

A/N: In my last chapter I talked about self-harm. I know that this can be manifested in different ways, and when I wrote about Dan's experience, I based it on my personal experience. I do not mean to offend anyone if your experience is difference than mine. 

You're all precious and valid and I love you all!

~

The response was large and exactly as expected. So many people submitted endless questions, for Phil and his mystery guest. Dan and Phil FaceTimed that night and picked out their favorite questions, laughing as they went. They found a few that were relevant to the events of the world, some related to previous content, and there were some that were completely random, and those were their favorites. 

Once they had their list of questions, they talked until they fell asleep. They discussed their plans for the following day, talking over what they would do together, deciding weather or not to go to a fancy place or keep in casual. They talked it through for quite a while, talking it over. 

"It's the first time we hung out in person, its a special occasion," Phil wanted to go to Duck and Waffle, which is a fancy restaurant in London. Dan wanted to keep it casual, hang out at Phil's flat, order a pizza, avoid the public for the day.

"But Phil, if we go out in public, we will have to see fans. Which means taking pictures, and answering questions, and dealing with people." Dan had been adamant that he didn't want to be bombarded with fans tomorrow, since they always ask so many questions. 

"Please... It is my birthday, you know." Phil knew that Dan would crack, he just had to last longer than him. 

"No, Phil, don't do this to me." Dan covers his face in his hand. When he peeks through his fingers Phil is pouting at him. His blue eyes big and his pupils wide, his top lip is tucked into his bottom one. He was giving Dan his puppy dog face, and Dan, damnit, was cracking. "Can we at least compromise? We can go to Starbucks or something, then go back to your flat and order a pizza and film."

Phil liked this about Dan, he was sure of what he wanted, and he was going to make sure he and Phil were both happy in the situations. "I can be okay with that," Phil conceded, his sad face instantly changing. He added as an afterthought, "We are still going to the London Eye." Dan put his hand up in an I surrender motion. 

As Dan and Phil talked into the late evening, Dan kept his eyes on the clock, watching the time flip closer and closer to midnight. When the clock flips closer to the end of the day, Dan became more and more nervous for the following day. It was nearly Phil's birthday, and Phil was waffling off about Corgis. Dan wasn't listening to the specific words Phil was saying, but watching the way his face moves as he talks.

When Phil talks about things he loves, his face is overcome by calm. His features smooth, and he looks sheepishly downward. His mouth quirks into a half smile and his eyes dilate, and he just looks soft. Dan watches his ramble for a good amount of time before noticing the time. It was exactly midnight.

"Hey Phil," Dan interrupts the older man, smiling fondly at the small smile on his face.

"Yeah?"

"Happy birthday, you old spoon." Phil's laugher is genuine and light. "Really though, happy birthday. I don't mean to be sappy and shit, but I'm glad we started talking."

"Me too, Dan." Phil's eyes are big, his expression soft, "Me too."

~

The next morning was there before either man knew it. They both went their separate ways that morning, in preparation for the day to come. Dan eat a bowl of crunchy nut, hopped in the shower in his tiny bathroom, got dressed, brushed his teeth, straightened his hair, and sat on the couch.