irl

Chapter 38

It was their last day in Japan, and our trio set off to the airport, suitcases in hand. Everyone left with a little more than they had brought.

Both Dan and Phil had the added weight of random anime merch they had picked up around Tokyo. Both had new posters for their room of gay ice skaters.

"Yurio is my spirit animal," Dan said, buying his poster a few days earlier.
"Which side? The kitten side, or the lion side?"
"Both," Dan smiled, chuckling.

Fortunately for some of them, George had landed a plane ticket on the same flight as Dan and Phil. Of course, Dan being the best friend he could, he let George take his seat while Dan sat a few rows back, with two strangers. Both were adults, they seemed to be brother and sister.

They were normal, but Dan wasn't at all. He felt constantly judged, even though neither of the two payed him any attention. He decided that speaking to either of the people was not an option due to his social awkwardness. So, he just sat the entire plane ride, silent and wedged into his cramped seat. What was worse was that the person in front of him has reclined the seat back. It didn't make a huge difference, but Dan wasn't happy.

George and Phil were sat next to a woman who gave them sideways glances every time they made a single noise or moved on inch. Both felt oddly intimidated by the middle-aged woman. She looked very business-y, strawberry blonde hair pulled back into a tight bun that looked like it hurt her head.

Needless to say, all three were very glad when the plane finally landed back in London.

Dan stepped out of the airport and took in a deep breath.
"Ah, I missed that London fume smell!" He exclaimed sarcastically.
"I'm going miss Japan," Phil said sadly, "it was super awesome though. Thanks for that, Dan," he said, smiling. He had Dan a quick hug and also thanked George for the big surprise of showing up.

They parted ways, Dan and Phil catching an uber, finally headed back to their apartment.
"I think I've consumed too much sushi this week," Phik groaned.
"That's impossible!" Dan yelled, their driver giving them a raised eyebrow. She tried to make conversation with the two,
"Where were you? You seem to be British so you must've gone somewhere if I'm driving you from the airport," she explained.
"We went to Japan!" Phil said exitedly. Dan let Phil speak and just nodded along.
"That's cool, you guys have a good time? Vacation?"
"Yeah," said Phil. "A surprise set up by this guy." Phil pointed to an awkwardly smiling Dan, who just continued to nod along.
"That sounds fun. Oh, this is your road isn't it?" The driver pulled up in front of the apartment building.
"Yeah, thank you!" Phil smiled, getting out of the car, Dan following along. He was proud that he had managed to not say on word to the driver.

They entered their apartment, immediately getting comfortable.
"I didn't realize how much this feels like home to me," Dan thought aloud. It was really meant to be a thought to himself, but he spoke aloud.
"Well I guess it really is, isn't it?" Phil pointed out, unintentionally pointing out that Dan didn't really have a family anymore. He seemed to realize what he had done, his expression morphing into regret.
"I didn't mean–"
"It's cool," Dan assured, chuckling at how worried Phil had gotten in less than two seconds. Dan ignored the thoughts that attempted to force their way into his skull.

No, this is a good, nice time with Phil.

"It's good to be back here, though," Phil said, taking in the petite living room.
"It's odd," Dan said to Phil, "I guess that... I feel like if I'm with you, it's my... home." Dan admitted, scratching the back of his neck. He continued,
"You're a replacement for my family. You accept me and you care for me me, and it's homely. I'm sorry, this sounds super weird," Dan said, shaking his head.
"No, it's okay, it's fine. I'm your family now, it's understandable. After what... uh, what happened to you, I get it. I like being your family, it makes you happy," Phil said, making Dan grin at him.
"When was the last time you smiled like that?" Phil questioned, raising an eyebrow. The smile suddenly disappeared, replaced by a small frown.
"What do you mean?" Dan asked, even though he was fully aware of what was about to happen.
"I mean that you've seemed down. You've been quiet, withdrawn."
"We've already talked about this, Phil, okay? It's fine," he assured, not-so-convincingly. Phil just sighed and let it go, deciding it wasn't worth the effort.
"Anyways, I'm exhausted. I'm going to sleep," Phil yawned, and Dan was happy that the topic had changed.
"You headed to bed?"
"Yeah. If I can move," Phil said, leaning back into the couch.
"You can do it! I believe in you!" Dan shouted the words of encouragement as Phil sat up, groaning.
"So tired...."
"DO IITTTT! I KNOW YOU CAN!" Dan shouted like an over-motivated cheerleader.
"Geez, okay, okay, you're gonna wake everyone in the building. I'm getting up," Phil said as he stood upright.
"Okay. I'm satisfied. Good night," Dan smiled, and Phil left the room.

Dan leaned back, figuring that he better go to bed, too, due their terrible jet lag.
"Good night," he said to the empty room, turning off the light.

Note to readers: it all starts chapter 40