addicted (phan)

California-Cation

EIGHT

Ever since that night, Phil's been very observant of Dan. They've played about a dozen shows at this point, now touring in the US. Dan was still pretending like nothing ever happened- like Phil hadn't seen him break down.

He tried to pry the gossip from Dan's friends, but they said that Dan wasn't even very open with them. All he got was that Dan's past wasn't all that great, and he had some addiction problems.

Phil wanted to know more. Any partying they did, Phil made sure to be next to Dan to analyze his actions. He noticed that he was constantly glancing around, almost seeming like something was to happen. That something- Phil didn't know.

Tonight, they were in California, and luckily they had a day off tomorrow- so Phil could stay the night with Max while the rest of the band stayed at a hotel nearby. Max got a backstage pass so he could meet all of the band, and he could see Phil again.

They had met once, and it was great, but it felt different this time. He was more nervous than excited to see Max, and with Dan here, he almost didn't want the two to meet. He just wanted to be alone with Max, but Max insisted he meet his new friends.

He was glancing around, ignoring the band's conversation and focused on finding his boyfriend. Sure enough, Max came through the door, his face lighting up once he saw Phil. Max hurried over and hugged him. "Phil!"

"Hey, Max." He went in for a kiss and Phil tilted his head so his lips would touch his cheek instead.

It's not that Phil didn't want to kiss him, but he felt he wasn't allowed to flirt with anyone but Dan. He didn't get to show off Max the way he wanted to. Max eyed him, furrowing his eyebrows.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing I just. . ." He changed the subject. "Wanna meet my friends?"

Max hesitated before nodding, following Phil to his friends. They all hugged and greeted him expect Dan, who silently shook his hand. Max began socializing with them and Phil zoned out, looking at Dan. He was off in la la land, seemingly focused and irritated.

"Phil?"

He turned to see them looking at him, and his cheeks reddened. "Pardon?" He stammered.

"I was telling them about our first date- about when you fell on your-"

"The fans are waiting." Dan cut him off. Max's eyes went wide, embarrassed. "I'd love to hear your story, but I don't want them to get impatient. See you after the show." Then he waltzed off.

Cassidy and Miles apologized for Dan's actions, saying it was nice to meet him before following Dan. Now it was just Phil and Max.

"Is he always like that?" Max asked. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, babe, he's just irritable. Don't worry. I'm sorry about all of this."

"It's okay. At least I get to see you. Plus we still have tonight. I have all our favorite films set out."

Phil grinned. "Thank you." He kissed the top of his head. "I'll meet you after the show."

Then he was off, and the show started, and Phil was singing.

♪

"What the hell, Dan?" Phil snarled, shoving him out the venue. The show had just ended and Phil was fed up. Dan had been a bit too flirtatious the whole time, and with Max in the crowd, it was more than frustrating- especially because he couldn't openly tell Dan to knock it off. "Did you forget my boyfriend was in the audience? Do you not understand what consent is?"