Phan Phluff

Winter Dance (pt. 1)

words: 2934
genre: fluff
warnings: none

Although they had been friends for a few years, Dan and Phil grow closer and closer every day. It was strange timing, as Phil was 4 years older than Dan and had already graduated high school. Dan, however, was in his senior year of high school. They had decided to go to the river after Dan got out of school, since they were both pretty stressed but still wanted to spend time together. Although it was extremely warm in Manchester, it was fall, nearing winter.

After an hour or two of swimming, Dan and Phil climbed on to a nearby rock. They were the only people at the secluded river area, so they laughed loudly while trying to climb the rock. Once on top, they simply laid down in silence to at least try and tan their pale bodies. Dan looked over at Phil, whose eyes were closed, bathing in the setting sunlight.

Dan began to think. What did I do to be able to have the most beautiful person in the world, inside and out, laying here next to me, actually wanting to be my friend? See, the thing was that Dan had never been too good with words, much less using them affectionately. Dan really liked Phil, but he knew he would never feel the same. Why would he? Phil was smart and funny and had already graduated school. He was taking a few years off before starting college.

Dan then decided to stop worrying, he needed relaxation time with his best friend. So he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

About half an hour later, Phil very gently rocked Dan awake whispering "Dan? Dan it's time to wake up. We should start heading home soon."

The boys had to walk home, and they needed to be home before dark.

"Alright," Dan said. He didn't want to leave. He really didn't. He loved spending time with Phil. He opened his eyes and saw Phil was already half way down the rock. Dan followed, grabbing the shirt Phil had left behind. He began to climb down the rock, and as he reached the bottom, Phil offered him his hand to help him get down safely and he took it, quickly exchanging the shirt from his right hand to his left. He had just landed when he had began to loosen his grip on Phil's hand, but Phil had already started walking, forgetting to let go.

"Philip Lester; you're an idiot." Phil said aloud, looking into the mirror in his bathroom.

He had forgotten to let go of Dan's hand. Daniel Howell. The senior that was about to graduate, his best friend, the boy he was secretly in love with. Phil had came out as bi to Dan a few years ago, as did Dan to Phil. It's something they've always been able to bond over.

"I've made it so obvious!" He looked down, away from his reflection. Dan was too busy with school to be in a relationship. Let alone with his best friend. Phil didn't want Dan to get hurt. They had said "I love you" before, in a very brotherly fashion. Phil wanted it to be so much more though. Just thinking about the day Dan had told him he loved him made his face go bright red. Much like it did earlier that day, when he realized he had never let go of Dan's hand.

He had gone slightly pink in the cheeks and apologized to Dan, who simply smiled and said it was fine. Dan then gave Phil his shirt back. Phil had walked around town with no shirt on, holding the hand of the man he loved. Phil had just been about to get in the shower when a noise made him jump.

His phone. He had received a text from Dan. That was odd, Dan normally ever called when he wanted to hang out or talk, but it was a school night and Dan was always pretty responsible with his schoolwork. Phil quickly read the message.
•
Dan: What's up mate
Phil: Just about to grab a quick shower. Why? Everything ok?
Dan: Everything's fine. Look I know it's late and I'm sorry, but I was wondering if we could meet up real quick tonight? For a coffee maybe?
Phil: Of course. Meet you at the the shop around 10 then?
Dan: Sounds great. Thanks man
•
Odd, Phil thought. Dan hated coffee and Phil knew it. He only ever got coffee with Phil when Phil was upset or it was a special occasion. Oh well. Phil checked his watch, 8:57. Ok, he thought. I'll grab a shower, get ready, and be out the door by 9:30.