Interior Design (Phan)

Big Wigs in the Blue Room

5:47 AM. Dan rolls over in bed, hearing his back crack as he twists himself to reach his alarm. Swinging his legs over to the side if the bed, knocking over a glass previously lain on the floor. "Good going Dan. Have fun cleaning that up." He thought to himself. Sooner than later after getting dressed and ready for his first day back to work, as his self-proclaimed week off was now over, he dragged himself down to the breakfast bar. His "work" was really only an internship, but he took it very seriously. With a quick glance at the clock, he realized it was already 6;15 and he should probably get going if he doesn't want to be late for his first day back.

When Dan arrives at his internship, he is greeted by tall women in even taller high heels clicking past him as the elevator door opens. One of the women waves to Dan as he maneuvers his way through the crowd. He never understood why interior designers acted like their jobs were so important, who really cares about the way their home looks on the inside? But then again, Dan never has friends over, because he doesn't really have any aside from Kelsey. Kelsey went to school with him a few years back, they used to be great friends, but the two of them have lost touch because they are so busy.

Once Dan is in his office, he begins "working." Working consists of drawing funny looking chairs that might be good looking to some people? His most recent is what he calls "The Butt Chair" but his boss does not approve. At least Kelsey thought it was funny. Working also consists of creating ads for the newspaper to advertise the business. He sends his files to his boss at the end of the day, and he packs up to go home.

"Meeting in 10 minutes in the Blue Room. All staff must attend." He hears over the PA system. Well, there goes his opportunity for a wild party with the friends he doesn't have.

Dan is one of the last people to slip into the room, but still manages to find a seat pretty close to the front. The "big wig," if you will, starts jabbering on and on about the company's legacy and a whole list of nonsense, until he motions for someone to come onstage. Still, Dan is practically taking a nap in the fourth row, until he hears the words "Competition, internship, and Phil Lester."

Dan is wide awake now. He can't see this "Phil" guy anywhere, but he's probably a young high schooler looking to scrounge up a few dollars at any opportunity he gets. Phil makes his way to center stage with his new boss by his side, showcasing the boy he thinks will "kick off the interior design industry with his various skills and talents." What a load of bullshit. This tall black-haired boy probably can't even draw a pillow, let alone something as amazing as Dan's own Butt Chair creation.

As the big-wig boss explains said "competition" all eyes are on the two boys with the matching fringe. Dan Howell and Phil Lester are the talk of the hour. Apparently, the two fringe-matching boys will be competing for a spot at the "60th Annual Interior Design Showcase" as well as a shot at working full time, with benefits. But, only one of them can make the cut.

One thing's for sure, Dan didn't sign up for this the first day he walked into the building. Dan's sure that Lester knew what was going on, but more importantly, why had nobody bothered to tell Dan? As far as Dan's concerned, Phil can have the spot, because Dan couldn't give two hoots about interior design, he's only here because his Dad made him at least 'look' for a job.

Phil looks overjoyed to be put into this position. His suit jacket is making him sweat, plus there are over 100 people in the room, and that isn't helping anything. He spends more time looking for a coat rack to hang the fucking thing than he is socializing with his peers. Finally, he finds an office with a coat rack, puts it there, and reminds himself to take it back before he leaves.

Dan decideds that he's spent enough time with his co-workers and it's time to collect his things and leave. On his way back to his office, he notices Phil with his head held high, briskly walking back to the Blue Room. As soon as he opens the door to his tiny glassed-in office, he notices that the coatrack by his door is now holding his own suit jacket as well as Lester's. Dan decided to take it with him, pretty boy Phil can ask for it back tomorrow. He's had enough for one day, and makes his way back to his flat via public transport.

*The Next Day*

4:50 AM. Phil wakes up, springs into his exercise clothes and heads for his treadmill in his basement. Some people start their day off with coffee, Phil starts his day off with a light jog to perk himself up. Plus, he's got to keep his body in shape if he wants a boyfriend that actually finds his ugly body attractive. Phil turns up the speed, and all his troubles are forgotten, at least for the next 20 minutes, before he showers and throws some food in his mouth and hops on the bus to his internship.

The second Phil steps into the lobby, he realizes he left his suit jacket in someone's office..."It was down that hallway... And, to the left, right?" He asks himself. On his way through confusingly twisty hallways and office cubicles, he finally finds the office in which he left his jacket. He knocks twice before the voice on the other side tells him to come in. Dan rolls his big brown eyes at Phil, and asks, "What the hell do you want, Lester?" Phil is taken by surprise with such words spewing from Dan's mouth.

"Thats no way to treat a co-worker. Now then, where's my jacket? I swear I left it in here yesterday..." Phil trails off as Dan scoots his swivel chair over to a box on the floor.

"This one?" Dan asks, holding up the grey suit jacket.

"Yeah, that's the one. May I have it back please..." Phil trials off, not knowing the boy's name.

"Dan," he remarks. "The one and only intern in this company so you'd better draw up some nice chairs otherwise you'll never have your shot at the showcase." Dan says, kicking his feet up onto his desk, and cracking his knuckles as he does.

"Yeah... Okay, can I just have my coat back please? I've got work to do."

"No." Dan says, sternly.

"Why not?" Phil asks, almost whining, and irritating Dan even more.

"Because, you've got to show me what you've got. Grab a sketch pad, buddy. Start drawing." Dan throws a couple pencils at Lester and he begins to draw something that seems to be a cross between a fireplace and a three headed-dragon.

"Can you stop staring at my work? It's throwing me off, Dan." Phil says, lowering his head closer to the paper. He can hear Dan blowing air out of his mouth in an upwards direction toward his hair, making it float there for a few seconds before falling back down onto his face again.