Euphoric but Empty

Dan

Dan refused to leave Phil's side. Many people tried to pry him from the bedside, to no avail. He wouldn't, couldn't leave him, for fear he would awake to a vast lonely emptiness inside the four white walls. Phil didn't stir for more then 9 hours. Dan began hearing various whispers from the doctors.
"Possible head injury...severe bruising...coma." Dan's head spun. What if he never awoke? He couldn't imagine his life without Phil. His mind drifted to their first date. He began to sing under his breath.
"I was dreaming, one night, of your black hair, and your blue eyes..." He continued, half expecting Phil's beautiful voice to join in. Alas, it seemed his feeble hope would be in vain, for he was nearing the verse's end. "I still love you..." Dan's voice broke in pain as he cried silent tears.
"Do you remember the time, when we first met at the train station?" A gorgeous voice croaked. Dan looked up to see two familiar blue eyes staring back at him. Dan's face lights up as he jumps from his sitting position and begins yelling to alert the doctors. His tears of sadness were quickly replaced with those of joy. He wanted to throw his arms around the frail body but stopped himself, for fear of hurting the already broken boy. Seeing him alive was enough, for now.
Dan had much trouble containing his euphoria as he waited for the doctors to clear Phil to go home. He felt like crying out in celebration. It took most of his strength to suppress the urge. Phil was released the next afternoon, after a long and grueling process that required lots of signing. Phil was sent home with many prescriptions. Some for his depression, others for the pain. Dan welcomed him home with open arms. Phil was lucky, he was going to be home just in time for graduation. He was getting out 3 days before Dan. They had already recieved acceptance letters from the same university. They had promised to never make the other feel alone, and Dan intended to stick to that promise.
Phil came home the next day wearing his cap and gown. He looked ridiculous. It was baggy and the ugliest shade of green. Dan laughed at his adorable boyfriend in the horrifying outfit. Phil let out a little humorous whimper and began to flail his arms wildly. Dan wrapped his arms around him, ceasing the wild flailing. He planted a small kiss on Phil's cheek. It never really mattered to him what his boyfriend wore anyway. He was excited for them to begin a life together.
It was Friday, the day of Dan's graduation. He was a nervous wreck. He had been told that he was a contestant for validictorian. Meaning he'd have to give a speech. He didn't like public speaking. He just wanted to implode out of existence.
"And now we will announce your valedictorian and salutatorian." The principal announced. Dan's hands shook. "Our valedictorian is... Caspar Lee." Dan let out a sigh of relief and clapped for the random person. He was in the clear. He half listened to the speech and clapped as it ended, ready to go greet his family. "And our salutatorian is... Daniel James Howell!" Dan froze in his tracks. He shot around suddenly. No. No. No no no no no no no. Dan then felt two hands press against his back and push him onstage. He looked back to see Pj giving him an encouraging thumbs up. Dan turned to the vast audience. He stumbled up to the microphone with his heart beating out of his chest.
      "I-I-I..." Dan stammered he was visibly shaking and most of the faces in the audience turned sympathetic. Except one. Dan looked at the face and realized who it was. Phil. Phil was beaming at Dan and motioning for him to continue. Dan took a deep breath and went on. "I-I want to th-thank the L-Lester's for taking me in this year." He took another long slow breath as he continued, never breaking eye contact with Phil. "I-Its been a challenging year for me. My parents got divorced and I moved in with a new family. But there has always been one constant in my life. And that constant is a certain Phillip Michael Lester. Phil and I met at my work at the beginning of the year. He has been a bright spot in my life. When I was at my worst, he was there. When I was at my best, he was there. And he wasn't just there to swoop in and be my hero. He was there because he genuinely cared. When I slipped he never let me fall. He was the only person I could count on 24/7. If it were possible, I would suggest everyone get a Phil Lester. Because he is inspiring and caring and the most amazing person in the world. And that is why I am proud to proclaim..." Dan stepped down from the podium, microphone in hand as he walked towards Phil and beckoned for him to come up onstage. Phil walked up a little confused but obviously enthusiastic. Dan looked right into his gorgeous oceanic blue-green-yellow eyes. "I love you Phil Lester. And no one will ever replace the special place you hold in my heart." Dan yanked Phil in as their lips crashed together. Dan dropped the mic so he could run his fingers through Phil's soft hair. The audience erupted into a chorus of awws and tears. Even the principal didn't try to pull them apart.