Better Than Me

Chapter 18

chapter notes: wow i totally didn't put paramore and gerard way song lyrics references in this chapter

this is so fucking late aksjgnfkbdkss i've been so distracted and unproductive rip lmao enjoy! last chapter was lots of smut so here's lots of fluff! <3

-floof

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"Daaaaan," Dan heard his name being whispered. He blinked his eyes open slowly to see Phil kneeled on the floor in front of him. Dan was still laying on the bed, cozily wrapped up in the blankets.

"Whaaaaat," Dan groaned, shoving his face into the pillow.

"It's Christmas morning, Dan! Come on, we have gifts to open soon!" Phil said excitedly, pulling the blankets back. Dan glanced up at him, unable to stop himself from cracking a smile at how enthusiastic he was. Dan did want to see Phil's reaction to the gifts he got him, as well as the mysterious gift that Phil put under the tree the night before that he couldn't help but assume was his.

"Okayyy," Dan grumbled, sitting up. He rubbed his eyes and ruffled his hair, "When are we going to open gifts?"

"They're making lunch right now, and after we eat we'll open them," Phil explained, "I let you sleep in a little."

"Okay, I'll need to shower first," Dan told Phil.

"Okay," Phil said, "I already showered while you were asleep."

"Without me?" Dan teased and batted his lashes as Phil shoved at him. Giggling, Dan pulled him close to kiss, but he was called downstairs for something, so he had to go. He at least made sure that he supplied Dan with a kiss on the forehead before he left.

Dan yawned and slowly rose up from bed, stretching his arms out dramatically. For a moment, he took the time to be thankful that he wasn't waking up in his bedroom in Wokingham. Even though Manchester was still somewhat foreign, the environment provided by Phil and his family was warm, inviting, and cozy. He was comfortable for the most part, aside from the fact that he still had to lie to Phil. Every day he was just finding some excuse or distraction to avoid telling the truth. It still hurt, it still drained him, and Dan didn't want to admit it to himself - but it was getting worse. The hole he was digging himself into was just getting deeper and deeper.

It didn't take Dan long to shower, and once he was out, dressed, and with his hair styled, he checked his phone to see some messages from his family. None from his dad, but mostly everyone else.

Mum: Merry Christmas, bear! <3

Adrian: merry crisis

Grandma: Merry Christmas Dear. We miss you and wish you were here with us!

Granddad: Merty Vhrisymas Daniek

Auntie: Wish you didn't have to work, honey. Have a good Christmas -Auntie & Uncle

Those were also sweet, even the one from his granddad who wasn't a very good texter. He answered them and headed downstairs to meet everyone for lunch.

As he stepped down the staircase, he could smell the delicious lunch that they had made. Dan stepped into the kitchen to see everyone talking and finalizing the meal, so he awkwardly scooted close to Phil, who was talking to Martyn and Cornelia about something.

When Phil noticed Dan, he looked a little surprised, but awkwardly smiled and pushed his hair back. "Oh. Hi."

"Hey," Dan said, a little confusion in his tone, but he hoped it didn't come off that way.

"Are you excited for presents?" Phil asked, going back to being positive and a little peppy.

"Yeah," Dan replied with a smile, "Does your mum need help with lunch or anything?"