Come Back to Me ~ A Danisnotonfire Fanficton

Handsome Strangers

I fiddle with my hoodie strings as I wait for the tube to come to a halt. I have just arrived in London, and I am traveling to my new apartment. I feel a mixture of fear and excitement as I pull my suitcase out of the sliding doors. I look around the underground, and nostalgia hits me like a rock. It looks very similar to the subway in New York, my old home. But there is no going back now, I have already taken the job here in London; I am going to be a professional journalist. I heft my heavy suitcase up the stairs out of the underground and feel cool, crisp air against my cheeks. I smile. Ever since I was little, I wanted more than anything to live somewhere in Britain. Now that long lived wish has finally come true.

I pull my phone out of my pocket, and check my Maps app. My apartment is just a few blocks away, proving that I didn't take the wrong train. I breathe a sigh of relief, causing a few people to look at me in confusion. Feeling a pang in my stomach, I check my Maps again, and I am happy to see a Starbucks on the way to my new home. I drag my luggage around the bend, across a busy street, and into the coffee shop. I let the warm air and sweet smells of the crowded room engulf me, then suddenly feel really self conscious. What was I thinking? Here I am in Starbucks, and I am dragging a bulging suitcase behind me like a complete idiot. I catch a few confused stares, and duck my head, completely embarrassed. I get to the front of the line, and the cashier glances at my bag. I ignore the look and order. As soon as he hears my American accent, understanding flashes across his face and he chuckles. I try not to feel offended.

“You’re American?” He asks. I am entranced by his accent, but I quickly snap out of it and glare at him.

“Yes, I am.” I snap. He grins.

“Stereotypes are accurate, I see.” He says. I raise one eyebrow.

“Stereotypes?”

“Americans are rude.” He hands me my coffee and I turn on my heel, stomping away.

“It was a long flight...” I mutter an excuse to myself, making a mental note to be nicer in the future. I weave my way through the crowd of people, barely watching where I am going due to the fact that I am still fuming about that stupid cashier.

“Woah, watch out!” I look up to see two guys, about my age, looking down at me, as they are both around six feet tall. I realize I almost ran into them. Recalling my vow not to be rude, I attempt to apologize.

“S-sorry…” I stutter, staring at them. Is it just me, or are Brits generally super attractive? The taller one with brown hair grins. I try in vain to look away from his deep, rich brown eyes.

“It’s okay.” The shorter one chirps. I nod, unable to form words, and quickly shuffle away. I get to my apartment, and shove my newly aquired key into the lock. I am only vaguely aware of what I am doing, my mind is locked on the two strangers in Starbucks. I check my watch, which I just set to London time, to see that it is 7:00 and I am already exhausted. No internet browsing for me tonight! I lock the door behind me and explore, finally finding the bedroom, complete with a bed. I bought the apartment with the furniture included, saving me lots of time, though not a lot of money. I plop down without even putting on pajamas.

♥

I wake up the next morning, realizing that I had fallen asleep the night before without really even getting ready for bed. I laugh as I see myself in the mirror, my blonde hair in shambles and my sloppy makeup smeared. I take a quick shower and unpack. By the time I finish, it’s already 8:37. After a bit of makeup, I decide to explore London a bit, and although my job doesn’t officially start until next week, it wouldn’t hurt to do a little information hunting. I lock my apartment, and press the elevator call button. My mind wanders back to those two men at Starbucks. They must have thought me a complete buffoon, since I ran into them and couldn’t speak. I try to shake them out of my head, in a place as large and populated as London, statistically, I would probably never see them again, at least not for a long while. I step out of the lift, and my eyes almost pop out of my head. There they are, standing in the lobby of my apartment building. Of course… I think. But I can’t hide the fact that I am happy to see them. The shorter one with black hair turns, and sees me. He recognizes me, and waves, smiling. This catches the taller one’s attention, and he turns to see me, too. I wave back, totally stunned as the two of them walk over. As the get closer, I see that they are in workout clothes and running shoes. I feel slightly dizzy with delight at their athleticism.

“Hello again!” The black haired one says. I notice his eyes are as equally stunning as the other one’s, except they are a crystalline blue.

“Hey!” I say, determined to redeem my foolish first impression.

“I’m Phil, and this is Dan.” He says, holding out his hand for me to shake. I shake it gladly, maybe holding it a little too firmly. His palm is so soft…

“Pleasure to meet you - again.” Dan says, holding his hand out as well. I shake his too, finding the experience equally heart fluttering.

“My name is Aesa. The pleasure is all mine!” I say jokingly, though it isn’t a joke. Dan and Phil grin at each other.

“What?” I say, looking from one to the other and back again.

“Nothing.” They say in unison. I frown.

“Now I know there was something.” I say skeptically.

“No, no. We just think that you’re funny, that’s all.” Phil says, smiling. I raise my eyebrows.

“Funny?” I ask. Dan grins.

“We better get going. Got some calories to burn.” He says, and the both walk away. I have no idea what to make of that exchange, to be honest. I turn right back around and hop back into the lift, pressing the button for my floor. Once back at my apartment, I try to decipher their little game. An hour later, I still haven’t figured it out. Time to drown my baffled brain in YouTube! I normally don’t go on YouTube, I don’t know why. But today, I feel this strange pull to it, like it could solve all of my problems. I remember I haven’t watched the YouTube Rewind 2014, so I search it up, and click play.

End of Chapter One

Hey guys! This is my first fanfiction, and I would love feedback! Thank you so much for reading it, and if you have any suggestions please tell me!!

-Xoxo, WhenIFangirl