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#adulting means uploading this before a work meeting BYE
oswlld · 2 years
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—  jane eyre, c.b.
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i-am-baechu · 7 months
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❥・Title: Danger! 
❥・Paring: Jimin x reader 
❥・ Summary: Y/N spent every day the same. Read records, help a patient, read more records, prescribe medication, and then go home. Meeting the preschool teacher who teaches her nephew in the hospital lobby was something she wasn’t expecting but she wasn’t complaining. Especially when he’s so cute.
❥・ Rating: Pg - 14
❥・ Genre: Doctor! Y/N, preschool teacher! Jimin, Brother Jungkook!, fluff, romance, little spice and comedy
❥・Authors Note: I was going to upload this yesterday but I fell asleep as soon as I got home! Sorry guys but here she is~
Playlist: Danger - Woo!Ah! ♫⋆。♪ ₊˚♬ ゚.
Jeon Y/N finished the last report and leaned back in her chair with a loud sigh. It was a busy day but what else is new for her? She pushed her glasses up into her hair and stared at the ceiling with a blank expression. She loves being busy. It keeps her mind off of things but sometimes it just gets too much. Before her thoughts consumed her, her cell phone started ringing. She took the phone out as she continued to stare at the ceiling, “Hello?”
“Yah! Y/N, where are you?”
“Don’t talk to me like that, it's annoying.” 
“I’m older than you! Don’t tell me what to do!” 
“Jungkook, what do you want?” 
“Haneul misses you and he wants you to come over for dinner.”
Y/N smiled at this and nodded her head, “I miss Haneul too. I’ll visit, I just finished my reports.”
“Don't you miss your brother?” 
“Bye~.”
“Yah, Y/N-”
Y/N pressed the red button and put her phone back in her pocket. She let out a laugh and shook her head, “Idiot.” She put away the reports into her desk and put the leftovers of her lunch in her bag. She stretched her back and let out a small groan when she felt it crack. She took her doctor's coat and put it on the coat hanger with a small smile. She grabbed her tote and was finally leaving her office. It felt like she lived there but it did feel good to be wanted by someone that wasn’t her family. 
She walked out of her office saying her goodbyes whenever she walked past someone. She put her things in the car and she stared at herself in the small mirror in her car. She was only twenty-seven and she already felt like she was in her fifties with the amount of work she had. Being an adult is so troublesome. 
She entered the familiar house and the smell of beef hit her nose. She went to take off her shoes but before she could bend down, a loud voice echoed through the living room, “Aunty!!” 
“My Haneul!~ I missed you so much, baby!~” 
“You can’t even say that to your brother?”
She picked up Haneul and scoffed at Jungkook as she placed a kiss on Haneul’s forehead, “Why would I say it to you, Jungkook?”
Jungkook placed the bowl of greens on the table and pouted at her, “Because I raised you!” 
“Okay? Do you want a gold star for that?” 
Jungkook put some salad on a plate and nodded his head, “I do because you didn’t make things easy you know.” 
“I just taught you stuff, isn’t that right, Haneul?”
Haneul let out a small laugh and hugged Y/N’s neck, “Yeah, Daddy! Aunty taught new stuff!” 
“See Kook, you should listen to your son.” 
Jungkook rolled his eyes and took Haneul out of her arms, “Haneul, do you want to tell Aunty what you did today?”
Haneul nodded his head, “Teacher...I patched his cut.” 
Y/N tilted her head at this and smiled, “Are you a doctor like me, Han?”
Jungkook pouted at her and shook his head “Maybe he wants to be like his dad?” 
“Single?” 
Jungkook scoffed at this and kissed Haneul on the cheek causing a giggle to erupt, “Aunty is lonely and will always be right?”
“Daddy? I want....Aunty to meet teacher.”
Y/N raised her eyebrow as she sat next to Jungkook, “Teacher? What's his name?”
Jungkook clicked the straps on Haneul’s high chair and gave her a small smirk, “Jimin.”
“Last name?”
“Park Jimin.” 
Jimin sneezed in his office and Taehyung tilted his head, “You good?”
“Just a sneeze.” 
Taehyung leaned forward and gave him a mischievous look, “That means someone is talking about you.”
Jimin rolled his eyes and put his folders in the cabinet, “Who would talk about me?” 
“A future lover, I bet.”
“Tae, shut up. Talking about lovers, shouldn’t you go home to yours?” 
Taehyung rolled his eyes and stood up from his chair, “Yuki knows I’ll be late.”
“Just go and leave me alone.” 
Taehyung put his hands up in defeat and let out a sigh, “Just think about my offer.” 
Jimin sighed and took a sip of his water, “I’ll think about it...now leave my office.” 
“Yes, Mr. Park.”
“Don’t call me that!” 
˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶
“Mr. Park....”
Jimin looked behind him to see Haneul looking at him with a sad look. Jimin raised his eyebrow at the sight and was worried. Haneul was usually loud and happy but this was different. Jimin put the marker down next to Jon on the table. He stood up from the small table and took Haneul to his desk. He leaned down to his level and gave him a small smile, “Haneul? Is everything okay?”
Haneul bit his lip and nodded his head, “I miss my aunty...” Jungkook warned him that Haneul was going to be like this today, “My sister came over last night and left this morning. Haneul is going to be pouty about it because he doesn’t get to see her that much. Can you try and show him other things to get his mind off of it? Sorry.”
Jimin nodded his head at Haneul and turned around to take something out of the treasure box. Haneul didn’t pay any attention because he was looking at the floor with a frown. Jimin took out a bunny puppet and put his hand through it, “Cheer up there buddy! Your aunty will come and visit you!” 
Haneul looked up from the ground and his eyes landed on the bunny. His frown quickly turned into a smile and pointed at the bunny, “Daddy!” 
“Daddy wouldn’t want you to be sad at your favorite place. Do you want a hug?”
Haneul clapped his hands and nodded his head, “I do!” 
Jimin brought the rabbit to his small chubby face and Haneul hugged Jimin’s arm tight. Jimin smiled at this but he wondered about his aunt. Haneul talks about his aunt a lot but Jungkook barely mentions her to him. He wondered what was so secretive about her...
Y/N sneezed in her office and her assistant, Jung Hoseok, tilted his head, “Are you okay Doctor Jeon?” 
Y/N nodded her head and wiped her nose with a tissue, “It was a small sneeze.” 
Hoseok nodded his head and a smug look appeared on his face, “You know...that means someone is talking or thinking about you.” 
Y/N rolled her eyes and stood up from her desk, “I doubt that. We have a distal radius fracture in room four and the patient's name is Lee Sua. She’s a twenty-six-year-old and it says here that she fell down at work. I’m going to have you look at her while I go to Kim Yuki.” 
Hoseok nodded his head and took the folders from Y/N, “Is Mrs. Kim going to find out the gender for today?” 
“If she wants. I doubt it, her husband said he wanted a surprise.”
Hoseok read through the reports and nodded his head, “Surprises are good, right?” 
“They are. Alright, call me if you need anything, okay, Hoseok?” 
“Okay, doctor.” 
Y/N left to go to room ten with a small smile on her face. Kim Yuki or Min Yuki has been her patient for a couple of years now. She was her primary doctor and her first real doctor after moving away from her parents. Yuki was only two years older than her but Yuki acted like she was much younger. Yuki was the definition of adorable. She had doe eyes and chubby cheeks that were always rosy. It made sense that Yuki got with a handsome man like Taehyung. They were the perfect couple in her eyes. 
She knocked on the door and heard a small “come in.” Y/N opened the door and pushed her hair behind her ear, “Good morning, the Kims.” 
“Good morning, Y/N.”
Y/N smiled and waved at the couple, “How is everything?” 
Yuki glanced at Taehyung and then back at Y/N with a shy look, “My... boobs have been hurting lately and nothing is helping.”
Taehyung sighed and shook his head, “She’s also been having some discharge.”
Y/N nodded her head and wrote down some notes, “That’s all normal Mrs. Kim. Unfortunately, I can’t prescribe medicine for that because of how sensitive you are towards medication. I’ll ask the pharmacy today to show you the heating pads. For the discharge, as long as there's no blood then I’m not too worried about it.” 
Yuki nodded her head and looked at Taehyung with a pout, “I told you not to tell her...”
“Babe, she's our doctor. She needs to know everything regardless of how embarrassing it is.”
Y/N nodded her head and set up the ultrasound machine, “He’s right, Yuki.”
Yuki crossed her arms over her chest and nodded her head, “Fine..I’ll let him be right this once. Enjoy it, Tae.”
“Oh, I will.” 
Y/N let out a laugh and put on some gloves, “Can you lift up your shirt? I’m going to put this jelly on you and it's going to be cold, alright?” 
“Okay.” 
She put the gel on her and she smiled at the screen, “Take a look there's your baby. Would you like to know the gender?”  
“No, I want it to be a surprise.” 
Y/N nodded her head and smiled, “I kinda figured.”
Yuki smiled at her and wiped the gel off of her, “Did you think about what I said?”
Taehyung glanced at her and was excited to hear her answer, “I didn’t have time to be honest. I was with Haneul yesterday.”
“Oh, you were with your brother?”
“No, I said Haneul.” 
Yuki let out a small laugh and shook her head, “You guys are so cute together. I was just wondering what you thought about it.” 
“I don’t know how I would do on a blind date...let me think about it still.” 
“Okay...just know he's cute.”
Taehyung glared at his wife and shook his head, “I’m cuter...right?”
“Yes, you are.”
Y/N wanted to gag at the cuteness but instead, she just rolled her eyes at them. She put her equipment away and looked at her clipboard as Yuki stared at her with doe eyes, “Staring isn’t nice.”
“I think you would like him.”
“Yuki all because you think I would like him doesn’t really help me. I’ll think about it okay.”
“Promise me?”
She sighed and glanced at her with a small, “I promise.” 
Jimin sat at the bar drinking away. The stress of being a teacher was finally getting to him on his day off. Before he finished off his drink he felt an arm around his shoulder and he rolled his eyes when he realized who it was, “What do you want?” 
“Is that how you talk to your hyung?” 
“Hoseok...I’m sorry.”He turned towards him and gave him a small stressed smile, “It was a long day today.” 
Hoseok nodded his head and asked for a drink, “Ah, I get it. What happened?” 
“I had a student that was clinging onto me all day because he missed his aunty. I felt bad because I couldn’t really do anything for him.” 
“Aww, that's cute. Missing someone just shows how much they love someone. He’s also a kid, he doesn’t know how to control his emotions.” 
Jimin finished off his drink and nodded his head, “I know...and then I have Taehyung on my ass about this blind date.” 
Hoseok raised his eyebrow as he took a sip of his drink, “Blind date?” 
“Yeah, he said that I’ve been single for too long.”
“I mean the last time you had a relationship was in college.” 
Jimin glared at Hoseok and then looked back at his glass, “Thanks for reminding me...”
Hoseok let out a small laugh and shook his head, “I think it would be good for you. Meet new people.”
“This person could possibly be my girlfriend in the future. It’s a lot of pressure.” 
“Don’t think so ahead.” 
“I’ll try. I just hope she's great like how Taehyung has told me.” 
Y/N sneezed again in her office and took out a tissue in annoyance, “I swear if I’m getting sick, I’m going to kill Jungkook.” 
˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶
Y/N went into the lobby to speak to a nurse but her eyes landed on Jungkook and Haneul. Her eyes widened at this and rushed towards them, “What happened? Haneul, are you okay? Jungkook, are you okay?” 
Jungkook smirked at this and tilted his head at her, “Awww, do you care for me?” 
She glared at him as her eye twitched, “I can send you to the ER with broken ribs if you test me.” 
“But I don’t have broken ribs...”
“I can change that.” 
Haneul tilted his head at Y/N and tugged at her doctor's coat, “Aunty.” 
She got to his level and pushed some hair back behind his ears, “What’s wrong?” 
“Teacher. He fell and started bleeding.” 
“Bleeding?” She glanced at Jungkook as he nodded his head, “Where is he?” 
“He had to go to the bathroom. I was going to check him in.” 
“What happened?” 
Jungkook sighed and rubbed his neck, “Haneul was so excited about visiting you today that he started jumping. When he was jumping he dropped his backpack by the stairs and well...Jimin slipped on the bag and fell.” 
“HE FELL DOWN STAIRS!”
Jungkook flinched at her voice and nodded his head, “I’m sure he's fine.” 
“Was it a couple of stairs?” 
“Technically...”
Y/N glared at Jungkook and slammed her foot on his, causing him to groan, “Tell me now.”
“He fell down a flight of stairs.”  
“He could have broken something, you know that right.” 
Jungkook glanced at his foot and then at her, “I think you broke my foot.” 
“Kook, I’m going to break your neck in a second.” 
“Is this the famous aunty, Haneul?”
She turned around at the new voice and her eyes widened. He had cuts all over his body and was limping towards them. She looked back at Jungkook and glared at him, “He can’t even walk right.” 
“He has health insurance?” 
“Jungkook, you're about to need your insurance when I’m done with you.” Y/N went to get a wheelchair and have him slowly sit in it, “I’m Doctor Jeon. I’ll get a nurse to do some x-rays and we’ll figure it out from there.” 
“What about my job?” 
She glanced at Jungkook and nodded her head, “Tell Jin that Jimin can’t come into work.” 
Jimin raised his eyebrow and looked at her, “You know Jin?” 
“Of course I do, he’s our cousin.” 
Jungkook pouted at this, “He’s going to yell at me.” 
“As you deserve. Now go before I kill you. I love you Haneul. Don’t you have something to say to Jimin?” 
Haneul nodded his head and looked down at his feet, “I-I’m sorry.”
Jimin smiled at this and leaned towards him (ignoring the sharp pain), “It’s okay. Accidents happen.” 
“I’m sorry.” 
Y/N leaned down and kissed Haneul on the top of his head, “As long as you learn from your mistake. Now, Park Jimin, I’m going to get you a nurse okay.” 
“O-Okay.” 
Y/N gave him one final smile as he watched her walk away. He looked at Jungkook with a small smile, “She’s cute...”
“Dude, did you hit your head?” 
“No, I have eyes. I know cute when I see it.” 
Jungkook scoffed at him and looked at Haneul, “Did you hear that Han, Mr. Park thinks Aunty is cute.” 
“Aunty cute.” 
“Don’t be on his side.” 
Y/N nodded her head at the nurse, “He’s over there in the wheelchair. He’s limping and favoring his right side. I’m going to assume that his left leg is what took most of the damage.”
“So, x-ray on his left leg?”
“That’s the most important one but I also want an x-ray of his whole body. If we have to then we can do a CAT scan or an MRI.” 
The nurse glanced over Y/N’s shoulder and looked at Jimin with a flushed face, “He’s cute.” 
Y/N shook her head and let out a small laugh, “You can stare at him when your job is done. In the meantime let’s do our job, okay?” 
The nurse nodded her head in embarrassment, “Sorry, doctor Jeon.” 
“It’s okay.” She turned around to glance at Jimin and let out a small laugh, “I get it though. Let’s get this done.” 
“Okay, doctor.” 
Jimin sat in his room and stared at the white ceiling with a bored face. It’s been four hours since his x-rays and MRIs. It's boring now. Nothing was happening and he had to wait for his results. Waiting is the most annoying thing to do especially in situations like these. The door opened and his spirits were lifted when he saw the familiar face. 
“Jimin, I told you to sleep.” 
He let out a small laugh and shrugged his shoulders, “I couldn’t really sleep...I was anxious about the results.” 
Y/N gave him a comforting look and nodded her head, “I understand that. Shockley, you didn’t break or fracture anything. You're just very bruised.” 
 “Does that mean I can go to work?” 
She rolled her eyes and updated his whiteboard about his condition, “No, I’m going to have you stay for at least a week. Just in case anything else shows up. If you go to work, you can easily tear a muscle and that’s not fun.” 
Jimin pouted but nodded his head, “I guess...at least I can be around you then.” 
Y/N’s eyes widened at this and dropped her marker, “Y-Yeah. Get some sleep.”
“Yes, doctor.” 
A week and Jimin was infatuated with Y/N. Jimin falls fast, he is a hopelessly romantic after all. Yes, he wished this was a different situation but at least he got to be with her. Y/N was serious about her job and it was hot. The way she explained to him about his condition or how she helped him move around. It just made him fall for her even more. Maybe he should get hurt again just to see her. 
Today he was leaving but he wanted to have one last lunch with Y/N. He sat on the patio with his soup in front of him waiting for her. He saw Y/N come into the lunchroom but it was clear she was annoyed. He tilted his head but saw someone following her. He was kinda of glad that the person didn’t know indoor voices.
“Y/N, please go out with me.” 
Jimin wanted to laugh when he saw her roll her eyes and shake her head. It was clear she wanted nothing to do with the poor dude. She glanced at Jimin and she smiled at him. As if he was her savior (or that’s how Jimin saw it). She turned around and said something to the guy who sent a glare toward Jimin. The guy said one last thing and walked away with his head steaming in anger. 
She sat at the table and she gave him an awkward smile, “Sorry about that...he always does this to me and I always tell him no. You would think he would get it by now.” 
“I can understand why he kept trying?”
She raised her eyebrow and opened up her lunch box, “Oh, why?”
“You're beautiful, smart, and all the above. I get it.”
She let out a small laugh and felt her face get hot but ignored it, “I can say the same to you. Today is your last day, are you excited?” 
“Not really. I was out of work for a week and now I have to go back to work. Not fun.”
“But you love your work.”
He sighed and nodded his head, “I do love my work but I forgot how much of a workaholic I am.”
“Ah, I see. I’m like that too. That’s why my friend wants me to go on this blind date.” 
Jimin felt his heart shattered at this but he just smiled at her, “That’s funny because my friend was doing the same for me.” 
“Two workaholics trying to date, how funny.”
“It could be a story.” 
She took a bite of her steak and smiled, “Are you going on the date?” 
“Yeah, I have nothing to lose. What about you?”
“Same here...I’m going to miss seeing you.”
He raised his eyebrow and leaned forward with a little smirk, “Oh?” 
“Shut up. You're fun to be around and you don’t give me a headache.” 
“I mean you have your brother.” 
“The biggest headache around.” 
He let out a laugh and shook his head, “You know, Haneul talks about you all the time at school.” 
“Does he?” 
“He always says that he wants to be like you.”
Her ego went higher with that statement, “Really? Please tell that to Jungkook and take a picture of his face.”
“You really are a menace to him aren’t you.”
“I’m his sister, I have to humble him somehow.” 
“Doctor Jeon, Doctor Min needs you.”
She looked up to see a nurse standing by the door with an apologetic face, “ Looks like I need to leave. I’ll see you later Jimin?”
“Yeah...hopefully.” 
She gathered her things and stood up from the chair. She went by his side and gently rubbed his shoulder, “Bye.”
“Bye Y/N...”
He watched her leave and he leaned back in his seat with a frown, “Fuck now I gotta go on that date.” 
˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶
Y/N looked at herself in the mirror and flattened out her skirt. She was in a simple satin pink dress and she felt pretty. It’s been a while since she felt like that. She did a small twirl and smiled to herself, “I told you that dress would be perfect.” 
She glanced at Yuki through the mirror and nodded her head, “I know...it’s just...this is weird for me.”
“Why?”
She turned around to look at Yuki with a frown, “This isn’t work or family-related, it's strange to focus on something else.” 
Yuki rubbed her stomach and nodded her head, “I know but this will be good for you. Have fun for once without work and family.” 
She sighed and nodded her head, “You sound like my brother but less annoying.” 
Yuki let out a laugh and covered her mouth, “Taehyung is really excited for this date but he didn’t tell me why.” 
“That sounds like him. Thank you for letting me get ready at your house.” 
“No problem, it's fun having another girl.”
Just wait a few more months and you get to experience that all the time, “I guess I should be going.” 
The two walked down the stairs talking to each other while Taehyung was watching TV. He glanced at her and gave her a thumbs up, “You look good doctor.” 
“Thanks. Why are you so excited about this date?”
Taehyung glanced at Yuki who was looking away from his stare. He looked back at Y/N and smiled, “I’m just excited.”
“Any hints on the guy?”
“You’ve met him before.”
She tilted her head and raised her eyebrow, “That doesn’t help me.”
“I never said it would help.” 
Y/N rolled her eyes and took her purse off the couch (hitting Taehyung in the head in the process), “I’ll be going. Hopefully, I don’t die on this date.” 
“You won’t. Go have fun!~” 
She smiled at Yuki and waved goodbye to them, “I’ll see you guys later.” 
When the door closed, Yuki turned towards Taehyung with a confused look, “She met him before?” 
“Yeah, let me have fun with this.”
“I guess...”
Y/N entered the restaurant and smiled at the hostess, “I have a table under Kim Taehyung.” 
“Right this way.” 
She smiled at her and followed her through the crowded restaurant. The light was dimmed and it was clear this is a place for dates. Taehyung did his homework. She stood in shock when she saw who was at the table but was also happy to see him, “Jimin?”
“Y-Y/N?” 
˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶
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s-creations · 3 years
Text
Oh, That Imagination
Kids will always have active imaginations. But how the adult handles it depends on what the child is afraid of.
Fandom: DuckTales 2017 / The Three Caballeros         Rating: General Audience         Relationships/Pairings:  José  Carioca/Donald Duck/Panchito Pistoles Additional Tags: Growing up, Uncles with their Nephews, Facing Fears, Worries, hunting a creature, Krampus (character), giving a speech, watching a scary movie, protecting the boys, the passing of time, names OCs.
Part of a Series Called: We’re the Three- Sorry, Six Caballeros!
Author Note: I finished Student Teaching and passed my Content Test, so I’m getting back into writing! I do have a new job lined up for the school year. We’ll see how consistent I stay with uploading. XD
“Unca Donald, Unca Donald, Unca Donald!”
 Even with the loud warning call, Donald still staggers when something blue collides against his leg. “Dishes! I’m doing dishes. Go and sit on the counter please.”
 6-year-old Dewey gave a quick nod before clamoring up. The older duck impressed by how quickly the duckling could climb. 
 “Now, what can I help you with?”
 “Benny said there’s a-a monster living in the sewage of Duckberg! I wanna go catch it!”
 Donald let out a low hum as he washed the soap from the glass. This was twice in two weeks that neighbor Benny had told some story about some ‘creature’ they had seen. Dewey, always on the lookout for new adventures, ate each story up with determination and gusto.
 “I see, very interesting. What does this monster look like?”
 “Like...Like an alligator. Only bigger!”
 “Ooooh, that sounds scary. And you’re going to catch them all by yourself?”
 “Yep!”
 “Well, aren’t you brave. Are you going to bring them back to be studied for science?”
 “I’m gonna do it to rub it in Huey’s face. Cuz he says the creature isn’t real. But I’m gonna prove him wrong!” 
 “It sounds like your afternoon is full.”
 “It sure is! Oh, wait, I wanted to ask you if we have a large net that I could use?”
 “I don’t think we have a ‘large’ net. You’ll have your bug catching net.”
 Dewey let out a contemplative hum. Hand resting on his cheek while his pointer finger tapped out some unknown tempo. A habit he picked up from José. “That’s not great. But I suppose it’ll have to do.”
 “Look at you compromising. What are you going to use as bait?”
 “Do we have any old lunch meat?”
 “No and you’re not using what we have in the fridge.”
 “You’re ruining the search Unca Donald! I need bait.”
 “How about you take Tio Panchito with you? He had to help his grandpa search for farm animals when they got out of their pens. Didn’t have to use bait to get those animals back.”
 “Tio worked on a farm?” Dewey’s eyes lit up hearing this new piece of information.
 “Spent a few childhood Summers there.”
 “What did he do?”
 “Why don’t you go and ask him? I’m sure he would be more than happy to share stories with you and your brothers.”
 “Okay, bye Unca Donald! I’m gonna learn about cows!”
 Donald silently laughed as Dewey raced out of the kitchen. Childhood stories continued during dinner and only ended when the triplets were put to bed. 
 “So...should I question why Dewey furiously ran at me this afternoon? All while screaming his demands for me to tell stories?” The rooster asked as Donald joined him and José on the living room couch. 
 “Apparently, Benny had seen some ‘creature’ in the sewer system. Dewey determined that he was going to hunt said being down. I told him you would help in the search because you’ve helped with finding lost farm animals. That caught his attention and now you know the outcome.” Donald sighed as he leaned against the other, relaxing. 
 “Do you think the thrill of the hunt will call out to Dewey tomorrow?”
 “We’ll see.” Donald replied back simply.
 The hunt did not call out the next day. Dewey focused on creating a backyard zoo, he didn’t have time to worry about some creature. A few days later, a pet iguana was rescued from the neighborhood sewers. It appears Benny had actually seen something. It just wasn’t the towering creature he’d claimed before.
 ________________
 The holidays were busy for all the adults in the household. Donald focused on getting the shopping done and holding down the fort while the ducklings raced around during their school break. Gleefully talking about Santa and what present they’re excited most about. José would be gone for weeks on end leading up to December 25, helping with numerous flights to make sure he had that day off. Starting from October through December, this time saw Panchito with booked weekends of different performances to help get other families into the festive feeling. 
 Even with having busy and exhausting schedules, they made sure to make time for the triplets. Baking, decorating the house, helping them pick out gifts for the other family members. Every year it was the goal to keep the ducklings as happy as possible.
 Which is why Panchito became worried when 7-year-old Louie started acting...strange. Almost what the rooster would call ‘stressed’.
 The duckling had started being overly helpful around the house. Doing more tasks than what would be required. Going out of his way to ask if he could help. And, most worriedly, he’d become quiet. Not in his normal way of just relaxing in front of the television. But almost fearful that he was being listened to by some unseen stranger. Eyes even darting around as he moved through the apartment. 
 Unfortunately, Panchito wasn’t able to approach this possible problem until a weekend late into the duckling’s break. 
 The rooster let out a sigh as he collapsed onto the couch. Thankful that he was done until the New Year’s celebrations he had the coming weekend. But he was able to relax for the rest of the week to celebrate Christmas. Cautious footsteps drawing closer caused Panchito to open his eyes. Finding Louis standing nervously in the middle of the room.
 “Hola Louie, what can I do for you?”
 “Um, do you need me to get you anything?”
 Panchito raised a brow. “No, I’m fine. Why don’t you join me until dinner’s ready?”
 “Oh, um, that’s okay. Maybe I should see if Uncle Donald needs any help.”
 “You’re on break. Why don’t you just sit for a while?” The duckling frowned, eyes darting around before settling onto the couch. Still tense. “So, how has school been? I haven’t heard you and your brothers talk about it for a while.” 
 “Uh...good.”
 “Just good? ...Try out any new schemes lately? I know Uncle Donald isn’t so thrilled when you do that. But you always have such clever ideas, makes me laugh.”
 “Nope, I’ve been good! No crazy plans from me!” 
 Panchito sat up a little more when Louie started shouting at the ceiling. “Okay Louie, what’s going on. Are you feeling okay? Did something happen at school?”
 The duckling dressed in green wrung his hands as he peered around. 
 “...Abby told me about the Krampus…” Louie eventually whispered.
 “The who?” 
 “The Krampus! He’s the opposite of Santa Claus! A big creature with long horns and wears a cloak! And he comes after bad boys and girls! He takes them away in his large, greasy bag and they’re never seen again and-” 
 “Okay, Louie, come here. You’re getting yourself worked up.” Panchito easily and quickly moved the duckling onto his lap. Wrapping arms around the smaller form to help keep Louie grounded. “Breath with me. We’re going to take a few deep breaths, okay?”
 Louie gave two quick nods. They remained this way for a few minutes, Panchito holding the duckling close and controlling his breathing for Louie to follow. The rooster only pulled away when Louie had calmed down enough to talk. “Okay, so, you were told a scary story. Why are you worried?”
 “Because he goes after bad kids and I know I’m...not good.”
 “Why would you say that? You’re a wonderful kid!”
 “But I get the most detentions and I’m lazy and I know I don’t do my homework when I need to and-”
 ‘Louie… Yes, we would like you to work a little harder than what you do now.  But you’re not bad. You...take risks. You have a point of view that I’ve never seen before. You’re a clever kid. And, well, between you and me.”
 Panchito leaned closer. Louie’s eyes widened with curiosity. “You fight the system and you don’t let them beat you down.” 
 “...Does that mean I don’t have to wash the dishes?”
 “Don’t push your luck. What I’m trying to say is that you’re not bad. You just think differently than others. Plus, if you’re this worried, this might be a sign you should help out more. But I doubt any Krampus will come after you.”
 “Really?”
 “Really… Also, you know your uncles and I would beat up any creature who dares try to hurt you.” 
 Louie laughed. Beaming and squirming as Panchito placed a kiss on his cheek. Christmas Day arrived with no mysterious creatures knocking in their front door. Louie was still safely tucked away in his bed. Joining his brothers with running out to the living room and unwrapping presents. Curling next to Panchito as all enjoyed the afternoon glow while watching a marathon of movies.
 ________________
 Huey took to the Junior Woodchucks like a duck to water.
 From day one it became a large part of his identity. He carried his handbook around with him everywhere. Writing his own notes and entries to add to the already thick volume. Gleefully patting his knees as he patiently waited for whatever uncle was going to take him to the weekly meetings. Even learning how to iron his uniform to keep it in tip top shape. 
 Dewey may complain that the eagerness was annoying. But nothing seemed to damper Huey’s spirit.
 Until Huey was tasked to write a speech. As he was top ranked among the troop, he was given the honor of addressing the new member that would be joining that year. A banquet being held with the duckling presenting a speech of his own at the beginning of the event. The duckling was absolutely thrilled at first. Telling everyone he could about the great honor bestowed onto him. 
 All in the family thought he would triumph over this just like many other things in his life. 
 José was humming softly one evening, making his way to the kitchen when he heard sniffing coming from the bathroom. The door opened a crack and, taking a risk, José peered in. He found 8-year-old Huey, curled up by the tub and far away from the door. A stack of paper was at the duckling’s feet. Red rimmed eyes glaring at said stack. 
 “Huey?”
 Said duckling’s head snapped up hearing José. Wiping his eyes frantically. “T-Tio José…”
 “Criança doce, what is wrong?” José  entered, leaving the door open in case Huey wanted out.
 The duckling sniffed weakly. “...I’m scared.”
 “Of what?”
 “My speech…”
 José frowned, knowing how excited Huey had been only a few days ago. “Can you tell me what you are scared about?”
 Huey let out another sniff. His hand starting to hit the side of the tub as time went on. Which José put a stop to by reaching out to take the duckling’s hand. “I’m scared...that people are going to laugh at me. I keep practicing my speech to make it perfect and I read a bunch of tips but… All I can think about is messing up and people mocking me. Then my scout leader will see me as a failure and strip me of my badges and-”
 The parrot pulled the duckling closer, humming a lullaby softly. Huey instantly clung to José, burying himself away in his guardian’s chest. It took a few minutes before the duckling finally relaxed, slumped against the older, hand still keeping a good grip on José's shirt. 
 “Huey, I would like for you to listen to me. Can you do that for me?” José received a nod, “I will help you with your speech. But you have nothing to worry about. Your scout leader seems to be nothing of the kind who would take away what you’ve achieved. And no one will laugh. We all know you will be doing your best.”
 “...But what if my best isn’t enough?”
 “It always will be Huey. Never doubt that.” José peered up hearing the floorboards creek. Finding Donald standing in the doorway wearing a look of worry. The parrot gave a quick shake of his head. A silent message that he had a handle on the situation. Donald gave a nod of his own before sneaking off. “Feeling better?”
 “...A little. I’m still scared.” 
 “That is fine. How about we make some cookies? I think I saw your Uncle Donald heading that way before. And while we are doing that, you can show me your speech.” 
 Huey sniffed weakly. Pulling back slightly to look up at José. “Chocolate chip?”
 “Of course.”
 The duckling smiled weakly and nodded. Donald greeted the two with wide arms and a smile when they walked in. Huey beamed as he was picked up and given a sturdy hug from his other uncle as José started the process. But uncles gave Huey their undivided attention when he gave his speech. The other members of the family joined them as the cookies started to bake. Dewey and Louie keeping their ‘helpful’ comments to themselves and clapping along when Huey finished. 
 At the night of the banquet, Huey beamed as he gave a flawless speech. His family cheered the loudest.
 ________________
 “This is such a bad idea.” 
 9-year-old Louie huffed, rolling his eyes as Huey bemoaned at his flawless plan. “If you’re going to be a stick in the mud, then don’t watch.”
 “But I want to see it.”
 “Then what’s the issue?”
 “The movie is PG-13! We need parental guidance to watch.”
 “You know they won’t let us watch.” Dewey added.
 “But-”
 “You get two options here Hubert,” Louie interrupted. One hand holding up a finger to keep Huey quiet. The other holding the latest zombie movie that had just recently been release to DVD, “You either watch with your mouth shut. Or you leave and keep your mouth shut in the bed while you listen to the amazingness that is this movie from the closed doors. What’s it going to be?”
 Huey frowned. But he ‘zipped’ his bill closed and crossed his arms. Which the green-hoodied triplet took as keeping his mouth shut. With a nod, Louie popped the movie in and sat next to his brothers. All three were huddled together in the closet. Eyes glued to the small t.v. screen that was crammed in with them as well. The movie menu soon appeared and Dewey pressed play.
  Donald let out a content sigh as he relaxed further between his partners. Panchito clinging to him as Donald’s head was tucked under the rooster’s chin. While José was curled up at Donald’s side, using the duck’s chest as a pillow. That night was quiet and calm. There was a weekend ahead of them that was just filled with nothing. A relaxing time with his partners and kids. It was going to be great…
 A chorus of screams sounded from the triplet’s room. All adults were up and racing out in only a few seconds. Even hard to wake José was on full alert. Donald reached the door first, flinging it open. Fully expecting to see an intruder standing in the middle of the bedroom. Only to find Huey and Louie, sobbing as they clung to each other on the younger triplet’s bed. Dewey was waving his plastic sword  at the open closet. His entire being was shaking as wide, fearful eyes were on the open space. 
 “What is going on here?” Donald called out over the noise. 
 “There’s a zombie in the closet!” Louis answered.
 “It touched me!” Huey added.
 “I’m fighting it off!” Dewey finished. 
 “What- okay- Dewey stop swinging that around!” Panchito walked over and pulled the sword from the duckling. Collecting the blue cladded triplet as he continued to shake.
 Donald gathers the other two. Both of them desperately slings to the protection that was their uncle. José took to the closet, making sure it was empty. The parrot raised a brow, finding the t.v. that was still on and playing a movie. 
 He reached in to eject the movie and brought it out for the other two to see. “Donald.”
 The duck looked it over. Frowning, seeing the topic, letting out a slow breath. It was clear the triplets were in no condition to have a stern talking to. Plus, he was honestly too tired to worry about it at the moment. “Okay...let’s go back to our room.”
 The other two adults nodded. José turned off the lights as he was the last to leave the boy’s room. Donald rested himself back into the middle of the bed, only with more bodies pressed around him. Panchito cleverly left the bedside light on before he laid down on the bed, Dewey resting on his chest. The triplets flinched when José walked in.
 “It is just me.” The parrot assured. 
 Donald let out a sigh as he gently preened the top of each head. “You’re safe here. Nothing’s going to get you.”
 The bed was pressed further down as José laid down. Huey clamoring over into the parrot’s hold. Donald was free to wrap both arms around Louie. Three voices began to hum a familiar lullaby in hope of calming the triplets further. Even with their comforting presence, it took awhile for the three to fall asleep. It was not the way Donald wanted to start his weekend. But he should have known nothing he plans ever goes his way. Even with this hiccup, he was happy to have his family close. Falling asleep with a smile on his face.
 Donald was able to take his pent up frustration on the idiot who had allowed children to rent a horror movie. Panchito coming as back up to make sure the duck didn’t kill anyone.  
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phantasticworks · 3 years
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If You Don’t Love Me, Pretend - Chapter Nineteen
Four months without uploading she comes back with a new chapter! Thank you so much for your patience i love you guys! I don’t know that I’ll be going back to my previous weekly posting schedule with everything going on in my life right now, but I hope this can tide you guys over until I can finish the story! 
read on ao3
Words: 11.5k
Summary: Dan and Phil have some talks about parenting and make plans. 
Warnings for this chapter: swearing and a disgusting amount of fluff 
It's a few days later when Dan finds himself in his office at school, looking over the schedule change requests that he's received over the past week. He's just added another to the pile of finished requests when his work phone starts trilling on the desk by his elbow.
“Hello, you’ve reached the office of Daniel Howell at Queensbury Secondary School, how can I-”
“Dan, it’s me,” Phil’s voice interrupts him. “Is this a- a bad time?”
"Oh! Sorry, yes- I mean no, it’s a fine time. A great time. I’m just going through some forms. What’s up? Is everything okay?”
"Yeah, everything's fine." Phil clears his throat and there's a pause that Dan doesn't know what to make of. "I’ve been meaning to ask you something."
Dan feels the tendrils of anxiety gripping at his chest now. "Okay," he says slowly, setting his papers down in front of him. "What is it?"
Phil doesn't waste any time. "Well- okay, I don’t particularly want to go, but I know you’re interested in everything that goes on with mental health charities and you told me about the thing you wanted to do at the school, and I think that’s really cool and maybe this will give you a chance to network with people already involved and-”
Dan can’t help but laugh at the rambling words, tripping over themselves in their haste. “Spit it out, bub, what’s your question?”
Phil takes a shaky breath. “So, the BBC is doing a fundraising event for a mental health charity. I wanted to know if you'd like to attend with me." His words are quick and short, like the request is a time bomb and he’ll explode if he doesn’t get it all out at once.
It takes Dan a moment to process the request, and when he does, a stupid part of his brain wants to ask for clarification on the nature of this joint outing. But he's not about to ask Phil if it's a date because that would be both ridiculous and mortifying, and besides, he already knows with his rational brain that it isn't. "When is it?" he asks instead.
"It's next Friday, a week from today."
Dan is opening his calendar as Phil speaks, checking to see if they have any prior events scheduled. They don't, which isn't too strange for a Friday night. He chews on his lip as he considers the offer. He's really interested in mental health charities and it would be great to get some more information about how they work and network with some of the people who actually work there. He's been trying to get the school board to approve a mental health support group for the secondary school for over a year, something only Phil and Louise are aware of. This would be perfect. The only thing holding him back...
"You know we'd have to deal with your nosy coworkers the whole night? And it'll be different being couple-y around other adults," Dan informs him. "I'm not saying I don't want to go, but..."
"I don't care. I think we can handle it, and I honestly don't care what they think about how we're acting or aren't acting." Phil's voice is firm and sure, and Dan wonders if he expected Dan to object for this very reason. "I want you there with me, if you want to be."
Dan smiles down at his desk at this. "Okay."
"You'll go?" Phil sounds mildly surprised, but overall very pleased.
"Yeah. I'd love to go with you."
Phil lets out what sounds like a relieved breath. "Okay. Perfect."
"I'd say see you then, but we live together," Dan jokes. He grins when he hears Phil snort.
"Bye, Dan. I'll see you at home later. Drive safe."
"Bye, Phil."
~~~
It's not until Dan gets home that evening that he realizes that in order for them to go out for an evening by themselves, they'll have to find someone to babysit the kids. It's a strange thought, suddenly. They hadn't really had a situation yet where neither of them could watch the kids, and it was strange to think that he was at the point in his life where he needed to enlist the help of another adult outside of his family to watch his children. He wasn't sure how he felt about it.
After sending all three of the kids off to do their homework, Dan makes his way to the kitchen to sort out their dinner plans for the evening. He's perusing their selection in the pantry when he hears the front door click shut. Rather than go to meet Phil at the door, Dan makes the executive decision to have pasta for dinner, moving over to the fridge to make sure they have everything they need.
"Hey," Phil greets from behind him.
Dan glances over, smiling at him. "Hi. Good day at work?"
Phil shrugs, dropping his jacket on the back of a chair haphazardly before coming to rifle through the cabinet next to Dan. "It was alright, yeah. How was yours?"
"Just another day. Nothing that exciting, I guess." He closes the fridge without looking inside, turning to rest his palm against the counter beside it as he studies Phil. "So, we need to find someone to watch the kids on Friday."
It takes Phil a few more minutes of rummaging through the shelves before he glances at Dan. "Alright. I can ask Martyn if he's busy?"
Dan nods. "That's fine. If he can't, we can find someone else” Dan snorts then, a thought occurring. “Honestly, it’s an hour from here to Reading, Mum could come babysit if we really needed her to."
"Sure." Phil turns to face him with a smile, revealing a little bag of mini marshmallows. He stares Dan dead in the eyes as he rips it open and pops a handful of the colorful treats into his mouth.
Dan quirks a brow, crossing his arms. "You insolent shit, you're spoiling your dinner," he chastises, chewing on the corner of his lip to hide his smile.
Phil shrugs as his hand sneaks back up to his mouth. "Want some?" He offers.
Rolling his eyes, Dan lets out a huff. "You're a child," he says, hauling himself to sit up on the counter as he holds a hand out. "Give me some pink ones, they're the best."
The sheepish grin that lights up Phil's face is definitely worth spoiling his appetite. He steps between Dan’s legs and carefully pours out a small handful of marshmallow treats into Dan's palm, and then proceeds to pick out the white and blue ones for himself. Dan's chest is flooded with warmth as he watches the childlike glee on his best friend's face. It's immensely precious, a secret thought he holds close to his heart.
"I don't think they actually taste any different," Phil's saying. Dan barely hears him. "I'm pretty sure they all just taste of marshmallows. Like, vanilla, or whatever it is that marshmallows taste of."
“Mhm,” Dan hums, the pink marshmallow dust sweet on his lips as he enjoys his coveted snack.
~~~
"Could you pause your game, guys? We wanted to have a chat with you about something," Dan says. He and Phil had agreed that they needed to go ahead and tell the kids about their plans to leave them with a sitter for an evening, so they could go ahead and get used to the idea now. So, after finishing their covert snack, they'd gone upstairs where the twins were deep in a Mario Kart race, Levi coaching them both from the armchair.
At Dan's words, the three of them exchange a series of panicked looks. He'd nearly laugh if his heart didn't break at how the connotation of a "talk" has truly traumatized them forever.
"Everything’s fine, we promise," Phil prefaces, moving to sit on the sofa closest to the stairs. Dan follows, perching on the arm beside him. Almost without thinking, Phil drapes his arm over Dan's thighs, while Dan's arm falls to Phil's shoulder.
"Okay..." Levi says. Jaiden pauses the game and drops the joy-con, turning to face Dan and Phil completely. "Are we in trouble?" He asks.
Dan tilts his head to the side, smiling. "Have you done something to be in trouble for?"
Levi looks confused but shakes his head. "I don't think so?" He sounds unsure.
Phil nudges Dan's stomach with his elbow, gently digging into his skin. "You're not in trouble, bub, no. But, we just wanted to tell you guys that a week from today, Dan and I have an event to attend. So, we'll be finding a sitter to come stay with you that evening."
Amelia immediately perks up. "Can it be Miss Louise?" She asks excitedly.
Smirking, Dan shares a look with Phil. "We'll see. We might ask Phil's brother Martyn and his wife Cornelia to do it, but if they can't, we'll see if Louise will."
She doesn't look particularly happy about it, but Amelia nods in understanding. Jaiden doesn't seem too bothered either way, his hands twitching towards the joy-con as he clearly waits for them to say that was all.
Glancing at Levi, Dan can tell immediately that they're not all on board with the idea. "Levi? Would you be alright with that? It would only be for a few hours."
Levi shrugs, then shakes his head. "Why can't I watch them?" He asks, gesturing vaguely to his siblings. "I'm fifteen, I could stay here and take care of them."
Dan shares a look with Phil. They hadn't considered this. But, knowing each other as long as they have, their mental-symbiosis gives Dan the idea that maybe it wouldn't be the best idea, or at least they needed to discuss it in more detail first.
"We'd prefer to have someone else be here with you," Phil says carefully. "If there’s an emergency or something, we think it'd be best to have an adult here."
Levi shrugs, staring down at his feet and saying nothing.
“But, we’ll consider it, yeah?” Dan adds, sending Phil an imploring look. The older man shrugs, but nods. “Just give us some time to talk about it before we make a decision.”
“Okay,” Levi answers.
Dan moves his arm to pat Phil’s chest. “Let’s go start dinner.”
Phil nods, allowing Dan to drag him from the sofa and off towards the stairs. Dan’s mind is already building a pros and cons list for Levi’s request, so it’s not until they’re already downstairs that he realizes he and Phil are still holding hands. A little embarrassed, Dan releases his grip, mumbling something about starting some pasta.
"So, do you reckon we really ought to consider letting Levi stay here alone with them?" Phil asks quietly, moving to pull two wine glasses from their cupboard.
Humming, Dan pulls a box of pasta from the pantry, looking for a jar of pasta sauce and huffing when he can't find it. "I think we owe it to him to at least have a conversation about it, yeah."
A contemplative silence settles over the kitchen, punctuated by the sound of Phil pouring wine into the glasses. Dan finally spots the jar of sauce, hiding behind a box of crackers. He sets it beside the pasta before moving to the other side of Phil to rummage through the cupboard for a sauce pan.
"Honestly... As long as he keeps his phone on him, and checks in with us fairly often throughout the night... I wouldn't mind him watching them."
Dan's head snaps up at this, and he stares at Phil in surprise. He hadn't expected Phil to actually be on board with the idea. He tries to school his expression into something more neutral as he fills the pan with water and sets it on the stove, clearing his throat before speaking. "Yeah? It doesn't bother you?"
Phil hands him a glass of wine, shrugging. "Not really. I trust him to be responsible. I mean, we let him stay home from school by himself and he was fine."
Dan chews his lip as he stares at the water. He's not sure how to voice his opinion on this without sounding like he doesn't also think it's probably a good idea. "This is different, though," he says gently, blinking up at Phil. "We'd be holding him accountable for two children."
"I mean, yeah. But, I think he loves them enough that he'd keep them safe and be responsible with them." Phil pauses then, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Are you... Do you think maybe we shouldn't let him?"
Taking a sip of the wine, Dan waves a hand dismissively. "That's not it," he says after he's swallowed. "I actually don't think it's a bad idea, I just... I don't know, I just didn't expect you to be so on board with it." He tries not to sound accusing. It's not an accusation.
Phil shrugs, scratching a fingernail against the counter absently. "Am I usually that strict?" He sounds sad, or maybe nervous.
Dan smiles softly. Reaching out, he tugs on the pocket of Phil's hoodie, dragging him closer and resting his head on Phil's shoulder. "Not exactly. Sometimes you're just more cautious about them than I am. You think through the situations more than I do, so sometimes you're a little more reserved about these kinds of things."
There's a soft huff of laughter that ruffles through Dan's curls. "I guess you're right," Phil agrees. He kisses Dan's hairline before gently shrugging him off, moving to grab the pasta to pour it into the boiling water. "So... Have we decided we're okay with letting him stay here with them?"
"I think so, yeah. If you're okay with it." Dan watches him pour the pasta in, reaching for the drawer to hand him a spoon when Phil needs it.
"I am. We'll talk to him after dinner, yeah?"
Dan nods. "Sure."
Phil steps back into his space and wordlessly pulls Dan against his chest again. Dan tucks his hands into Phil's hoodie pocket and hooks his chin over Phil's broad shoulder. Phil wraps his arms around Dan's shoulders and sighs. "You need a haircut," he whispers.
With a snort, Dan tilts his head and bites at a lock of Phil's hair. "So do you, mate."
"Can you call for a hair appointment tomorrow?" Phil requests, his voice a little timid.
Dan can't help but smile at this. Phil's grown his confidence over the years they've known each other, but there were lots of times after first settling into their friendship that he would ask Dan to make calls for him, always claiming he was too forgetful or lazy to do it himself. It took a couple years for Dan to understand the real reason.
"Phil? You alright?" Dan had asked through the bathroom door. Phil had been retching on the other side for close to five minutes now, and Dan was panicking, completely out of his element here. He was barely twenty, he didn't know how to really take care of anyone when they're ill, not like this.
"I'm fine," Phil had called weakly.
"You sound kind of… not fine," Dan had countered, trying for gentle.
It had taken a little while, but eventually Phil caved. "Could you call my mum?"
"Er- yeah? What- why do you need to speak to your mum?" Dan had been completely confused by then. Phil was a massive mumma's boy, but in the year or so they'd properly lived together, Dan had never known him to call her while he was ill.
"I just- please, Dan." Phil had sounded so pitiful, but Dan was more worried now than before.
"Can you let me in, Phil?" Dan had asked softly.
Phil did, but he did not seem pleased by it. He looked everywhere but at Dan, settling back against the tiled floor of the bathroom and closing his eyes weakly. "I need mum to call in a prescription for me."
Dan's brows had crinkled in confusion. "For what?" Before Phil could answer, Dan had remembered Phil mentioning his terrible migraines, and vaguely remembered him coming home with a little white paper bag from the pharmacy. "Your migraines?"
Phil nodded mutely.
“I can call it in. Where's your phone?"
Phil had barely had the energy to look surprised, but after Dan found the phone and called the prescription in, he went about making Phil some soup and doing his best to take care of him as well as he could, with his limited knowledge. Later that evening, with Buffy playing in the background, Phil had quietly told Dan that he had sometimes found it extremely difficult to do phone calls or things like that. “I know it’s stupid and- and everyone else thinks it’s easy, but it honestly just makes me feel so bad that I’d rather just. Not."
"I wish you would have told me," Dan had mumbled. "I can make calls for you. It doesn't bother me."
Many years later, though, and now Dan understands the extent of Phil's social anxiety better than he did back then. Phil does as well, which makes it a bit easier for him to try and get a grip on it, but still, he sometimes struggles. But Dan's always there to help when that happens, and he can't imagine there ever being a time when he isn't.
"Sure. We probably need to get Levi and Jai's done while we're at it." Dan laughs a little before adding, "I reckon we should see if Mia would like a trim, too. God knows that child can't stand to be left out." He smiles against Phil's shoulder when he hears him giggle.
"She really can't, can she?" He muses, his fingers playing idly with the ends of Dan's hair.
"Mm," Dan hums in vague agreement. He sighs before pulling out of Phil's grip to stir the pasta. He pouts when Phil fully steps away, grabbing his glass of wine and taking a large sip. Dan's about to tease him when he hears the unmistakable sound of the twins thundering down the stairs. He rolls his eyes as Phil huffs, clearly slightly agitated at their inability to remember that they shouldn't run inside. "Is it really even worth it to keep chastising them about it?" Dan asks, sipping his own wine.
Phil snorts. "It's the principle of the thing, Daniel."
Still, when the twins burst into the kitchen, Phil doesn't say a word. Dan smirks at him, but Phil pretends he doesn't notice.
"What's for dinner?" Amelia asks, tapping her hands in an off-beat rhythm on the table.
"Spaghetti," Dan tells her, glancing over his shoulder and finding Jaiden staring out the balcony door, probably at his pigeons. He turns to look at Phil, gesturing to their son. "Will you help him with the birds? It's been a few days since we've put seed out."
Phil nods, and Dan focuses on checking to see if the pasta's done. He hears Phil grabbing the bag of bird seed, instructing the twins out the door and onto the balcony. They're gone for several minutes, and when they come back in, Dan glances over at them with a small smile.
"I don't know, Jai-bird. I can't really tell if the birds are girls or boys, but you can name them whatever you want anyway," Phil is saying.
Jaiden seems to consider this. "Could I just name all the fat ones Behemoth?"
Dan snorts.
"Uh, sure, bubby. Whatever you want." Phil sends Dan a baffled look, and Dan only shrugs, grinning.
Amelia and Jaiden settle at the table, arguing over pigeon names, while Phil returns back to the stove, rolling his eyes. Dan smirks, poking Phil in the stomach gently. "Did you find one thicc bird?"
Phil wrinkles his nose delicately. "Ew. Don't say that."
Dan giggles helplessly, stepping away when Phil gestures to the pasta, obviously intending on draining it. He gets as far as the sink, but as soon as he sets the pan down in order to grab the strainer, a little wave of water splashes over the side and onto his hand. "Shit!" he squeals, his eyes flying wide immediately after, glancing between the twins and Dan in a panic.
Amelia gasps. "You said a Daddy word!" She shouts gleefully.
Ducking forward, Dan quickly takes the pan away and turns the cool water on, taking Phil's injured hand and sticking it under the stream. He prays Phil's too stunned to register what she said.
"I'm sorry, I- wait, what?" Phil's head snaps to the side and he glares at Dan.
Well, shit.
"A Daddy word," Amelia repeats, pointing at Dan, as if naming him isn't enough condemnation for her. Dan sends her a dirty look. She just giggles.
"Daniel," Phil starts, enunciating carefully to be heard over the sound of the faucet. "Have you been swearing in front of our children?"
"No!" Dan protests. Phil quirks a disbelieving brow at that. "Okay, well, maybe. But not on purpose! And it was only once," Dan amends.
"Nuh-uh," Amelia argues from the table. "It was twice!"
Dan shoots her a pleading look. "Amelia! Whose side are you even on?"
She hides her laughter behind her hand. "Sorry!" She most certainly does not sound like she means it.
"Hm," Phil hums, sounding unimpressed. "Someone's sleeping on the sofa," he decides.
Dan knows he's kidding, but he plays along, wrapping his arms around Phil and whining. "But... Philll."
"Nope. Shut it, you." Phil tries to keep a straight face as he strains the pasta and returns it to the pan.
Dan releases him long enough for him to get it back to the stove and pour in the sauce, and then he's right back behind him, his arms wrapped around Phil's waist as he nuzzles against Phil's back. "Phil," he starts, voice saccharine sweet. "It's really just a misunderstanding, you know."
"I fail to see how," Phil quips.
Pressing a trail of kisses across Phil's shoulder blades, Dan hums. "I didn't mean to. If I did, in fact, swear in front of them, I assure you it was just an accident. Hypothetically"
Phil seems unconvinced. Dan gently bites at his shoulder. "Yeah, alright. But no more swearing in front of them or we're doing a swear jar."
Dan smiles, kissing the spot he bit. Phil shivers. Dan smirks.
"And," Phil adds, his voice just a touch louder. "You have to make me coffee in the morning. And take the bins out."
At this, Dan scoffs, pulling away enough that Phil can turn around to face him. "No way," Dan argues. "It's your turn to do bins!"
Phil is unwavering, giving Dan a smug smile as he holds up his burnt hand. "I'm injured, babe. Out of commission."
Dan glares. Holding eye contact, he leans toward Phil's hand, nipping gently at the side of Phil's hand.
"Ow," Phil says, with absolutely no conviction.
"That's what I think of you blackmailing me like this," Dan informs him, resigned to his fate.
Phil uses his hand, still just a breath away from Dan's face, to pull Dan's face closer so he can press a kiss to his cheek. Amelia and Jaiden make synced gagging noises behind them. "Thank you in advance for taking out the bins, darling."
"Shut up."
~~~
After they’ve all sat down for dinner, Dan clears his throat. “Levi, we talked about next Friday,” he begins.
Levi puts his glass down and turns to face him, his gaze darting back and forth between him and Phil. “And?”
Dan can’t help but laugh at his impatience. “You can stay here and watch them. But, you have to keep your phone on you, so we can check on you guys every hour or so, okay?”
“Sure,” Levi agrees, nodding. “How long will you guys be gone?”
Phil shrugs when Dan glances at him for the answer. "The event starts at seven, so probably no later than eleven, maybe earlier. Will you be alright here?"
Levi's eyes twitch into a roll but refocus when he probably realizes they're both watching him. "Yeah. I mean, they'll basically just be asleep after you guys leave."
"Right," Dan nods. He feels slightly more comfortable knowing that. "We'll make dinner or order takeout or whatever before we leave, and then you guys can do whatever after that." He glances over at the twins then, who have been mostly quiet, probably only passively listening. "But, you two still have to listen to your brother, okay?"
Amelia glances up at this. She smiles brightly and nods. Jaiden blinks, but then shrugs, which Dan figures is probably the best agreement he'll get from him. "What if he makes us go to bed early?" Jaiden asks, sparing a peek over at his older brother, who's rolling his eyes.
"Well, your bedtime is nine on weekends. So, you still have to go to bed at nine," Dan tells him.
Phil taps the table, causing both the twins to look up at him. He's got a mischievous look on his face. "Dan's right, bedtime is still nine on weekends. But we won't be here," he says this very slowly, enunciating every word. "So you have to listen to Levi when he tells you to go to bed..." He glances at Levi, grinning. "At nine."
Levi gets it first, smirking. "Right. Nine pm, sharp. Got it."
"Yep. Nine pm." Phil winks at Jaiden, and after a second, the boy seems to catch on, and his eyes widen with his grin.
"Okay!" He says gleefully.
Dan sighs. "Philip," he says, exasperated.
"Daniel," Phil replies on a sigh, his lips curled up in a smile.
"You can't just..." Dan starts, then stops. Phil quirks a brow, unbothered, but Dan decides this is one battle he can lose, as really the twins going to bed a little late isn't going to hurt anyone.
"What?" Phil asks, almost challenging.
"Nothing," Dan says, dropping his head to rest on his hand. "Nothing at all."
Phil smiles at him, shaking his head before turning back to finish his dinner. "This might be a little premature," he announces after a second, taking a pause then. The kids turn to glance at him, all of them taking a pause from eating at the tone of his voice. If Dan had his phone on him, it would make a hilariously creepy photo.
"Well, go on, then," Dan prompts. "Don't leave us hanging."
With a barely-concealed grin, Phil sets his fork down, clasping his hands together and studying each of their faces carefully. "This might be a little premature," he repeats. "But who would like to start thinking about what's for dessert?"
~~~
Later that night, after all the kids are tucked in, Dan and Phil find themselves getting ready for bed together, going through their usual nightly routine with big yawns and shared smiles. Phil passes Dan his medication and Dan makes sure Phil removes his contacts, and when they’re finished in the bathroom, Dan leads the way to their bed. He yawns as he flicks off his lamp and crawls beneath the covers, blinking in the low light of the room.
“Are you staying up?” He asks once Phil’s settled on his side of the bed.
“Mm. No, I’m exhausted, actually,” Phil hums in response.
Dan gestures vaguely to the lamp still shining on Phil’s nightstand. “Mind turning that off?”
Phil is quiet as he rolls over and pulls the chain, sending the room into pitch darkness. Dan blinks quickly, forcing his eyes to readjust to the sound of Phil shifting around on the bed, trying to get comfy.
“Cuddle?” Phil asks, his hand rubbing up and down Dan’s arm.
Frowning a bit, Dan shakes his head sheepishly. “I’m not really in a cuddly mood tonight bub, sorry.”
“Oh,” Phil sounds surprised. “Okay, that’s fine.” He sounds like he means it.
Dan gently catches Phil’s hand as he retracts it, bringing his knuckles up to his lips for a gentle kiss. Phil lets out a soft sigh at the contact, and Dan smiles against his skin before releasing his hand.
They lay in silence for several moments before Phil speaks. “You’re not upset with me or anything, are you?” He asks, his voice unmistakably nervous.
“No, not at all,” Dan assures him. “I dunno, I’m just... feeling kinda sweaty, don’t really wanna be snuggled. I’m not mad at you.”
“Alright,” Phil replies. A few seconds pass before he says, “I reckon the kids are excited for Friday.”
Dan smiles. “Yeah, cause you had to go and basically tell Levi to let them stay up late. I’d be excited too,” he says teasingly.
Phil giggles. “Sorry about that. But I honestly think they’ll crash early anyway, just out of habit.”
Shrugging, Dan rolls to blink up at where the ceiling would be if it wasn’t too dark to see anything. “For Levi’s sake, I hope they do.” He chews his lip, his mind swirling with a couple thoughts he’s been considering the last few days. “Do you think maybe Levi is still uncomfortable living here?”
“Hm...” Phil considers it for a few minutes before he answers. “I think... maybe he’s having a harder time adjusting than the twins did.”
Dan nods, wincing when he accidentally chews through the skin on his lip, drawing a little blood. He smacks his lips against the metallic taste, nearly gagging as he tries to speak. “Maybe we should try to spend some more one-on-one time with him,” Dan suggests then.
“Maybe. We could go see a movie together or something? The twins could stay with my brother,” Phil offers.
“That might be nice. Do you think he’d even want to spend more time with us?”
Phil laughs at that. “I mean, honestly... if I was his age, I probably wouldn’t. I’d just want to have my own space and be left alone.”
Dan considers this for a while, and they’re both silent long enough that he wonders if Phil’s fallen asleep. The question is answered for him when Phil scoots closer and drops a kiss on Dan’s temple. “Don’t think too hard, love. We’ll figure something out.”
“Yeah,” Dan agrees passively. “We can maybe ask him about it tomorrow, see if there’s anything we can do to make him feel more at home or something. Do you reckon he’s just missing some of his old stuff?”
Phil yawns. “Maybe. Dunno what we’d do about that.”
Dan nods to himself before patting around until he finds Phil’s hand. He laces their fingers together before nudging at Phil’s shoulder, prompting him to roll over to face the door, allowing Dan to be the big spoon.
“Thought you didn’t want a snuggle,” Phil mumbles.
Dan shushes him. Phil snickers.
“Love you,” Dan murmurs against Phil’s hair a moment later, eyes drifting shut. He’s almost hoping Phil didn’t hear him, the words isolated and completely defenseless.
Phil releases Dan’s hand long enough to reach back and squeeze Dan’s hip gently in a fond gesture. “Love you too. Goodnight.”
~~~
There’s a tapping noise coming from either inside Dan’s skull, or perhaps the door. He realizes, somewhere in his soup brain, that it’s probably the door, but given he’s only slightly awake, he’s not completely positive. It stops and starts a few times, and eventually enough is enough.
They’d separated from their cuddle at some point and Phil is flopped out on his back, while Dan’s curled up on his side. Dan nudges Phil’s hip with his knee in an attempt to wake him. “Phil,” he mumbles. No response. “Phil.” Dan punctuates this with a sort of gentle kick to the shin
“Ow,” comes the mumbled response.
“Phil,” Dan whines, exasperated.
“Hm?”
“Door. Go see who’s at the door.”
Phil smacks his lips loudly in his nearly asleep state. “‘M asleep,” he rebuttals.
And really that leaves Dan only one choice.
“Dan!” Phil nearly screeches, flailing on the bed, suddenly blanket-less and exposed to the sharp chill of the room.
Dan hums innocently from where he’s confiscated all their covers. “Go. Door.”
“Why didn’t you get it?” Phil grumbles, even as he willingly climbs out of bed.
Snuggling down into the blankets, Dan sighs. “You were closer.”
Dan listens to Phil’s footsteps and then the sound of the door creaking open. His ears perk up like some weird superpower when he hears sniffling, followed by a tiny, “dad?”
“Oh, come here, Mia,” is Phil’s answering response. Dan imagines Phil wrapping her up in a hug then, and his heart is gripped with longing and fondness.
“I’m scared of the storm,” Amelia admits between shaky breaths.
“That’s okay,” Phil tells her kindly. “You can come sleep with us, baby. Come on.”
“It’s dark in here,” Amelia whispers as Phil leads her to the bed.
“Hold on, love.” There’s the feeling of the bed dipping, then the click of the lamp turning on. Dan scoots back on the bed to make room, holding out his arms with a tired smile, relinquishing some of his covers. Phil climbs back into bed behind her, pulling the blankets to cover himself as well.
“Night, babygirl,” Dan whispers to Amelia, dropping a kiss to the top of her head before letting his eyes drift shut once more.
His serenity lasts for only a few seconds before he feels something poke his chest. “Daddy?” Amelia whispers. “Are you asleep?”
Dan hums. “Mm. Not anymore,” he jokes.
It seems to go over Amelia’s head, as she replies with a quiet, “oh, sorry.”
Shaking his head, Dan brings her to his chest, checking that the blanket is tucked up evenly around her. “It’s okay, love. Are you warm enough?”
“Mhm,” she replies. “But daddy... I left my stuffy in my room.” She sounds positively devastated.
Dan, who had almost fallen back asleep in the time it took her to say that, tries to push out of the haze of sleep to think up a response. “Mm. Do you have to have it?”
“Yeah,” she whispers.
He sighs. “Alright.” Clearing his throat, he blinks over at his co-parent. “Phil. Babe, Mia left her plushy in her room and needs you to go grab it.”
Phil lets out an exasperated sigh. “Dan,” he states, calm but on the verge of annoyance.
“You already got up and lost some of the warm, you’ll be fine.”
“I hate you,” Phil informs him, squinting over at him in the low light of the lamp that still hasn’t been turned back off.
Dan smiles. “I love you too. Get the bear.”
“It’s an elephant,” Amelia corrects softly.
“Yeah, that,” Dan agrees. “Get her elephant.”
Phil makes a huffing noise and leans down to ruffle Amelia’s hair. “You two are lucky I love you both so much,” he says with a resigned sigh.
Dan dimples up at him, endlessly fond. “Thank you, dear,” he calls after him as Phil makes his way out of the room.
Amelia rolls over to blink up at Dan with shiny, tired eyes. “We’ve got a good dad,” she tells him thoughtfully.
Kissing the top of her head gently, Dan smiles. “Yeah, I reckon we do.”
A few minutes later, Phil returns with the plushy in hand. He leaves the door cracked open, and when Dan quirks an eyebrow at him, he shrugs. “Just in case Jaiden wakes up and gets scared.”
Dan’s lips quirk into a soft smile as he nods. “Good idea.”
Amelia holds her little hands out for the elephant, which Phil hands to her before tucking her in. He stays standing beside the bed for a moment, his fingers tapping against his thigh in a jittery sort of fashion.
“Are you coming back to bed?” Dan asks, his tone teasing.
Phil glances at him, shrugging. “I’m debating.”
“On?” Dan asks when Phil doesn’t elaborate.
Phil gives Dan a pitiful look, bringing his hand to rest on his belly. “I’m hungry.”
Dan rolls his eyes. “You’re not eating in bed in the middle of the night.”
Phil pouts. “Not even a little snack? Just a biscuit?”
“Absolutely not,” Dan snorts, indignant.
There’s a sigh, and Phil pulls the covers back, sliding underneath, resigned. Amelia shifts closer to him and whispers something in his ear. Phil’s eyes widen in surprise before he looks to Dan, his face full of glee. “Is that right?” He says, voice teasing.
“What are you two whispering about?” Dan mumbles, feeling very left out.
Amelia glances over her shoulder at him, giving him a very pitiful face. “Nothing,” she says, smiling innocently.
Phil grins before sitting up, reaching over Amelia to gently pet Dan’s hair, definitely a gesture of someone who wants something. “Dan,” he begins, his voice already full of smugness.
“No,” Dan interrupts, staring at him resolutely.
“But-“
“Absolutely not. You get crumbs in my bed, you‘re sleeping on the sofa.”
Phil looks absolutely abashed. “But, Daniel, you wouldn’t send our sweet little girl to sleep on the sofa, would you?” The smugness intensifies.
Dan narrows his eyes, his gaze flicking between the two of them. “What did you tell him, Mia?”
She smiles, patting Dan’s arm gently. “I asked if I could have just a tiny snack. A little one.”
Phil blinks at Dan pointedly. “And how can we say no to her? What kind of parents are we if we let her go hungry?”
Dan snorts at that. “Both of you finished your dinner and had dessert. I don’t think either of you are going hungry.”
“Daddy, just a little snack? We’ll bring you one too,” Amelia pleads, her little brown eyes so full of hope and innocence. Dan has no will against it.
“Fine.” They cheer quietly before he shushes them. “But,” he continues. “You can’t eat in here. I’m not kidding about crumbs in my sheets. Eat it in the kitchen, alright?”
Amelia nods excitedly before climbing over Phil, already desperate for the promise of food. Phil looks positively delighted as he leans over to press a kiss to Dan’s cheek. “You’re the best,” he says happily.
“Mhm,” Dan grumbles, waving them away.
Phil glances over at him, tilting his head to the side a bit. “You coming?”
Dan smiles at him gently, shaking his head. “Nah. I think this should be your thing with her. I don’t think I’m the midnight snack parent here.”
Something fond crosses Phil’s face, and he glances over to where Amelia is waiting for him by the door, scared to go to the kitchen by herself probably. “Alright. Want us to bring you something?”
Snorting, Dan shakes his head again. “I’m not breaking my own eating in bed rules, so that’ll be a no. But keep it quiet, yeah? I don’t want everyone in this house to know the sin you two are up to.”
Phil sticks his tongue out and Amelia covers her giggle with her elephant. “Be right back, then.”
Dan nods and gets comfy while they disappear down the hallway. He listens for a while at the quiet sounds of them whispering, and he’s glad the kitchen is closer to their room rather than the twins’ room. He hears what sounds like clinks of spoons and he guesses they’re probably having cereal. He wants to snort at the predictability of his best friend, but even sitting a room away he can’t pretend to be anything other than fond.
When they return, Phil’s carrying Amelia, who is sleepy and smiley in his arms. He’s got a wide grin on his face, and Dan can’t help but return it when they climb into bed. “Good snack?” He asks.
Phil nods and Amelia giggles. “We had some cereal,” she informs him.
Dan looks Phil dead in the eyes, giving him the most bland look he can muster. “Shocker,” he says, deadpan.
They maintain eye contact for just a moment before bursting into a fit of laughter. Amelia looks confused, but happy.
“You and your cereal-thiefing ways,” Dan mumbles, raising his arm and letting Amelia snuggle up to him. Phil looks down at the bed with a sheepish grin as he lays down. “Night, Mia. Love you.” Dan punctuates his words with a kiss to the top of her head.
“Night, daddy,” she mumbles, clearly already on the verge of sleep.
Phil blinks at him expectantly. Dan rolls his eyes. Phil pouts.
Leaning over Amelia carefully, Dan sloppily kisses Phil’s cheekbone. “I love you too, you absolute toddler,” he says, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Phil looks more than pleased when Dan pulls away. Dan watches as he snuggles down under the cover, tucking the blanket around their daughter carefully before closing his eyes. “Love you, Dan,” he mumbles when enough time has passed that Dan honestly thinks he may have already fallen asleep.
Dan blinks the moisture from his eyes. “Goodnight, bub,” he murmurs, the sound of Phil’s deep breaths already filling the silence.
~~~
Saturday is the same uneventful sort of day as it usually is in the Howell-Lester household, the day moving slow with everyone off school and work for the day. Dan is in the kitchen making an early lunch for everyone when Phil walks in, talking on his phone. Dan smiles at him, which Phil returns, a little less enthusiastically.
“Yes, I know, Mum,” he’s speaking into the phone. “I told you, Dan and I needed to think about it. We can’t just force them to go to your house for Christmas, can you imagine how awkward they’d feel?” Phil rolls his eyes as his mum speaks, probably chastising him for keeping her grandchildren away from her.
Dan can’t help but wince on Phil’s behalf. It’s strange enough suddenly being parental figures for three children, but add in the fabrication of their romantic relationship and, well, Phil’s family is feeling very left out of the loop, despite the fact that they’ve met the kids over FaceTime countless times. Dan knows the other man is holding onto what’s left of his sanity by a thread at this point, with all the pressure from his mum and the obvious obstacles that come with parenting. Dan definitely doesn’t envy his situation right now.
“Right. But there’s five of us now, mum.” Phil sends Dan a pleading look, and Dan can’t help but snicker. Phil rolls his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. He hardly ever gets cross with his mum, so Dan knows something else must be bothering him. “I’ll talk with Dan about it, okay? I can’t make any promises, though. I...” he looks over at Dan then, something conflicting flashing across his face. “I have to put the kids first now, mum. We’ll see how they feel about it, okay?”
Dan tears his gaze away, focusing back on the sandwiches he’s meant to be crafting. He listens as Phil says his goodbyes, quietly murmuring for Phil to tell Kath he loves and misses her on Dan’s behalf. Phil relays the message and hangs up. A long sigh escapes his mouth then, and Dan can’t help but glance over at him.
Phil looks exhausted. His eyes are tired and his shoulders are slouched in a way that Kathryn would be rather appalled by. Dan’s heart feels a stab of sympathy for him.
“Rough talk?” He murmurs, trying to be careful with his inflection. He doesn’t want Phil to think he actually knows what they were discussing, even though he does.
“Yeah,” Phil whispers after a while. “Mum wants us to come to hers for Christmas.” Dan nods, staying quiet as he clears up the mess he’d made of the counter. Phil sighs again. “I don’t know what to tell her.”
Dan waits to see if there’s more, and when it’s clear that there’s not, he turns to face him, leaning on the counter. “Well, do you want to?”
“Do I want to what?” Phil asks, bewildered.
“Go to your family’s house for Christmas,” Dan elaborates, keeping his tone neutral.
Phil looks surprised, like he hadn’t thought to actually consider it. “I... well, I don’t know. I hadn’t really thought about it. I mean, I’m hoping we still have the kids by then.”
Dan hates the stab of fear he feels at the implication that there might be an alternative to that, but he forces it down, smiling and stepping closer to wrap his arms around Phil’s waist in a hug. He thinks idly about how this is their first hug of the day. “I reckon we ought to at least consider it.”
“Hold on, wouldn’t your mum be upset if we went to mine instead of hers for Christmas?” Phil asks, almost sounding accusatory.
Dan snorts, pulling away. “Not likely. She’d want to see us, sure, but their big family Christmas dinner is always the Saturday after anyway.”
“Oh,” Phil says, somewhat surprised. “You’ve never told me about that,” he sounds offended.
“I guess it never crossed my mind?” Dan replies, a little puzzled as to why Phil seems to care. “Either way, my mum wouldn’t be fussed.”
Phil looks away as he considers it. Dan steps out of his personal space to give him room to think, moving around the kitchen and setting the table for lunch. Finally, Phil says, “I’ve never not been at my family’s house for Christmas Day.” He whispers it, like he’s ashamed.
Dan turns to glance at him, raising an eyebrow in surprise. “Yeah?” He says lightly, prompting him to elaborate if he wants.
“I don’t want to force the kids to go somewhere else if it’ll make them uncomfortable,” he continues quietly. “And I don’t want to not see my parents on Christmas, but…” He takes a breath, looking up at Dan with something vulnerable in his eyes. “I won’t leave you alone with the kids on Christmas.”
“Well...” Dan pauses to consider their options. “We could invite your family here, just for Christmas Day. Or we could speak to the kids and ask how they feel about Isle of Man for a holiday. You never know, Phil, they might actually want to go. They’ve met Kath enough through calls and all that, I really don’t think they would mind going.”
Phil nods slowly, his eyes becoming a little unfocused as he spaces out, deep in thought.
Before they can reach any sort of agreement, the twins come barreling into the kitchen, followed by their older brother, who looks vaguely apologetic. Whatever thoughtful silence that had existed in the kitchen before is completely gone when they enter.
“I tried to tell them not to run,” Levi says, shrugging.
At the same time, Amelia grabs the back of a chair, hopping up and down behind it as she asks, “What’s for lunch?”
Jaiden is the only quiet one, drifting to the balcony doors and gluing his face to the glass to watch for his pigeon friends.
Dan sighs, somewhere between content and exasperated. “We’re having sandwiches,” he tells Amelia. Smiling reassuringly at Levi, he says, “I think it’s a lost cause at this point, really.”
The teenager shrugs before going to sit at the table, glaring at his sister pointedly until she halts her jumping, looking sheepish as she slides into her chair. Dan smiles at this before looking over at Phil, who’s studying the table activity with a look of almost curiosity. Dropping a gentle hand to his arm, Dan waits for his gaze to refocus before speaking. “Love, could you get some drinks while I pass out food?”
Phil nods, offering a partial smile. “Sure.”
Dan waits until Phil’s turned to collect cups before he goes about setting out the plates for everyone, calling Jaiden to the table and promising they can feed the pigeons later.
After everyone has food and a drink, Dan allows himself to have a seat as well, making sure everyone has what they need before tucking into his lunch. The talk at the table varies from school, to video games, and to the excitement of being home alone the following Friday. Phil is much more present now, joking with the twins and listening carefully when Levi speaks. Dan’s so full of such a sense of normalcy that the thought of the true nature of the situation very nearly drifts away entirely.
Eventually everyone is finished eating and Levi offers to help clear everything up after the twins run to play in their room. Dan sees this as a perfect opportunity to ask him about how he’s feeling about his current living situation, and a shared glance with Phil says they’re on the same page. “Sure, bud,” Dan agrees easily. “Why don’t you help Phil clear the table while I put the rest of this stuff away.”
Levi nods, clearing plates away quietly. Phil glances over at Dan rather pointedly and Dan nods. Phil clears his throat, a little bit awkwardly, before speaking. “Levi,” he begins, his tone soft. The teen’s gaze snaps up almost immediately, a deer-in-the-headlights look on his face until something on Phil’s makes him relax slightly. “We were wondering how you’re feeling about living here so far.”
Levi looks vaguely uncomfortable, but shrugs. “Alright, I guess.” He pauses. Then, suspiciously, “Why?”
Dan shrugs from where he’s stood putting the sandwich stuff away. “We just want to make sure we’re doing what we can to make you comfortable here.”
“So, if there’s anything you need or want that we don’t know about, you can tell us and we can work on getting it for you,” Phil explains, giving Levi a bright smile.
Levi seems to consider this. He still looks vaguely suspicious. “Oh... okay. Well, nothing comes to mind.” He clears his throat awkwardly.
“And that’s fine! Just, you know, if you think of anything. You can tell us.” Phil says, giving Dan a soft glance.
Dan nods at him in agreement before turning to smile at Levi. “Yeah. You can always talk to us about anything.”
Levi glances between them, his gaze somewhat confused. “Right... okay.”
Feeling a little awkward at how poorly that seemed to go, Dan clears his throat. “I know it’s awkward for you,” he says quietly, trying not to make Levi feel even worse by having this conversation with Phil there. Levi gives him a wary look. “But we want you to feel at home here, if it’s possible.”
There’s a silence, and Dan turns to tidy the pantry up a little, allowing Levi the space to think or leave if he’s feeling uncomfortable. After a few moments, he sighs. “I... I appreciate that, really,” he says slowly. “But, like... you don’t have to try so hard.”
Dan glances over at him sharply in surprise, his gaze flicking over to find that shock mirrored in Phil’s. “Oh. Okay,” is all Dan’s mouth can come up with.
Levi shrugs awkwardly. “Just... it’s awkward enough, yeah? Like suddenly you two have a teenager to look after, and I mean, I’m glad you let me be with my brother and sister, but you can worry about them, not me.”
It takes a long moment for Dan to process this, and when he does he feels his eyes burn. “Levi...” he starts, his voice pained.
Before Dan can even begin to explain how wrong it is for Levi to think they shouldn’t care about him, Phil speaks. “Levi, no. We’re not- we care about all of you. We didn’t just let you in like some stray off the street, okay? We wanted you here, from the moment we realized that the twins had a brother they’d been separated from.”
Levi looks surprised, as if they hadn’t already tried to relay this information to him before. “I-“
Phil interrupts him, holding a hand up to pause his words. “As awkward as you think this is for us, it’s not. We consider the three of you a part of our family, okay? Not just the twins. You’re just as much our child as they are, and you will be until your case manager decides otherwise. And we want to do things for you, just like we do the twins, if you’ll let us.”
Levi looks actually, properly stunned. He blinks rapidly, his gaze flicking between the two of them before finally dropping to the floor. “Okay.”
Phil’s shoulders seem to relax at that. “Good. Now, go get your things ready so Dan can drive you to your group session.”
Without another word, Levi leaves the room, although he does give Dan a bewildered look as he leaves. Dan shrugs at him, unsure how to explain Phil’s sudden outburst of emotional connection.
Left alone with him, Dan looks over to find Phil leaning back against the counter, rubbing the palms of his hands against his eyes and taking shuddering breaths. Without even thinking, Dan moves over to him, tugging his hands away and sweeping gentle fingers over the tears pouring from Phil’s eyes. “Shh,” Dan whispers when Phil lets out something like a sob. “You’re alright, baby. I’m so proud of you. That- that was such a lovely thing to tell him.”
“I love them so much, Dan,” Phil cries, dropping his head to Dan’s shoulder suddenly. Dan stares at the side of his head in shock. Phil obviously cared for them, but he’d never gotten this openly emotional about his affection for the children before. Seeing it was making Dan sniffle a little as well.
“I know, Phil. I know.” Dan brings one hand up to stroke the back of Phil’s head while the other caresses down his spine.
“I can’t believe Levi thinks he’s- he’s- like, a charity case or something! He’s our son!” Phil’s nearly sobbing now, and Dan tightens his grip.
“Shh. Quiet now, love. Shh, I know,” Dan murmurs soft words as Phil manages to work it out. He was a little out of depth here, as Phil was normally the more rational, less tearful one between the two of them. Apparently today was the exception, however. “You’ll cry yourself into a migraine if you aren’t careful, baby.”
Phil sniffles a few more times after that, finally getting a grip on his emotions. Dan waits for him to pull away first, and when he doesn’t, Dan begins to pepper kisses to his cheek and temple and ear. “Sorry,” Phil whispers.
Dan presses a soft kiss to his earlobe. “Nothing to be sorry for. Everyone cries.”
It’s quiet for a bit, but eventually Phil tilts his head, catching Dan mid-smooch. Dan flushes at their close proximity, but before he can pull away or apologize, Phil tilts forward just enough to peck Dan’s lips with his own. It’s hardly a kiss, more just a brush, but Phil looks completely unapologetic when he pulls away.
“Thank you,” he mumbles, hugging Dan tightly.
Dan’s not sure what he’s thanking him for, so he stays silent. They’re interrupted by the sound of footsteps, and Dan steps carefully out of Phil’s grip. Phil clutches his shirt anyway, and Dan can’t help but smile at that. “Ready to go?” He asks Levi, who’s hovering by the door looking awkward.
“Yeah,” he replies. He looks down, scuffing his shoe against the tile. “Phil?”
Phil looks surprised when he glances over at him. “Yeah?” He says, his voice a little scratchy from crying.
Levi seems to consider his words carefully before replying. “Er- thank you. For what you said earlier.”
“Of course,” Phil says immediately.
The teen nods, not lifting his gaze. Evidently that’s all that he’s got to say.
Dan tilts his head to look at Phil, who looks back at him with a surprised, but proud face. Dan doesn’t even think about holding back, dropping a soft kiss to Phil’s mouth like it’s nothing. Like it doesn’t send his blood racing and his heart stuttering. Like he does it every day.
Phil looks... well, happy. Dan shocks himself with the thought, but his mind only supplies that description of the look on his face when Dan pulls away from the brief kiss. “Drive safe, okay?”
“I will,” Dan nods. He pushes Phil’s quiff up from where it’s drooping. “Need anything while I’m out?”
“Snacks?” Phil asks, his voice sweet.
Dan rolls his eyes. “You’re going to snack yourself into a sugar coma, bub,” he teases.
Phil grins, his tongue caught between his teeth. “And you’ll take care of me while I’m in a coma, right?”
Dan kisses his nose. “If I have to.”
They grin at each other, and somewhere, Dan feels some relief in his heart or mind or the void where his soul should be. It feels a little bit like a fading resolve, or some wall being chipped away at. He feels lighter than he has in weeks, standing in his kitchen banting affectionately with his best friend in the whole world
“Go, he’ll be late,” Phil prompts, pushing Dan away.
“Movie night when we get back?” Dan asks, moving to the door.
Phil smiles and nods excitedly. “And pizza.”
“Perfect. It’s a date.”
~~~
Several hours later, after an overwhelming amount of pizza and a passive watch of Disney’s Hercules, Dan and Phil see the kids off to bed, much to the chagrin of the twins, who for all their complaining, stumble down the stairs like little drunks. Dan teases them for it, and Amelia, predictably, teases him right back, reminding him of the time he tripped down the stairs, stone-cold sober. Much giggling on the twin’s behalf later, after Dan has tried, and failed, to defend himself, the kids finally say their goodnights and head to their bedrooms.
“I’m so tired,” Dan moans the minute he steps into their room. He flops down onto their bed, star-fishing out in that way Phil does that usually annoys him so much.
“Sucks, bub,” Phil chuckles. “Gonna take your jeans off?” He asks, rummaging through their dresser.
Dan considers it. He really is very tired. “Is there some way I could perhaps convince you to do it for me?” He asks sweetly, fluttering his eyelashes up at Phil when the older man glances at him. He’s mostly kidding.
Phil’s eyes roll up to the ceiling at this, but sighs as he walks over and deposits his pajamas onto the side of the bed not currently occupied by Dan’s noodle limbs. “Undo ‘em for me,” he instructs, bringing his hands down to tug Dan’s socks off for him.
Dan hadn’t expected this. Honestly, he’s not sure he would’ve done it for Phil, really for no reason other than how it would feel to undress his best friend. Especially now that he knows there’s some very not-platonic feelings floating around his heart. Just that conscious thought, accepting those feelings he has for Phil, sends Dan’s blood rushing to his head, making him dizzy.
“Dan?” Phil calls quietly, patting Dan’s thigh to get his attention. “Do you actually want me to?”
“I... I’ll do it. I was just kidding, really,” Dan stutters out. He clears his throat. “Thanks, though. You’re a good friend.” He’s glad he’s still laying on his stomach, so he doesn’t have to meet Phil’s eyes as he says it.
There’s the feeling of hands running over his calves, gently massaging, and Dan sighs. “Of course, bub,” Phil quietly murmurs. “I’m gonna go take a shower, okay?”
“Yeah,” Dan agrees passively.
Phil squeezes his leg. Dan listens to his footsteps, allowing his eyes to flutter shut as the bathroom door clicks shut.
He doesn’t mean to fall asleep, but when he drifts back into the present world, it’s to the feeling of something tugging underneath him. “Mph?” He huffs a confused sound.
“Shh,” Phil whispers softly. “It’s just me, Dan. I’m trying to cover you up, scoot over a bit.”
After blinking the sleep out of his eyes a bit, Dan realizes that he’s still laid on the bed, wearing the same clothes he laid down in. Phil’s stood next to him, working on tugging the blanket out from under him so he can cover him up. “My jeans,” Dan complains.
Phil nudges him to sit up. “Go take them off and brush your teeth. You’ll wake up in the middle of the night anyway if you don’t go to bed with a clean mouth, remember?”
Dan grumbles but does as he’s told, stumbling off the bed and into the bathroom, unbuttoning his jeans as he goes. After taking a wee and tugging the stupid jeans off his long legs, Dan brushes his teeth slowly, feeling groggy from his short nap.
“Don’t forget to take your meds, babe,” Phil says, poking his head into the bathroom and tapping the doorframe to get Dan’s attention.
Nodding, Dan waves him off. Phil leaves him to it, allowing Dan to finish his routine alone before going back to their bedroom to join him. Phil’s sat up at the headboard, his glasses sliding down his nose as he looks down at the worn pages of a book. Dan crawls into bed beside him, leaning his head on Phil’s shoulder. Wordlessly, Phil tilts his head and kisses Dan’s forehead. Dan is so, so warm.
“What are we reading tonight?” Dan asks softly, too lazy and tired to actually read the page.
“Ready Player One,” Phil replies, turning the page. “Want me to read to you?”
Dan snuggles against his side shamelessly, wrapping his arm around Phil’s stomach. “Yeah.”
Phil takes a moment to pull the covers up and over Dan, smoothing them over his leg and patting his knee before bringing his hands back to the book. Phil’s voice is low and soothing as he reads, and Dan is very nearly asleep when he hears a soft knock on the door. They both turn to face it in sync, and Dan has to bite back a giggle at the movement.
“Come in,” Phil calls, loud enough for whoever to hear, but quiet enough that it won’t wake anyone asleep.
The door swings open after a second to reveal Levi, who shifts awkwardly from foot to foot, avoiding their eyes, cradling his hand awkwardly.
“Hey, bub,” Dan says softly. “What do you need?”
Levi steps closer to the bed, holding his left hand up with a grimace. “I, uh... kinda cut myself. I didn’t know where the band-aids were,” he says, looking the epitome of awkward and uncomfortable.
Dan immediately climbs off the bed and heads into the bathroom, gesturing for Levi to follow. “I’ll give you some to put in the other bathroom, I thought we had some but Phil’s the actual clumsiest person alive so sometimes we run out,” Dan explains with a smile. Levi offers a quiet laugh, hovering in the door.
“I am not!” Phil protests from the bedroom.
Dan rolls his eyes, but mouths, “he is,” causing Levi to laugh for real. Dan grins, gesturing to Levi’s hand. “Want me to look at it?” He offers gently.
Levi shakes his head. “It’s barely a scratch, honestly. I don’t even know why it’s bleeding, it doesn’t hurt.”
Dan sends him a suspicious look as he rummages through the cabinet. “What happened, anyway?”
“I was working on that art project I told you about,” Levi replies. “The paper mache thing? I was cutting the paper and the scissors just slipped.”
“Hm,” Dan hums neutrally. “Be more careful, alright? You might need your hand later in life,” he jokes.
Levi rolls his eyes but nods. “I will. It’s really just a scratch, though, honest.”
“I’m sure,” Dan agrees. “But make sure to wash it out and put some antibacterial gel on it, okay?”
Looking on the verge of another eye roll, Levi manages a more impatient nod, holding his hand out for the bandaids. “Got it,” he concedes.
Dan supplies him with a bandaid for now and several extras, making a mental note to buy a new box the next time he’s out. He follows Levi out, going to climb back in bed as Levi shuffles to the door.
“Levi?” Phil calls gently.
The teen turns around, raising his eyebrows. “Hm?”
“Everything at school going alright?” Phil asks. “I feel like we never get a proper chance to ask you about it with the twins always around.” He smiles as he says it, softening the almost accusation in his words.
Levi shrugs. “It’s alright. It’s school,” he says, his voice betraying nothing.
“Yeah,” Phil agrees with a twitch of his lips. “I get what you mean. But so far, it’s okay? The teachers aren’t too bad and the kids are alright?”
“Yeah, they’re fine,” Levi says. He gestures at Dan vaguely. “I think he gave me all the easy teachers because they’ve all been pretty nice.”
Dan is about to protest but Phil sends him this lovely smile and Dan shuts up immediately. “Good, good,” Phil says. “I guess we’ll let you get to bed, then.”
Levi nods, waving at them a little awkwardly. “Alright. Night, guys.”
“Goodnight, Levi,” Dan calls after him as he walks out the door. He waits a beat to make sure Levi is well down the hall before turning to look at Phil. “You really are a good dad,” he says, almost conversationally.
Phil smiles at him fondly. “I should be. I’ve been practically raising you for the past ten years.” His tone is joking but it still embarrasses Dan, just a little, to be reminded of their slight age difference.
Dan can feel the wicked grin making its way onto his face. He can’t control himself, obviously, with the joke presented so perfectly. He leans in, resting his chin on Phil’s shoulder and pressing a feather-light kiss to Phil’s ear before whispering in his most sultry voice, “Daddy.”
“Ew!” Phil splutters, immediately shoving Dan away. He looks absolutely mortified when he’s put some space between them. “Never say that again, Dan,” he warns, sounding very, very serious, and very, very disturbed.
Dan erupts into a fit of laughter at Phil’s reaction, swiping tears of mirth out of his eyes. “Oh my god. You’re too easy! And the look on your face,” Dan sighs, catching his breath. He snuggles back against Phil with an innocent smile that Phil returns with a glare. “I promise I won’t say it again. I just had to, honestly.”
“You really... didn’t,” Phil argues, flicking his gaze up so he doesn’t have to meet Dan’s eyes.
Pressing his lips to Phil’s cheek is Dan’s apology, which Phil seems to accept if his sigh and the way he wraps an arm around Dan is any indication. “That really wasn’t funny,” he mumbles, collecting his book back on his lap and flipping it open again.
“Sure it was,” Dan replies easily, watching with a cringe as Phil returns to his dog-eared page. “It was funny to me.”
Phil knocks his head against Dan’s gently as reprimand. “You’re doing an awful lot of chatting for someone who was nearly asleep only half an hour ago, bub.”
Dan smiles against his shirt. “Alright, alright. I’ll be quiet.” Phil huffs like he doesn’t believe it but clears his throat to start reading. Before he can, Dan interrupts him. “Can you start at the beginning? It’s been a while since I’ve read this and I don’t remember who half these people are.”
There’s a groan, and Dan can’t help but bite back a laugh. “No, I’m not starting at the beginning, you horrible boy. This is supposed to be my quiet reading time.”
“Sorry,” Dan lies. “But you offered to read to me, so...”
“I’ll start at the beginning of this chapter. And if you get confused I’ll explain what’s happening. But otherwise shut your mouth and go to sleep, yeah?” Despite the irritation he’s obviously feeling at Dan pestering him, Phil’s words are still incredibly fond and bear no actual unkindness.
“M‘kay,” Dan agrees. “You may proceed.”
There’s a pause as if Phil’s waiting to be interrupted, but when he isn’t, he jumps right into the story, reading it at just the right volume for Dan to listen passively, his eyelids getting heavier and heavier with every paragraph. Eventually he nods off on Phil’s shoulder, but in their position his head lulls to the side and the movement jolts him awake again.
“You okay?” Phil whispers.
“Mm. Mhm. Sleepy,” Dan mumbles back.
Phil turns down the corner of his page, making Dan cringe, before placing the book onto his bedside table and turning off the lamp. He’s careful not to jostle Dan too much as he guides him into a proper sleeping position, tugging Dan’s pillow closer to his own and guiding his head to it. Dan allows his eyes to drift shut as Phil settles behind him, pulling the duvet up and over their shoulders.
“Warm enough?” Phil whispers against Dan’s hair.
“Mhm.” Dan reaches back until he finds Phil’s hand, pulling his arm to wrap around his waist. He feels a kiss against his neck and smiles. “Goodnight,” he murmurs.
Phil hums a response into the lack of space between them, but Dan’s already drifting back off to sleep.
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hiyo-silver · 6 years
Text
"What's Up You Guys It's Me, Bdenbrough!" - Quarry Vlog ft. MY FRIENDS
Summary: Bill films a short video with Stan, Eddie and Richie at the quarry.
Chap 1 + AO3 + My Masterlist
Taglist: @fuckboykaspbrak @thesquidliesthuman @starboystan @rachi0964 @ahoybyeler  @beepbeep-losers @bigbilliamdenbro @jalenrose1122 @sleepygaybrough @itandstrangerthingsfanfic @boopboopbichie @peachywyatt @aizeninlefox @sockwantstodie @chaotictozier 
Bill looks down at himself in the camera viewfinder, chewing his lip anxiously before he even turns it on. He clicks the on button, toying with the straps of his swimsuit top.
"Hey g-guys! It's m-me, bdenbrough," he says with a small smile, pushing his ponytailed hair off his shoulder to hang down his back instead. "Today I'm d-doing a vl-vl-vlog!" He announces, still looking a little uncomfortable filming this intro.
"You're g-going to m-meet my friends, we're gonna sw-swim at the quarry today," he explains, picking up the camera to hold it up in line with his face.
"S-sorry for not u-uploading for s-so long, m-my parents d-don't know ab-bout m-my channel and they're o-out today. They're t-taking Georgie t-to the dentist, he's s-such a l-little booger," Bill chuckles, smirking playfully for the camera.
He starts walking down the stairs, huffing right into the camera unprofessionally. He reaches the bottom slipping on his pink flip flops that his mom had purchased for him at the local Payless shoe store.
He smiles to the camera. "N-now for the walk t-to the quarry," he smiles, turning the camera clumsily away from his face to the view ahead of him, planning hopefully to put some music over this part.
He films past town, nearly tripping over his slightly too big sandals. His mom is all about buying them big so they'll fit for longer, though they never seem to last to the point of fitting just right before he goes through another sudden growth spurt.
He pays specific attention to filming the trees and the squirrels and sometimes zooming in far onto towns people's faces if he thought their expression was silly. He finds that filming makes everything more interesting because now he's thinking about entertaining more than just himself, which by default makes him notice more things that could be entertaining.
He finally arrives at the quarry, his frizzy curls hopefully still held back in the loose ponytail he'd rushed out before he'd left the house. He walks up, being the only one there so far. Richie probably being distracted by random small animals, Stan likely paying close attention to the cracks in the sidewalk, and Eddie's mom probably being her awful self and venting to him all the reasons he shouldn't hang out with this group of kids.
Bill settles himself on the end of the cliff's edge, filming the sparkle the sun leaves on the water. He even slips off his flip flops and sets them on the dirt ground behind himself, kicking his feet on camera, showing the audience his chipped toenail polish that he's really tried to remove but failed miserably.
He hears some talking behind him, turning quickly, stopping the camera and putting it on the ground quickly so he could explain to what seems to be Eddie and Stan what his goal is today. "H-hey guys!" He says, pushing himself to his feet to greet them.
"Nice swimsuit," Eddie teases, poking Bill's bare but fully freckled shoulder. He knows Bill isn't very feminine for what he considers a girl, them still only being around ten years old. He's always surprised to see Bill in the forced pink that he only wears when it's his only option.
Bill sticks out his tongue in response, "I'm t-taking some video t-today for my YouTube ch-channel, is th-that okay?" He asks, not wanting to post something without their permission, though he plans to edit it to show them best.
"Yeah, as long as my mother can't see it," Eddie chuckles, taking his shirt off carefully, slipping off his own sandals to be ready for the water.
"Where's the trashmouth? It's too quiet," Stan chuckles softly to himself, his sense of humor too mature for most of his friends to understand. He's a lot like his mother, quiet and sophisticated, and he makes the same jokes.
"He's probably trying to ch-chase a squirrel," Eddie giggles, covering his mouth with a cupped hand that only amplifies and muffles the sound of his childish laughter.
Stan joins in laughing, nudging Eddie with his shoulder, "God, you're an ass," he says in a hushed voice, looking around them in the irrational fear that somehow an adult could hear them.
Just then, as if he could sense he was being talked about, the unruly blonde boy pops up into the clearing, "Ya miss me?" He calls to the group, patting Eddie's bare shoulder just a little too hard in his excitement.
"Speak of t-the devil," Bill laughs to himself, pushing Richie slightly away from Eddie for his shorter friend's own good.
"Asshole!" Eddie shrieks, pushing Richie himself, having always been firey and good at defending himself despite the fact that Richie never means harm, he's just a bit too much sometimes.
Bill walks over to grab his camera quickly, hoisting it up onto his shoulder to point at his three best friends. "S-say hi to th-the camera y-you dinguses," he giggles.
Richie immediately brightens, throwing his hands up in excitement, "Who's this video for?" He asks loudly, already making faces and trying to look handsome for the camera.
"Y-youtube," Bill tells him with a sure nod, "To m-make us famous," he jokes, turning the camera to Stan and Eddie next. "Th-these are Stan and E-Eddie, they're my other fr-friends," he tells, the smile evident in his voice.
Richie grins, "Roight my fine friends," he says, patting Stan and Eddie's backs, tearing off his shirt and shoes and immediately making a mad dash for the cliff, gesturing to Bill to film him jumping down to the water below. He doesn't look as cool as he wants to, flailing and screaming loud enough for the camera to pick up.
Everyone on the ground still starts giggling madly as soon as they hear him clumsily belly flop onto the surface of the water with a low groan. They walk up carefully to look over the edge at him, Bill letting the camera view the scene as well.
"Y'g-good, Richie?" Bill calls, creasing his eyebrows when it takes a few moments for Richie to pop back up from the water.
Richie dramatically shoots up from the water with a teasing grin, "Haha! Got you!" He shouts, feeling entirely like he's the most hilarious dude of Earth for scaring them.
"Asshole!" Eddie yells, cupping his hands over his mouth to amplify his sound
"Bitch boy!" Bill yells, a usual insult of his, which is what the girls at school often calls the boys and he's eventually picked up on.
Stan is quiet, still working through the original worry, working through it as if he's in a state of grief about it, he really does care about his friends more than he lets on.
Eddie looks to his right, "You good, Stanny?" He asks softly, putting his hand on Stan's shoulder which makes him jump a little before taking a deep breath.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he says with a sweet smile back to him, patting his shoulder in return, "Ready to jump?" He asks Eddie, his own type of playful smirk taking over his face.
Bill nods to them, stepping back with the camera upon his shoulder to get the scene on camera, smiling to them when he's ready, getting them jumping right off the cliff holding hands, it's quite aesthetic if Bill would say so himself.
Next, Bill shuts off the camera and sets it down, running his own to jump down and meet the others, feeling the water engulf him, the water filling his ears, making a face to himself as he pops back up.
They all look at each other with matching grins, nearly all splashing each other all at once, erupting into childish giggles, their favorite time of summer when they can all act like kids.
They spend hours and hours going crazy in the water. They dunk each other under, not doing it to Bill though because they've been told by their parents that they shouldn't, which gives Bill free game to jump them under the water all he wants without retaliation.
They get out of the water fully sunburnt, everyone but Eddie whose mother insisted in lathering him with the strong sunscreen she could find.
They rub at their backs, cringing at the soreness and the heat, Bill walks right up to the family camera that he uses to film, making sure his hands are dry. He aims it in front of his face, "Hi again! Th-the video was sh-short but taking a camera i-in the water means trouble," he says with a shy smile, looking back at the others, "g-guys! S-say bye to the s-subscribers with m-me!" He shouts, gesturing for them to come closer.
They all gather around, they always listen to Bill, he's always been a bit of a leader, simply for how demanding he can be. The all wave, attempting to all shout 'Bye!' at once but it ends as a layered chorus of chaos.
"See y-you next time," Bill says, going to shut the camera quickly, holding it close to himself for the walk home, slipping on his shoes again before saying real goodbyes to the group.
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