#phandomgiftexchange | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

doomedhowell · 4 months

Text

'tis the damn season

Title: 'tis the damn season

Words: 2,438

Genre: AU + Fluff (coffee shop + minor bakery, grumpy x sunshine)

Summary: Dan is the coffee shop regular at the shop Phil just started working at. Phil quickly learns that Dan is a bit of a Grinch who refuses to try the shops' holiday drinks, or anything new really. Phil's determined to change Dan's mind about the holiday drinks.

Written for the @phandomgiftexchange

This fic was written for @heyitskoye! I had a lot of fun writing this fic and I really hope you like what I came up with. I came up with a coffee shop au tied in with the grumpy!dan x sunshine!phil trope which I personally love, so I hope you love it too ❤️ Happy Holidays!

[READ ON AO3]

Phil’s head snaps up as soon as he hears the doorbell ding, and smiles as soon as he sees a customer walk in through the door, the first customer he’s had in twenty minutes so he’s ready to serve. “Hi there! Welcome to The Bean Counter, how may I help you today? Would you like to try our new holiday drink?”

The man lifts his head up, a frown on his face. “You’re… new?”

Phil blinks, and he slowly nods. “Yes. I just started two days ago,” he says. “So, I guess I am new.”

“What happened to the one girl? Uh… Louise?” The brown-haired man asks. “She knows my order.”

“Afraid she’s not in today. She’s actually out of town for the weekend,” Phil explains to the customer. “But, I’m sure I'll still be able to help you. What can I get for you today? I strongly recommend-”

“I don’t want to try one of your annoying holiday drinks. I just want my coffee,”

Phil huffs, feeling himself slightly annoyed by the customer, but the quicker he makes this coffee, the quicker this customer can leave. He’s not going to let this Grinch ruin his perfectly good day. “Okay. Then what kind of coffee would you like me to make?”

“I would like an Americano,” the man grumbles, and he starts pulling out his wallet.

“That will be-”

“I know how much it is,” the man says, handing Phil a five dollar bill.

Phil stares at him for a moment, before taking the bill from him, and starts to pull out the change. “So, are you always this rude to people who make your coffee?”

“Excuse me? I’m not being rude. I just don’t have time to bother with your holiday drinks, and it is way too early in the morning to be so… chipper,” the man takes the change from Phil.

“We have a holiday drink designed after the Grinch. You should try it,” Phil says. “Name?”

“Daniel,” the man grumbles, and he crosses his arms against his chest.

Phil writes the name Daniel on the cup with a sharpie, before turning around so he can finally start making the Americano. How boring, Phil can’t help but think as he makes the drink.

Phil finally gets the coffee made, and he turns around so he can hand it to the customer. “Thank you, have a wonderful evening,”

“Unlikely,” the customer mutters before turning, and walking out of the coffee shop.

“Grinch,” Phil mutters under his breath, and he shakes his head.

“I see you’ve met the ever-so kind Dan,”

Phil looks over and sees the manager, PJ, who’s just walked out from the back. “He’s a regular?”

“Comes in every morning. He orders the same thing, and as long as I’ve known him, he’s never gotten anything but his usual.. I know I’m not supposed to tell you this, but I would recommend not recommending our holiday drinks to him. He’s never bothered to try any of them and gets grumpy when you try to recommend them to him,” PJ informs Phil.

“But, I mean, how could you not love the holiday drinks? They are the best part of the holiday season!” Phil exclaims. “And I’m saying this as a customer, not as someone who works here now.”

PJ chuckles, and he nods in agreement. “I agree. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees,”

Phil huffs once more. “I’ll get him to try one of our drinks,”

“If he comes back,” PJ says, and he shakes his head. “Anyways. Are you ready for your first break?”

“Yeah, I could use a break. Thanks PJ,” Phil says, and starts untying his apron. He gives PJ a smile before turning, and heading towards the back. He walks back to the break room, and plops down on the couch. Phil frowns as he sits there for a moment, staring at nothing, pondering over the interaction he had early with the customer, Dan, his name was. “Who hates holiday drinks?” He shakes his head.

Phil goes about his day, and eventually forgets about the Grinch who hates holiday drinks. He doesn’t think about it again until the next day, when Dan comes in at the same time.

Phil looks up, and freezes slightly when he sees the familiar brown headed man come into the shop.

Dan looks up, and seems just as disappointed to see Phil as Phil is to see him. “Oh. You again?”

“I work here. Still feeling just as Grinch as you were yesterday?” Phil asks in a calm tone, and starts getting Dan’s order up, because he made sure to remember what Dan’s coffee order was previously. Americano. It’s pretty simple to remember, and pretty easy for Phil to make. “You’ll get the Americano?”

Dan blinks as he stares at Phil. “Yes?”

“Excellent, and since you already know how much it is, you can just hand me your payment,” Phil says, unable to stop himself from smirking as he sees the surprised look on Dan’s face.

Dan stares at Phil as he hands him the money, and takes the change back from Phil. “Really? You’re not going to try and force your holiday drinks on me today?”

“Well, uh… do you want me to?” Phil asks. “Because, I can recommend some to you if you’d like me to. My favorite holiday drink is currently the peppermint mocha.”

Dan makes a disgusted face. “That sounds horrific. Peppermint mocha?”

“It’s not as bad as it sounds, y’know?” Phil says, and he turns around to start making the drink.

Dan stands there, quietly, watching as Phil easily makes his coffee drink. He’s impressed, because this is going a lot different than it was yesterday, and Phil’s not as unbearably chipper either.

Once finished, Phil turns around, and he writes the name Dan on the cup, before handing it to him. “Hope you enjoy it. I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow morning,”

“Uh yeah. Thanks,” Dan mumbles before turning and exiting the coffee shop.

Phil grins, feeling proud of himself. No, Dan didn’t try one of their holiday drinks today, but he didn’t get all completely grumpy when Phil mentioned their Peppermint Mocha, and he was only mildly disgusted. But, Phil’s still determined to get Dan’s heart to grow three times bigger.

The next time Phil sees Dan, it’s not actually at the coffee shop. Phil’s in the local mall doing some Christmas shopping. There’s only a few weeks until Christmas and Phil needs to find his family the perfect Christmas presents for when he sees them on Christmas day.

Phil’s just gotten some hot chocolate and is about to turn to exit the bakery shop he’s in, when he bumps into someone. Luckily, he doesn’t spill his hot chocolate, because that would have been more of a disaster, and Phil would have felt extremely bad if he spilled fresh hot chocolate on a stranger.

“Oh my gosh. I’m sorry!” Phil exclaims, his eyes widening in panic.

“No worries, mate,”

Phil looks over at the man he ran into, and stops when he recognizes that it’s actually Dan. “Dan?”

The man’s head instantly snaps up, and it is indeed Dan. “Oh. I didn’t expect to see you here,” he says.

Phil lets out a soft laugh. “Yeah, I can say the same to you. Doing some Christmas shopping?”

“Yeah, kind of. My brother needed to go Christmas shopping and asked if I wanted to tag along, and I’m just grabbing things for my family if I see anything I like, so-” Dan shrugs his shoulders, and then he notices the cup in Phil’s hand. “You got hot chocolate and not your lame holiday drinks?” Dan smirks.

Phil rolls his eyes. “They are not lame. They’re delicious. Have you ever even tried one?”

“Nope, and I don’t plan to,”

“Dan! There you are!”

Dan looks over, and a younger boy runs up to him. “Adrian, I told you I was coming to the bakery,”

“Yes, but I got lost so it took me a couple extra minutes to find you,” the boy, Adrian, pouts. Dan’s brother looks over when he notices Phil standing there. “Do you know him?”

“Kind of. He works at the coffee shop I go to regularly. I told you about him,”

“Ah yes. I remember you mentioning him before, and how he dared recommend a holiday drink to you,” Adrian says, rolling his eyes, which makes Phil chuckle. “Honestly, you’re so dramatic, Dan.”

“I’m not dramatic!” Dan exclaims, and he glares at his younger brother, before looking at Phil. “Anyways. We need to get something to eat. I’ll uh, see you tomorrow morning?”

“I’m actually off tomorrow. But, I’ll be there the next day,” Phil tells him.

“Cool,” Dan says, and he clears his throat. “I’ll see you. Adrian, come on. The line is getting long.” He tugs on Adrian’s jacket, pulling him towards the line.

“So, that’s the coffee guy you have a crush on?” Phil hears Adrian say to Dan.

“Adrian!” Dan exclaims as his eyes widen in terror.

Phil can’t help but smile to himself, and quickly exits the bakery shop. He continues his Christmas shopping, but all he can think about is how Dan thinks he’s cute? He told his brother he thinks he’s cute? Of course, Phil thinks Dan is quite attractive. He can admit that, even when he thinks Dan’s a Grinch. But, Phil would have never dreamed that someone like Dan would think he’s cute.

When Phil is at work next, he can’t help but tell Louise about running into Dan.

“His brother was there, and apparently Dan thinks I’m cute!” Phil exclaims. “His brother said it.”

“You sound like a little schoolgirl who has a crush,” Louise laughs.

“Do you know how long it’s been since a boy has shown any interest in me whatsoever?” Phil asks, pouting. “Plus, a person like Dan never likes me. We’re total opposites.”

“Well, are you going to do anything about?” Louise asks, raising her eyebrows.

“I… I don’t know. Do you think I should?” Phil asks, biting his lip nervously.

“I think you should if you think you have a chance with him,” Louise says. “I mean, it would work, Phil. You would see Dan every day. I mean, as long as you don’t let a relationship get in your way of work.”

“Of course not,” Phil says, shaking his head. They both turn their heads when they hear their door bell go off, alerting them of a customer. Phil can’t help but smile as soon as he sees that it’s Dan.

“Speak of the devil. There’s your loverboy,” Louise whispers to Phil, smirking when Phil glares at him. “Have fun.” She giggles, and then she walks away.

Phil takes a deep breath, and walks over to the cash register. “So, we meet again,”

Dan looks up. “Hi,” he says.

“Come back for your usual?” Phil asks, getting ready to put Dan’s Americano into the register.

“Actually,” Dan begins, holding his hand out, stopping Phil. “I’d like to try something new today.”

Phil lifts his head up, surprised to hear this. He’s only known Dan a few days, but he knows from what PJ and Louise have told him that Dan never wants to try anything new. “Oh?”

“How about that Peppermint Mocha you were telling me about?” Dan asks.

Phil grins. “I think that would be perfect,” he says, and rings up a Peppermint Mocha for Dan. “Great. That will be five dollars and seventy five cents.”

“I’m sorry. That much for a drink?” Dan scoffs, but he gets out his money anyways. Ah, there’s the Dan that Phil knows. “Sounds a bit ridiculous if you ask me. The things I do for cute boys.”

Phil’s cheeks instantly turn bright pink, because he knows Dan is talking about him, at least he thinks, and then he takes the six dollars from Dan, and quickly hands him back his change. He looks up at Dan again. “I’ll have your drink ready in a few,” he says. He turns around and starts working on Dan’s drink.

Phil makes Dan’s drink silently, and then he turns around and hands him his drink. “Peppermint Mocha, I really hope you enjoy your drink,” he says.

Dan’s grip tightens around the drink as he stares at Phil. “Yeah. I guess we’ll see,” he mutters, before turning and starting to head out the coffee shop without saying another word.

“Phil,” someone hisses. Phil looks over and blinks when he sees Louise standing by the employees door, looking unamused. “What on Earth are you doing? Go ask that boy on a date!”

Phil’s eyes widen, and he looks over at Dan, who’s about to exit the shop. He quickly hurries around the counter. “Hey Dan!” He shouts, before running over to him.

Dan blinks and he looks up at Phil. “Yeah?”

“Are you doing anything this Saturday?”

“Uhm,” Dan begins, and a smile on his face. “I don’t have any plans at the moment.”

Phil smiles back at him. “Well, how about we go see a movie together? I’ll buy dinner after,”

“Well, how can I say no to an offer like that?” Dan asks, and he laughs softly. “I’ll see you Saturday then?”

“Saturday it is. Here,” Phil says, and he pulls out a notepad, and he writes down his phone number, and hands it to Dan. “Text me later with your details. We’ll work something out.”

Dan raises his eyebrows as he takes the paper from Phil. “Of course you have a notepad in your apron,”

Phil huffs. “Don’t judge me. It comes in handy!”

Dan laughs, and he shakes his head fondly. “Whatever you say, nerd. I have to get to work before my boss yells at me for being late again. Thanks for the drink. I’ll let you know if I hate it,” he says, and winks at Phil, before finally walking out of the coffee shop.

Phil stands there staring at nothing, stunned, for a moment, because he has an actual date. With an actual boy. For the first time in who knows how long. “Holy shit,” he whispers, and then his eyes widen. “What am I going to wear?” He turns around and looks at Louise with terrified eyes.

Louise cheers, clapping for Phil. “Don’t worry, Philip. Louise is here to help,”

Phil can’t help but sigh in relief, because thank God for Louise.

Just a couple hours later, Phil gets a text from an unknown number ‘I didn’t hate the drink x’

Maybe Dan isn’t so much of a Grinch as Phil thought he was.

#phandomgiftexchange #phanfiction #phanfic #phan #toriwrites

32 notes · View notes

japhan2024 · 10 months

Text

@phandomgiftexchange for @samrubygf and beta'd by @philsbignaturals

Note: I have not made this a very disturbing fic but I did mention one in the story. I hope you enjoy!!!

Chapter 1: The Unspoken

Dan finally returns to the sanctuary of his and Phil's house.

The grandeur of his world comedy tour had come to a close, leaving Dan yearning for the companionship of that dearest person in his life to be next to him again. The two had recently embarked on a sojourn to the enchanting land of Japan, seeking solace and adventure amidst cherry blossoms and ancient traditions. But now they were back and the four walls stared Dan square in the face, he felt an old burden he could not shed. Beneath the surface of his and Phil's deep bond lay an unspoken desire, a forbidden fruit they had vowed never to taste again.

In the last couple of years, both of them had publicly declared their inclination towards the same gender. Dan had even confessed, amidst a whirlwind of courage, that his and Phil's connection - at the very beginning - had surpassed the realm of friendship. He didn't want to share any more than that and "people should really mind their own business", as he'd said to Phil. But it was more than just other people. Dan himself had not been quite ready to face his true feelings for Phil, always burying or running from them. And long, long ago, they had made a pact, a sacred oath in the depths of their hearts, to suppress any romantic aspirations, striving to maintain the purity of their bond and avoid the torment of potential strife.

Lost in thought, Dan found himself sitting cross-legged on the couch, his gaze fixed upon a gaudy golden pig statue that Phil cherished, though Dan hated it with a passion. The pig's eyes glimmered with an unsettling intensity, as if harboring secrets of its own.

"Phil, MATE," Dan only called Phil 'mate' when complaining, "what in the HELL possessed you to get this idiotically golden pig?"

Phil, his unique soundless laughter resonating silently as if orchestrated by a mischievous specter, stuck out his tongue sideways, adding an extra layer of absurdity to his amusement. He reveled in Dan's vexation, knowing full well the effect it had on his irascible friend.

"Get it away from me! It looks like it's plotting something," Dan only half-joked. Phil eventually obliged and took it into his bedroom.

Within the depths of Dan's black soul, he battled a tempest of emotions. Phil's radiant allure, which seemed to magnify with each passing day, violently stirred the feelings he'd always carried with him. How could he, a mere formless blob in comparison, deem himself worthy of such a perfect being? The anguish gnawed at Dan's heart, a relentless torment only exacerbated by his own self-perceived inadequacy. As Dan observed Phil's laughter, a pang of longing washed over him. Oh, how he yearned to hold Phil close, to feel the warmth of their connection transcend the boundaries they had carefully erected. But the pact, that dreaded agreement, cast its shadow over their path, weaving a tapestry of unfulfilled desires and bittersweet moments. Dan composed himself and masked his inner turmoil behind a facade of joviality, awaiting the twists and turns fate had in store. Little did he know that their resolve would soon be tested, for drama, like an unwelcome guest, had a knack for making its presence known, whether invited or not.

As the days turned into nights, and the nights into days, Dan found himself caught in a labyrinth of introspection. Each passing moment brought forth a kaleidoscope of emotions—admiration, adoration, and an undeniable ache that echoed deep within his soul. He so wished to express the depths of his affection, to break free from the chains of this self-imposed limitation. But fear, that insidious specter, whispered in Dan's ear, reminding him of the potential consequences. Would their friendship be forever marred by the fires of passion left unquenched? The question tormented him, the answer elusive.

Meanwhile, Phil, with his radiant crooked smile and sparkling blue-green eyes, remained unaware of the storm brewing within his best friend. Oblivious to the turmoil that swirled beneath the surface, he continued to be the anchor in Dan's stormy sea. His infectious laughter, like a buoy in treacherous waters, brought solace to Dan's troubled heart. But the torment of unfulfilled desires grew unbearable. Dan could not hide behind the mask of friendship for much longer. The unspoken longing in his heart demanded acknowledgement, the ache yearning to be eased.

Chapter 2: An Old Friend

In the depths of Phil's being, an adoration for Dan blossomed like a delicate flower, its petals unfurling in the garden of his heart. He marveled at the very sight of Dan, finding him to be such an ethereal presence illuminating his world. And yet, Phil understood the need to give Dan space - to explore his own identity and confront the demons of self-hate that still haunted him.

A few years Dan's senior, he wanted to allow Dan the freedom to navigate the world as an openly gay man. Yet, despite his best efforts, the flowery images of him and Dan standing at the altar of matrimony persisted, etching themselves into the deepest recesses of his mind. He longed not only to be proud of their shared truth, but also to proudly call Dan his husband.

In those early days, when hormones raged and passions surged, he and Dan were propelled into a brief and fiery romantic phase. But as the reality of their lives as YouTubers settled upon their shoulders, and they saw how well the two of them worked together in every aspect of their lives, they had made the difficult decision to shift their love to the realm of friendship. Only then they could trust that they would stay together forever... Nevertheless, their bond transcended labels and defied societal expectations - but had it truly been the best choice?

Amidst their playful banter about the damn golden pig, the pressing matters of the outside world momentarily faded away. The doorbell chimed, announcing the arrival of the pizza they had ordered, and the question of who would accept the delivery once again fell into their laps. With a grin that revealed a mischievous spark, Dan claimed victory, and Phil willingly acquiesced. It was in these small moments, mundane yet profound, that their bond solidified. Settled on the couch, engrossed in a show they had chosen to watch together, Phil's attention was not fully devoted to the screen. Instead, his gaze was irresistably drawn to the unruly mess of Dan's brown curls, a testament to his uniqueness and charm. In that simple sight, Phil found a source of comfort and wonder, a reminder of the immense love he held for his best friend.

Their tranquility was interrupted again by the persistent buzz of Phil's phone: a message from Cat, his long cherished friend. Dan made a silly sound and Phil responded in kind, as they often communicated in a language all their own, an intricate tapestry of noises and gestures and references only they knew, as they reacted to the news of Cat's apparent arrival in London. Tomorrow, a meeting with Cat awaited, a reunion that promised new adventures - they had to actually go outside for a start. Phil couldn't help but wonder what lay beyond the horizon. Would their friendship evolve once more? Could their connection withstand the weight of his unspoken desires, of the dreams that threatened to consume him? In the quiet hours of the night, as he drifted off to sleep, a yearning echoed in Phil's heart. The ache, too profound to be ignored, whispered of a future where his and Dan's love could bloom in all its resplendent glory. It was a feeling that he could not suppress much longer, a flame that burned brighter with each passing day.

As the dawn painted London's skyline with hues of gold and pink, it carried with it the promise of adventure. Dan and Phil prepared themselves for the long-awaited meeting with Cat, their spirits buzzing with anticipation. The prospect of reconnecting with an old friend intertwined with a subtle undercurrent of uncertainty, not knowing what secrets this reunion might hold. Their voices intertwined in a song of laughter and quality banter as they debated who would choose the perfect outfit for the day's rendezvous. Phil's gaze fell onto Dan, capturing the essence of his being in a single glance. The messy brown curls that Dan so self-consciously brushed aside were, in Phil's eyes, a crown of unruly majesty, an outward reflection of the beauty that resided within.

As they tepidly stepped out into the bustling streets of London, Phil couldn't help but wonder if this meeting held the power to reshape their lives once again. Would their old friend unknowingly become a catalyst, a messenger of fate delivering truths that lingered in the shadows? The thought both excited and terrified him. Amidst the vibrant chaos of tourist buses, cars and pedestrians, they navigated their way to the meeting spot, their steps echoing the cadence of their shared heartbeat. And there, beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree, stood Catrific, the familiar face graced with a knowing smile. Her presence, a bridge between their past and present, held the potential to shape their future. As they embraced, the years melted away, leaving behind a sense of belonging and familiarity. Conversations flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and shared memories. The passage of time had not diminished the bond they once shared, and in the presence of this cherished friend, Phil felt the tendrils of possibility entwining with his hopes.

"So, oh my god, guys, remember when we first met? It feels like a lifetime ago!"

Dan felt like he had to affirm her friendliness the most. After all, her and Phil had been friends before he had come into the picture. "Oh, absolutely! Back when Phil couldn't shut up about Buffy. Good times."

Cat laughed in a slightly high pitch. "Yeah, that show... Anyway, I have to confess something. Back then, I kind of had a crush on you, Dan."

This shocked Dan. "Oh?! Really? That's incredible."

"Yeah, I know, it's so embarrassing now. I mean, you guys were in that... phase, and I had no clue. I was such a fool."

Phil chimed in. "Well, I can't blame you, Cat. He definitely has that effect on people."

Dan actually blushed. "Phil! Shut up!" Why had Phil said that? So confidently and with that low, sensual tone... Did Cat and all the memories of that time bring out Phil's old feelings for Dan?

Cat continued "no, but really, seeing you both together now, it's amazing. You guys have such an incredible connection, and I'm genuinely happy for you."

Phil smiled and Dan could not stop staring (as usual) at his incredibly distractingly beautiful friend. "Thank you, Cat. We're lucky to have you as a friend.

Dan quickly recomposed himself. "Yeah, we really are. And hey, it's all in the past now. We've come a long way since then, haven't we?"

Cat tipped her black sunglasses. "Definitely. And I'm grateful to be a part of your journey, even if my own crush was a bit misguided. I just want you both to be happy."

Phil put his hand on Cat's shoulder. "We are, Cat. We really are."

"And hey, if it makes you feel any better, I've had my fair share of awkward crushes too. We're all in this together," Dan said.

Cat smiled. She truly was a beautiful woman with her olive skin, dark brown eyes, and shiny dark hair. "I guess we're all a bit clumsy in matters of the heart. But hey, at least we can laugh about it now."

Dan laughed with her. "Absolutely! And there's no doubt that we'll continue to make painfully cringe memories to laugh at later on."

Phil, his pale skin only slightly protected by the shade of the oak tree, said, "speaking of crushes - you know I was always raving about Buffy? Turns out, it was just a thing for bad boy vampires all along."

Cat laughed. "Really, Phil? I never knew!"

The three reminisced some more about their past. The day wore on, carrying them through the city's winding streets, and as the sun dipped below the high London buildings, Phil's heart pulsed with a newfound clarity. The weight of unspoken truths pressed against his lips, begging for release. For in the presence of Dan, the one who held his heart captive, he could no longer deny the depths of his desires.

Chapter 3: Restless Nights

The moonlight cast an ethereal glow on Dan's bedroom as he tossed and turned, unable to find solace in the embrace of sleep. Thoughts of Phil invaded his mind, the way his eyes sparkled under the open sky, their hue deepening in the natural light.

Meanwhile, Phil lay wide awake, his mind consumed by thoughts of Dan. The image of Dan standing under that oak tree played on loop in his mind - the perfect place for an outdoor wedding. His heart ached at the thought. The house was enveloped in silence, broken only by the distant ticking of a clock. Phil's stomach growled, only adding to the pangs of hunger he felt for Dan. In a drowsy haze, he stumbled out of his bedroom, making his way to the kitchen. Vision blurred, he fumbled through the cabinets, searching for a box of cereal. Finally, his hand landed on a familiar shape, and he grabbed it, unaware that it was Dan's cereal. Pouring the flakes into a bowl, Phil was startled by a piercing scream that shattered the tranquility of the night. He squinted in the darkness, struggling to make out the figure before him.

"Thief!" Dan's accusatory voice rang out, his own cereal now gone.

Phil's eyes widened as he recognized the voice. "Dan? Where are you?" he asked, trying to peer through the darkness.

Dan's voice dripped with mock indignation. "Caught red-handed, Phil! Finally, my evidence against the notorious cereal fiend!"

Phil rubbed his eyes, frustration mixed with amusement. "D'you have to scream in the middle of the night, Dan? You've probably woken up the entire neighborhood."

Dan snorted, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Consider it payback for all the times you've stolen my cereal."

Their laughter echoed through the quiet house, dispelling the restlessness that had plagued them. In that moment, they had found solace in each other's company, even amidst the absurdity of their late-night encounter.

Chapter 4: The ... Fic

The night lingered on as they sat side by side at the kitchen counter, the glow of their phones casting a soft light on their weary faces. Suddenly, Phil's phone buzzed once again, indicating another message from Cat, while Dan's phone rang persistently, an unwelcome interruption in the stillness of the night. Dan ignored the call, letting it ring until it eventually silenced. But curiosity piqued as Phil glanced at the message, only to be bombarded by a whole flurry of notifications. Puzzled, he opened the messages to find a series of frantic texts from their friends - Pj, Marzia, Louise - about a scandalous fan fiction or rather phan fiction, that had taken the internet by storm. It had become so notorious that even local news outlets were attempting to reach out to Dan and Phil, seeking their response. A sense of unease settled over them as they realized that the intimate details of their private relationship were being exploited for shock value. The invasion of their personal lives weighed heavily on their hearts, stirring up a mix of anger and frustration. The world had never ceased to find ways to pull them back into the spotlight, despite their semi-retirement from the internet. Reluctantly, they decided to read the controversial fan fiction, their curiosity getting the better of them. As they delved into the twisted narrative, they found themselves oscillating between amusement and disgust. While it certainly crossed boundaries, Dan couldn't help but admit that he had encountered worse. Ultimately, it was nothing more than a sensationalized piece, a mere blip on the radar of a slow news day.

"Phil, this whole debacle... It's really got me thinking, you know?

Phil nodded solemnly. "All these years, we've let others dictate our story. Why do we keep letting them?"

"Exactly! We've already come out to the world, and yet here we are, allowing gossip and the whims of social media to have a say in our lives. It's like we're trapped in this never-ending cycle."

Phil leaned in closer. "We shouldn't let them define us, Dan. We've built a connection that's so much deeper than what others see. Isn't it time we embrace it fully, unapologetically?"

Dan finally locked eyes with him, his heart racing. "You're right, Phil. We owe it to ourselves to live our lives on our own terms." As Phil moved even closer to him and he could feel the warmth of his body without them touching just yet, Dan smiled, a glimmer of hope in his otherwise jaded eyes. "Let the world say what it wants. We know the truth, and that's all that matters. From this moment forward, let's write our own story."

Phil slowly took Dan's hand in his. "No more compromises. We'll live authentically, and nothing will stand in our way."

As London sweltered under an unusually hot and dry morning, they found themselves in agreement. No words were exchanged, but their intentions were clear. The world may have had its opinions and expectations, but Dan and Phil were ready to forge their own path, one that embraced the truth of their love.

Chapter 5: Not that pig again

The sun bathed the room in a soft afternoon glow as they stirred awake, tangled in a mess of Phil's blankets. There was a sense of tranquility, an understanding that something had shifted.

Phil slipped out of bed and padded into the kitchen to prepare Dan's favorite coffee. As he returned, he couldn't help but stare at the slowly awakening figure he loved so deeply. Dan's tousled hair framed his face, and his peaceful expression spoke volumes. Phil's heart swelled with love as he marveled at the sight. But just as the serenity enveloped the room, something else, something insidious, reflected sunlight right onto Dan's face.

"Ugh, that pig again!" Dan groaned, his eyes squinting against the glare.

Phil chuckled silently, unfazed by the interruption. He settled down next to Dan. The warmth of the cup seeped through Dan's hands, but it was Phil's gaze that truly engulfed him. Time seemed to stand still. Phil's deep blue-green-yellow eyes, filled with unspoken affection, reached into the depths of Dan's soul. If he would drown in them then and there, he'd be perfectly happy.

"Good morning," Phil said, his warm, deep voice laced with tenderness.

"Gut morning," Dan replied in a silly voice. The wheels of fate had turned, setting in motion a journey filled with possibility. Dan and Phil's hearts beat in unison, daring to explore the depths of a love that had always been there, waiting patiently to be acknowledged once again. They reveled in their newfound freedom. And as they sat there, savoring their coffee and basking in the glow of their connection, Dan knew that this was just the beginning. Their love story, once confined to the shadows, was now ready to be written in bold, vibrant strokes.

#phan #phandomgiftexchange #phan fic

6 notes · View notes