Cinderella

"NO and that is final!" Phil's step dad, Stewart, bellowed. He scoffed and flopped down on the couch, taking a handful of cheese puffs and stuffing them in his gob. Phil glared in disgust, he was such a pig and he hated that he was left in his care.

Everyone in Manchester went to his parties. Dan Howell's that is. He was the coolest guy around and had loaded parents so he'd throw these massive parties every year. All the local school's, including Phil's, knew about them and always went. Phil had never been allowed to go by his step father even though he was eighteen now. He was determined to leave as soon as possible.

The annoying part was that Stewart had two twin sons who were sixteen and always went to Dan Howell's parties. Stewart obviously favoured them and spoiled them rotten. Phil was left to clean the house and do as he was told. Phil's older brother was in university and Phil was miserable when he left him on his own. He still visits to make sure Phil's okay since Michael, his brother, knew their step father was cruel and didn't trust him not to lay a hand on his younger brother.

Phil ran up the stairs, in a bad mood. His friends were going and were hoping for him to be there. Phil never got to have any fun and very rarely even got to see his friends out of school, luckily they didn't give up on him.

Phil stormed into his room and flopped down on the bed in frustration. A few minutes later he heard a light knocking on his door. "Piss off you two!" Phil growled, assuming it was one of the twins - Jack and Jock.

"That's no way to greet your brother is it?" Michael chuckled from the doorway. Phil jumped to his feet, looking wide eyed at the boy in the doorway. Without another thought he ran and hugged his brother, missing his presence.

"Sorry." Phil replied sheepishly.

"Oh Phil, what's wrong now?" He asked calmly and guided them over to the bed.

"Stewart won't let me go to a party. I've never been out the house for fun, I have to stay and clean up the whole fucking thing." Phil growled, the words tumbling from his mouth.

"Whoa, slow down there. Where are these bad words coming from Philly?" Michael teased. Phil sighed and gave his brother a half smile. "What's so special about this party?"

"Well, my friends wanted me to come. It's one of Dan Howell's, you know that really rich kid a couple neighbourhoods down?" Michael nodded, a knowing look on his face. "I've not been to a party since I was fifteen and I don't want to disappoint my friends AND miss out on one of the biggest parties of the year AGAIN." Phil sighed. Michael saw Phil's disappointed expression and felt bad. He wanted to take Phil away with him but there wouldn't be enough room in his dorm and he was saving up to buy a house of his own. Only then could he get legal responsibility over his little brother. He wanted to make it up to him somehow and his eyes scanned the room as he thought.

His eyes landed on the fairy tales book lying on the floor in the corner of the room. Their mother had always read to them before she re-married. The book was open on a certain story; 'Cinderella' was printed out in large gold letters at the top of the page. Michael smirked. "Well Phil, we can't have you missing that now can we?"

Phil looked up at his brother, eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?" He questioned.

"How about I stay and clean the house? That way Stewart won't moan and you can go to your party with your friends." Michael smiled.

"No Michael, I can't drag you back into this hell again." Phil sighed.

"It's fine Phil really! You deserve some fun." Michael urged.

"You mean it?" Phil asked, a large grin growing on his face.

"Of course." Michael smiled, happy his little brother was smiling. "Just call me your personal fairy godmother." Phil smiled fondly before hugging Michael.

"Thanks bro."

"No problem ... now about your clothes. Anything nice to wear?" Michael asked, breaking from the embrace. Phil glanced down at his baggy jeans and stripy t shirt. He bit his lip, his step dad never bothered to get him nice clothes. Phil shook his head sadly. Michael looked Phil up and down. Phil was tall, reaching about the same height as Michael so he should fit his clothes.

"I have some clothes in my car, lets see if you fit them." Michael announced before leaving then returning with two shirts and two pairs of jeans. "I was going to stay at a friends for the weekend but it looks like you need these more."

"Thanks Michael. I can't thank you enough." Phil beamed.

"No problem little bro." He smirked and laid the clothes out. "Take your pick." Phil looked over the choices. There was a white shirt and a black shirt, both with long sleeves. There was a pair of clean blue jeans and another pair of black skinny jeans. Phil thought about what would look for appropriate. Eventually he picked up the black shirt and black skinny jeans. It would match his hair.

He slipped them on, fitting like a glove. "You look better in my clothes than I do. I'm offended." Michael teased. Phil just smiled and straightened his hair in the mirror. "How are you getting there?" Michael asked. Phil's face dropped.

"Oh no, I told my friends I'd meet them there if I was allowed to go. I don't have any cash to get a taxi." Phil whined, feeling his heart sink.

"Phil! Don't worry, you can take my car. Just don't crash it!" Michael reassured, chucking his keys to Phil.

"A-are you sure? This is too much, really." Phil stuttered, admiring his brother.

"Don't be ridiculous." Michael brushed off and hugged his brother once more before showing him towards the door. "Now, get going it's six now. You can be fashionably late." Michael grinned.

"Thanks Mike. I'll repay you someday." Phil grinned before running out to the car. Michael just shook his head and waved Phil off as he drove to the party.

Michael glanced at their pig-like stepfather in the living room and rolled his eyes. They weren't poor, no. They actually lived in a wealthy neighbourhood. Phil and Michael's mother was the daughter to a wealthy business owner. When she died it was stated in the will that all the money would go to Phil and Michael but they were too young to use it so was stored away for them. Michael was supposed to get his share but Stewart had purposefully made things complicated and there had to be some things to be checked over in the will. Until it was all sorted out Michael had to earn his own living, which he didn't mind.

Phil pulled up at the party feeling an excitement and nervousness wash over him. He turned his brother's car off, parking it alongside the many others. He was about to get out when there was a buzz in his pocket. He took it out, to see a text from Michael.

'Be back by midnight, and be careful, the twins are there!
~Mikey X'

Phil smiled then hopped out, approaching the giant house. It was huge in comparison to his own. As mentioned before, Phil's family were pretty wealthy and they lived in a well furnished house but Dan's was a monster in comparison. He walked straight in through the large doors, hearing the music pump through his ears and make his bones vibrate. It filled him with a small ounce of excitement.

He made his first task to find Chris and PJ, his friends, in the sea of people. It was awkward shuffling round strangers and people he vaguely knew from his own school and repeated this for twenty minutes until he finally found his friends in the upstairs living room, chatting with two girls.

"Hey guys." Phil announced. Chris and PJ's eyes nearly popped out their skulls as they stared at Phil in astonishment.

"How the hel id you get out?" Chris exclaimed happily.

"My brother is covering for me." Phil grinned and flopped down beside them.

"Good old Michael." PJ smiled. "Oh, this is Carrie and Zoey." He introduced. Both girls smiled enthusiastically.

"Nice to meet you!" Phil smiled politely.

For the next hour and a half, Phil talked with his friends, the two girls and a few others he'd managed to befriend as well as dancing with a girl called Louise for a little bit. He was enjoying himself and was shocked at how fast time had gone by the time it had hit half eight.

Suddenly a thought crossed Phil's mind. He knew who Dan Howell was, but he had never seen a picture of him before so didn't know what he looked like.

"Hey, Chris? Do you know what this Dan guy looks like?" Phil asked.

"No, only the people from his school and a few others who have met him personally know so he kind of blends in." Chris explained.

"Oh."

After a while, Phil decided he needed some fresh air and was relieved when he spotted an unoccupied balcony nearby. He told Chris and PJ before making his way through everyone and out into the fresh air. He tugged his sleeves down and shivered a little but was relieved none the less. He leaned against his hands as they held onto the bars. Gazing out at the landscape, he took in the beauty of the neighbourhood which seemed to be lit up.

Meanwhile, across the room Dan was talking to his friend, Tyler.

"Nice one Dan, this seems to be the best one yet. Look at how many people showed up, there might actually be some people I don't know." He retorted, making Dan chuckle. Tyler was all about the gossip and could probably remember half of Manchester if he tried. It was uncommon for him to not know at least someone's name at a party unless he had never seen them before.

"Yeah, it's been a good year." Dan agreed.

"I second that. Troye and I have been doing great."

"Oh cool, did you ask him on a fate yet?" Dan asked.

"Course! We've been on two, in fact I'm taking him out tomorrow as well. I should probably go find him later and give him a good snog." Tyler giggled. Dan smiled, happy for his friend. "What about you mister? You haven't dated anyone since Eliza and that was a year and a half ago." Tyler narrowed his eyes.

"There's just no one I've been interested in." Dan shrugged.

"You should socialize tonight. Maybe you'll meet Miss or Mr Right." Tyler winked.

"Maybe." Dan sighed and took a sip of his drink. He continued to listen to Tyler ramble with a few others who had joined in on the situation. Eventually his mind began to wonder and he scanned the room, his mind going off on an adventure of its own.

Finally his eyes reached the balcony. He frowned when he saw a figure standing out there with their back turned. Dan's eyes furrowed as he tried to make the person out by the back of their head. However he couldn't pin a name. Finally they turned to the side a little, half of their face submerged in the light of the moon outside.

Dan stared in awe at the mysterious stranger. His hair was midnight black and shone glossily in the beam of the moon. His pale skin seemed to glow and his blue eyes glinted. He was fairly tall and had broad shoulders. His waist and legs were skinny but he had a curvy ass and hips. He was dressed head to toe in black and all in all generated a mysterious and cool aura. Dan could barely tear his gaze from him. He was very attractive - in Dan's opinion anyway.

Dan felt himself wanting to know this person. As one of his friends started another story he nudged Tyler. "Who's that?" Dan asked, pointing to the balcony.

Tyler narrowed his eyes. "Ooh, hello." He smirked. "He's hot and ... I don't know him?!" Tyler gasped in mock horror. "Damn, I'll need his number if things don't work out with Troye." Tyler commented, giggling. Dan felt the need to jump in first before Tyler went in and swooped the guy off his feet.

"I'm going to go find out." Dan announced, a little more possessive than he'd hoped.

"You go tiger!" Tyler teased and nudged him. Dan smiled anxiously before heading towards the balcony. Phil sighed, he'd need to go in and find PJ and Chris soon. He began to push off the bars to leave, when he heard the door open and close behind him. He didn't look, knowing it was probably just some party guest who was doing the same as him.

"Um, hey there." A voice spoke up, startling Phil. He turned round to see a tall guy, around his age standing beside him. He was fairly tan, from what Phil could make out in the lighting. His hair was cut similarly to Phil's only was a mocha brown colour. His eyes were a shining coffee-hazel which emitted curiosity. He was smiling politely, showing off a rather handsome dimple. He was definitely hot and Phil immediately felt inadequate next to someone like him.

"Um, hi?" Phil answered, as if questioning why this person was attempting to talk to him.

Dan was surprised at how low and hot his voice turned out to be, it sent a little shiver down his spine. This guy was even more attractive up close.

"Sorry, I just saw you over here and didn't know who you were so thought I'd find out." Dan replied, still smiling.

Phil smiled back, "Oh, well it's nice to meet you, I'm Phil."

"Dan."

Phil froze, midway through a handshake. Dan, the Dan Howell? "As in Howell?" Phil asked, needing confirmation.

"The one and only." Dan grinned. Phil immediately felt even more nervous.

"Nice to meet you, I hope I'm not intruding." Phil finally replied.

"Don't be daft, everyone is welcome." Dan brushed off, making Phil relax more. "What are you doing out here anyway?"

"Oh I just needed some air. It was getting a little hot in there." Phil explained.

"Ah. Did you come here with anyone?" Dan asked. He hoped he haden't come with a girlfriend or boyfriend.

"No but I met my friends here and got introduced to some lovely girls." Phil smiled. Dan felt his heart sink, he sounded straight.

"Oh. So, I've never seen you at my parties before." Dan changed the subject.

"I don't really get out much." Phil commented.

"That explains the paleness. Are you a vampire?" Dan asked.

Phil laughed and shook his head. Dan already felt happy that he managed to make him laugh. "I'm not a vampire but I suppose I could be." Suddenly 'Madness' by Muse came on inside and Phil's eyes lit up.

"I love this song!" Both Dan and Phil exclaimed then stared at each other in surprise.

"You like Muse?" Dan grinned.

"Love them, I saw a concert of theirs a year ago. It was so good." Phil talked animatedly.

"I saw them this year, they played 'The Second Law'"

"That's my favourite album! Oh and Origin of Symmetry." Phil replied.

"Mine too!" Dan exclaimed, feeling very overexcited.

"What else do you listen to?"

"I love Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, Greenday, One Direction." Dan listed.

"I love Fall Out Boy! I was jamming out to 'Death Valley' in my room last night."

"No kidding, I listen to their albums whilst doing homework." Dan chuckled.

"Do you get any of the work done?" Phil teased.

"Shut up!" Dan giggled, making Phil chuckle in reply. Dan felt his mood rising by the second. They had so much in common and Dan wanted to find out more.

"So what other things do you do in your spare time?" Phil asked, leaning against the bars of the balcony.

"Mainly play video games, go on the internet and watch animes." Dan answered.

"Really? Me too, what animes do you watch?" Phil asked, internally fangirling. Dan Howell was turning into his dream boy. Although there was the lingering thought that a guy like him would never go for someone like Phil. He was way out of his league. However, Dan was totally transfixed. He felt his little crush swell in his chest. Each moment with Phil making him happy.

They managed to talk out on the balcony for two hours until more people came out and their privacy was broken. They both went back inside and Phil expected Dan to say goodbye and leave but was pleasantly surprised when Dan dragged him off to a quiet corner where they could speak some more.

"I really like talking to you Phil. We need to meet again and listen to music and play some video games." Dan insisted, making Phil feel happy. He forgot about the fact that he hardly ever got let out the house and and replied.

"That would be great." Phil grinned.

"Do you know anyone else at this party besides your friends?"

"No, not really. I know people from my school and the girls I met but that's it." Phil explained.

"Oh who were-" but Dan was interrupted when 'Follow Me' by Muse came on. His features lit up and he grinned at Phil. "Wanna dance?" Dan offered. Phil felt his cheeks heat up. He had felt strangely comfortable around Dan but his flirting haden't gone unnoticed. However, he nodded and let Dan lead him down stairs where people were breaking it down in the ginormous living room which had been made into a dance floor.

Dan started to move with the beat, his hips swaying. Phil watched Dan move gracefully and tried to dance decently beside him. Phil laughed and danced with Dan for five songs until a slower song - 'Isolated System' came on and Dan smirked, thinking about how he could crank up the flirting a little.

"May I?" Dan asked, holding out a hand. Phil blushed but couldn't stop the large smiled which broke across his face. Slowly, they started swaying to the beat, arms clasped and the second wrapped around the other's waist.

Phil took in Dan's handsome features and felt his breath quicken at how close they were whilst swaying to the piano. Dan spun Phil around and felt his heart beat quicken when Phil let out an adorable giggle. He felt himself falling deeper for Phil and hoped he wouldn't just vanish from his life because he definitely wanted to see him again.

"I really like talking to you Phil." Dan spoke softly, leaning his forehead against Phil's. Phil smiled and let his eyes droop, loving the situation.

"I like talking to you too." His voice in a similar low pitch. They continued to dance to the last of the song, eyes fixed on each other, sharing love sick looks and giggles. Phil felt his heart pounding, he had had crushes and one or two relationships before but he had never wanted someone so badly until then.

Dan felt similarly, out of all the people he had met and date Phil shared a lot of hobbies and his personality was amazing. He was perfect to Dan and he was overwhelmed that such a person existed. He'd be damned if he let Tyler take him away.

When the song finished Dan intertwined his fingers with Phil's and smiled happily before dragging him up two flights of stairs. They got to Dan's bedroom and Dan flicked the switch. However Phil had hardly any time to admire it before he was dragged out onto a different balcony which was larger and had a table and a comfy chair beside it.

"I like to come out here to think and read sometimes." Dan breathed, standing close to Phil and resting his head on his shoulder. Phil sighed and rested his head against Dan's, feeling so at ease with the world.

"It's beautiful."

"I really liked you Phil. I love your personality and I love how we have so much in common." Dan sighed, smiling up at Phil who grinned back.

"Me too." Phil breathed. Dan pulled back from his shoulder and looked Phil directly in the eye. Without hesitation he reached out and cupped Phil's cheek, checking to see if it was okay. Phil's heart sped up. He felt nervous but extremely blissful and want nothing more than to kiss Dan. Normally he'd get paranoid and have doubts but Dan had seemed equally as happy to be around him and Phil couldn't identify a single lie when Dan spoke so fondly of his interests.

Dan leaned in and so did Phil. Finally their lips met and a warm spread through both of them. Dan felt his heart flutter and the butterflies pool in his stomach. It was that amazing feeling you got when you knew you were kissing the right person. They both pulled away from the sweet and gentle kiss for a second, as if double checking.

Seeing the grins on each other's faces they pushed their lips together more firmly. Dan's hands slipped to Phil's hips whilst Phil's played with Dan's hair, massaging his scalp and playing with bits of Dan's soft hair. Dan sighed in appreciation at the feeling of his hair being played with. It was a personal favourite of his. He moved his lips with Phil's loving the warm feeling of kissing him. He gripped tighter and whined a little when he felt Phil's tongue shyly run along his bottom lip. Without hesitation, he immediately opened up, meeting Phil's tongue with his own and moaning a little.

Phil whimpered a little as Dan's tongue massaged his own whilst their lips caressed each other's passionately. His head was fuzzy and he was in a state of pure bliss, never wanting to come down from the high. He tugged a little on Dan's hair as things got more passionate by the second and savoured the noises Dan made in response.

They broke apart for air but as soon as they got a new supply their lips were fitted together again in a more heated embrace, mouths pushing more firmly against each other. Phil's hands left Dan's hair and down to his chest, lightly running his hands up and down whilst nipping on Dan's lip. Dan let out a small groan at the feeling of Phil's hands and his teeth. He whimpered a little as Phil's hands explored his chest whilst pushing him back against the railing a little. He moaned and nipped Phil back, one hand leaving Phil's hip and tugging his face closer to his own. Their bodies were pressed together now against the balcony railing whilst they kissed passionately.

Phil's moment of bliss was broken by the buzzing in his jean pocket. At first he ignored it and gripped Dan a little tighter until he remembered it was probably Michael calling. He pulled away, gasping for breath. "Hang on." Phil breathed and reached for his phone.

"Hello?" He asked, sounding a little breathless.

"PHIL! Hey, come home as quick as possible. Stewart's asking about you and I told him you went out to buy some more milk so get here as soon as with some milk from the supermarket! HURRY!" Michael exclaimed before hanging up. Phil's eyes widened and he felt a panic wash over him.

"I-I have to go." Phil announced, pecking Dan's lips once and rushing out the balcony and across Dan's room. Dan felt his heart sink and ran after Phil.

"Wait? Where are you going?" Dan asked, feeling panicked. He wanted to see Phil again, he didn't want to lose him since he only really just found him.

"I need to go home." Phil called over his shoulder, running down the stairs and pushing his way through groups of people.

"Phil! Wait!" Dan called worriedly as he began to lose sight of Phil. He felt a sincere panic settle in when he saw Phil getting away, he was head over heels for Phil ... he couldn't leave now.

Phil ignored Dan's calls. He should have never gotten involved, it wouldn't work. He's hardly ever let out the house, having a boyfriend who isn't in the same area would never work out. He ran out to Michael's car, jumping in the front and starting the car. He needed to hurry to the shops then straight home.

Dan ran to the front of the house, just making it outside to see a black RV leave down his driveway. Dan felt his heart sink as Phil got further and further away, he didn't even have his phone number or knew what school he went to. He felt his shoulders slump and went to go back inside but saw something lying on the steps. It was a phone. He picked it up, turning it on. It went to a lock screen and Dan's eyes widened, it was Phil's

~

"Thanks for covering for me." Phil smiled gratefully.

"Don't mention it." Michael grinned, giving him a hug. "I'll see you soon yeah? Keep your chin up, you'll see Dan again one day." He smiled softly. Phil just smiled sadly and waved his brother off.

He turned round to see Jack and Jock eyeing him curiously. "What?" Phil snapped.

"Why are you being a whiny bitch?" Jock retorted.

"Because I unfortunately have to look at your face." Phil growled.

"Jesus dude, calm down." Jack smirked then they both walked off laughing. Phil glared at them before running up the stairs and hiding away in his room. He sat at his desk with his head in his arms. He let out a sigh and let his mind wonder.

Almost immediately his thoughts drifted to Dan - his beautiful smile and bright eyes. His adorable personality and dimple to die for. Phil already missed his presence. He would have to tell Chris and PJ about it, they always knew what to say.

Phil reached into his pocket for his phone to call them and frowned when he couldn't find it. "The hell?" Phil muttered, searching through his brother's jean pockets frantically. He searched his desk drawer before face palming, he had his phone with him so why would it be there? He patted his shirt pocket and everywhere else on his body. "SHIT!" He exclaimed, turning the bed sheets over and searching there just in case it fell out when he had explained the night to Michael before he left. After a ten minute frantic search he swore and kicked his drawers which ended up in him with a sore toe.

"Damnit, I left my phone. I need that!" Phil thought grumpily.

~

"He just ran away Tyler." Dan whined. He was laying down on the bed, clutching Phil's phone in his hands. "He had been so amazing and beautiful and we shared a fucking amazing kiss then he left. Someone called him and he bolted without no real explanation. Now I won't ever see Phil again." Dan sighed, grip tightening on the device.

He clicked the on button and Phil's happy face popped up on the lock screen. Dan sighed again. "Sorry mate. You never know though, he might come to your next one. I'm sure someone knows him. Did he mention what school he goes to?" Tyler asked.

Dan shook his head.

"Oh, well he must be from Manchester. He sounded local right?" Tyler quizzed. Dan thought back to Phill's deep voice, making him shiver.

"Yeah he sounded like he was from here but for all we know he could be living in America and only came for a visit." Dan complained, dismissing all the positives.

"Lets just assume he's from Manchester. I'll ask around for a Phil ... what's his second name?"

"I don't know, he's just Phil." Dan sniffed.

"What the hell did you guys talk about? You didn't get his last name, school or where he lived? Your conversation must have been boring." Tyler tutted.

Dan frowned. "We didn't need to speak about that stuff, we had loads in common." Dan defended. "Wish I had though." Dan sighed, turning the phone off and staring at the ceiling.

"What about the phone?"

"It's locked stupid!" Dan retorted.

"Well Sorry!" Tyler spoke sarcastically. Dan sighed.

"Sorry Ty." Dan apologized. Tyler smiled and shook his head.

"Look I'll ask around, I know some people from each local school. There's got to be some Phil's around. We'll find him, although I don't know how you're going to approach him." Tyler confirmed.

"He left his phone, that's an excuse right? I'll give it back to him and then casually ask him out for coffee, sweep him off his feet and live happily ever after." Dan spoke dreamily.

"You're heads full of fairy tales mate." Tyler teased. Dan stuck his tongue out but he was already feeling happy.

"Thanks Tyler."

"No problem mate. Can't have you moping for the rest of time now can we? Not if he is what you think he is."

~

"Get in there Phil!" Chris winked. Phi blushed.

"What now? I can't just go there and ask for my phone, maybe I should just buy a new one. I'm too embarrassed to show my face again." Phil moaned, running a hand through his hair.

"From what you've described he sounds as if he's into you." PJ commented.

"But I just left him! Also he was probably intoxicated, that's the only reason someone would like me." Phil sighed, feeling completely depressed about the situation.

"Don't talk shit." Chris scoffed. "You're great, stop being an idiot! Anyone would be lucky to have you."

"Yeah Phil, you're a real catch!" A female voice jumped in. Phil, Chris and PJ turned to see Carrie and Zoe - the girls from the party.

"You're really sweet. Any person would be lucky to be with a guy liked you." Carrie grinned. Phil blushed.

"T-thanks." The girls giggled and waved their goodbyes before scurrying off. PJ and Chris smirked at Phil who was still beat red.

"See Mr Catch? I'm sure Dan would love to see you again." Chris smirked. Phil looked down, but didn't reply. The bell went and they walked to their first lessons of the day.

~

The final bell went and Phil and Chris exited their last class - English. "Aaaah. Finally free!" Chris exclaimed, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "No more two thousand word long essays. Time for video games and a Netflix marathon with PJ. Of course you're invited if you can get out the house ... which is unlikely but you're always welcome." Chris smiled.

"Thanks Chris but I don't think I'll come. I'll try next time." Phil sighed.

"Ok buddy." Chris replied sympathetically and rested his hand on Phil's shoulder.

"Hey guys." PJ grinned and joined the two of them at Phil's locker which he opened up and put his books in.

"How was Chemistry?" Chris asked, smirking. PJ made a face.

"Awful, as always."

"Hey Phillip! Don't forget it's laundry night!" Jock snickered from behind them. Phil glared as the twins walked past.

"Go back under your bridge trolls!" Chris snarled, smirking at the twins scowled back.

Phil just glared and slammed his locker shut. "Can this day get any fricking worse?" Phil muttered.

"Lets hope not." PJ sighed and grabbed Phil's arm. "Come on, we're taking you to Starbucks. Stewart doesn't need you back until five right?" PJ asked.

"No."

"Well then, come on Phil. Our treat." Chris grinned. Phil smiled.

"Thanks guys."

"Don't worry about it." PJ brushed off and led them him out the front doors.

"You know Stewart shouldn't have this much power over you. Why can't you stay with Michael again?" Chris asked.

"Stewart complicated things with the will and told lies so it would take longer for Mike and I to get our money. I don't know when it will get sorted but as soon as it is Michael's going to buy a house and I'll go live with him. Then I can go to uni and then the rest of my life." Phil explained.

"Let's hope that's soon." PJ muttered, earning an agreeable nod from Chris.

Meanwhile Dan was waiting at the gate asking people if they knew a Phil. With every shake of their head Dan felt himself lose more hope. Tyler had said there was a Phil Lester at the school and the other Phil's at different schools had either gone, didn't fit Dan's description or were the wrong age. Suddenly he saw a head of black hair and his heart beat sped up. He craned his neck to see and sure enough a pair of bright blue eyes came into view. Dan's grin spread wide across his face.

Phil, Chris and PJ reached the gates and were about to turn in the direction of Starbucks when someone called Phil's name. Phil frowned and turned to the direction it had come from. His breath caught in his throat when he saw a tall brown haired figure running towards him.

"Who's that?" PJ asked.

"U-um, I-I a- I can't- um..." Phil stuttered, completely dumbstruck as Dan jogged up to him. He stopped and breathed out a bit, panting a little.

"Phil! Y-you forgot your phone!" Dan breathed, his hand outstretched with the device in his palm.

"Oh, thanks." Phil breathed nervously, taking the phone from his hand. He bit his lip as an awkward silence fell over them.

"So, who's this?" Chris asked.

Dan turned to look at him and smiled, "Nice to meet you. I'm Dan Howell." he introduced himself. Chris's eyes widened.

"Oh, yeah we were at your party last night. So, um ... we'll leave you and Dan alone shall we Phil?" Chris winked. Phil blushed but kept his mouth shut.

As soon as Chris and PJ were out of hearing range, Dan smiled shyly and ran a hand through his hair. "Um Phil ... I um- just wanted to um ... y'know-"

"If what happened makes you uncomfortable we can just forget about it." Phil muttered, eyes staring at the ground.

"What? No! Definitely not ... I just wanted to say that- I just wanted to know if you'd like to hang out sometime or go out for coffee or something? I-I mean you don't have to of course, I just really u-um like you is all." Dan stuttered, rambling like a fool.

Phil smiled to himself. "Thanks Dan, I would love to but ... well you see I'm not exactly one who's allowed to go out and meet people. I don't even get to hang out with Chris and PJ out of school." Phil explained, feeling his happiness drain. Dan surely wouldn't wait around for someone like him.

"Not allowed?" Dan questioned, his eyebrows furrowing.

"It's complicated, annoying stepfather and two stepbrothers. I'm left to clean up their mess y'know?" Phil sighed, feeling more depressed as the conversation went on.

"Oh ... well. Any chance you get I'd love to see you I ... I can't stop thinking about you and our kiss and ... I just REALLY want to see you again." Dan exclaimed, looking sincere. Phil smiled at him.

"Thanks Dan but you shouldn't waste your time on someone like me. I'm not worth the wait, believe me." Phil replied.

"Don't say that." Dan frowned.

"But it's true!" Phil snapped. Dan felt his insides squirm, he hated that Phil had so little self confidence. Obviously he didn't know his background but he was willing to understand and help Phil out. He'd meet at night if he'd have to.

Phil looked so sad and looked ready to cry. Dan couldn't let it go on any longer, he needed to show Phil he was worth the wait and he'd wait forever for him. Without another thought he tilted Phil's chin up and brought their lips together in a gentle kiss. Phil's eyes went wide as Dan kissed him. However, he couldn't deny the butterflies which swarmed his stomach as he hooked his arms round Dan's neck. He immediately fell in love with his lips back on his. He felt at home as Dan's hands hugged his waist close, closing the space between them.

"You are so worth it." Dan mumbled against his lips. They pulled away and Phil beamed, Dan thought he was glowing. He felt glad that he had made Phil feel happy again.

"I-I don't know what to sa-" He was cut off by the ring tone on his phone. They both looked down at it.

"You better not run off again." Dan warned, smiling before pecking his lips. Phil smiled before answering his phone.

"Hello?" Phil answered happily.

"PHIL! THE WILL'S BEEN SORTED! I'm looking at apartments near your area! Oh thank god the times finally come, you no longer have to stay with that asshole!" Michael shouted into the phone. Phil felt overwhelmed with even more joy, life seemed to be going in an upward spiral for him.

"Oh my god really?" Phil exclaimed, a grin breaking out on his face. Dan watched curiously but thanked whoever was making him smile.

"Would I lie about that?" Michael asked.

"No! Oh that's great." Phil cried.

"Start packing as soon as you get home! You can come pick the place with me later, okay?"

"Okay deal. See you later." Phil grinned. He hung up and shouted in joy, flinging himself at Dan and hugging him tight. "Is that coffee date still on offer?" Phil asked.

"Of course. " Dan grinned and pulled him into a sweet kiss.

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~HelloAnonymousWriter~