Pixel Rose

Words: 7326

Summary: Dan is the infamous lead singer of the band 'Pixel Rose' called DJ, but doesn't want anyone to know it's him yet. He wears a mask on stage to hide his identity however it's threatened when his crush Phil Lester gets involved. 

"THANK YOU, GOODNIGHT LONDON!" Dan yelled into the audience and the crowd went crazy. He grinned as he and his bandmates, Alex, Cole and Matty walked off stage, waving to their fans. 

"Finally, the tour's done." Alex grinned, placing his bass with the other props backstage. 

"You say it like it's a bad thing." Dan chuckled. 

"I just want to cuddle up on the couch with my cat for the next few weeks and relax now." Alex admitted, ruffling his scruffy brown hair and glaring at Matty who used his head as a drum. 

"You're the laziest of all four of us." Matty smirked.

"Sue me." Alex rolled his eyes. 

"Anyway, great show guys." Cole interrupted. "I think Dan and I killed our parts." Cole spoke cockily. 

"The part of being a narcissistic asshole?" Alex asked with a fake sweet smile. 

"Hey!" Dan exclaimed. 

"Sorry DJ." Alex stuck out his tongue. 

"Shouldn't you be heading home Danny boy? It's a school night isn't it?" Cole raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't want you to miss daycare." He teased.

"Shut the fuck up or I'll hit you round the head with your guitar." Dan grinned and they all filed into their dressing room. 

"Don't you have a test soon?" Matty asked. 

"Yeah, biology." Dan sighed and took his black mask off as well as putting his guitar in the case. 

"Ew, why?" Alex asked, scrunching his face up.

"I had to take a science, we've been over this. Besides, I'm not over twenty like you guys! I just need to get past the last few weeks of school then I can be in the band full time." Dan said in frustration. 

"We know Daniel. Don't fret about it." Cole ruffled his hair.

"I hate you guys, why are we even a band?" Dan whined.

"Because we're all incredibly attractive." Alex grinned, then wiggled his eyebrows at Matty. He rolled his eyes. "All the girls drop their panties." He added, earning a slap round the head from Cole. "ABUSER!" He exclaimed and collapsed on the sofa.

Dan chuckled and hoisted his guitar case over his shoulder. "Better get going." He sighed and slipped his mask back on for the fans and the paparazzi. 

"Careful, the hounds will kill for a statement and a picture of your face. You sure you don't want  one of us to come with?" Matty asked - he was the person to most be concerned by the others in the band. He regularly took role of leader and was serious when it mattered - Alex, Dan and Cole didn't mind it and were glad that they had a softy with a hard exterior in their group. Alex especially. 

"I'll be fine." Dan smiled and left the room where a bunch of fans had already gathered for autographs. Dan smiled and said a hello, signing a few before being helped through by security.

~

Dan glared behind his long fringe, he had had a terrible morning. The test went very badly since he didn't have time to study, his teacher had yelled at him and he kept bumping into things because of his long hair. He'd wanted to cut it for a long time but couldn't whilst touring in case some super intelligent fans were in his school and somehow miraculously made the connection. Dan was paranoid that way. He kept the mask so he could survive high school, once it was over in a few weeks he could put all his efforts into Pixel Rose. 

As he walked down the music corridor, he heard a familiar tune. He frowned and stopped at a music studio and peaked through the window. Three boys were playing one of Pixel Rose's songs from the new album. Dan smiled before his heart thumped loud in his ears - his crush Phil Lester was killing Cole's part on the electric guitar. He swallowed and moved on, a grin splitting across his face, Phil freaking Lester liked his music.

He felt a little calmer as he found his usual music studio at school - they had an impressive music department which was one of the reasons Dan went to the school. He hooked up his electric guitar and started playing the opening to Muse's 'The Handler' as a warm up. Dan and his bandmates loved Muse and saw them as an inspiration for their music. 

~

"Stop, wait." PJ sighed halfway through '8-bit Rock' by Pixel Rose. 

"What's wrong, was I off?" Phil frowned as he stopped playing the guitar. PJ put his bass down. 

"No, I just can't sing very well and trying to concentrate on the lyrics whilst playing is really heard for me." PJ sighed, biting his lip in annoyance. 

"You're great babe!" Chris encouraged his boyfriend, getting up from the drum kit and pulling him into a hug. 

"Can't we find a new singer?" PJ whined, leaning into Chris. 

"With 3 weeks to go until the concert? Really?" Phil asked worriedly and put his electric guitar to the side. The three of them got up to take a break and get something to eat. "I don't think so Peej, who can we find good enough on such short notice? We'll be going up against other schools in front of a crowd so they can't have stage fright." Phil pointed out.

"I know, I'm sorry but I know I'll mess up." PJ sighed. 

"You're a really good singer Peej." Chris encouraged.

"It's not that, it's doing it whilst playing bass. I can't multitask very well." He admitted. They walked down the music corridor when they suddenly heard someone singing. 

"Who's that?" Chris asked. "I didn't know anyone practiced in this corridor at this time."

"Is that Muse?" Phil grinned and followed the sound until he stopped at a music studio containing one person playing 'Reapers' by Muse, note perfect. "Fuck he's good, I still can't play that riff!" Phil exclaimed wide eyed as he watched Dan's fingers effortlessly pluck the strings. 

"Holy shit he sounds awesome, why don't we ask him?" PJ asked excitedly as all three boys crowded round the window to look. 

"Do you think he knows any Pixel Rose songs?" Chris wondered aloud. 

"Don't know, but I do know he's really shy and barely talks to anyone." PJ explained.  

"Oh well." Chris said and opened the door, barging into the studio. Dan immediately stopped playing and looked up in surprise. "Hey Dan, nice pipes." Chris winked which Dan just stared at with mouth open and eyes wide - he didn't normally interact with anyone at school in fear of them putting two and two together. 

"Sorry, Chris has no boundaries when it comes to privacy." His boyfriend apologised. 

"Tell me about it, Alex is a pain." Dan thought but didn't say anything. 

"You're really good." Chris continued, ignoring PJ's comment. "Would you consider joining a band?" Chris asked. Dan held back a smirk. 

"Chris!" Phil suddenly scolded and Dan's grip on his guitar tightened when he saw his crush standing with the other two. "What my friend is so bluntly saying is that we're entering a competition for the school and the winner gets a recording contract. Would you consider becoming our singer? PJ wants to focus on his bass playing and feels his vocals aren't strong enough." Phil explained calmly, giving Dan a kind and reassuring smile. 

Dan wanted to melt into a puddle however he snapped out of it and looked at the others uncertainly. He'd honestly love to help but there was a large possibility of being caught - especially if Dan had to sing. Dan wore a mask on stage but that didn't hide everything, like his voice, his eye colour, his hair etc. There was plenty of things that a person could spot if they were searching for them. Fans of Pixel Rose already knew that Dan was in high school. "I don't know ..." He settled on.

"Is it daunting to think of being on stage?" PJ asked and Dan nearly laughed. He'd been on stage for the past few years, he was long past stage fright. 

"No."

"Well then, lets have a little practice right now." Chris announced and grabbed Dan's arm and pulling him down the hall. 

"Hey!" Dan protested as he was shoved into a different music studio. 

"Chris, you can't just force him!" Phil sighed in annoyance. 

"What? I bet he doesn't have an excuse. Hey Dan, are you free for the next 3 weeks?" Chris asked.

"Um ... kind of?"

"Are you working on anything important?"

"Not particularly-"

"Well then it's settled." Chris grinned like a cheshire cat and sat at the drums. 

Dan huffed out a sigh, "Yep, definitely another Alex. Just great, as if the world could handle one." Dan thought.

"Chris." Phil rolled his eyes, "Do you even want to do this Dan?" Phil asked with concern.

Dan flushed a little. Did Dan want to spend three weeks with his crush playing music? Hell yes. It was a matter of if he should do it. The thought of seeing Phil every day seemed too good to give up. He had an internal battle, quickly going over the lecture Matty would give him later. "It's fine." Dan finally blurted.

"See?" Chris smirked and did a little victory drum.

"Really? Thanks Dan." Phil grinned and Dan nearly swooned. For fuck sake he was smitten as hell.

"Do you know 'Dead Case' by Pixel Rose?" PJ asked, picking up his bass. 

"Oh shit, I can't sing my own song - that's a dead giveaway." Dan thought in panic. "No?" Dan replied, attempting to change the song. 

"Here, we'll show you a YouTube  video." PJ said, opening up the app on his iPad. 

Dan swallowed and cringed as the video of his band's live performance of Dead Case was thrust in his face. He really hoped they didn't connect the dots even though he wasn't wearing his mask. "God DJ is so hot." Phil mumbled and Dan nearly choked on air. 

"You don't even know what he looks like." Chris teased from the drum set. 

"Doesn't matter I bet he'd gorgeous. His voice is already really attractive." Phil defended.

"Have you got the rhythm Dan?" PJ asked, not listening to the other conversation. Dan snapped out of his initial shock of his crush liking his DJ persona. "I'll put the lyrics up for you." He added and put the sheet of paper on a stand. Dan obviously didn't need the lyrics but pretended to study it anyway whilst freaking out about Phil inside. 

Chris started the opening of Matty's drums and PJ joined in with perfect timing. Dan started singing the first verse slowly for the beginning of the song, trying to make his voice more high pitched than usual in a desperate attempt to not make it obvious. When the chorus came round, Phil's quiet playing picked up and went faster with the tempo. Dan was slightly distracted as he sang, enjoying the view of Phil effortlessly playing Cole and some of Dan's guitar parts. Then the song ended. 

"Holy shit that was amazing!" Chris gawped.

"You sound just like DJ." PJ added, not able to stop smiling.

"Fuck." Dan thought - obviously his voice distorting efforts weren't as good as he thought. 

"That was amazing Dan - are you sure you'll still play with us?" Phil asked and Dan blushed at Phil's compliment. Honestly, that boy was his kryptonite. 

"Yeah - it'll be fun." Dan smiled.

"Okay, but you have to learn some Pixel Rose songs mate, since we're mostly playing those." Chris explained. 

~

"Are you mental?" Matty exclaimed, looking pissed off and dropping his drum sticks mid twirl.

"I'm sorry but it was Phil!" Dan whined, lying down on the sofa in their studio, looking at the bare white ceiling in conflict. 

"God you're infatuated with that boy!" Cole chuckled, strumming his acoustic guitar. 

"I'll be careful!" Dan added, ignoring Cole's comment and talking directly to their authority figure - Matty. 

"How can you be careful when you're singing your own songs?" Alex laughed. 

"I sing in a higher tone to distort my voice." Dan explained. 

"The stuff you do for Phil Lester." Cole shook his head, smirking and then focusing his attention on one of their new acoustic songs, 'Ultra violet nebula'. 

"Don't fuck up! I'm saying this for your benefit not mine." Matty warned and twirled his drum sticks again.

"I won't." Dan grinned, elated that he could still work with Phil. "Anyway, I wrote a new song for us. There's quite a bit of work for Alex and Cole, you up for it?" Dan asked.

"Is that even a question?" Alex smirked and picked up his bass. 

~

Two weeks. They had been practicing for two weeks and they still hadn't uncovered Dan's secret and he was very glad about that. He had enjoyed every second of his time with Phil, falling a little harder each day and blurting out his thoughts to his band mates later in the day. He also became quite good friends with Chris and PJ. PJ was extremely smart and talented and Dan felt like they were close to becoming best friends. Chris was funny like Alex and he was surprised to learn that he was louder and more careless than Alex. However Dan still liked his company, despite being a little obnoxious and annoying. 

Phil himself was pretty shocked. He thought Dan was the mysterious shy loner who just didn't know how to make friends but was pleasantly surprised at how easy Dan was to interact with like he'd talked to a thousand people before. He wondered how he had no friends - he was charming, talented, smart and funny. What person didn't want that in a friend? Phil sure felt himself wanting to know the long haired brunette with chocolate doe eyes that did something funny to Phil's chest.

"You're really nice Dan." Phil blurted one monday as Chris and PJ were packing up.

"Um, thanks." Dan grinned, blushing in the slightest.

"I-I just feel bad because I assumed you were really shy and nervous to make friends or want to be around anyone but you're actually really out-going. Who are your friends at school?" Phil asked curiously.

Dan look down, biting his lip, "I don't have any." he muttered.

"What? How? You're nice and funny and good-looking, you're an amazing singer and you have good grades. Who wouldn't want to be your friend?" Phil frowned.

Dan blushed even darker, feeling the heat on his cheeks. He hid behind his fringe and internally screamed about the fact that Phil had just gave him a bunch of compliments and called him good-looking. "It's not them. I just prefer being alone." Dan explained.

"Why? Aren't you lonely?" Phil asked softly and Dan's heart fluttered in his chest because Phil was a literal ray of fucking sunshine.

"I don't make friends so they don't find out I'm DJ." Dan thought in exasperation. the end of term was approaching which meant Dan could soon reveal his identity to the fans and be in Pixel Rose full time. "Sure, but I have friends out of school. I guess i just want to focus on my studies hand my music here." Dan tried to dismiss.

Phil bit his lip, catching Dan's attention for a brief moment. "Well ... just know that if you need a friend or just company i'll be there." Phil smiled and then went to help Chris and PJ. Dan let out a breath and tried to slow his racing heart. Jesus christ he was a famous singer who talked to thousands of fans a day yet talking to Phil was a struggle for him.

~

"We'll need outfits for the show. We need to match of course." Chris grinned as the four of them walked into town.

"Nothing crazy." PJ said quickly and pecked his boyfriend's lips before he could protest. Chris pouted and and agreed. Dan chuckled, PJ knew how to put Chris back in his box. They passed a hairdresser and Dan stopped, it was definitely time to get rid of the long fringe. He mainly had it to hide his face from people at school but school was almost over and he was going to be DJ soon so he didn't need the long fringe anymore.

"Um, guys i'll meet you there I need a haircut." Dan smiled sheepishly.

"Oh, okay. Text us when you're done alright?" PJ asked and Dan nodded in reply. They waved goodbye and Dan went inside happy that they had an appointment available.

"So, what would you like?" the man asked.

(2009 Dan to 2014 Dan)

"Hey, I found the skinny jeans rail!" Chris exclaimed and Phil blushed a little as the people surrounding them frowned at the volume of his voice.

"Could you be any louder?" Phil sighed.

"Yes."

"Don't encourage him." PJ chuckled and started sifting through the rack. "What size is Dan?" He wondered aloud.

"Maybe we should wait for him to pick and try them on." Phil suggested.

"Alright, let's go look at shirts then. I want something black but artsy." PJ grinned.

"After this let's go to the music shop down the road, I'd like some new drum sticks as I'm down to my last two pairs and I have a feeling they're going to break soon." Chris added.

"Dan's been quite a while. How much longer do you think he'll be?" PJ asked.

"I'll text him." Phil said, getting his phone out. It wasn't long until he got the reply of '20 minutes =^u^=' which made him grin like a fool."He said he'll be around twenty minutes." Phil smiled and looked through the black dress shirts. PJ watched curiously as Phil looked lost in his own world. He ignored his boyfriend's pickiness of clothing for a second to ask Phil a question.

"Do you like Dan?"

Phil's smile vanished and his eyes widened, staring in surprise at his best friend. Chris hadn't heard and was frustratedly sifting through the shirts and making a mess. "W-what?" Phil spluttered.

"Phil it's okay. You just seem really happy around him." PJ smiled reassuringly. Phil bit his lip. Sure he really liked Dan and he was cute, but did he fancy him? He hadn't really thought about it.

"I don't know." Phil admitted.

"Well ... do you like the idea of you two being together?" PJ asked, slipping in his wise persona.

Phil blushed as he thought of cuddling Dan and kissing Dan and ... Phil swallowed. "Well I wouldn't hate it." Phil mumbled, not sure what to say or think.

"Hey, it's fine. You don't have to think about it right now. I'm just saying ... well school's nearly over and he'll probably go off and do his own thing. Just ... don't waste the opportunity if you want it." PJ encouraged and Phil relaxed a little. PJ always knew what he was talking about.

"Thanks Peej." Phil smiled. Soon they had bought their clothes and exited the shop. "I told Dan we'd wait for him here." Phil said.

"Well we won't have to wait long." Chris commented, pointing behind Phil. Phil and PJ turned round to see Dan walking towards them. Phil's jaw dropped and his heart thumped in his chest because Dan looked cute before but now he looked so hot - his fringe was shorter and his gorgeous features were revealed to the world - his chocolate eyes being favourite of Phil's. He might have to consider PJ's advice sooner than he thought because Phil wanted to ravish him.

"Done already?" Dan frowned, eyeing the bags.

"You took longer than you think." Chris grinned.

"We're going to the music shop but we can come back this way." PJ offered.

"That would be great thanks." Dan smiled.

"Nice hair by the way." PJ added, casting a knowing look at the still stunned Phil.

"Thanks." Dan grinned, happy he looked okay. Dan turned to Phil, raising an eyebrow when he saw Phil's eyes roaming his face. "Phil?"

The boy seemed to snap out of it, "Sorry, it's just nice to see your face." Phil chuckled anxiously.

"Oh thanks." Dan smiled again.

"Come ooooon guys." Chris complained and they followed the his enthusiasm to the music shop down the street. Dan nearly rolled his eyes when he saw a whole shelf dedicated to Pixel Rose's new and previous albums. "Oh my god, they have a concert in three weeks." Chris exclaimed, eyeing a poster with the four members including Dan as DJ. Dan cringed at the enlarged page and hoped they didn't make the connections once again. "We're definitely going to that!"

"Fine with me, you want to buy tickets?" Phil asked. Dan bit his lip as the other three discussed it excitedly.

"What about you Dan? Want to go to a Pixel Rose concert?" PJ offered.

"Um ... nah I'm good. I'm busy then anyway." Dan tried to bat off. However they accepted his excuse and continued to talk about it as they navigated round the shop.

"Oh look, they have DJ masks on sale. You should wear one Dan, then we'd really look like Pixel Rose." Chris grinned, holding up the knock off of Dan's black mask.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Dan thought in frustration. "I'd rather not. I don't like masks." Dan urged.

"Shame." Chris shrugged and threw it back on the shelf. Dan nearly humped when he heard the ding of his phone. He pulled it out and nearly screamed when he saw it was from Cole.

'Hey D, slight problem. You know that concert you're playing with Phil and co? Well PR has been asked to judge it and our manager said we couldn't turn it down bc it's charity! ~ C'

"ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS?!" Dan internally yelled and angrily typed a reply.

'HOW TF WILL THAT WORK? I can't judge! ~ DJ'

'I'm sorry, Matty said we couldn't turn down charity! ~ C'

'I get that but it's annoying! We'll have to tell them I can't make it. ~ DJ'

"Dan, you okay?" Phil asked. Dan looked up from his phone in surprise.

"Oh yeah of course. Just one of my friends being a dick." Dan shrugged and slipped his phone into his pocket. Phil smiled and nodded, happy that Dan wasn't lying and did have friends outside of school. He was worried Dan had said it as an excuse.

~

"That's enough practice for today!" Chris sighed and dropped his drum sticks on the garage floor.

"Yeah, I'm getting hungry." Phil agreed and set his guitar down.

"We sound great." PJ grinned excitedly. "Nice work Dan, you've definitely remembered all the lyrics?"

"Off by heart." Dan grinned. They packed their instruments away before retiring to Phil's living room. PJ took his phone out and collapsed on his boyfriend's lap on the sofa whilst Dan and Phil sat on the one opposite.

"Good work guys." Phil chuckled and everyone else agreed.

"OH MY GOD!" PJ suddenly exclaimed, sitting upright and nearly head butting Chris.

"What?"

"Pixel Rose is judging the competition! Can you fucking believe this shit?" PJ squealed, his usual composure gone in a moment of fangirling.

"Shit..." Dan nearly vomited.

"I hope I get to meet DJ - he's such an inspiration." Phil grinned excitedly and Dan felt his heart get warmer.

"And you've inspired him Phil." Dan thought fondly. Once the excitement died down they fell into a comfortable tired silence.

"Remember to thank your mum for giving us the garage for practice." PJ yawned from Chris' lap.

"Will do, she won't be back until tomorrow so you guys can stay the night if you want." Phil offered.

"Well ... we would but ..." PJ trailed off, looking up at Chris.

"It's date night." He winked and PJ slapped his chest earning a chuckle.

"That's fine, you guys have fun. Do you want to stay for late lunch?" Phil asked.

"We'd better go actually, my parents need me back to talk about relatives coming over or something." PJ rolled his eyes.

"I'll drive you." Chris smirked and bent down to kiss his boyfriend's lips.

"Alright, well I'll see you guys tomorrow." Phil smiled as they got up.

"Sure thing, see you then." Chris grinned and dragged PJ out by the hand, waving over his shoulder.

"I should go too, wouldn't want to bother you." Dan smiled and started to get up.

"Do you have to? You're not bothering me and I enjoy your company." Phil asked, biting his lip.

"Well, I can stay if you want me to. I don't have anywhere to be." Dan smiled shyly.

"Great, you're still welcome to stay overnight if you need to." Phil offered and Dan's heart leaped into his throat. Staying the night with Phil? Yes please.

"A-alright." Dan stuttered.

"You don't have to if it makes you uncomfortable." Phil frowned.

"No, no I'd love to." Dan blurted almost too eagerly and he internally scolded himself. Phil smiled at him.

"Come on, I'll make us lunch then we can retire to video game land." Dan followed Phil into the kitchen where he started to get out the contents to make some ham sandwiches which Dan confirmed were fine. "Do you like Chinese? I can order some for dinner later?"

"Yeah I love Chinese." Dan smiled and took a bite out his sandwich, happy to finally eat some food. "So ... have you written any songs?" Dan asked curiously.

"Oh no ... PJ has a better way with words, he wrote a few for us but they're sort of incomplete. What about you, do you write songs?" Phil asked with same curiosity as Dan.

Dan couldn't help the slight smirk this time. "Yup, I have." Phil beamed.

"Then ... you wouldn't mind playing one for me?" Phil asked a little more quietly. Dan froze a little, what could he sing for Phil? He swallowed as he thought of the one song he hadn't shown his band mates - or anyone for that matter.

"Okay." Dan smiled anxiously.

"You don't have to obvi-"

"Phil it's honestly fine." Dan smiled fondly at the waffling boy and walked into the living room to get his acoustic guitar out of the case. Phil sat next to him on the sofa, sandwiches completely forgotten in the kitchen. Dan cleared his throat and positioned the guitar on his lap. Never before had he been so nervous to perform a song. He started strumming the beginning.

'I see skies of cerulean,

I see sunshine in your smile.

The world echoes with your laughter,

My heart's beating all the while.

Head to toe - my constellation,

For you I'd run a mile.

Oh sweet Juliet,

To Romeo, sweet Juliet.

My heart in hand for Juliet,

My love for you, oh Juliet.

And be, the one for me.

You make me feel fucking cliche,

Your humour warms my heart.

From January to all December,

I've been here for you from the start.

Head to toe my constellation,

You're my favourite piece of art.

Oh, sweet Juliet,

To Romeo, sweet Juliet.

My heart in hand for Juliet,

My love for you, oh Juliet.

Oh, sweet Juliet,

Oh Romeo's sweet Juliet.

My heart for you, oh Juliet,

I love you, my Juliet.

So be, the one for me.'

Dan stopped strumming and swallowed the lump in his throat. Phil looked at Dan in awe - completely entranced by his lyrics, his voice, his everything. Dan's eyes locked with his and there was a noticeable tension in the air. Suddenly, Phil couldn't take the distance between them anymore and lunged forward, kissing him passionately on the lips. Dan dropped his guitar on the carpet and immediately went to thread his fingers through Phil's hair and pull him closer. He had felt the tension since the first chorus. Dan wasn't sure if he'd noticed but Dan had originally written the song about Phil - mentioning a few of his features but changing the chorus to fit the love story of Romeo and Juliet.

Dan could feel his and Phil's hunger for each other through the neediness of the kiss and the fact that Phil was hungry for Dan made Dan groan into the embrace and nip at Phil's lips - something he'd never thought he'd have the pleasure of doing. Phil moaned against Dan's lips and pushed him back against the sofa cushions, straddling the younger boy and bringing a hand up to caress his cheek. Eventually oxygen was lacking so Dan removed his hands from Phil's hair and lightly pushed on his chest.

They pulled apart with red-bitten lips and messed up hair. Both of them breathed shakily and Dan couldn't help let a 'fuck' leave his lips with heavy lidded eyes - completely immersed in the moment. Phil smiled and ducked down, kissing Dan again then kissing across his cheek and to his jaw. Dan's breath hitched and he moaned when Phil pressed a kiss to his neck. "Be my boyfriend?" Phil asked breathily against Dan's skin and Dan grabbed his hair, pulling him up again.

"Fucking yes." He replied and pulled the boy back in for a rough kiss.

~

Dan glared at Cole and Alex as they laughed at him. "Honestly Howell, you just have a to hold a guitar for people to drop their pants." Alex teased. Dan rolled his eyes.

"You cheated, you bewitched that boy with your talent." Cole added, grinning. Dan couldn't help let a smile slip onto his face and he threw a pillow at both of them.

"Shut up you two!"

"We're happy for you Dan. I'm sure you're happy he got to fall for you instead of DJ." Matty smiled kindly.

Dan beamed, "Yeah, I really am. It's the first time that I felt someone loves me for me." Dan replied giddily.

"I love you for you Dan!" Alex exclaimed, batting his eyelashes and Dan smirked, throwing another pillow and laughing when it hit Alex square in the face.

"I'm sure you do Alex." Dan teased.

~

Dan snuggled up to Phil on his sofa, head tucked into the crook of his neck. He'd never felt so happy to be in someone's arms. He grinned as Phil soothed his fingers through the strands of Dan's hair and massaged his scalp, humming in happiness. He loved the way their legs were tangled together and the way Phil's arm was wrapped protectively round his waist.

"I'm so glad you helped us Dan." Phil sighed in content.

"Me too." Dan mumbled.

"I got a new singer and boyfriend out of it so I'm very happy." Phil chuckled.

"I've had a crush on you for ages y'know." Dan admitted, pressing a chaste kiss to Phil'd collar bone.

"Really? Why?" Phil asked in surprise but smiled at Dans gesture.

"Because you're gorgeous, talented, kind, funny and everything I've ever admired in a person." Dan grinned and raised his head to kiss his boyfriend on the lips. As he went to pull away, Phil pulled him back and gave him a proper kiss with teeth and tongue and love.

"Fucking hell you're perfect." Phil breathed when he pulled away. "It actually amazes me that you don't have people lining up to ask you out. You're beautiful, funny, an amazing singer as well as guitarist, you have a great taste in music-" Dan cut him off with a kiss.

"I told you I was fine with being alone." Dan reassured.

"Well I hope you're not anymore because I don't know if i'll be able to keep my hands off you!" Phil purred playfully and Dan thought it was so hot.

"Believe me, I can't keep my hands away from you either." Dan smirked and resumed their little make-out session from earlier.

"You're going to do great tomorrow by the way." Dan said through butterfly kisses.

"So will you, between you and me I think we have that competition in the bag." Phil winked and kissed Dan's nose, earning a giggle. "You're so cute."

"Don't call me cute!" Dan pouted.

"You're only proving my point." Phil smirked and kissed Dan's lips again because he could. Dan sighed and snuggled into his boyfriend once again.

"Are you nervous for tomorrow?" Dan asked, yawning a little.

"A little, it's my first time playing in front of a crowd, it's bound to be nerve wracking. What about you?" Phil asked, trailing his thumb up and down Dan's cheek in a soothing manner.

"I'm not worried about the crowd, especially if you're there." Dan grinned, moving into Phil's touch.

"You're sweet."

"Have you heard from Chris and PJ? Or are they in the middle of shagging as per usual?" Dan asked, chuckling a little.

"They're like dogs aren't they?" Phil giggled. "Mind you, when the time comes I don't think I'd be able to keep my hands off you." Phil admitted, blushing a little.

"I mean ... if I wasn't on the verge of sleep I'd have probably given you a blow job just for saying that." Dan teased and Phil slapped his shoulder.

"You're the worst." Phil whined.

"Actually I'm the best at blow-"

"Dan shut up honestly!" Phil laughed and Dan smiled up at him.

"You love me really." Dan sighed and kissed Phil's jaw.

"Unfortunately I do."

~

"HELLO LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" Matty called out into the microphone. There was a scream for the crowd.

"We're here to represent the sick kids charity which is what this event has been fundraising for. We'll be the judges of the bands tonight." Cole explained, smiling at the crowd and causing some girls to swoon. He was probably the dream boat depending on how many girls have proposed to him on social media and social gatherings, he was the second oldest after Matty. Cole was 22, Matty 23 and Alex was 20, only two years older than Dan. 

"Unfortunately our lead singer DJ can't be here until our final performance at the end of the show and he apologizes personally for his absence." Alex announced, "What a wanker right?" he asked and the audience laughed. Dan glared at Alex who caught his eye at the back of the crowd and smirked.

"Shit, I was hoping he'd see our performance." Chris grumbled.

"Don't worry Chris, we will." Dan thought with a smile.

"He might make it in time since we're on last." PJ suggested.

"I don't mind, it's a miracle the band's even here anyway." Phil commented but his eyes were on Dan who was smiling back at him. 

"Didn't you want to fuck DJ up against a wall or something?" Chris commented crudely and Dan's eyes went wide and his face went red. Phil glared at Chris before wrapping his arms round Dan.

"No, now I have Dan nothing compares." Phil smiled and pulled Dan into a kiss which Dan eagerly returned, embarrassed about the fact that now he couldn't get the image of Phil fucking him up against a wall. 

"Come on Dan, control yourself!"  He thought as he pulled away from his boyfriend.

"Uh oh, we have some couple competition and we appear to be losing. You two are adorable." PJ grinned.

"Yeah but has Phil made Dan scream in pleasure like I do for you babe?" Chris smirked.

"For fuck sake Chris!" PJ slapped him round the back of the head but couldn't stop the blush and the smile on his face. 

"We're going to be waiting quite a while, might as well enjoy the other performances." Dan commented.

"Sounds good." Phil agreed and Dan squeaked when Phil picked him up and sat him down in his lap. "Cute." Phil whispered in his ear and Dan shivered, that boy would be the death of him. 

An hour went by and finally Dan, Phil, Chris and PJ went on stage. Dan locked eyes with Alex who made an obscene gesture then pointed to Phil. Dan wanted to punch him but settled for narrowing his eyes with a look of promise to hurt him later. They played three of Pixel Rose's songs and a muse song last.

The crowd went crazy and Dan smiled as he saw Phil and the other two revelling in it for the first time. Matty and Cole held up a 9 and Alex held up a 10 with another zero drawn on in marker. Dan rolled his eyes but grinned at his band mates and went off stage with the thrilled Phil, Chris and PJ. 

"WE GOT THE HIGHEST FUCKING SCORE!" Chris shrieked and did a little dance. 

Phil pulled Dan into a very passionate snog and Dan melted into his boyfriend, happy he could share the happiness with him. Dan was slightly dazed when he pulled away that he almost forgot he had to leave and change into DJ for Pixel Rose's final performance. As Phil grinned at him then went to hug PJ, he quickly slipped away behind a curtain. 

He went to walk one way when he was suddenly grabbed the collar and a hand was put over his mouth. He let out a muffled yelp and frowned when he heard laughing. He struggled out of the hold and glared at Alex. "You fucking twat!" Dan hissed and kept hitting him.

"Now now Daniel, not time for that." Cole grinned and chucked him his mask and a waist coat to hide the fact that he'd be wearing the same clothes again. 

"Congrats on the show. Those other three were really good." Matty grinned, spinning his drum sticks. 

"Thanks so much for this guys, you should have seen how happy they were." Dan beamed. 

"They deserved it, even without you as their singer." Matty chuckled and hugged Dan quickly. "Now come on, DJ time." 

Meanwhile Phil pulled away from PJ and chuckled as Chris did the same thing Phil did with Dan and snogged the hell out of PJ. Phil turned round to hug Dan again but frowned when he was no longer standing there. "Dan?" Phil called.

"Where'd he go?" PJ asked breathlessly as he pried himself form Chris' lips. "He'll miss Pixel Rose's final performance if you don't find him." He added before he was silenced by Chris who kissed him again. Phil rolled his eyes at them but went to look for Dan anyway. He couldn't have gone far. 

He went behind the nearest curtain and looked from left to right. He strained his ears then grinned because he could hear Dan's south of england accent not far away. He followed it and found himself at another curtain. He pulled it back and froze in place when he saw Dan standing with band members of Pixel Rose. Phil hid behind the curtain a little, watching the events unfold. 

"Thanks so much for this guys, you should have seen how happy they were." Phil saw Dan beam. Phil frowned, what was happening? Did Dan know them?

"They deserved it, even without you as their singer." Matty chuckled and hugged Dan quickly. "Now come on, DJ time." Phil's blood ran cold as he heard those words come out of the drummer's mouth. His jaw dropped open when he saw Dan pull on the black mask and waist coat. 

"DAN IS DJ?" Phil thought in disbelief. "How could I have missed that? Was Dan lying about us being good and felt sorry for us so he got the band involved? No, wait, what am I talking about. This doesn't change anything - he's still Dan, and I trust Dan. I love Dan and he loves me ..." Phil found himself thinking in shock.

"You know the line-up right?" Alex, the bassist, asked.

"Of course." Dan, or DJ, grinned and pushed his hair back to make it different to what it was last like on stage. He then followed the others on stage. 

Phil hurried back to PJ and Chris who was watching the show from the side of stage excitedly. "Where have you been? Where's Dan?" PJ asked in confusion. 

"Um, he had to bail, family drama." Phil lied, deciding to keep Dan's secret to himself for now. 

"What? Now?" Chris frowned.

"Let's hope it isn't too serious." PJ frowned. "Hope he's okay."

"I'm sure he'll be just fine." Phil smiled and watched Dan, Alex, Cole and Matty walk on stage. Chris, Phil and PJ cheered them on as they played five of their songs, some of their famous ones and some from their new album.

"THANK YOU LONDON! Don't forget to donate tonight." DJ yelled and Phil can't believe he didn't recognise Dan's voice because it all seemed so obvious. "Oh and ..." Dan turned to Alex and slapped him round the head. "That's for calling me a wanker." The crowd laughed. "Thank you, goodbye!" He smiled and walked off stage with the others.

"Oh my god they're coming this way!" Chris exclaimed.

Matty and Alex spotted them first. "Hey. You guys rocked, well done on winning." Matty smiled kindly. Chris and PJ were quietly losing it whilst all Phil could think about was his boyfriend. 

"You too! We're big fans." PJ grinned.

"Glad you liked it." Cole grinned and Alex and DJ soon arrived. 

"Hey guys." Alex smirked, "Nice sound, where's your pipes?" He asked and only Phil noticed Dan nudge him in the ribs.

"He had to go because of family drama." PJ explained. 

Dan frowned, he didn't tell them that. His eyes flickered to Phil who he was surprised to see was smirking at him. What did that look mean? "Hi, I'm DJ." He introduced, lowering his voice a little and extending his hand for a shake. He was a little confused when Phil's smirk deepened and suddenly Phil grabbed his hand and tugged, which ended up in Dan crashing into Phil's lips. The others stared in shock at what just happened. 

"Phil!" PJ exclaimed in shock and confusion because he thought Phil was smitten with Dan. 

Dan momentarily forgot he was supposed to be DJ and melted into the kiss before he heard PJ yell Phil's name. "What is Phil doing? Is he cheating on me? What the fuck?" Dan thought in panic and pulled away from Phil. "U-um ... what are you doing?" Dan squeaked, very much shocked.

"I know it's you Dan, I saw you earlier with the band. Also, no mask can keep me from recognising those gorgeous eyes." Phil grinned. Dan gaped in disbelief.

"Told you they'd work it out." Matty laughed.

"Shut up!" Dan muttered. "You're not mad at me are you?" Dan asked hesitantly.

"It's fine Dan, I completely understand why. I'm just glad I got to fall in love with Dan Howell before finding out." Phil smiled and gently took Dan's mask off. Dan's face grinned back at him.

"You're the best boyfriend in the world." Dan sighed and pulled Phil into yet another kiss.

"DAN WAS DJ?!" Chris pretty much shrieked, seemingly now only getting over the shock and making the members of Pixel Rose jump in surprise. "Alright, I most definitely have a bone to pick with him, he-" Chris was cut off by PJ's lips. 

"Just let them have their moment you prick!" PJ mumbled against his lips. 

"There's a lot of kissing going on here." Alex commented before catching Matty's eye and wiggling his eyebrows. 

"In your dreams." Matty smirked and Alex pouted.

"Shot down again!" Cole chuckled.

"Shut up."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you liked that. I've been wanting to write this for soooooo long, I even wrote it down and everything and I'm very proud of it :3

~HelloAnonymousWriter~