i find it v funny that during the new video + bonus vid dan sorta relies a lot on his ‘edgy’ and more ‘sarcastic’ persona when talking to these dudes like i don't think it’s a complete facade but he definitely… exaggerates … this side of himself more 🎶especiallyyy🎶 in situations he can’t control (see ‘i seem so cold and nasty despite actually being soft and cuddly’ from the bed video) to be honest, i don’t know if ‘edgy’ is the right word here…but do you get what I mean? essentially, dan is just at his core very CUTE but when he tries really hard not to be it somehow makes him cuter. and it’s sooo fun to observe phil 100% x100 understanding this about dan and having fun with it in the most endearing ways. Not only is it a bravado that’s probably v fun to challenge (heh) but it also makes me think about all the times phil has jokingly boasted about being so much fun to be around and dan always taking a moment to try and jokingly protest but then just basically rolling his eyes agreeing and being all like ‘I suppooose ♡ this guy ♡ he really got to me ♡ I guess ♡’ which somehow frustratingly (in the best way) enhances both their cuteness. Honestly phil is also very fascinating to observe in this video — he's so attentive and has this very specific type of confidence where he can say the weirdest or lol randomest thing but because there’s no hesitancy or performance around it, it just instantly charms people?? like a spell?? While also having this very giggly side where he can just laugh at the silliness of flirting as a social concept (the whole ‘do you wear ties often?’ comment) (+dan laughing so fucking loud at it). I feel like the moment Luke hesitated about what score to give phil before settling on 7 (when the highest was meant to be 5) just encompasses phil’s ability to not only be himself but thrive in it so much he can find his way into anyone’s heart. it’s truly no wonder phil can bring dan’s walls down. He’s so sure in himself and openly honest about it there's nothing for dan to like necessarily… perform to in response? he just gets to be himself and Phil loves all of him whole heartedly ♡ plus phil is like more than willing to give dan enough control in many aspects of their relationship and collaboration - because he knows that makes him feel safe, happy and comfortable! I can really believe dan subconsciously had moments where he realised he didn’t actually have to put on a mask when it came to phil, unlike how he tends to with other people!!! which sends me back to that part in their mukbang video filmed after ii where dan bluntly questions whether he has a personality and immediately phil is so confused because he’s never not experienced dan in his entirety. bros personality and all the sides of it are so obvious and present to phil because dan never had to or felt the need mask in front of him because phil made him feel so comfortable from day fucking one!!! …seriously tho… when dan is met with phil’s unabashed honesty and whimsy, why would he feel the need to ‘put on a face’ in response to it when instead he can just embrace it — embrace him — and by extension learn to embrace parts of himself that might be similar… even the parts of him that were previously scary to admit and accept. So much of their relationship, at least from what i’ve observed as a viewer for 16 years+, is based in this like this learnt vulnerableness, trust and safety and allowing whatever comes from that to change you and grow… it’s really very precious to notice inklings of all of that through their videos and while I 100% understand this new video may not have been everyone’s cuppa tea… I do love how it put into light how dan and phil both came to love each other, while also reaffirming how their ‘really are meant for each other’ in so many ways
