Phil wants to get a real Christmas tree, but will no car, memories of the rave tree and the lack of a festive Dan stop him?
A/N: I hope this sort of makes up for not getting a festive ditl this year! ^-^
Words: 4.2k
It was that time of year again. A welcome chill was in the air, the whiskering Sharpie had been put away for another year and Phil was finally allowed to do this.
Phil sat in bed, the duvet thrown over his legs and glasses resting on the tip of his nose as he scrolled through the music on his phone. Dan was still fast asleep beside him, wrapped in a cocoon of blankets and in his own little dreamland. Dan always looked so calm when he was asleep and Phil hoped the younger boy’s dreams were as peaceful as he looked.
Phil finally found the song he’d been looking for and hit play. He began turning up the volume, letting that magical, festive melody fill the bedroom.
Dan began to stir, and Phil took that as his cue to begin belting out “All I Want For Christmas Is You” at the top of his lungs.
Dan finally rolled over, blinking sleepily as he watched Phil, loving his low notes and cringing at his high notes. He loved Phil’s singing voice; slightly jealous even. The way Phil was able to deepen that baritone voice of his and actually hold a note; it always seemed to impress Dan.
“You’re no Mariah.” Dan muttered before closing his eyes and sinking back into his pillow.
“Rude!” Phil let out with a gasp. “It’s December 1st, which means I’m now legally allowed to listen to this all day every day and sing along as loudly as I want.” he said, crossing his arms. He waited for this day all year, as Dan had banned this song from playing in their home any time before the 1st of December.
“You’re not allowed to do anything this early” Dan said.
“It’s 11:00.″ Phil told him, finally hitting pause on the song.
“Exactly.” Dan said as he buried his head into his pillow.
“No, you need to get up!” Phil said, shaking his boyfriend ever-so-gently. “We’ve got lots to do today!”
Dan’s eyes shot open. “Such as?”
“Well, put up a Christmas tree, of course!” Phil spoke happily.
“That’d be a lot easier to do if you didn’t forget our rave tree at the old flat.” Dan said as he sat up on his elbow.
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that.” Phil said.
“You plus thinking is never a good thing.” Dan quipped.
Phil just ignored him. “I was thinking, what if we get a real Christmas tree this year?”
Dan let out a laugh. “You can’t even keep a houseplant alive!”
“Yes, I can!” Phil fought.
“Tell that to Loki!” Dan then said.
Phil gasped. “We don’t speak of her!” he let out. “I try my best.” he then said, pouting slightly.
Dan sat up, curling a bit into Phil’s side. “I know you do, I’m sorry. It’s just, you really want to take on the responsibility of a real Christmas tree?”
Phil let a hand rummage through Dan’s messy morning curls. “I thought it would be fun.” he said. “Try new things, right?”
Dan sighed. “Try new things.” he agreed. “So, how exactly do we get this real tree?”
Phil giggled. “Well, we’ve got to go to the tree lot, pick one out and they’ll chop it down for us to bring home.”
“And how the hell are we going to get it home? What, tie in on the roof of the taxi?” Dan asked sarcastically.
“Well, I was hoping Martyn might come with us so we could use his car.” Phil said. “I texted him a little while ago, I’m just waiting for him to respond.”
As if on cue, Phil’s phone dinged with a new text from his brother. Phil read the text before looking up at Dan.
“Well? What’d he say?” Dan asked.
“He said we could use his car.” Phil told him.
“Oh, okay. You looked like he’d given you bad news.” Dan said with a chuckle.
“Well, we can use his car… as long as one of us drives it.” Phil told him.
“Excuse me?” Dan let out.
“He said he’ll be busy all day but we’re more than welcome to take his car.” Phil said.
“Well he clearly doesn’t care much about his car if he’s leaving it in our hands.” Dan said.
“Scared to hit the road, Howell?” Phil asked, his voice becoming slightly deeper as it always did when he teased Dan.
“Yes!” Dan said with an obvious laugh. “And you should be too.”
“I can do it. I’m not afraid to get behind the wheel.” Phil spoke confidently.
Dan’s eyes widened. “I’ve seen you play Mario Kart. I would fear for our lives.”
The pout returned to Phil’s face. “Wow, you have such little faith in me today.”
Dan’s face softened. “Phil, it’s not that. I don’t trust myself to drive either. Neither of us have driven a car in years.”
Phil smirked. “Try new things?”
“You’re only allowed to whack out the ‘try new things’ excuse once a day.” Dan declared.
“Says who?” Phil asked.
“Says me.” Dan simply said.
“And who exactly put you in charge?” Phil asked as he rolled over on top of his boyfriend, much reminiscent to a certain incident captured in the first Phil is not on fire.
Dan looked up at Phil with wide eyes and an uncontrollable smile on his face.
“Hmm?” Phil continued. “First, no ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ until December 1st, then no more than one ‘try new things’ a day. What’s next, you won’t let me have sweets?”
Dan couldn’t help but laugh at his boyfriend’s ridiculousness - and also the fact he had hidden Phil’s latest packet of marshmallows to try and limit his sugar intake. But Phil didn’t need to know that right now.
“Why don’t we just get a tree whenever Martyn is available to drive us?” Dan asked.
“But Dan, it’s already December 1st! If we wait too long, all the good trees will be gone and we’ll get stuck with a crappy one. Just ask Charlie Brown, he knows what I’m talking about.” Phil said.
Dan burst out laughing at that. Phil didn’t usually make him laugh with his purposeful jokes or terrible puns; it was more of Phil’s dry wit, the things Dan never saw coming, that would send him into hysterics, which would then send Phil into hysterics right along with him.
When the two calmed down, Dan brought his hands to rest on Phil’s waist.”You may be an overly-festive, plant-killing, bad-driving rat… but you are really funny.” he said.
Phil’s face held a mixture of shock and offense, but he knew there was a compliment in there somewhere.
“I guess,” Dan then said. “I can try driving to the tree lot. How hard could it be?”
“I mean, I’ve seen you play Mario Kart as well. As long as you avoid the shells on the road, I’ll think you’ll be fine.” Phil told him.
“As long as those London roads don’t turn into rainbows I think I should be okay.” Dan said. “Now get off me, you spork!” he said as he pushed at his boyfriend.
-
The two finally made their way out of bed. Phil poured them both some bowls of cereal and they indulged in their morning anime. When they finished, Phil instinctively started blasting “All I Want For Christmas Is You” for a second time while they got dressed.
“Christmas jumper activated!” Phil announced as he hopped into the room to see Dan dressed in none other than his black, fuzzy jumper. “Dan! You aren’t wearing a Christmas jumper?!” he asked in shock.
“No…” Dan answered. “I’m just not quite in the festive mood yet.”
“Well, that’s what ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is for! Do I need to play it again?” Phil asked as he whipped out his phone.
“No!” Dan quickly said. “I’m just comfortable in this jumper. Does it really matter if it’s Christmas themed?” he asked, a slight whine in his voice.
Phil sighed. “I guess not.” he said. “And I do love this jumper.” he said as he wrapped his arms around Dan’s waist, clutching his hands in the fuzzy material.
“I promise I’ll get in the festive mood eventually. Maybe once we have a tree up and decorated.” Dan told him.
“I’m holding you to that promise.” Phil said before pecking a kiss to Dan’s lips. When he pulled back, he noticed the slight frown on his boyfriend’s face. “What?” he asked.
“It’s our first Christmas without the rave tree.” Dan said.
“Look at Daniel Howell being all sentimental.” Phil teased, giving Dan a squeeze.
“I know it’s dumb.” Dan began. “I’ll just miss it, I guess. We had so many raves with it, after all.”
“So many raves.” Phil agreed. “But it’s not dumb. I’ll miss it, too. But I’m also excited to have a real Christmas tree for the first time.” he said, bouncing a bit in excitement. “And I’m excited I get to do it with you.”
Dan instantly smiled. “I am too.” he said. “Let’s go get our tree.”
-
The two endured their walk to Martyn’s place. They were grateful their new flat was a lot closer to essential places the two often needed to be. It resulted in less taxi fares and awkward rides and more walking that the two of them knew they needed.
They made it to Martyn’s place and Phil retrieved the key his brother had left for them under the mat.
They both hopped in the car, Phil in the passenger seat and Dan in the driver’s seat.
Dan buckled his seat belt and took a deep breath. He looked out the windshield, watching as car after car past by with ease. He felt the petal beneath his foot; let his hands examine the steering wheel; felt the nerves building up in his chest.
“So, what are we doing today, Dan?” he suddenly heard and whipped his head around to see Phil pointing a camera at him.
“Don’t tell me you’re filming!” Dan exclaimed.
“Of course I am! This is a big deal, Dan! This is your first time driving in years!” Phil announced for the camera.
“And what exactly are you planning on doing with this video, Phil?” Dan asked.
“This is on my second channel. LessAmazingPhil has been lacking some Try New Things lately.” Phil told him.
“Oh, I’m so glad I could offer you that quality content.” Dan said, shooting the camera that top notch hand gesture that he simultaneously loved and hated.
“So, are you ready to drive, Dan?” Phil asked.
“Years of intense Mario Kart races have prepared me for this moment.” Dan said.
“Just make sure you dodge all the shells in the road!” Phil told him.
“Thanks for that helpful piece of advice, Phil.” Dan spoke sarcastically. “Okay, are you ready?”
“Yes! Let’s-uh-go!” Phil said, imitating Mario himself.
“Shut up!” Dan said with a laugh, a combination of annoyance and fondness and nerves bubbling inside him. He started the car and gripped the steering wheel while Phil filmed and watched in anticipation.
When almost 10 seconds went by and Dan didn’t move, Phil couldn’t help but laugh, which caused Dan to laugh as well.
“Ah, I’m scared! Okay!” Dan let out as he bounced in his seat.
“Don’t be scared. Just take a deep breath. You can do this. It’s nothing you’ve never done before.” Phil said, placing a comforting hand on Dan’s thigh, out of camera shot.
Just the sound of Phil’s voice calmed him down. Just feeling Phil’s touch calmed him down. Just Phil being there calmed him down. He finally pulled away, hands gripping the wheel as he pulled out onto the street and drove.
“You’re doing it!” Phil spoke happily. “How’s it feel?”
“Like I haven’t driven a car in almost a decade!” Dan said. “I hope everyone watching this is enjoying my misery. Assuming this gets uploaded and I don’t crash, leading to our fiery deaths.”
“Well, I guess your death can be fiery now that you’re not on fire anymore.” Phil said, causing Dan to gasp.
“If I wasn’t driving a frickin car I would slap you!” Dan exclaimed while Phil laughed.
“Try new things?” Phil finally said.
“Try new things!” Dan said with a laugh.
Phil stopped recording and put the camera down. “How are you really feeling?” he then asked.
“I’m okay. We’re moving, aren’t we?” Dan asked.
“I told you you could do it.” Phil said as he gave Dan’s thigh a comforting squeeze.
-
They made it to the tree lot and as soon as Dan put the car in park, he let out a dramatic sigh.
“You know there was like a 20% chance we were going to die.” Dan said.
“Just 20?” Phil asked.
“That’s not a high enough risk for you?” Dan asked back.
“You did fine. Better than I ever drove.” Phil told him.
“Well, that I’m sure of.” Dan said with a smirk before hopping out of the car.
Phil followed along and the two headed into the lot, the piney scent hitting them both instantly. Dozens upon dozens of trees covered the space, creating a magical maze in front of them.
“Now, we’ve got to choose one.” Phil said, his eyes lighting up as he looked at all the trees and took off, leaving Dan to follow behind with an uncontrollable smile on his face.
Dan caught up with Phil and they walked through the lot, admiring all the trees as they searched for the perfect one.
“How would you feel about this place at night, Dan?” Phil asked.
“Oh, you mean giant trees in the dark in the middle of nowhere? It’s a dream come true. I’d like to holiday here actually.” Dan told him.
“Yeah? A holiday with Slenderman? Slendering through the trees together.” Phil said as he himself “slendered” up to Dan.
“Fuck off!” Dan said as he pushed Phil away. “Pick out your damn tree!” he said while Phil laughed.
They continued walking around until Phil spotted one.
“How about this one?” Phil asked as he pointed to a tree that looked to be 5 feet taller than them.
“Phil, that’s gigantic! That’ll never fit in our flat!” Dan said.
“This one?” Phil then asked, pointing at the one beside it that was about half the size.
“That one’s shorter than me!” Dan said.
“I didn’t think anything was shorter than you.” Phil said.
Dan shot Phil a glare. “What about this one?” he then said as he pointed to a tree that stood across from them.
Phil walked up to it, examining it. “Not too tall, not too short.” he began before suddenly sniffing the tree. “A fresh, piney scent on the laddy.”
“God, you’re so weird.” Dan said with a cringe as he watched his boyfriend.
“It’s perfect.” Phil told him with a smile. He couldn’t help but imagine this tree in their apartment, decorated and lighting up the lounge while the two of them sat cuddled on the couch, admiring their festive flat.
“Are you sure?” Dan asked, snapping Phil from his thoughts. “You don’t need to run a load of tests on it or something?”
“Nope, I’m positive. This is the one.” Phil said. “I’ll go find someone to help us with it. You just stay here and keep tabs on it.”
-
When Phil returned, he stopped short as he watched his boyfriend.
“What are you doing?” he asked Dan, who was currently crouched in front of the tree, shooting different facial expressions at his phone that was held in front of him.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” Dan asked as he stood up and began playing with the filters. “I’m outside, with trees, getting oxygen, experiencing nature. It’s a momentous occasion that needs to be documented with a selfie on Instagram.”
Phil just rolled his eyes. “They’re going to come chop her down and tie her on top of the car for us.”
“Her?” Dan questioned. “I wasn’t aware trees had genders, Phil.”
“Well, it just so happens this one does.” Phil told him.
“Yeah? Did you name her too?” Dan asked sarcastically, but he knew that look on Phil’s face. “You frickin named it, didn’t you?! I swear to God if it’s called Susan I’m leaving you here.”
“It’s not Susan.” Phil told him. “It’s Treesa.” he said. “You know, like Ther-esa, but Tree-sa.”
Dan simply looked at his boyfriend. “You know, the more you personify this thing, the harder it’s going to be for you when you inevitably kill it.”
“Just let me name the tree, Dan!” Phil said in a slightly whiny voice and Dan just rolled his eyes.
-
Their tree was chopped down and tied to the car. Dan drove them back to their flat and the two managed to get the tree off the top of the car. They carried it up the one flight of stairs leading into their flat, dozens of needles sprinkling along their path. Dan had commented about how difficult this would have been had they done this at their old place and Phil could only imagine the struggle of getting this tree up the steps in their old flat; all 47 of them.
Once they made it into the lounge, Dan dropped the tree with a huff. “Bloody hell. Lay off the donuts, Treesa.”
“Don’t insult our tree!” Phil said. “You’re perfect just the way you are, Treesa.” he continued, looking lovingly at the tree that laid in their lounge.
Dan rolled his eyes before plopping down on the couch.
“Hey, aren’t you going to help me get her in the stand?” Phil asked.
“Nah.” Dan let out. “It’ll be fun watching you attempt it.”
Phil shot his boyfriend a glare before lifting the tree. He tried his best, but inevitably lost his strength and dropped it to the floor.
Dan let out a laugh before finally getting up to help.
“All right, you spork, on the count of 3.” Dan said before counting to 3 and the two got the tree into the stand.
They looked up at it, the tree standing just a couple of inches taller than them.
“All right, now we decorate!” Phil said excitedly before taking off to the closet to grab the decorations.
“You’re wasting no time, are you, Phil?” Dan asked.
“Nope!” Phil called from the other room and Dan chuckled fondly.
It was only a few minutes later when Phil dragged in the box of decorations. He propped the box on the floor and looked up to see a slight frown on his boyfriend’s face.
“What?” Phil wondered.
Dan shrugged. “Nothing, it’s just… I’m just still missing the rave tree, I guess.”
Phil walked over to Dan and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend’s waist. “I have a feeling this is going to be even better than the rave tree.” he said before suddenly pulling something from his back pocket and holding it above them. “Oh, what is that? Is that a mistletoe?” he asked in a goofy voice.
Dan couldn’t help but laugh. “Why was that in your pocket, you weirdo!?”
“You mean you don’t carry a mistletoe in your pocket everywhere you go?” Phil asked and Dan continued to laugh, shaking his head at his silly boyfriend. “Well? I’m waiting!” Phil then said.
Dan smiled before pressing his lips to Phil’s.
When they pulled apart, it was Phil who had the smile on his face. “Now, let’s decorate!”
Phil grabbed the spare string of multi-colored lights out of the box, a tangled mess in his hands. “Okay, I’ll work on this if you grab the tinsel.” he said before beginning his challenge of untangling the lights.
Dan grabbed a chunk of tinsel out of the box and began putting it on the tree.
Suddenly, Dan felt something wrap around his waist and looked down to see glowing Christmas lights. He turned around, looking unamused while Phil ignored him and continued wrapping the lights around his boyfriend’s body.
“Really?” Dan let out.
“I just wanted to make sure you were finally in the festive mood. Full immersion and all that jazz.” Phil told him as he wrapped the last of the lights around the back of Dan’s neck, letting the end dangle off his shoulder.
“I’m getting there.” Dan assured his boyfriend. “But I’ll never fully get there if we don’t get this done. And we’ll never get this done if you keep stopping to whack out a mistletoe or decorate me!” he complained despite the smile on his face.
“Okay, you’re right. But I got them untangled!” Phil said happily.
“Yeah and now they’re tangled around me!” Dan said while Phil just laughed and unwrapped the lights from his boyfriend.
About a half an hour and another rendition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” later, the tree was finally decorated. A colorful string of lights lit up the tree while baubles hung from the branches and tinsel glistened in between.
The two took a step back to admire their finished work.
“You were right, it is even better.” Dan told him, but Phil could still sense the tiniest hint of sadness in his voice. “I’m going to go make us some hot chocolate.” he said before heading to the kitchen.
This was the perfect opportunity that Phil needed.
-
Dan came back into the lounge with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate in-hand. He joined Phil on the couch and handed his boyfriend a mug before taking a sip of his own. He let his head fall onto Phil’s shoulder as they looked at their tree.
“I’m glad you finally got a real Christmas tree.” Dan spoke softly. “I know you’ve wanted one for a while.”
“I’m glad we finally have a place big enough for one. It never would have worked in our old flat.” Phil said.
“It looks amazing.” Dan then said before taking another sip of his hot chocolate.
They were silent for a moment before Phil spoke.
“Dan?”
“Yeah?” Dan answered.
“How come you miss the rave tree so much?” Phil asked.
“I don’t know.” Dan began. “I guess because it was our first Christmas tree together. We decorated it together. We added so many ornaments to the collection over the years. We’d put the lights on ‘rave mode’ just to be silly.” he said. “There were just a lot of memories attached to the rave tree.”
Phil didn’t say anything as he suddenly got up from the couch. He put his mug down on the coffee table before going over and unplugging the lights from the tree.
“What are you-” Dan was cut off by a sudden burst of blinking blue lights as Phil plugged them in.
“Surprise.” Phil simply said.
Dan blinked, letting his eyes adjust to the bright, blinking lights that were suddenly lighting up their tree.
“Phil… how…” Dan let out.
“I ordered some new lights.” Phil told him. “It was the lights that made the rave tree, after all.” he said as he plopped back down on the couch.
“You’re amazing.” Dan said as he looked at his boyfriend.
“Well, duh, haven’t you seen my username?” Phil asked and Dan giggled.
Dan looked at the tree that was raving in front of him before looking back at Phil. “You know, you were right. I loved the rave tree, but it was just the lights.” he said. “You’re what made it special, Phil.” he said and Phil couldn’t help but smile. “Rave lights or no rave lights, you’re all I really need.”
Phil looked at him. “Are you saying I’m all you want for Christmas, Dan?” he asked with a sly smile.
“All I want for Christmas is you, Phil.” Dan said in a gushy voice before letting out an sarcastic snort and Phil just laughed. “But seriously, I think I’m finally fully in the festive mood.” Dan then said.
Phil leaned in close to Dan. “Well, it took you long enough.”
Dan leaned in as well, ready to plant a kiss on his boyfriend, but was stopped by Phil turning his head toward his phone.
"Way to ruin the mood." Dan muttered.
"Ruin?" Phil questioned as he tapped his phone and a familiar melody began to play through their flat. "We're just getting started. Let's turn this into a real rave." he said as he stood from the couch. "Dance with me?" he asked sweetly, offering his hand to Dan.
Dan bit back a smile as he took Phil's hand and was pulled up from the couch.
They stood in the middle of the living room, two hands interlocked while their free hands rested on each others waists.
They bopped and swayed and Phil even took it upon himself to give Dan a spin.
Smiles and giggles filled the room as they continued to dance to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" in front of their glowing tree, both feeling more festive than they had all day.
Summary ~ Dan always helps out at his dad’s Christmas tree lot, but strictly as a cashier. He wasn’t interested in heavy lifting. Fate and Dan’s dad disagrees when Phil needs help getting his tree home.
Genre ~ Fluff, meet cute
Words ~ 961
Warnings ~ None!
Author’s Note ~ Cutting this one close!
Prompt me!
Buy me a coffee!
Check out yesterday’s fic!
Dan drummed his fingers against his desk and burrowed further into his coat and did his best not to openly stare at the man trying to pick a Christmas tree. He’d been wandering up and down the aisles for almost 45 minutes. Not quite long enough for Dan to run out of things to gush about over text to Louise, but definitely long for Dan to question his sanity. They were just trees that were slated to brown and die in the next two weeks, after all. However, this man seemed determined to examine each and every one of them until he had just the perfect one.
Dan watched as his dad put on his least gruff smile and wandered over to the man to either push a sale or get this man off their tree lot. The man turned to Dan’s dad and nodded emphatically, gesturing to the tree he was standing in front of. Dan sighed and grabbed the iPad and cashbox they were using as a register. Dan looked the man over once more with a less appreciative and more critical eye, and went ahead and pulled up the app that let them run credit cards.
“And, this is my son Dan!” Dan’s dad said, escorting the man to Dan’s desk. “He’s going to get you checked out, and then he’ll help you carry your tree home.”
“Hi, I’m Phil,” the man beamed.
But Dan was too busy gaping at his dad to listen. His dad was always carried the trees. He opened his mouth to protest, but at his dad’s silencing look, he shut his mouth. “Thirty five quid,” Dan said tonelessly. Phil’s smile never wavered as he handed over his credit card for Dan to swipe. With the transaction complete, Dan shuffled along behind his dad to help with getting the tree wrapped and ready to haul down the street.
All too soon, Dan was up to his elbows in sticky pine needles, struggling along with Phil. You’d think the son of a tree farmer would be better at this, but the universe is full of jokes.
“Don’t worry,” Phil panted. “My apartment is less than five minutes away.”
“Thank fuck,” Dan wheezed.
Phil chuckled and immediately made a noise that made Dan think he regretted it. “We’re lucky I’m not at my old place. Would have had to go up three flights of stairs.”
“You would have had to go up three flights of stairs. I would have brought it to your front door and told you to jog on.”
Phil laughed and made another pathetic noise. “Stop being funny,” he whined.
Dan let out a bark of laughter, and quickly understood why Phil was being such a baby. “Sorry,” he coughed around the tight stitch in his chest.
They walked in silence the rest of the way to Phil’s house, and when they made it to the lobby door Dan truly considered making good on his previous promise. But Phil turned bright blue puppy dog eyes on him and said, “I promise there’s an elevator.”
What he didn’t say was that the elevator was absolutely tiny, and after getting the tree in there - wrapped up as it was - they were pressed nearly nose to nose.
“Uh, hi,” Phil said with a sheepish smile.
Dan felt his cheeks warm with Phil’s breath puffing over them, and he determinedly turned his head slightly to the left and refused to look at Phil. “Hello.”
Phil laughed, and Dan had to admit that the sound was actually quite nice when it wasn’t strangled. “So, do you live on the tree farm with your dad?”
Dan shook his head, and tried to ignore the fact that his nose was almost bumping against Phil’s cheek. “I used to, but I started going to uni here, and now I just help out selling them.”
Just then, the elevator doors opened, and it was time to start hauling the tree again. When they made it to Phil’s apartment, Dan was please to see it was just as adorably quirky as the man it belonged to. He offered to help Phil get the base set up, an offer the other man happily accepted. With the tree standing straight and tall, Dan looked around to see if there was any excuse he had to stick around and keep talking to Phil, but there was nothing left to do but decorate the tree.
Phil looked almost sad at the tree, but turned to Dan and smiled. “Thank you so much. You have no idea how lost I would have been without you,” he said emphatically. “Seriously, I haven’t had a real tree since I was a kid and I never set that one up. I was going to just prop this one up against a wall and hope.”
Dan laughed and his cheeks hurt from how wide he was smiling. “Well, if you need any help with it, you know where to find me.”
Phil bit his lip and looked around. He grabbed a small sheet of paper off a nearby table and scribbled something on it. He then pulled a ten pound note, crumpled it and the paper together and shoved them both in Dan’s hand before all but shoving him out the front door. “Merry Christmas!” he said a little too loudly before slamming the door.
Dan gaped at the door in confusion, then looked at the paper and the confusion melted into fond delight.
I don’t normally hand out my number to just anyone, but you’re really cute and really nice. Anyway, call me
020 7946 0437
P.S. I’m really nervous, so I’m sorry for whatever I did after I gave this to you. I promise I’m not normally like this.
When Dan gets mad at Phil close to Christmas, he learns his actions have consequences when he finds out what happens to their relationship after that fateful day.
Or the A Christmas Carol AU no one asked for.
Words: 1.8k
It was a week before Christmas. The tree was holding up as they had been taking turns watering it each day. Their final gaming videos were filmed, the last of the presents had been wrapped and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was playing through their flat for the billionth time that month.
It was 10am and Dan rolled out of bed. It’d been a late night of filming and editing in attempt to get their Gamingmas videos done and ready to go before they left for their Christmas holiday. He was still tired and a bit grumpy and all he wanted right now was a bowl of cereal for a late breakfast, the latest episode of the anime they were currently obsessed with and a cuddly Phil to watch it with. He knew Phil had been up before him, getting a head start on editing the remaining videos.
Dan rubbed his sleepy eyes as he made his way to the kitchen and that's when he saw it.
He couldn't believe his eyes. He couldn't believe it was happening again. He couldn't believe Phil had done it again.
“Phil!” Dan exclaimed as he stomped his way into the lounge where Phil sat, a laptop in his lap and festive music playing as background noise.
“Yeah?” Phil answered, not looking away from his laptop.
“Oh, sorry to bother you, it’s not like I need to eat breakfast or anything!” Dan spat.
“What are you-” Phil stopped when he finally looked up at Dan, noticing the anger in his eyes and the empty cereal box in his hand. “Oh.”
“Oh? All you have to say is ‘oh?’” Dan asked.
“I'm sorry, I got hungry!” Phil said with a cringe.
It’d become a routine by now. The two of them would always buy their own, separate cereals, yet Phil had decided long ago that it was okay to sneak a handful of Dan’s every once in a while until the box was inevitably empty, leaving Dan with no breakfast. Dan secretly found Phil’s lack of self control endearing, but not today.
“You have your own cereal!” Dan exclaimed. “You always fucking do this to me!”
“I'm sorry.” Phil apologized again. “I’ll go run to the shop and get you some more.”
“No, don't brother! I don't even fucking want it!” Dan let out. “I’m going back to bed.” he muttered before stomping off.
“Okay, Scrooge." Phil snapped, sighing sadly before turning back to his editing.
Dan slammed the bedroom door shut before falling back into bed. He focused on his breathing, trying to calm down and not be so angry at his boyfriend. Deep down, he knew he was being silly, but his anger was stronger than his rationale at the moment and all he wanted to do was start the morning over. Or better yet, go back to simpler times when their relationship was new and fresh and they weren’t so predictable. Or, even better, skip to the future when this petty argument was long over and they were celebrating Christmas in their forever home with their Shiba Corgu. He buried his face in his pillow and closed his eyes.
"Dan?" Dan heard and blinked his eyes open.
"Phil?" he let out as he looked at Phil who was stood before him. "What are you doing?"
"I’m here to warn you. I’m here to tell you that you still have a chance." Phil told him. "You will be visited by three spirits."
“What the f-”
"Remember that there is still hope, Dan." Phil told him before gesturing for Dan to follow him out into the hall.
Dan’s face held confusion and slight annoyance as he got out of bed. What kind of bullshit was Phil up to now?
He followed Phil out into the hall. His eyes widened as he look around, remembering the small corridor he was currently stood in.
“I-Is this?” Dan let out.
“I am the Phil of Christmas past.” Phil said as he turned around, long, shaggy fringe hanging over a younger face.
Dan stared at the boy in front of him before looking around the hall. “This is your old flat.” he said. “This is...”
“Where we celebrated our first Christmas as boyfriends?” Phil finished Dan’s sentence as he led them down the hall. “Where we put up the rave tree together for the first time?” he said, gesturing to the flashback that appeared in front of them. The year was 2010, Phil and a long-haired Dan were hanging the rave lights on the tree.
Dan couldn't help but smile as he watched his younger self dancing around the room, singing some random song he'd made up about having a rave while Phil watched on, laughing.
“Why are you showing me this?” Dan asked.
“So you never forget our past Christmases, and how they were some of the best Christmases we ever had.” Phil told him.
Dan could feel the beginnings of tears brimming in his eyes. “Ok, I get it, I won't forget. Can I go back to 2017 now?”
“Certainly.” Phil said and with a snap of his fingers, Dan was back in the lounge of their new flat.
It was silent. The tree had begun to whittle and darken, looking like it hadn't been watered in days. There were no gifts beneath the tree and not the slightest sound of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” could be heard.
“Phil?” Dan called.
“Yes?” Phil responded as he appeared beside him.
Phil’s fringe was short with shaved sides and a more chiseled face.
“Hey, uh, what happened to the tree? And where are all the gifts?” Dan asked.
“I’m the Phil of Christmas present.” Phil told him. “The gifts are gone, along with me.”
“What are you talking about?” Dan asked.
“Well, after we got into that fight about your cereal, you were still really mad and I got so sad that I headed up North early.” Phil began. “You, on the other hand,” he said as he gestured toward the formless blob that was wrapped in a blanket on the couch and staring at a laptop.
“I'm in my browsing position.” Dan said.
“You haven’t moved from that spot since I left. You didn't even go to your family's for Christmas, and you definitely didn't join mine like we were planning.” Phil told him.
“I look like hell.” Dan said as he looked on at the version of himself that lay on the couch, messy hair and dark, tired eyes.
“I'm not doing much better up North, trust me.” Phil said.
“Is this really what happens?” Dan asked.
“You don't even know the half of it.” Phil said before snapping his fingers.
Dan was stood alone. It was dark and a shiver ran down his spine, due to both the chill in the air and the realization of where he was.
“W-Where am I?” Dan asked.
“I think you know where you are.” Phil’s voice was heard from beside him.
Dan slowly looked down at the gravestone he was stood in front of and read the name.
Philip Michael Lester
“Wait... you?” Dan questioned.
“I’m Phil of Christmas future.” Phil said.
Dan turned his wide eyes to look at Phil, his face withered and gray, sickly eyes and more translucent than usual. Dan felt his knees buckle at the sight and his breath catch in his throat. He turned back to look at the gravestone in front of him.
“Lester?” Dan let out, confusion and shock apparent in his trembling voice. “I thought you said you wanted to take my last name when we got married.”
“We never got married, Dan.” Phil told him. “After that Christmas in 2017, I never came back home. We broke up and we went our separate ways. We gave up on the gaming channel, cancelled our tour and we never spoke again.”
Dan shook his head. “No, that’s not true. That can’t be what happens.” he let out, but Phil remained silent. “Please! How do I fix this? How do I stop this from happening?” he asked. “This isn’t my future! This isn’t our future! Please! Please!”
“Please!” Dan let out as he shot up in bed. His breathing was rapid and his eyes were damp with tears as he looked around. He was in their bedroom, in their new flat. “Phil!” he called as he hopped out of bed and headed to the lounge. “Phil?” he said again, but there was no sight of his boyfriend anywhere. “No! No, Phil!” he cried. “What have I done?” he asked out loud.
Suddenly, he heard the front door opening and hurried over to see Phil walking inside.
“Phil!” Dan let out in a joyous exclaim as he ran up to his boyfriend and grabbed him in a hug, practically knocking him over.
Phil caught his balance before instinctively hugging back, a bit confused by this sudden embrace.
“Phil, I’m so happy you’re back!” Dan said as he pulled away.
"I only went to the shop. I couldn’t have been gone more than 20 minutes.” Phil told him with a giggle before handing Dan a shopping bag. “I felt really bad about what happened, so I went and got you some more cereal.” he said. “There may even be some apology Haribo in there as well.”
Dan looked from the bag to Phil. “So, we didn’t break up?” he asked.
“What? Where would you get a ridiculous idea like that?” Phil asked.
Dan was quiet for a moment, shaking his head. “Must have just been a bad dream.” he said quietly.
“Sounds like a nightmare.” Phil said.
“Yeah” Dan let out as he looked at his boyfriend. “Phil, I’m so sorry for getting mad earlier. I shouldn’t have, especially now. It’s Christmas.” he said. “After seeing what Christmas without you is like, I don’t want that to ever happen.”
“What are you talking about?” Phil asked.
Dan just smiled. “Nothing.” he said. “Because you’re here and it’s almost Christmas and that’s all that matters.” he said as he grabbed Phil in another hug.
Phil decided not to question his silly and sometimes over-dramatic boyfriend and wrapped his arms around him once again.
Dan’s chin was resting on Phil’s shoulder as they shared the embrace. He noticed out the glass windows on their front door was a ghostly Phil who shot him a wink before disappearing. Dan just smiled and hugged his Phil tighter.
“Are you okay, Dan?” Phil finally asked when the hug didn’t end.
“I’m better than okay.” Dan told him as he pulled away. “But I am starving.” he then said. “Let’s go have some cereal.”
Summary~ Phil finally plucks up the courage to ask the street musician he visits every day to have lunch with him.
Genre~ Fluff (Let’s be honest, all of these are gonna be fluff) Street Musician AU
Words~ 1328
Warnings~ A couple B-level swears
Author’s Note~ Yayy! Day Two! I’m genuinely loving writing these, even if it’s sometimes hard for me to make sure they stay under 1500! Trust me, this one was at one point A LOT longer oops. Anyway, prompts are still open for this!
Prompt me!
Buy me a coffee!
Check out Day One!
Phil glanced up at the clock on his desk and grinned when he saw that the hour had ticked to one o’clock. He stood, bid his coworkers adieu and popped his head into the supervisor’s office. “Ted, I’m headed off to lunch.”
Ted looked up from his paperwork, almost startled. “Is it already one? Jesus, where has the day gone? Alright, see you in an hour, Phil.”
With that dismissal, Phil grabbed his coat and stepped out into the frigid afternoon. He burrowed deeper into his coat, and scurried to the sandwich shop a few doors down. He ignored the knowing look of the cashier when he ordered two sandwiches along with a coffee and hot chocolate, and stepped back outside. He turned his feet south and determinedly started walking towards the park.
Before he had even managed to step foot in the gate, he heard the familiar guitar and mellow singing he had come to know so well. Sure enough, Dan Howell was sat on a stool, playing a guitar and crooning into a mic attached to a small sound system. When he spied Phil walking up, his pretty brown eyes sparkled and got prettier, but he finished his song before addressing Phil further. While he waited for Dan to finish, Phil dropped a five pound note in the open case at Dan’s feet, and settled himself down on a nearby bench.
When Dan was finished, Phil clapped and gave him a wide grin. “Bravo!”
Dan grinned and tucked himself over his guitar in a way that put his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands. “Stop teasing me, you asshole.”
Phil clasped a hand to his heart and gasped. “I am nothing if not sincere.”
Dan laughed, and Phil could almost feel the warmth seeping into his bones at the sound. “Well, I’ve got music to play.”
“Will you play me a Christmas song?” Phil asked, batting his eyelashes.
Dan playfully narrowed his eyes at him. “You of all people know I don’t take requests.”
Phil hummed and tapped his chin. “And what if I sweetened the pot with a hot sandwich and a cup of coffee?”
Dan’s eyes widened and Phil was admittedly pleased to see a light pink blush dusting his cheeks. “What?”
Phil cleared his throat and offered an almost sheepish glance. “I mean, I’ve been coming to eat lunch here for a couple weeks now, and I thought it might be nice to actually eat lunch with you. Don’t get me wrong, I love listening to you play, but I think I’d also really like talking to you for more than 30 seconds at a time while you catch your breath.”
Dan cleared his throat and looked down at his hands. “I… I actually don’t know any Christmas songs.”
Phil laughed and flapped away his concerns. “Dan, do you really not realize I’m trying to get you to eat lunch with me? I don’t actually care about Christmas songs.”
Dan bit his lip for a second, then slid off his stool, put his guitar up, and sat next to Phil on his bench. “Well? What did you get?”
Phil grinned at him and handed over the tin-wrapped sandwich. “The sandwich shop I go to sells this thing called a ‘Grown Up Grilled Cheese’ and it’s basically just a normal grilled cheese, but with fancy cheese, bacon and caramelized onions. It sounded good in theory, but I don’t like cheese, so I don’t actually know.”
Dan froze in the middle of unwrapping his sandwich and looked at Phil in horror. “You don’t like cheese? Are you even a human person?”
Phil laughed and awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah. I mean, I’m lactose intolerant, but I didn’t like cheese before I figured that tidbit out.”
Dan blinked at him for a second, then chuckled and went back to unwrapping his sandwich. “Learn something new every day.”
Phil bit his tongue to stifle a giggle and pressed on. “So, how has your day been?”
Dan shrugged and crunched down on the sandwich. “Honestly, a bit slow. It’s usually pretty slow before lunch on weekdays. I think they’re all avoiding you.”
Phil sputtered out a laugh and Dan’s chest puffed out with pride. “Well, I’ll be happy to leave if it means more people will come.”
“Are you kidding?” Dan scoffed. “You’re my favorite regular. I wouldn’t trade you for a dozen new tippers.”
Phil felt every blood cell as it rushed to his cheeks and he bit his lower lip. “What about 13 new tippers?”
“Well, in that case…” Dan trailed off, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Phil laughed brightly, and when he looked at Dan his cheeks were aching. They continued to ache as he and Dan ate and drank and talked about every topic they could set their minds to. Phil talked about how much he loved video production, Dan talked about all the fun acting jobs he was taking in the evenings. Phil sheepishly admitted how Animal Crossing sapped up all his free time, and Dan passionately explained just how Frank Ocean’s album made him weak. It felt like seconds, but soon Phil’s lunch break was over and he was sadly turning off his phone alarm.
“Well, I guess it’s time for me to go.” He glanced over at Dan who somehow managed to looked even more bummed out than he did. Phil sucked in a lungful of cold December air for courage and shoved his phone in Dan’s face. “CanIhaveyourphonenumber?”
Dan, looking more like a startled rabbit than anything else, took the phone on reflex then looked up at Phil. “I don’t know your passcode.”
Phil smacked himself on the forehead, and Dan giggled. “Right.” He snatched the phone, typed in the code and handed it back. “There. That should work.”
Dan folded one hand over his nose to hide his grin and started typing. “You’d better text me tonight,” Dan warned. “Text me your favorite Christmas song so I know it’s actually you.”
Phil nodded eagerly and shoved the phone back in his pocket. He said his last goodbyes and practically skipped back to work.
My favorite Christmas song is probably The Christmas Song
wtf does that even mean phil?
You know! The Christmas Song!
i’ll take your word for it.
Phil was somehow even more eager for his lunch break today than he’d been yesterday. He and Dan had texted all night and Dan said he had a surprise for him today. As usual, he told his coworker goodbye, checked out with his boss and went downstairs. This time, though, he went to a Chinese takeaway place Dan swore was the best in all of London. It was a bit of an extra walk, but if the smell was anything to go by, it was more than worth the trip.
He made his way to the park where Dan was playing his guitar, and put in another 5 pound note, ignoring Dan’s rolled eyes. “Come eat with meee,” he whined as soon as Dan finished his last note.
Dan snickered at his enthusiasm, but Phil couldn’t find it in himself to be embarrassed. “Hold your horses, I have a surprise for you.”
Dan cleared his throat, took a deep breath and strummed out a familiar chord. “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose.”
Phil’s eyes widened, but Dan just kept singing, his eyes warm and his smile wide. When he was finished, Phil jumped to his feet and Dan barely had time to yank his guitar out of the way before Phil had him wrapped up in his arms. “Well, if it wasn’t my favorite Christmas song before, it is now,” Phil said and neither were sure if his voice was wobbling from laughter or tears.
Dan melted into the hug and buried his face in Phil’s neck. “You know what? I think it might be mine, too.”
Summary: Dan is in love with the guy who frequents the same coffee shop as him. Sure, they’ve never spoken, but maybe with the help of a barista who’s too nosey for her own good that will change.
Words: 1241
Warnings: None!
Genre: Coffee shop AU, Strangers to lovers, fluff
Author’s Note: Hello, and welcome to Bee’s Ficmas Advent 2K17! Prompts for this month are open, and I look forward to getting them ^_^ Happy hollidays!
Prompt me!
Buy me a coffee!
Check out my last fic!
Dan took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the café. As always, it was a bright, warm haven from the cold December afternoon, and a couple uni students were sitting around desperately poring over textbooks and chugging cheap black coffee. He stepped up to the counter where Louise was standing with the same bright smile she always gave him. “Same as usual then?” she asked, already typing into the cash register.
“Yeah, just a chai latte, thanks,” Dan muttered distractedly, looking around the mostly empty room for a specific mess of black hair.
“You beat him in today, love,” Louise piped up, steaming milk with a little smirk.
Dan whirled around on her, face flushed pink. “Wh-what? I d- I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Louise looked up with his drink in one hand and an innocent smile. “What was that? I didn’t say anything. Three pound fifty, please.”
Cheeks warm and ears ringing, Dan took his drink, handed over a five pound note, told Louise to keep the change, and settled down in his favorite chair. It was right next to the window for optimal people watching, it had easy access to both a power outlet and a table, and it was the squishiest and most comfortable armchair Dan had ever sat in. But the most important reason it was his favorite was because it offered the perfect view of another chair and the person who routinely sat in it. A person who usually showed up before Dan.
“Hi, Louise!”
Dan’s head snapped up from his laptop to see that specific person blow into the café, clutching a notebook to his chest. His hair was a mess from the London wind, his cheeks were flushed pink from the cold, and his eyes sparkled in the light. As Dan watched, those blue eyes fell on him, and his blush returned in full force. He quickly turned his attention to his laptop screen, but was far more focused on listening to what this person and Louise were about to say to one another.
“Hello, Phil!” Louise chirped, and Dan didn’t have to be watching to know she gave him a pointed look. He blushed and buried himself further in his music writing.
“Hi, Louise!” the person, who was apparently named Phil, beamed. “How’s it been?”
“Bit slow, really,” Louise shrugged. “What would you like today?”
Phil hummed, and Dan imagined him tapping his chin and looking at the menu. “I’m feeling a bit festive, so how about a gingerbread latte?”
Dan surreptitiously looked up from his laptop while Phil and Louise chatted as she made him his drink, then Phil went and sat in his preferred chair. When he was comfortable, he pulled out a tattered notebook, popped in his ear buds and began scribbling away at the pages. Dan watched with a small, fond smile on his face for a minute before Phil suddenly snapped his head up and looked Dan directly in the eye. Dan froze like a deer in the headlights for a moment and was about to figure out how to set himself on fire. But then Phil smiled directly at him, and Dan’s world completely lit up. His breath hitched, but he somehow managed to return the smile with a shaky one of his own and a small wave.
Phil went back to whatever it was he was doing, and Dan let out a sigh of relief before doing the same thing.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
A week later, Dan was back at the cafe like he always was, and he noticed Phil was once again late. He’d been later than Dan every day since Dan had learned his name. He’s bothered Louise about it enough that she had given in and demanded his phone number so that she could give him Phil updates. So far, there hadn’t been any, but he had gotten several pictures of Louise’s adorable little girl, so he supposed that was a fair trade.
“Dan, you’re here!” Louise beamed when she saw him. “I have a Christmas gift for you!”
Dan flushed deeply and started stuttering. “Louise, I- I can’t- You didn’t- I mean, I-”
“Don’t worry about it,” Louise insisted. “I always get gifts for my favorites.”
“But I didn’t get you anything,” Dan protested.
Louise gave him a flat look before raising an eyebrow and plainly saying, “Daniel Howell, if you don’t accept my gift, you’re going to hurt my feelings.”
Dan deflated. “You win.”
“Brilliant!” she grinned, then ducked down under the counter to retrieve a leather bound notebook. “I know you’re always doing your music stuff on your laptop, but I really do think you’ll find this useful.”
Dan smiled and took the notebook. “I’m letting you know now that I’m going to bring you a present before Christmas, and it’s going to be thoughtful as heck,” he teased.
Louise laughed, and handed over his drink, and he handed over the money, then went and sat in his spot. He pulled out his laptop and opened his music writing software. Before long, he lost himself to the rhythmic clicking and typing and listening to clips over and over to make sure they were perfect. In fact, he was so absorbed in his work that he didn’t notice someone coming over to stand right next to him until they reached out and knocked on the table his drink was sat on.
“Uh, hi,” Phil said awkwardly, as Dan gaped up at him. “I think you have something of mine?”
“Wha?” Wow, Dan. That was clever.
“My notebook,” Phil explained, gesturing to the notebook Louise had given him. “I left it here yesterday, and Louise said you picked it up to return it today.”
Dan just continued to stare at him for a minute before all the pieces fell into place. He was going to kill Louise. “Oh! Yeah, here you go! Glad you got it back.”
Phil smiled at him and took the notebook. “Sorry, I don’t think I ever caught your name.”
“Dan,” he answered a little too quickly. He cleared his throat as his cheeks warmed and tried again. “My name is Dan.”
Phil beamed. “Good to meet you, Dan. Thanks again for my notebook.”
Dan smiled after him, and when his back was turned he shot Louise a dirty look. She just snickered and returned it with a blow kiss and a big thumbs up. He rolled his eyes and went back to his laptop. Less than ten minutes later, his phone buzzed and he picked it up, expecting it to be a text from Louise, but it was an unknown number.
020 7946 0437
Yes
Dan furrowed his brow and started typing.
Me
yes what? who r u?
020 7946 0437
Ah, sorry! This is Phil. The guy in the coffee shop?
Dan whipped his head up to see Phil give him a little wave before he was typing on his phone.
020 7946 0437
I don’t know why you didn’t just ask me out whenever we were talking, but if the offer still stands i’d love to go on a date.
Dan bit his lip and looked up at Phil again. Maybe he wouldn’t kill Louise after all
Dan
offer def stands. how does friday at 7 sound? meet here?
020 7946 0437
Sounds perfect! 😸 See you then!
Dan grinned to himself and immediately started planning.
Summary~ It’s Dan and Phil’s first Christmas as a couple. Dan’s not really invested in the holiday, but maybe Phil’s rubbing off on him
Genre~ Fluff
Words~ 1239
Warning ~ None!
Author’s Note~ This is going well! *(knock on wood)* I’m really enjoying these, and I actually really like this song, too ^_^ Enjoy!
Prompt me!
Buy me a coffee!
Check out Day Two!
“The snow is falling like it does every year!”
Dan rolled his eyes and leaned over to change the music station in the back of their Uber home, but Phil snatched his hand away. Dan felt his breath catch in his throat, and he looked at Phil who was giving him a soft, warm smile. They’d been dating for eight months, but they had recently moved in together, and Dan’s chest still felt warm and tight when Phil looked at him like that. It probably always would.
“I kinda like this song,” Phil admitted sheepishly. “Besides, it’s after December 1st, so it’s okay to listen to Christmas music now.”
Dan blinked at him but shrugged and dropped his hand to tangle his fingers with Phil’s. “Alright, you win. I’ll listen to the cheesy Christmas music.”
Phil beamed at him, but something outside the window caught his attention and he dropped Dan’s hand to gleefully stare out the window. “Dan! It’s snowing! First of the season!”
Dan laughed and looked out his own window. The “snow” Phil was so thrilled about was no more than a couple dozen flurries that melted the moment they hit the ground. Dan hardly counted it as real snow, but when Phil looked that delighted over frozen water, there was no way Dan was going to point that out.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
“I just don’t see what the big deal is,” Dan scoffed, peering around the massive fir tree to look for his boyfriend who had mysteriously disappeared the moment they stepped foot on the tree lot.
“Because they’re pretty and smell great,” Phil replied easily, seemingly popping out of thin air at Dan’s side.
“I have a really nice fake tree and nobody would know if we just got some air freshener,” Dan pointed out.
Phil shrugged. “There’s just something magical about having a real tree,” he explained. “I haven’t had room for one in any of my apartments and I miss them from when I was a kid. You know?”
“Not really. We always had a fake tree when I was growing up.”
Phil whirled around and looked at Dan in horror. “You mean you’ve never had a real tree?”
Dan laughed and cocked an eyebrow. “And if I say no? Are you going to hunt down my parents and shame them?”
Phil rolled his eyes. “No, but that does solidify my resolve to get a real tree.” He looked at Dan with those blue eyes sparkling with childlike wonder and grinned. “Come on, let’s pick out a tree.”
A surprised laugh bubbled out of Dan’s chest and he let Phil drag him along down the aisles of pine trees.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*
“Absolutely not. No way. I’m not doing that, Phil.”
“Oh, come on, Daaann,” Phil wheedled. He grabbed Dan’s Pomeranian who was stuffed in a tiny dog sweater and gently wriggled him back and forth in Dan’s face. “Look, Bubbles likes his sweater.” Bubbles’ tongue flopped out of his little mouth and he looked like he was having the time of his life.
“Yeah, but Bubbles is a pushover,” Dan pointed out. “I’d like to see you get Ribena in an ugly sweater like that.”
“Already did,” Phil beamed. “I just covered it in catnip and she was totally cool with it.”
“And what about Thor?” Dan demanded, grasping at straws now. “There’s no way you popped down to Tesco and found a badger sweater.”
“Of course not.”
“Ha! Then we can’t-”
“That’s why all three of these were custom made by someone on Etsy.”
Dan dragged a hand down his face. “You’re really gonna make me do this, aren’t you?”
“Not if you really don’t want to,” Phil insisted. “But I would really like you to.”
Dan took one look at Phil’s pleading look and sighed. “Just give me the fucking sweater.”
Two days later Phil came home with the printed out cards that proudly stated “Merry Christmas from Dan, Phil, Ribena, Bubbles, and Thor!” Dan was struggling to hold up Ribena’s massive, completely stoned body and Phil was holding up Thor who looked like she was about to melt out of his arms and Bubbles was sat on Thor’s head looking more than pleased with himself. Dan had to admit that they looked pretty spectacular, but maybe one year they could just shorten it to “Merry Christmas from the Howell-Lesters.”
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Dan woke up to the sound of crashing and just stayed in bed, keeping his eyes firmly shut. He patted around on Phil’s side of the bed and figured out that both Phil and his pet badger were missing and had been for a while. Ribena was still in bed, stretched out from his chest almost all the way down to his knees, but he heard Bubbles yapping happily from the kitchen where the crash was.
“I have to go see what he’s done now,” Dan wheezed to his cat. Ribena opened one eye to look at him, then closed it and went straight back to sleep. “You’re the worst,” Dan informed her, squirming out from under her heavy body. She opened her eyes to slits and flexed her claws to they pressed into Dan’s skin, but didn’t actually scratch him, and Dan escaped.
In the kitchen, Dan found Phil standing in a warzone. There was a goopy orange liquid on almost everything, centering on a point where Dan assumed Phil had dropped their pie pans. Bubbles was lapping up some of the orange goop on the wall, and Thor was nowhere to be seen, most likely hiding from the sudden loud noise, and Phil was pouting and covered from head to toe in some kind of baking mess.
“Uhh, what happened?” Dan asked, looking around. “Or do I not want to know?”
“Well, I was trying to bake a pumpkin pie, but the pie was heavier than I thought, so I dropped it,” Phil explained sadly. “It tasted good before I dropped it, though.”
“Bubbles sure seems to think so,” Dan laughed, gesturing to the dog. “Stand still. I’ll help you clean up and then we can work together to make a pie this time.”
Phil beamed at him, and Dan knew he’d said just the right thing.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Dan sighed happily and cuddled deeper into Phil’s side. The snow was falling gently outside, there were brightly wrapped presents under Dan’s first real Christmas tree, a fire was crackling away, all three of the animals were piled up together, and Dan’s belly was full of pizza and wine.
Phil quickly picked up on Dan’s extra clingy attitude, and smiled down at him. “And what’s got you in such a good mood, love?”
Dan grinned and turned his face into Phil’s side to hide his flushed cheeks. “I think this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”
Phil blinked at him in shock before his cheeks split into a smile so wide it hurt. “Yeah?”
Dan uncovered his face and turned the full force of his hopelessly in love face on Phil. “Yeah, I really think it is.”
Phil bit his lip and said, “You know, I think this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had, too.”
Satisfied, Dan curled back into Phil’s warmth, and started humming an oddly familiar song.
