Of Milkshakes, Princes and Opticians
Dan comes home from the Stop Speak Support event to a little surprise from Phil and they talk about their day.
Fluff ensues.
Words: 963
Cyber-bullying. Students. The Vamps. The Prince.
It was on the walk home that it all began to sink in.
Dan had just finished hosting and speaking at a Stop Speak Support event at a local school, alongside the Prince of all people. There were moments in his life he’d never understand and this was one of them.
He felt pretty proud of himself, despite his initial insecurities about fumbling over his words or tripping off the stage or being the tallest person there.
But as he walked home, the sun setting against the indigo London sky, he felt pretty good about this day.
When he made his video opening up about his depression just a few months back, he had no idea it would lead to him becoming an ambassador for Young Minds or speaking with the Prince or even helping a single person.
Cyber bullying and the affect it has on mental health has always been important to Dan, so to share his story with so many young people who could be going through something similar just seemed right. And if he was able to help people in the process, then that felt pretty damn good.
He finally made it to the flat and walked inside to see Phil sitting in the lounge, the TV on a low volume and glasses noticeably on his face. Then his eyes drifted to the takeaway bags on the coffee table.
“You’re home.” Phil said with a smile as he stood and pressed a kiss to Dan’s cheek.
“What’s all this?” Dan asked as he gestured toward the bags.
“I ordered your favorite.” Phil told him. “It literally just got here. I’m surprised you didn’t bump into the delivery man.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to order dinner.” Dan said.
“Well, of course I did. We need to celebrate.” Phil said as he wrapped his arms around Dan’s waist. “I already know you did amazing today.”
Dan had this way of responding with his eyes and Phil knew everything Dan was thinking just by the look on his face.
Just like how Phil didn’t need to say how proud he was of Dan; Dan knew just by the grand gesture his boyfriend had made of ordering him food.
“Come on, I want to hear all about it.” Phil said, unwrapping his arms from Dan’s waist, letting his hands give Dan’s sides a squeeze. “Let me just grab the milkshakes.” he said before heading to the kitchen.
“Milkshakesss?” Dan asked as he spun around dramatically.
“It’s a tradition now!” Phil called from the kitchen.
Dan couldn’t keep the fond smile off his face as he sat down on the couch.
They ate and talked; Dan told Phil all about the event, sharing little stories he’d never tell anyone else.
“And Prince William even asked if I was putting any of it on my channel.” Dan said.
“What did you say?” Phil asked.
“What am I supposed to say to that? It’s not like I brought a camera with me!” Dan said. “I guess I have no choice but to make a video about it now.” he said and the two laughed.
“So, do you feel good about how it went today?” Phil asked.
“I do.” Dan told him. “The best thing that came out of all this is the opportunities I’ve gotten to help people; whether its about mental health or just cyber-bullying.”
“That’s good.” Phil said. “Imagine if you had a Youtuber speaking out about this stuff when you were younger. It probably would have helped a lot.”
“Yeah, that’s exactly why I feel like it’s important that I do all this.” Dan began. “So many kids watch our videos and spend all their time on the internet. It’s not good for your mental health anyway, never mind if you get cyber-bullied by random strangers.” he said, shaking his head at his thoughts. “But anyway, how was your day? I wish you could have come with me.”
Phil smiled a little. “You know I would have, but today was the only day the optician could fit me in.”
“How did your appointment go?” Dan asked.
Phil let out a sigh. “I only have one week left with my eyes.” he spoke in the most serious tone.
“Oh my God, I’m sorry to hear that.” Dan played along. “What’s the last thing you want to see before you lose your eyes?” he asked.
Phil simply looked at Dan. They both knew what Phil was thinking and it caused a blush to form on Dan’s cheeks.
“But seriously, what’s going on with your eyes?” Dan then asked.
“They said I don’t have enough tears, so I need to wear my glasses at least once a week.” Phil told him.
“Not complaining.” Dan said as he took a sip of his milkshake.
“I will be. It’s so annoying wearing glasses.” Phil said as he fiddled with them on his face. “Oh! Want to see the back of my eye?” he then asked excitedly as he whipped out his phone to find the picture.
“Excuse me?” Dan asked.
“They took a picture of the back of my eye. Don’t ask me how, I have no idea.” Phil said as he showed Dan the picture.
“Eww.” Dan let out. “I mean, that’s kind of cool, in a weird, artistic way… but also kind of gross.”
“People on Twitter thought it was cool.” Phil said with a shrug.
“You tweeted that??” Dan suddenly asked. “Phil, that is cyber-bullying!”