Chapter Text
If Tommy tries, he can hear the shop’s bell faintly ringing. Dusk is starting to creep into the sky and with it, the ocean breeze grows sharper. Tommy pulls the zipper of his coat up higher and tucks his hands into his pockets. A minute later Phil comes out the door, his usual bucket hat has been replaced with the dark green beanie to adjust to the cooling of the air as autumn draws closer.
The boy smiles at Phil, prepared to go their separate ways when suddenly the man turns and begins to walk in Tommy’s direction. Tommy doesn’t realize he’s frozen until Phil shoots him a strange look. The corners of his lips twitch up.
“You alright?”
Tommy nods, sputtering, “Yeah, yeah.”
He jumps into a walk making his way down the street as Phil accompanies him. It’s odd. Not unsettling, he's gotten more and more used to the antics of the flower shop’s owner who, while a little bizarre at times, is an overall well-rounded guy. Phil just doesn’t normally walk this way. He goes towards the marina, where the parking lot is.
“You’re going the same direction as me?” Tommy eventually says. He can’t not ask the question.
“Oh yeah, I’m meeting up with a friend at The Golden Totem.” Ah, Tommy thinks. He’s seen that shop before towards the front of the plaza. It looks expensive as shit. “We’re trying to get some stuff organized for the Festival of Light.” Tommy’s head whips to Phil. “Actually several people are trying to hire us for the festival. We’re gonna be busy.”
“We’re doing the stuff for the festival?” the younger blonde blurts. Phil jumps at the sudden excitement filling Tommy’s voice.
“Yeah. I mean, I try to.”
Tommy’s eyes are wide. His jaw is stuck so far open it's amazing it hasn’t fallen off his face. The Festival of Light. Gods, Tommy’s always wanted to be a part of it. It wasn’t celebrated much in his hometown, and his aunt never had the resources for the two of them to fully invest in the little holiday. When he moved out for college the festival became the most exciting thing about L’Manburg. Unfortunately, his last few bosses weren’t very interested in the celebration so Tommy was stuck busing tables rather than hanging lanterns. He hadn’t dared to ask Phil if he celebrated yet.
“You seem interested,” Phil says. It is easily the biggest understatement the man has ever made.
“Oh my Gods yes! I’ve always wanted to do something for it! It looks so cool with all the colors and the dancing. Have you seen how dressed up people get? It's so cool! Plus the food looks amazing! You really celebrate it?” He’s practically out of breath from the rush of words. Phil laughs but nods.
“Uh, well, Techno’s not huge on celebrating himself but he tends to help organize some decorations for the plaza. I try to contribute a little bit to every year, but I'm not a huge holiday person myself.”
“But you celebrate?” He needs Phil to celebrate. Tubbo doesn’t and Ranboo’s not from around here so they also don't. He needs to celebrate with someone eventually, it’ll be his biggest failure in life if he doesn’t. Phil laughs at Tommy’s excitement again. He shrugs and Tommy tries not to deflate at the mundane action.
“If you really want the authentic experience you should ask Wil, he’s always been more interested in that stuff than me. But yeah we celebrate a little.” Wilbur, Tommy decides. He’s going to bug Wilbur to hell and back about the Festival of Light. He’s dead set on it. Another snort bursts at Phil as he takes in the determined line in Tommy’s eyes. “Calm down, mate. I’m sure he’ll be happy to have another person celebrate with us this year.”
Oh, Tommy realizes. Us. He’s just technically invited himself into Phil’s home for the festival. That’s so fucking rude. Gods, Tommy wished he learned how to shut his mouth sometimes.
“Are you sure?” he hedges. He’s such a fucking idiot. Who just invites themselves into their employer’s home? That’s so rude. And weird. And Tommy’s an absolute-
Phil yanks Tommy’s arm, snapping him back to reality.
“Careful,” he says. The younger looks up taking in the lampost lined with twinkling fairy lights and colorful streamers that he almost ran headfirst into. Decorations are going up. People are getting started early this year.
“Uh, thanks,” Tommy stumbles. Phil shoots him a grin.
“But, you should definitely ask Wil, I’m sure he’d love to have you over. I’ll make sure Techno has you give him a hand with decorating the shop,” Phill offers. Tommy nods, slowly taking in Phil’s words a beaming grin slowly claims his face as they move through the plaza.
“Awesome,” Tommy breathes. He tucks his hands further into his pockets, savoring the cold air. He can’t stop the giddy energy thrumming through him, as he smiles at Phil and the orange tinge of a sunset creeps higher into the sky.