Chapter Text
Dan's POV
I walked down the empty halls, my headphones blasting 'Muse' into my ears. I knew I should of been in lesson, maths, or something. Instead, I spent the time wandering the corridors. What's the point in trying when you know you're going to fail? It's absolutely pointless.
I shoved my hands in my pockets, and scuffed my shoes across the concrete floors. I was completely lost in my own world, until I hit the floor with a thud, one of my headphones falling out as I did.
"Oh, shit. I'm sorry." I heard someone say. I lifted myself up, to find myself face to face with none other than Phil Lester.
"Lester. What's a dweeb like you doing out of class?" I snarled, pushing myself back onto my feet. "And why aren't you looking where you're going? I mean, surely, the point of those glasses is to help you see?"
Phil avoided my eyes. "I'm sorry," he stuttered.
"Look at me when you talk to me." I yanked my left earphone out. "It's rude not to look at someone you're talking to."
Phil brought his blue eyes to look at me.
"That's better," I said.
"I- um... I need to go."
"Really? But we were having so much fun."
"My- my teacher is expecting me back."
"You're such a loser." I stepped sideways, signalling that he could leave. He scurried past me, not once looking back. I sighed, shoved my headphones back in my ears then carried on my journey through the empty halls.
Phil's POV
I was glad for the day to finally be over. The sooner I got out of the school, and got home, the sooner I'd not have to see Dan for a whole two days. Score. I shoved my books into my bag, then headed off, my head down.
"Mr. Lester, hold back a second, please?"
I inwardly groaned. "Sure thing, Sir." I pulled my bag further onto my shoulder and walked back to his desk. "Yeah?"
"I must congratulate you on another A, Mr. Lester. It's really quite impressive. Never have I seen a student with straight As. There's usually always a B here and there. How do you do it?"
I laughed slightly. It was obvious he was lying, either that or he hadn't been a teacher long. "I just study a lot, that's all." I glanced at the door. I could no longer see student dashing down the corridor, ready for a weekend full of fun.
"As lovely as that is, Phil, but how often do you actually have some fun?"
I raised my eyebrows. "Excuse me?"
"I can't help but notice your skin. It's been beautiful sunshine for weeks and you're still pale as a ghost."
"Um, Sir..."
"Sorry. Sticking my nose in. Habit. Well, off you go. Have a nice weekend, and stop studying so hard, Phil. It's not good for you."
"Right. Bye, Sir."
"Goodbye!" He waved at me as I left the classroom.
He wasn't wrong. I did barely leave the house, but it had nothing to do with studying. I just didn't have anywhere to go, or anyone to go there with. I didn't really have friends. Well, I did, just not ones that wanted to hang out with me outside of school.
"Oi, dweeb!"
I clenched my eyes shut. Why is he still here? Surely he would be the first one to leave.
"Don't ignore me."
He was right behind me. I felt his hand on my shoulder, and I flinched slightly.
"I'm not going to hurt you," he said, matter-of-factly.
"Thanks, I guess..." I spun on my heel to face him.
Dan's POV
I looked down at the blue eyed boy in front of me. He seemed genuinely terrified in my presence. I don't know whether I should be furious at the cheek, or pleased with how intimidated I made him.
"I don't mean to sound rude, but, um, what do you want?" Phil stuttered out.
"I thought I could walk you home."
"Excuse me?"
"I was waiting for you, I wanted to walk you home." I smirked.
"No thanks."
"Come on, dweeb. Don't leave me hanging."
"I can get home by myself. But, thank you."
"Philip Lester," I said through clenched teeth. "Don't leave me hanging. I waited for you, now you let me walk you home."
"Why? Why do you want to walk me home? Isn't that a little... Weird?"
I didn't really know myself why I wanted to walk him home, I just did. "Don't be a fucking moron, Phil. There's nothing weird about it."
"Fine. Whatever."
Phil pulled his bag further up onto his shoulder and began the walk home. We walked in silence, I was a few paces behind Phil. I picked up on a few of his habits, the way he pushed his glasses further up his nose every few minutes. The way he ruffles his black hair. The way he hums under his breath.
"Hey, dweeb?"
"I really don't like being called that. My name's Phil and you know it."
"Fine. Phil?"
"What?" He kept his back to me.
"Are you humming Muse?"
"Uh, yeah?"
"Wow, who knew a loser like you would enjoy the same music as me."
Phil stopped for a second, until I caught him up. We walked in pace with each other.
"You like Muse?"
"They're my favourite band," I said matter-of-factly.
"Oh. Mine too."
"What's your favourite song?"
"New Born. You?"
"It's hard to pick, they're all pretty fantastic."
"Yeah. Well, this is my house. Um, thanks for walking with me, I guess."
I watched as Phil walked away up his drive. As he closed his front door behind him, I felt a sudden wave of longing. Longing for him to come back outside and keep talking to me. What the fuck? I ruffled my hair then headed off home.
Phil's POV
I closed my door behind me, not once looking back at Dan. Why the hell had he been talking to me like an actual person? He hadn't done that for many years now. I was his main victim for harsh words, and lunch money stealing. I looked out of the peep hole on my front door. Dan was walking away, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets and his head down.