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Dan’s lost count on how many times he’s been on holiday with the Lester family by now. It’s got to have been more than five but to be quite honest he stopped counting after the third. They liked to say he was practically family, having lived with their son for about 10 years or so now. It’s quite ironic really, them not knowing the truth. He’s not quite sure why he and Phil haven’t told them yet, it’s not like they wouldn’t accept him. He’s already had to awkwardly laugh off two jokes from Phil's mum about Phil just marrying Dan already because there’s ‘been no one else she’s not getting any younger.’
It’s stupid really, the way it all gets to Dan. They’re all currently in the lounge waiting for their plane to Tenerife to board. He wasn’t going to go this time, he really wasn’t. He tried every excuse under the sun, telling Phil someone had to stay behind and prepare the gaming channel comeback and when that hadn’t worked, he tried the simple approach of faking sickness, but Phil was having none of it.
“Dan, you’ve been on holiday with us loads! I don’t get the problem.”
“There’s no issue Phil, I just don’t wanna go this year.”
Phil stared at him, and then sighed, “is it because you don’t want to pretend again?”
He should’ve known better really, he couldn't hide anything from Phil. They’d been together for twelve years and knew each other better than they knew themselves at this point.
“Maybe, I don’t know, it’s not a big deal. I'll just stay here; I’ve got plenty of things to do anyway.”
“Oh, don’t be silly Dan, you’ll come, we won’t hide it and they’ll just figure it out yeah?”
Dan’s head snapped up at that…not hide it? They’d never done that, between their careers and slightly enthused fans, they didn’t think it possible. A few friends knew of course, it would’ve been crazy for no one to find out but after an incident with fans and his brother a few years back, they’d decided it was safer for everyone if they just didn’t know. Dan contemplated for a bit, running the idea through his head until there were no possibilities left. What if it got out? What if Phil’s parents didn’t like Dan as a partner for Phil after all? Or even worse…what if they did like Dan and he got too comfortable loving Phil in the open? But he had to admit, a week off their charade sounded nice, it’s not like there’s be too big a risk–
“Helloooo? Earth to Dan? Normally things like this require words, I can’t actually read your mind you know?” Phil huffed, flicking Dan on the forehead.
“I mean…are you sure Phil? It’s not like we can exactly take it back if you decided you hated it. We’ve never actually outright told anyone about us”
“And how stupid is that? It’s been twelve years Dan! Besides you know my family wouldn’t tell anyone and they already love you already. I’m pretty sure half of them think we’re already secretly married anyway.”
Which is exactly how Dan’s now ended up squished between Phil and his dad for approximately 5 hours. He’d wanted the window seat but god forbid Phil doesn’t watch the plane take off and land. It was annoying really; how willing Dan was to give up everything for him. He’d probably follow Phil off the face of the earth if he asked, not that he’d ever actually admit that out loud. He’s sure Phil knows anyway.
Eventually, it was Mr Lester who decided to break the weird sort of silence that had fallen over them. Phil had fallen asleep a good hour or so ago, his head lolled against the window in a way that definitely didn’t look comfortable. “So, Dan. Any special someone to tell us about yet?”
Dan panicked. Yeah sure, he and Phil had somewhat agreed to not hide their relationship or whatever they called it, but they never agreed on explicitly saying anything. And what if he said something and Phil wasn’t happy with it? He could say the wrong thing entirely. God how he wished the other was awake right now. “Uh ha...not exactly Mr Lester. What can I say, just want to focus on my job and all that at the minute.”
Phil’s dad sighed loud enough he’s pretty sure the whole plane could hear. In fact, he’d bet money on the people 30,000 feet or so below them probably heard it. “Daniel, you’re twenty-nine this year! How is it you’ve never dated anyone? You do have to go outside at some point.”
Well, that pretty much scraps Phil’s theory that his parents already knew, or at least his dad. But then again, Mr Lester isn’t usually known for his sharp wit, bless his heart. He’s more so the type of dad you go to for advice or support, less so his…observational skills.
Dan tried to play it cool, kept his face calm and tried to ignore the gnawing feeling in his stomach. “Honestly, it’s no big deal. It’s not like I've never dated anyone before.”
No matter how accustomed to it he’d become, he hated lying. And he wasn’t even bloody meant to be doing it!
Phil’s father sighed again, quieter this time. “You know, me and my missus always thought you and Phil would end up together. It made so much sense at the time; you were practically attached at the hip! I never understood why you hadn’t given it a go.”
Oh. This is fine. Everything is fine. Totally fine. There’s definitely absolutely no reason Dan should be freaking out on the plane right now. It’s not like Phil’s dad just hinted at anything romantic happening between him and his son. Definitely not. This definitely wasn’t happening. He nudged Phil in the side, he’d hoped it would wake him long enough to switch the conversation or at least help him out a little? Clearly it was wishful thinking because actually the opposite happened! Clearly his nudge was miscommunicated because Phil’s head landed softly onto his shoulder instead. Great! That’s exactly what was needed at that moment. And the worst part was he didn’t have it in him to complain. The slight touch was enough for his heart to stop pounding like it was going to jump right out of his chest.
He loved that about Phil. How his presence alone was enough to silence all of the thoughts in Dan’s head. It was a miracle really, that he’d found his person in life. Someone he was lucky enough to call his best friend and boyfriend for twelve years. A quick glance toward him told Dan he wasn’t about to wake up anytime soon. He supposed Phil probably needed it anyway. They’d been up practically every night planning the relaunch of their gaming channel. It was all Phil's idea. Dan was quite content to continue with the ‘hiatus’ but between Phil’s nagging about ‘giving the fans what they want’ and other...convincing methods, Dan had given in. And well, If Daniel Howell was going to do anything, it was to make sure their comeback went down in history.
A quiet chuckle pulled him out of his thoughts. He turned his head to find Mr Lester looking at him knowingly. “Just ignore me Dan. I’m simply glad Phil has you in his life at all.”
At that, Dan gave out a breath he didn’t know he even was holding in, and a slight chime rang above them, signalling for seatbelts to be put back on. They’re landing. Finally.
“Dan? You should probably wake Phil up now, you know what he’s like.” Mrs Lester whispered from her seat in the row behind.
Dan moved slowly, gently shaking Phil’s arm. He’d hoped the other would wake quickly and spare Dan another minute of this painfully awkward situation. But no, because of course, why would anything work in Dan’s favour on this trip?
“Dan?” Phil mumbled slightly, attempting to move closer to Dan, despite the cramped room.
This man. He swears to god when they’re in the hotel room, he is not letting Phil get away with this. Not that his boyfriend would care actually, in fact he’d probably just laugh. Dan let out a slight chuckle, aware of the eyes staring at them.
“We’re landing, Phil. You should probably wake up.”
Phil shot up at that and pulled the window shutter open. “We’re landing?! Why didn’t you say so?”
Dan shot him an unimpressed stare and all he got back was a smirk in return.
And honestly? Dans surprised he’s not gone grey yet.