Work Text:
Kath awoke with a pounding headache, drenched in sweat. She yawned and rubbed her eyes before slipping out of bed. She needed to go downstairs for a glass of water.
Kath head down the stairs, avoiding the squeaky boards as to not wake up the rest of the house when she froze in her tracks. Phil seemed to be talking to someone, but quietly. Now, she wasn’t one to snoop, but when you hear your son whispering to a presumed stranger, you want to see what’s going on.
She tiptoed down the hall and peeked into the kitchen. Phil held the phone up to his ear, whispering into the receiver. She strained her ears to hear.
“I know, I know.”
Pause.
“Shut up, you did so well!” He laughed, muffling the sound with his hand. Kath’s heart jumped. Phil would never feel the need to hide calling a friend. So why would he wait until night? Her son was never one to date, but… the way he spoke to this person was so full of love that her heart nearly melted.
Another pause, longer this time. Phil’s demeanor completely changed. He smiled softly and leaned against the phone to whisper something Kath could barely make out. “I love you too, bear.”
So he did have a secret girlfriend. And he called her bear, and called her at night, and practically melted when he talked to her. Kath quickly tiptoed back upstairs and went to bed, heart pounding with excitement. Her little boy had fallen in love.
The next day, Kath kept sneaking glances at Phil. She wondered why he hadn’t told her about his girlfriend yet. Maybe he was just really shy about it. She wondered how long they’d been together…
He shoveled his cereal into his mouth more quickly than usual, and jumped up to stand next to her. “Mum?” He asked.
“Yes Child?”
“So you know how you and dad are going on holiday soon?”
“Yup.”
“I, um… can Dan come over?” Not quite what she had been expecting. However, she did know Dan and Phil were very close. Phil talked about him in almost every conversation, however they had never met in person. Kath nodded.
“You don’t need to ask to have your friend over, Phil. Of course he can come.” Phil’s face completely lit up, all signs of tiredness leaving his body completely. “Alright! I’ll go tell him.” And then he was rushing off to his room, skipping steps.
Kath watched him go, an odd feeling overtaking her. She felt like there something lying underneath the surface, but no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t figure out what it was.
They were about to leave for holiday. Phil was helping Kath lift bags into the trunk of the car, while pretending he wasn’t struggling with the heavy suitcase. They were about to drive out when Kath ruffled his hair as a form of goodbye.
“Don’t bring any girls over honey, okay?” She winked at him and entered the car. Before they pulled out of the driveway, she caught a glimpse of his face. He was staring directly at the ground, crestfallen. Before she could do anything, they were driving away.
Arriving back at the house, Phil opened the door and greeted them with a huge smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. The house was cleaned head to toe, a clear indicator that Phil had done something and didn’t want them knowing about it. Kath decided not to comment, assuming he’d tell them about his girlfriend when he was ready. Still, it had been god knows how long of them dating, and Kath almost felt like Phil didn’t trust her.
The next time Dan came over, Kath finally got to meet him. He was polite, calling her Mrs. Lester all evening despite her insisting her call her Kath. After dinner, Dan head up to the Guest room, and Kath went to bed.
Kath blinked her eyes open, leaning over to look at the clock on the nightstand. 1:28 am. Great. She groaned quietly and pushed herself out of bed to use the bathroom. She tiptoed down the hall until she paused. There was light coming from Phil’s room. The door was cracked slightly. She peeked in, and had to stop herself from gasping.
Dan was in his room, which wasn’t weird necessarily, it was what they were doing. Dan was leaning his head on Phil’s shoulder while they sat at the end of Phil’s bed, turned away from the door, whispering to eachother. Phil giggled at something Dan said, and Dan turned his head slightly and pressed their lips together. Phil mumbled something against Dan’s lips, breaking away to kiss his cheek.
Kath’s head was spinning. How had she not noticed? Well, she had suspected that Phil was gay, but she thought… what about…
“Stop it Bear.” Phil laughed from his room.
And the pet name he used on that call. The way he was so nervous after Dan staying over. They had been dating the whole time and she had no idea. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door, trying to collect herself. “Phil? You awake sweetheart?” She heard Dan whisper “shit” And the boys scramble apart.
“Yeah Mum, you can come in.” Phil’s voice was shaky. She opened the door and stepped into the room. Dan’s cheeks were flushed and Phil’s hair was mussed up, some strands standing up.
“Just wanted to check on you. I see Dan’s here too?” Phil coughed and looked down. “Did you, um—“
“Yes, I saw.” She kept her voice soft. “I don’t mind at all. But it’s quite late, and you boys should get to bed.” Phil laughed.
“We’re adults, mum.”
“Adults that need their rest.” She turned to Dan, who seemed worried, fidgeting with his sleeve.” She put a hand on his shoulder.
“Welcome to the family, dear.”
Dan sniffed and wiped at his eyes with his sleeve. “Now, off to bed.” He let out a watery laugh, going to lay next to Phil, who wrapped his arms around him like it was second nature. Kath smiled. Dan looked up at her again, and whispered something she could barely hear. “Thank you.”