The days continue to pass and Dan and Phil settle into a daily routine. They have first period together, and Paige begins to join them in the mornings, sitting next to Phil in Brooke's empty seat. Eventually Brooke returns, but she just sits in Paige's old seat now. It's not like Dan and Phil notice anyway. Phil and Andrew also begin to sit with Dan and his friends at lunch every day, to many people's surprise (including Dan, his friends, the football team.. okay, to everyone's surprise). Paige is also in Dan and Phil's World History class, and she starts to sit with them during that too. However, mainly all this does is give Paige an opportunity to tease Phil again about how it's like he and Dan are dating.
When Paige brings that up again, Phil confesses to her how he actually does really like Dan. In, you know, that way. "But he doesn't like me back! So please, please, don't say anything about it again," Phil begs her. However, what he doesn't know is Dan feels the same way, and thinks the same thing.
Over the next few weeks, too many things happen that should've clued the boys in about their feelings for each other. It seemed their friends were the only ones that noticed, but they respected Dan and Phil's business, so they didn't say anything. But honestly, it took all of Paige and Andrew's willpower to not say something. Really, how did Dan and Phil not realize how the other felt sooner?
The next week, the school calls an assembly to talk about homecoming festivities - the homecoming game, the homecoming dance (which wasn't for another few weeks), and staying safe through the events. It's the end of the day, and all of the periods have been cut short to fit the assembly in. Phil and Paige are sitting in their 8th period math class waiting for the bell to ring so they can be done with school and get hyped for the weekend.
With a sigh, Phil drops his head back and looks at the ceiling in exasperation, glancing at the clock again when he straightens his head. Only a few more minutes, thank god. But Phil forces himself to listen to Mr. Mulligan until the bell rings. The class erupts into chatter and Phil looks back at Paige when he begins to stuff his bag full of schoolwork. "You excited for the assembly?" He asks her. "You know it," Paige replies with a grin.
Phil feels a buzz in his pocket, and pulls out his phone to see a snapchat from Dan. He quickly unlocks his phone and opens it. hey youre going to the assembly right? Dan had messaged him. yeah, are you? Phil replies.
Dan: yeah. you want to maybe sit together?
Phil smiles after reading Dan's request, and Paige cranes her neck to look at Phil's phone. "Why are you smiling? What are you looking at?" She pries.
"Oh, uh, Dan's asking if we want to sit with him during the assembly. That okay?" Phil asks her hopefully. Paige just rolls her eyes. "Yes, that's fine. Let's go sit with your - er, friend." She refrains from saying 'boyfriend' just in time and gives Phil a nervous smile. But Phil doesn't even notice Paige's slip-up, as he's busy typing out a reply to Dan: yeah, ofc. is it alright if paige sits with us too? and how bout we meet in the cafe first.
Dan: k, see you in a bit
"Alright, let's go," Phil says to Paige, and they leave the classroom to go to the cafeteria. A few minutes later, the two walk in and Phil immediately finds Dan's curly head of soft, brown hair among a few of his friends. He begins to walk straight towards Dan, and Paige just rolls her eyes again and follows him. "Hey, Dan! Nathan, Lucas," He greets the group.
"Oh, hey, Phil!" Dan turns and smiles at Phil. "Alright, you guys ready?" He turns to Nathan and Lucas.
"Er, yeah. Sorry, but who are you?" Lucas asks Paige.
"Oh, I'm Paige. My friends aren't going to the assembly, so I'm tagging along with Phil. I'm his BFF, obviously; you guys are just gonna have to deal with me sitting with you," She says, turning up one side of her mouth. Lucas laughs. "Alright, fine with me."
"Let's go."
The group of friends leave the cafeteria for the gym, and Dan and Phil fall into step next to each other in front of the rest of the group, and begin chatting without a second thought to the rest of their friends. Paige looks at Nathan and Lucas, shoots a glance at Dan and Phil, then looks back at Nathan and Lucas. The two boys just grin knowingly, and Nathan offers up a helpless gesture. "You see it too, right?" Paige asks. "Oh, I ship it more than a UPS driver," Lucas says. A burst of laughter escapes Paige's mouth, and she immediately claps a hand over her mouth, cheeks burning up. Once she's composed herself, Paige says, "Oh my god, that's amazing. And same."
Soon the group arrives at the gym. Phil stops short when he walks in the gym, and the group stops with him. So many students are filling the stands, buzzing around them, or walking around on the floor preparing for the assembly. Banners and balloons decorate the walls, rows of chairs are set up on a platform, and a huge mat lays out in front of them where cheerleaders are getting ready for a performance. "Wow," Phil breathes.
"Kind of overwhelming, isn't it?" Nathan says.
"Uh, yeah."
"You'll get used to it." Dan smiles. "Alright, where should we go? There?"
The group of friends follow Dan around the mat, snaking their way through pods of cheerleaders and other students, until they reach an open spot on the bleachers. "Okay, go ahead." Dan lets Nathan and Lucas file in first, then he follows, and Phil and Paige sit down after them. "So, what exactly is going on?" Phil asks Dan.
"Oh, yeah, I forgot you're new this year. Uh, well, the cheerleaders normally do a performance, the principal talks about important information for the game and the dance, and then they announce the homecoming court. That's basically it, it's really fun though," Dan explains.
"Oh, alright. It's crazy to think the homecoming game is tomorrow." Phil lets out a slow breath.
"You nervous?"
"Yeah, I guess. Everyone's been talking about the dance I kind of forgot the game was coming up so quick. But the dance isn't for a couple weeks right?"
"Wait, what? I thought it was next weekend?" Paige asks as she joins their conversation.
"No, they had to move it cause the school is hosting some math thing next weekend."
"Weird, okay. Speaking of the dance, are either of you going?" Paige asks. The two boys look at each other. "I don't know, I haven't really thought about it," Phil says.
"I might go with some friends," Dan says, looking over at Nathan and Lucas. "Sorry, what?" Nathan asks as he notices Dan's look.
"Homecoming."
"Oh, yeah, we might go. I don't know," Nathan shrugs. Suddenly a girl's voice is projected through the speakers around the gym, and everyone quiets down as the assembly starts. The boys and Paige aren't able to talk much more as they are busy watching the assembly. First, there was a very impressive performance by the varsity cheerleading squad, and Phil is amazed from having never seen them perform before. "Oh my god, they're so good!" Phil exclaims during the performance.
"I know, right? They're so flexible, too," Paige says.
"Just look at Dorian," Dan says. Dan and Phil both stare at Dorian, the only guy on the squad, as he performs several flips across the mats. Then the two look at each other, as if to point him out to each other. Both realize they were staring at the, admittedly quite attractive, boy and quickly look away, cheeks heating up. Later, everything happens exactly like Dan says, they talk about the game and the dance, safety, and finally announce the homecoming court and choose the king and queen.
"Happy Homecoming, everyone!" The homecoming queen addresses her royal subjects, and the assembly is finally over. "That was pretty fun, I kinda like 'school spirit-y' stuff," Phil comments as they stand.
"Yeah? Well maybe you should come to the dance with me," Paige says.
"Go to the dance with you? I'm gay, Paige."
Paige swats Phil's arm as they start to walk down the bleachers. "Oh, shut up, I meant as friends," she says, rolling her eyes. Phil notices she does that quite a lot.
"Alright, well, I have to get to football practice," Phil sighs. He holds up his phone to the group to show the time. "Oh, uh, okay. See you later," Dan says. Phil can't help but notice he looks slightly disappointed. He opens his mouth to ask Dan about it, but stops himself at the last minute and just mutters a quick goodbye instead. Phil strides out of the gym, casting a last glance behind him to see Dan still staring after him. Phil waves a little towards Dan, and he can't tell for sure, but he thinks Dan starts to blush a little as he waves back. He's just too cute, it's not fair. Phil is left smiling all the way to the locker room.
That night, Phil messages Dan to cancel their piano lesson for the next day, cause they couldn't have one as Phil had his game. But then Dan and Phil get to talking, and Phil asks him: are you coming to the game tomorrow?
Dan replies: yeah, me and my friends are going to be there. good luck! and tell andrew good luck too :)
Phil smiles. He was really glad Dan and Andrew were starting to become friends. He types out a hasty reply: cool. i'll look for you after the game. and thanks, i'll pass along the message to andrew too. Phil sends a quick message to Andrew saying Dan wished them good luck at the game tomorrow, and returns to his conversation with Dan.
They continue to talk for almost a half hour more, until Phil notices the time.
Phil: hey, it's getting late and coach wants us to get a good nights sleep for the game tomorrow, so i should probably go :/
Dan: oh. alright, gn
Phil: gn
Phil sighs, then plugs his phone into his charger and climbs into bed. He's barely able to sleep with the jitters of the first football game racking his brain. He didn't want to let his teammates down, especially being new this year, and now he had to impress Dan? No, you don't have to impress Dan, he's your best friend! There's no need to show off for him! Phil debates messaging Dan again for something to occupy his mind, but decides against it. They'd already said good night, he didn't want to sound needy. I don't want to not sound needy! Phil interrupts his thoughts. He's my best friend. He would understand if I can't sleep. And yet, Phil doesn't text Dan again. It isn't till much later, after much tossing and turning, that Phil falls asleep.
In the morning Phil wakes from a light sleep, much earlier than he should have gotten up. Phil does the math quickly and realizes he only got about 6 hours. After trying to fall back asleep for several minutes, he eventually just gets out of bed. The morning passes like normal; he eats breakfast and watches some Netflix until his mom tells him to be more productive. Sighing, Phil heads back upstairs and reluctantly begins to do his homework.
Hours later, filled with homework, eating snacks, more Netflix, and... other internet activities, it's early afternoon and Phil starts to get ready for the big football game. The game was to start around 7 o'clock that night, but they had to have practice first and the team had also arranged a pasta party before that. So Phil gathers up the rest of the things he needed for the day and darts downstairs in anticipation.
"Hey, honey, are you heading out soon?" Phil's mother asks from the table as Phil hurries around the kitchen.
"Yeah, I'm leaving right now," Phil says as he grabs a water bottle.
"Woah, woah, slow your roll!" Phil's mom stands up and grasps Phil's shoulders as he tries to get past her. Phil lets out a slow breath as he looks into his mom's face. "Alright, sorry. Can I go now?"
"No, you can't," Mrs. Lester says as she takes her hands off Phil's shoulders. "Okay, so you're going to the school right now, and the game is starting at 7?" Phil nods. "Do you want me to be at your game? I'm working from home today, so it won't be an issue."
Phil debates both options for a moment - Phil might get nervous knowing his mom was in the crowd. But he's already nervous, so what difference does it make? Coming to this realization, Phil agrees and says, "Yeah, if you could."
"Alright, I'll be there, then. First game of the season, you excited?" Phil's mom grins at him.
"Yeah, kinda nervous though."
"Well, that's normal, I'm sure you'll be fine. Getting along with the team alright?"
Phil mouth falls open. "Oh my god, Mom, can we not do this right now?!" Truth was, everyone was nice enough, but no one really talked to him. Except for Andrew and his other closest friends, Ryan and Erik. Jack hadn't said one word to him more than he had to at practices.
"Yes, fine, sorry," Phil's mom replies. "Go have fun." She motions toward the garage door with her head. "Thanks. Love you, Mom." Phil gives her a one-armed hug and a smile before pushing past her into the driveway. Phil unlocks his car and climbs into the drivers seat, tossing his bag into the passenger's side. He buckles his seatbelt. He starts the car. And with a final deep breath, Phil starts the drive to school.
The bright white lights surrounding the field stand out against the dark night sky, blinding Phil as he takes to the field for the last time that night. Time had seemed to fly past in a blur, each thing only lasting for a second; the pasta party, the practice, the game. Until everything slowed to an agonizing snail's pace, leading up to this moment. The only things Phil is aware of are the football. The lights. The clock counting down the last minute of the game. And his own pounding heart. Suddenly time resumes to normal speed, and too soon Phil has jogged over to the line of scrimmage on the 30 yard line. That was it. 30 yards. Down 5 points, all the team needed was another touchdown for them to win.
30 yards.
The team lines up in their positions on the line of scrimmage. As a wide receiver, Phil takes his place on the edge, and he surveys the rest of the team down the line as he waits for the play to start. Luke would snap the ball, Jack was to do a handoff, and Phil would block for the runner as he ran the ball downfield. It was simple, because this far in the game the opposing team would be expecting tricky, complex plays. Going for a straight, clean win was the coaches goal.
Phil takes his ready position and watches Jack as he prepares to start the play from the corner of his eye. The cheering of the crowd fades and is replaced by the pounding blood coursing through his ears. Any second now. But just as Luke is about to snap the ball, Jack takes a step back and stands. "Timeout!" He calls to the referee. A collective sigh resounds through the field as the players relax. Phil and his team collapse their line as they form a huddle around Jack.
"Dude, what's up?" Luke says. "We changing the game plan?" Jack glances around the team, his eyes lingering on Phil for a second too long. He nods.
"Yeah. It's too far for a running play, and there's not enough time. This is our last chance. But we can do it. We're going to do a passing play. The most recent play we've learned. Everybody got it?"
The football team nods in agreement, but Phil is barely aware of his movement. This was his play. It was all up to him to score that touchdown.
"We ready?" Jack's voice snaps Phil back in to reality, and Phil realizes Jack is staring right at him. His stare is cold and hard, but calming. Grounding. Encouraging and discouraging at the same time. Phil's nerves are shaken and quelled, his heart made steady and erratic all at once. He nods. "Ready." Jack acknowledges him with a curt not. Then he claps. "Let's do this!"
The huddle breaks up with a chorus of whoops, and the team returns to their spots on the line of scrimmage. Phil tries not to look up at the crowd as he take his place, knowing his mom was somewhere up there, watching. Knowing Dan was up there.
Phil pushes those thoughts out of his mind and steels himself. He takes the ready position, staring down the opposing team in front of him. He glances down at Jack. "Hike!"
Everything happens exactly as it's supposed to. Luke snaps Jack the ball, and their players protect Jack and Phil as the opposing team runs toward them. Phil's legs burn as he sprints down the field, taking yard after yard underneath him as his long legs carry him across open turf. He was in the perfect position. Phil turns over his shoulder and sees Jack, and he holds up his hands for the pass he knew was coming. In a matter of seconds, the ball leaves Jack's hand and is soaring through the air. The next thing anybody knows, the ball is safely tucked away in Phil's arms and he's back sprinting down the field. Phil is barely aware of players rushing towards him, only focusing on getting down the field, but his own teammates flank and protect him, tackling any other player that tries to tackle Phil. 30 yards turns into 20, 10, 5, and finally Phil crosses into the end zone.
He had done it. With just a few seconds left on the clock, Phil had won the homecoming game for his team.
The crowd erupts into cheers and Phil just stands there, shocked, staring down at the football in disbelief. But he doesn't get to stand there for long, because suddenly several people start tackling him from all around himself. It was his teammates; they were congratulating Phil on his touchdown in that weird way only football players do by pulling him into large bear hugs, smacking any part of his arms and back that is available. A wide grin splits onto Phil's face as he's buried under his teammates. All his worries fade away, and the only thought left consuming is mind is that he had won the homecoming game for his team.
Well, not quite yet. There were still a few seconds left on the clock. After the ruckus dies down, the two teams line up again to finish out the game. The opposing team hurls out a last ditch attempt to win, but Phil's team easily holds off their advances until the seconds dwindle down into nothing. The buzzer sounds, and it's official. They had won the first game of the season.
Again, the crowd erupts into cheers, and the rest of the football team comes onto the field to join in the celebration. Andrew comes up to Phil and says something to him, but Phil can't hear over the noisy stands. Phil holds up his hands in confusion, and Andrew nods, then gestures for Phil to follow him off the field. The rest of the team begins to follow both of them back to the bench, and after Stuart talks to them, they all grab their things and head past the stands, back across the parking lot, into the school and locker room.
Whoops of excitement still fill the air as everyone goes to their lockers. "Fantastic effort tonight, boys!" Jack calls as he enters the room. "Phil." Phil looks up in shock after hearing his name come from Jack. "Er, nice job during the last play," Jack finishes, with the tiniest, tiniest, hint of a smile playing on his lips.
It was the smallest compliment Phil could've gotten, but it made him feel great nonetheless. "Thanks!" Phil says with a wide grin spreading to his cheeks. Jack gives him the smallest nod in acknowledgement, much like the one he gave Phil earlier that night, then turns to his locker to change out of his football uniform.
"Amazing play tonight, Philly," Luke says as he approaches his locker next to Phil's. Andrew voices the same compliment, and Phil thanks them before beginning to change. Of course, he always followed the number one rule of locker rooms, keeping his eyes to what he was doing, but ever since his secret came out, Phil had followed this rule even more strictly. It was like he put blinders next to his eyes, focusing only on what he was doing, very careful to not let his eyes wander accidentally. Even though Jack was surprisingly nice to Phil after the game tonight, Phil knew how Jack could be and didn't want to give him any excuse to bring up his sexuality. Or, god forbid, bring it up to Coach Stuart.
Soon, Phil has finished changing and almost finished packing up his things. "You almost done?" He says to Andrew and Luke, not taking his eyes off his bag.
"No, not yet." "Me neither. You don't have to wait for us, though," his friends say, seeing he was already ready to go.
"Alright. I'll catch up with you guys later." So Phil walks out of the locker room, casually keeping his eyes on the floor until he leaves the room. Phil pulls out his phone for the first time in hours and checks his notifications as he starts toward the main entrance to leave the school. Most of his notifications were recent texts from his friends congratulating him on the winning play, and after replying to those, Phil starts to check snapchat while he exits the front door and starts to his car in the parking lot.
Suddenly, Phil hears a voice, "Hey, there he is! Phil!"
Phil looks up and see Paige calling him, standing with Dan, Nathan, and Lucas near what he recognized as Dan's car from seeing it in Dan's driveway. Phil smiles, and he shuts off his phone then quickly joins them. "Hey guys! Glad you could make it!"
"Of course!" Dan replies, looking up at Phil with a smile. "Really nice job. Winning touchdown," he remarks.
Phil laughs a little, embarrassed. "Thanks," he says, biting his lip. "Walk with me?" Phil gestures aimlessly down the parking lot, presumably towards his car.
"Sure."
The group of friends walk with Phil towards his car. They chat a bit more about the game and the teams, and gradually each teen splits off to their own car until it's just Dan and Phil left walking. "Alright, here we are," Phil says as he approaches his truck.
"Have I ever told you how much I like your car?" Dan comments as Phil starts to throw his things into the backseat.
"No, but thanks," Phil laughs as he stands back up. He adjusts his fringe and wipes away some sweat still left on his hairline. "Sorry I'm all sweaty, I'm still kinda hot from running around and whatever."
"It's fine, you're always hot," Dan says without even thinking, looking at Phil thoughtfully.
Phil's eyes widen and his mouth falls open a bit. "Wh.. what?" He squeaks out.
Finally Dan's brain seems to catch up with his mouth as he realizes what he said. "Oh.. oh my god, I'm sorry, I don't know why I said that," Dan says with a forced, nervous laugh, running his hand through his hair. Then he rubs the back of his neck and his eyes dart away; looking everywhere, anywhere. Anywhere that wasn't Phil.
"Um, well, thanks I guess?" Phil can barely keep his mind from thinking about what that meant. A silence falls over the two, and eventually Dan blurts out, "Listen, I should probably go. Congrats again." And Phil barely has time to mutter a goodbye before Dan rushes off to his own car.
Sighing, Phil gets into the drivers seat of his pickup truck and lets his head fall onto the steering wheel. Why was everything so confusing with Dan?!
A/N: Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, it was pretty long, I know, but I thought it all tied together nicely so I didn't want to publish it in two separate chapters. But it's also been a while since I updated, so hopefully it was worth the wait! as always, fav and follow if you'd like to; i love seeing who enjoys my work, and please review! xoxo, ~l