A/N: Sorry this is so late! I got hit by a hurricane lmao

May 6th

At the signal of a knock, Dan hurried downstairs, straightening out his tie.

He and Phil were going to see Silent in the Night in theater, and Dan couldn't be more excited. Not only was he going to spend the evening watching a superb musical, but he was going to be spending time with Phil.

"Hey!" Dan grinned, swinging the door open.

"Hey."

Dan's gaze traveled up from Phil's simple, black suit to his equally dark hair, which was pushed away from his face.

"Damn…" Dan muttered, shutting the door behind Phil. "You look really hot."

Phil's cheeks darkened as he chuckled nervously. "Oh, um, thank you."

Dan smirked, pleased with himself.

"Are you almost ready to go?"

Dan nodded, pulling his tie around his neck. "Yeah, uh, there's just one thing…"

Phil glanced up. "Yeah?"

"I, uh, I don't know how to tie a tie…" Dan fiddled with the hem of the undone accessory awkwardly. He had spent around half an hour trying to figure out how to do it. He even found a handful of Wikihow articles, but it was no use.

Phil only laughed, walking towards him. "Here, let me,"

The brunette stood uncomfortably as Phil took the cloth in his hands and began knotting it. "Not much of one for formal dress?"

"Nah, never really have a reason to."

Phil finished swiftly, straightening out Dan's jacket. "There, better?"

"Yeah, thanks," Dan muttered. The artist was still standing only a few inches away from him.

A smile tugged at Phil's lips as he reached out, gently caressing his cheek. "You're beautiful."

Dan blushed, fighting back a smile. "Are you trying to one-up me from earlier?"

Phil chuckled, brushing the younger man's hair back from his eyes. "I mean, it's working, isn't it?"

Dan rolled his eyes, giggling softly. "Oh, shut up."

…

The two made their way out to the car, where Phil immediately burst into a story about some man who came into the bar the other night.

"So this guy has had, like, twenty shots and he's out of it, right? So I'm trying to help get out when—"

Dan's stomach growled loudly, and he blushed.

Phil paused. "Have you eaten yet?"

"No…Was I supposed to?" Dan asked sheepishly.

"No, you're fine! I wasn't planning on stopping anywhere, but we're going to get there over an hour early on this schedule. Somehow, I really don't fancy the idea of socializing with a bunch of dull businessmen… Do you like Thai food?"

Dan shrugged. "I've never really had it."

Phil looked offended. "You've never— Mr. Myson!"

The chauffer tilted his head towards Phil.

"Change of plans—can you take us to Som Saa first? It's an emergency."

Myson nodded, turning back to the road.

"What's Som Saa?" Dan inquired.

"It's only the most amazing Thai restaurant in England! I can't believe you've never heard of it."

"Well, I don't usually get the opportunity to eat out," Dan chuckled.

Phil blushed, looking awkwardly down at his hands. "Oh, um, sorry. I didn't realize—"No!" Dan interrupted Phil. "I wasn't offended, I was kidding."

"Oh. Well…" Phil smiled awkwardly, "Sorry anyways."

Dan laughed, taking Phil's hand. "Don't worry about it."

Phil looked out the window, biting his lip in an attempt to mask his smile.

…

"Can I start you gentlemen off with some drinks?" The waiter asked, pulling out his notepad.

The two had reached the restaurant in a little more than an hour. It was a nice little place, warmly decorated with plants scattered about.

"Yes, thank you," Phil smiled politely. "I'll take the siam sling, please."

"Okay, and for you?" The waiter looked at Dan.

"Oh, um…the la vie en rose please."

Their server nodded before hurrying off.

"So, what's good here?" Dan skimming over the menu.

"I usually get the kua kling pak sot, but pretty much everything here is amazing," Phil explained.

The writer nodded, locating Phil's favorite dish. "Southern style dry curry of minced pork kaffir lime leaf and lemongrass served with fresh vegetables." It certainly sounded good…Dan skimmed the menu a bit more before finally deciding on the gaeng lao—a bamboo and mushroom soup.

After they placed their order, the two made light conversation over their cocktails.

"So, you said the musical was kinda a private thing?" Dan asked.

Phil nodded, stirring around the rose petals on the surface of his drink. "Yeah. The head of the company my dad works for, Resked, bought tickets for his top performing salesmen, which includes my dad and me."

Dan raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't officially work for them?"

Phil paused, hesitantly opening his mouth. "It's…complicated."

Dan nodded slowly, sipping his drink. "Oh. So you all got one ticket? Just one?"

Phil gave Dan a funny look. "Yeah, why?"

"Phil?"

"Yeah…?"

"Did you buy my ticket?"

Phil paled, clearing his throat nervously. "I um…"

"Phil!" Dan scolded, looking at him in shock. "Those tickets are over fifty pounds a piece!"

"Dan, it's fine! I had a little extra cash and I really wanted someone to go with."

Dan ran a hand through his hair, looking at Phil with exasperation. "Phil, you know I don't like to cause you any ancillary expenses."

"Hey, listen to me," Phil placed his hand on the inside of Dan's thigh, "I wanted to do this, okay? I don't care how much it costs, I really wanted you to come with me tonight."

Dan glanced down at his lap in surprise, his gaze flittering back up to Phil's. "I know, I just—"

"Shhh, don't stress over it. Okay?"

Dan sighed softly. "Okay."

"Good." Phil smiled crookedly. "Now enjoy yourself, yeah?"

Dan nodded, a grin smile creeping onto his face. "I will."

Phil grinned, leaning back in his chair and—to Dan's dismay—pulling his hand back.

…

By the end of dinner, Dan had decided he liked Thai food.

"That was amazing," he commented as they left the restaurant. "I can't believe I never had Thai before…"

"Neither can I," Phil agreed. "I'm glad you liked it."

The two men reached the car and got seated, buckling their seatbelts as Mr. Myson left the parking lot.

…

The theater was amazing. Large, glittering chandeliers hung from time-worn ceilings, shining down upon rows of oak and velvet chairs. A deep red carpet laid under the feet of dozens of men and women in crisply ironed suits and sleek dresses. Dan suddenly felt very out of place in the professional atmosphere.

Phil must have noticed his date's discomfort as he leaned down, placing a hand on the small of his back. "Relax, darling," He whispered. "We can go ahead and get seated if you want."

Dan smiled at the pet-name, glancing up at Phil "Y-yeah, sure."

With that, the two hurried to find a good seat.

…

"Will I get to meet your dad here?" Dan asked.

The spots they had gotten, while not front-row, were close to the stage and provided a splendid view.

"No, not this time," Phil quickly retaliated. The truth was that Phil's dad was here. He just wasn't ready for him to meet Dan yet, "He's gonna be with a bunch of his business friends. It would be better for you two to meet at a more private place.

"Oh, I understand," Dan sighed.

Just then, an old, balding man and a woman Dan could only presume was his wife took the seats next to them.

"Mr. Miles, hi!" Phil grinned, holding out his hand.

The older man looked up, smiling when he realized who he was looking at. "Phil, m'boy, how are you?" He grabbed Phil's hand, giving it a firm shake.

"Good, you?"

"I'm good, thank you," He turned is attention to Dan. "Is this a friend of yours?"

"Oh, yes! This is Dan Howell," Phil answered, leaning back so the two men could see each other better.

"Nice to meet you, sir," Dan gave a polite smile, extending a hand for Miles to shake.

"And you, and you."

Phil and the older man made conversation for a few more minutes before the lights began flickering—a signal the show was about to start.

"Excited?" Phil looked over at Dan who was tapping his foot anxiously against the floor.

"Very," he grinned, his eyes sparkling in the dim glow of the spotlights. "Thanks for this, Phil."

Before Phil could respond, the musical began and Dan's attention was drawn to the stage.

…

The audience burst into applause as the first act came to a close and the intermission began.

"This is amazing! Dan exclaimed, grinning widely at Phil. "The way the actors portray such strong emotions…it's like they're actually their characters!"

Phil listened intently and Dan rambled on about the musical, nodding to show interest.

"—it's better than Les Miserables in my opinion."

Phil was about to respond when Mr. Miles turned to face him, tapping his shoulder. "So, how do you like the play so far?"

"It's great!" Phil grinned, nodding enthusiastically, "How about you?"

"Yes, yes, I'm enjoying it too. Although I really don't know why they included that gay couple, they really weren't needed, don't you agree?"

Phil gave Miles a tight-lipped smile. "Actually," He reached over, putting a hand on Dan's thigh. Dan blushed, swallowing uncomfortably, "I thought it added a nice diversity to the act."

Miles' eyes drifted down to Phil's right hand before shooting back up to his face. An expression of disgust and embarrassment overcame him as a high-pitched grunt rose in his throat. Without another word, he turned around to his wife.

"Sorry If I put you on the spot there," Phil chuckled, turning towards Dan, "I just really like pissing him off."

"I'm glad I could aid you in your evil plan."

Phil threw his head back in a laugh, giving Dan's thigh a gentle squeeze before retracting his hand. "I'm gonna run to the bathroom really quick, will you be fine by yourself?"

Dan nodded, folding his hands in his lap. "'Course, go ahead. "

Phil got up, hurrying off to the exit. It had only been a few minutes before Dan felt a firm tap on his shoulder. He turned around and was met with a clean-shaven, professional looking man.

"Hey, I'm Andrew Smich," He extended a hand, which Dan quickly took.

"I'm Dan Howell."

"Nice to meet you, Dan," The businessman shot Dan a dashing smile. "I'm sorry if this is too forward of me, I know it's not my place, but I have to ask; are you and Phil together?"

A faint blush began crawling up Dan's neck. "Oh. Uh…"

"I apologize, I shouldn't have," Mr. Smich chuckled uncomfortable, adjusting his tie.

Dan shook his head. "No, no, it's fine. Um, no, we're not a thing."

"Really? He raised an eyebrow "You seem quite close."

"We're friends…"

"I see…" Andrew muttered, "Do you think there's any possibility of you two becoming a couple?"

"I think," a voice spoke, "That it is none of your business what I do in my personal life," Phil carried himself with authority, holding a steady gaze with Mr. Smich

The businessman pursed his lips, leaning back in his seat. "My apologies."

Dan waited for Phil to sit down before asking: "What's his problem?" There was obviously a tension between the two men.

Phil sighed. "Andrews is…homophobic, to say the least. He thinks that my bisexuality makes me 'mentally unstable' and 'not suitable to work in a professional environment.'"

Dan whistled, turning around to glare at the man. "What an asshole…"

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Phil chuckled.

The conversation was cut short as the lights dimmed and the second act began.

…

Because the two men were both quite tired, colloquy was sparse on the way back. Neither of them said a word until Dan noticed Phil watching him with a slight smile on his face.

"What are you thinking about?" Dan inquired.

Phil hesitated. "Just how much I wish I could have kissed you the other day."

Dan's heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening.

This reaction seemed to amuse Phil, who smirked.

Deciding that two could play at Phil's little game, Dan responded: "Why don't you do it now?"

Phil's sly grin only widened, "I'm waiting for the right moment."

"And when will that be?"

The artist shrugged, turning back to look out the window. "Soon."

Dan's gaze lingered on Phil for a moment, watching the way the orange light of passing streetlamps illuminated his face. "You're a dick."

Phil laughed softly, shaking his head.

…

"Thank you so much for this, Phil. I had so much fun," Dan grinned, standing in front of his quaint living quarters.

"It was my pleasure." Phil gave a small bow.

"I want to take you out somewhere; you shouldn't have to plan all the dates."

"I'll hold you to that," Phil smiled crookedly in the darkness, "I should probably get going, I'm pretty tired."

"Yeah, me too," Dan agreed. Despite their fatigue, neither one of the men moved.

There was a moment of silence before Dan spoke. "Phil?"

"Yeah?"

Dan grabbed Phil by the tie, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before stepping back.

On this rare occasion, Phil blushed, trying to suppress the huge grin creeping onto his face. "G-goodnight, Dan."

"Night," Dan beamed, pleased with himself. Spinning on his heel, he unlocked his door and stepped inside.

A/N: I feel like this could be better but I haven't uploaded in a month so