A/N: For the record, instead of studying for my final in Spanish class today, I wrote this for you lovelies. Christmas present to you! :D
Chapter 8
Two months had passed since my first day in England, and Dan and Phil's apartment felt more like home to me than my own apartment. I was beginning to grow closer to Phil, but I spent most of my time with Dan. On this day in particular, I planned on going ice skating with Dan because he'd never actually been before. I slipped on my black Toms and grabbed my scarf, crossing the hall to Dan's apartment. To my surprise, Phil opened the door. He stood in the doorway, covered in flour. I cocked my brow at him. He looked down at himself, replying, "Long story."
I laughed. "Okay then. Dan in there?"
"Yeah. Projectile vomiting.." He turned pale and I grimaced.
"Should we...ask if he needs anything?"
His eyes widened. "Bad idea. I tried. He screamed at me to go...um...screw myself... But not so nice."
"Oh. Well...would you like to go ice skating with me?"
"Anything to get out of this house."
The day before, I'd searched for a local ice rink in London that wasn't being used for lessons. I'd managed to find one open to the public for the day. As we stepped into the icy dome, the smell of freshly-polished ice and sweat from practice wafted through the air. A few younger girls were working on their technique, but other than that,next to no one was actually skating. This wasn't too surprisingly considering most people don't want to skate around in a coat in the middle of August, but I didn't care. I'd missed skating too much to pass up this opportunity. Phil located a changing room, and as I waited for him, I laced up my skates. The white boots were a little faded and a bit snug, but I didn't mind. I slid on my old blades, still almost new from my last competition. After securing my skates, I made my way out to the rink, starting wobbly at first but gaining balance as well as speed as I continued to skate. I even felt brave enough to attempt one of my old tricks. I built up speed and executed a perfect axle jump, landing gracefully. I hadn't realized that my eyes had been closed until I opened them. I looked to my left, seeing Phil staring with his jaw dropped. I giggled, gliding over to him.
"How did you even...?"
"I used to be a figure skater."
"Did not see that one coming."
I gave him a once-over, noticing his apparel. Dark blue sock cap, polar bear jumper, white gloves. "Nice jumper."
"Thanks! Wait..."
I laughed. "C'mon. Let's skate." I grabbed his hand, but he pulled away, looking embarrassed.
"I've never ice skated before."
"That's okay. It's easy."
"Says Olympic champion figure skating purple-haired girl."
"Pleeeeaaaase?"
He sighed, taking my hand. "Fine."
We started out slowly until he got his footing. "Okay, it's just like regular skating but with blades, so you'll move your feet the same way. He began to skate with my help, slowly but surely, staring at his feet the entire time. "Look at me."
"Huh?" He looked up confused.
"You're staring at your feet. Don't think so much about it. Just...skate." So he looked up. He was actually doing pretty well for a beginner, and we picked up speed. I circled around behind him, supporting him by his elbow and then fully letting go. "You're doing it Phil!"
He turned his head to give me a thumbs up, running straight into a wall. I raced over to him, kneeling down beside him. "Phil?" He looked pale and his eyes stayed shut. I lightly patted his face, trying to get him to come to. He then smiled mischievously, grabbing my hand and flipping me over. He straddled and tickled me and I shrieked. "Phil, s-stop it!" I managed to choke out. He relented, bent down close to my face, trailed my jawline with his finger, and...licked my nose.
"Did you just...lick my nose?"
"Maaaaaaybe..."
"Why?"
"It looked cold." He shrugged as if it were obvious.
"So you licked it?"
"Mhm." He nodded his head like a bobble head, pawing at my face and meowing.
"Get off me, you weirdo1" He laughed and helped me up.
"Let's go get some coffee. It's freezing."