A/N I cannot express my gratitude enough for all the lovely reviews and followers i have been gaining lately, it really means a lot to me! So I hope you enjoy this chapter,happy reading! :)

Chapter 9

Unexpected Visitors

Dan and I weave our way once again through the red, black and silver tables under the bright neon lights to the large archway signifying the entrance to the gallery. As he leads he turns his head over his shoulder to look at me and gives me an excited smile, my stomach flutters and I feel myself blush but I smile back in return – then inquire,

'Dan it's nearly half nine, how long does the gallery take?'

'As long as you, want,' Dan replies whilst still walking in the general direction, 'There's not much but it's really awesome' He jars his head to the left so I just catch his last words a little louder over the busy music and muffle of people.

The place isn't as busy as it was earlier, but Phil walking behind me informs me the gallery is only open from 9 onwards anyway, so I give him a grateful smile, and notice his eyes are pale blue in this light, which brighten as I speak.

We reach the entrance and Phil sidesteps past me into the archway, nodding to the man standing by the rope who promptly lets us enter.

'Excited?' Dan mentions to me as we walk into the gallery on a jazzy blue and yellow carpet.

'Oh yes, really, It really does sound awesome' I reply – then Dan hops forward a little to push a thick and heavy red curtain to one side as Me and Phil walk through. Nodding mockingly at Dan like a princess to a butler, I skip through the curtain into a dark and narrow room, leaving an amused smirk on Dan's face as he follows in behind us.

Suddenly the whole room lights up and I realise it isn't neither a narrow, nor dark room, but a huge pale circular area with art dotted around the walls and on the ceilings.

I gasp at the intense light suddenly flicking on, and then I notice all the beautiful and awe inspiring pieces of work, and am taken aback a little.

'...Dan I' I start, struggling to get my words out. 'This is...'

'I know isn't it?' I peer over to Dan and Phil and they both share proud and amused smirks gleaming at me, 'It's one of our favourite places, and since you mentioned, quite a while back that you liked graphics art, this seems like the perfect place for you too'

It amazes me how Dan is still talking so calmly when I can barely get a word out, but I still hear him and with my mouth wide, manage to thank him, as I notice a large canvas hung on the wall to my right. I wonder over to it completely forgetting about the fact Dan remembered what I said, entranced by the swirling colours surrounding a beautiful purple dragon, yellow belly and horns I recognise it instantly as Spyro.

Childhood nostagalic memories come flooding back and the art is so beautiful, mixed with these emotions I almost cry, but spin around to give Phil a quick hug – is eyes slightly jump and widen in surprise but then calm as he quickly realises and embraces me too – but I let go and swap to Dan, giving him a tight hug too.

I guess he saw me hug Phil so saw it coming but he acts surprised too, however I don't care because I am blubbering out thanks for them taking me here and how beautiful it is. Almost automatically through my blubbering mine and Dan's eyes lock on each other, and once again the contours of his face and everything in them seem to block out everything else, just him and me in this moment in time.

I notice a blurry Phil turn away, my sight faded at the sides at I feel the sides of my head hurt in strain of emotion, but Dan continues to look into my eyes, and I begin to wonder if he is feeling the same why about me I do to him.

Breaking the trance I smile, lightly giggle and look away, feeling flushed by the sudden emotions I'm not certain I can even deal with. Distracting myself from them I continue to gaze at the art, slowly walking around the room, then Phil quietly mentions something to Dan after turning back round.

I notice Dan snap back into reality after distantly staring at the crack on the ceiling for a while which makes me blush because I could have only been the cause of how he feels, just like I do.

PHIL'S POV

'Um, Dan?' I nudge his elbow with mine, my hands in my pockets – 'Dan, you're kind of um.. you okay?'

I look at him, a queried look upon my face – he is just staring at the ceiling and I am beginning to feel slightly awkward after I noticed that short moment with Maddy.

'Dan-' I nudge him harder this time and he gets the message- 'You might not want to look so..'

'Oh right' He clears his throat hastily and dries his sweaty palms on the tops of his jeans, leaning up on his toes as if he's stretching out of a trance or something. 'Sorry um okay'

I don't know whether to be worried about Dan or randomly happy for him, I know how happy Maddy seems to make him from tonight, and I am just happy he is happy. From the distressed Dan in the pile of clothes its huge progress for him.

Me and Dan linger in the doorway of the curtain as Maddy wanders around the gallery and gasps in awe every now and then at the art for a while, then Dan starts to follow her and mention things about the art into her ear – probably something either witty or informative knowing Dan.

Stretching and feeling slightly awkward and out of place myself, the gallery is empty apart from us, so I decide to inspect a particularly my-type-of-thing roaring lion piece.

I guess about 10 minutes pass with this going on, and I can't help but feel more than out of place – not a third wheel, I am too happy for Dan, but I'm starting to wonder how I would cope if them looking at simple art would make me feel like this.

Suddenly I hear Maddy's voice exclaim and I spin around – 'oh! Phil I almost forgot!'

'What..?' I reply, intrigued but mostly thankful I get to speak to someone.

Maddy walks across the circular pale walled room whilst Dan follows close behind, I suppose quite intrigued too. 'I just remembered whilst looking at this painting- but never mind – I have this friend from college who I recall remembers you from quite early on'

My hope deflates a little, I don't know why but thinking about the whole fandom and fangirls was really the last thing I wanted to do right now on this seemingly normal *bother free* night. 'Oh really?' I reply trying to sound happy, or at least interested.

'Yeah, I was wondering if you wanted to meet her, I mean both of you – I'm sure she would be amazed to meet you two'

'And you aren't?' Dan interjects, a jokily and sarcastic tone to his voice that Maddy laughs a little as she quickly gives him a knowing glance. I laugh along too but I don't know whether I am tired because of tonight, or being constantly reminded there isn't someone out there not thinking about me.

'I'm sure that sounds cool-' I raise the subject of fangirls to make sure she won't freak out-' at least she's a friend, I guess not a complete stranger who will freak ou-'

'haha oh no Phil she flipped when we met in the Starbucks you apparently sat in- she is probably the worst fangirl you can find' I groan a little inside, recalling the people like that.

'Well I suppose it's okay, sure' I sound positive but honestly this really is the last thing I want to deal with. Maybe tomorrow I will feel better about this. Must be how tired I am – it's been a long night.

'Brilliant! I'll text her now!' Maddy suddenly exclaims, which makes Dan open his mouth in objection, but quickly dejects the idea- so I do instead.

'Isn't it a little late? Like you know it's nearly 10 now, I'm sure she has things to do-'

'oh no really she lives round the corner, and we are all awake already aren't we?' Maddy's hyperness gets a little on my nerves, but I enjoy making people happy and as far as I can tell this is one of the best nights of her life – and Dan's probably.

'Yeah I guess but-' She cuts me off again-

'Okay well let me-' She whips out her phone as the 'tip tapping' of her IPhone fills the room, it echoing around the circular walls, I glance at Dan over the hunched-texting-Maddy, and give him a bemused and warning look.

He returns it a little but shrugs, then smiles down at Maddy. He doesn't exactly seem to mind my opinions obviously. Or perhaps he is just in the state of mind not to care about anything but her right now.

'Done! okay I'll wait for her to reply. Don't be surprised if she turns up in that blasted llama hat again I swear it's what she lives in- and she's nearly 23!' Maddy's speech is like a babble again but she is so excited about everything I am honestly not surprised anymore. Pushing all the negative thoughts aside I decide to pick up my emotions and properly be happy, no use being miserable on such an amazing night with Maddy's friend on her way now.

MADDY'S POV

I tapped the send button only moments ago and, presumably after falling on the floor, Tara texted back far too quickly like she was stalking her phone.

'Are you serious?! Right now? Maddy! Okay I'm on my way!'

In the height of the night I never really considered the dangers of being in a confined space with Tara for a long time with Dan and Phil. And only now am I slightly regretting it.

'Hey I have an idea, I'm finished here, thanks for a wonderful night this was just brilliant-' I shoot Dan a grateful and slightly mischievous look which is returned – making my stomach flip again - then I continue- 'but I think we should be going, Neither me or any of us would want to be around Tara for longer than needed, so when she arrives let's just act like we're leaving'

'Sounds good' Phil replies awfully quickly as a look of relief seems to wash over his face.

'Like a plan!' I catch Dan's eye when I notice him sneaking me another special glance and blush- but continue.

'Okay let's get going then, honestly thanks for a wonderful night guys!' I feel a beaming smile creep onto my face, 'It was truly amazing'

'No problem'

'Me too haha, Oh Maddy you just reminded me of something! Well me and Phil have these names as we are Youtubers you see' We proceed to walk to the exit of the gallery and through the curtains as Dan has to duck under the rope hanging above, but I listen intently still intrigued. 'You said amazing which made me think of Phil, He's AmazingPhil and I'm Danisnotonfire'

I raise my eyebrow at Dan's 'name'-

'What?' His voice breaks jokily, pulling a face of innocence- 'I was younger and it's when people just shove words together to make a username you know?!'

'Ah right I see' I reply, my eyebrows still raised at him, 'And Phil, to be honest you are Pretty Amazing. It suits you'

He chuckles at my compliment and I tingle inside, that feeling you get when you know you have made someone happy is the best feeling.

We finally reach the doors to the restaurant after once again weaving through tables, and I lean on the cool glass of the floor to ceiling windows, the coldness creeping round my neck, the dark night behind me with the reflection of the potted plants and light outside.

Dan comes to lean beside me in between the rope at the entrance and me, only a few inches between us.

I sigh as I almost whisper 'Tonight was truly brilliant you know'

'I know, you're welcome I mean-'

Dan's awkwardness makes me chuckle lightly as I tilt my head up to look at the ceiling. I never noticed before but at the edge of the walls and ceilings there are little paintings or stickers of hundreds of little video games characters like Pokémon and Mario.

'I know' I let out as another whisper, then louder 'Did you ever notice the ceiling?'

'What? Not really why?-' Dan's speech cuts off as he too looks above us, both our heads tilted upwards to admire the skirting. 'Oh wow..'

'See look, I can see Jigglypuff and Gengar over there'

'You know I have come to this place from the first time I explored London when I lived here- and I never, ever saw that before!' Dan is impressed and in awe by what I noticed and I can't help but feel slightly proud. 'You do have an eye for detail...'

I give a slight chuckle, 'Thanks, I would say you do to, but I haven't even seen any of what you do yet..'

Dan straightens his back and puts is palms flat onto the cool glass like mine, and I notice the hairs on his neck prick up as I look over at him expectantly. 'Yes well I wonder if it's for your own good if you do or don't – my videos will tell you more about me than you probably know right now' His tone deepens like he is serious, then he breaks into a manly giggle, and his eyes crease at the sides, and his cheeks dimple in that adorable way.

Slightly stunned by the initial seriousness of his voice, then realising he was joking – maybe – I laugh along with him and just hope we wasn't serious, but I doubt all of what he said wasn't 100% true.

Before I can reply to his comment the window illuminates with a white glow as a car pulls up on the road outside the entrance, first I jump then breaking the peace of the moment, I realise it has to be Tara. Let the Madness begin.

I had almost forgot about Phil standing opposite us leaning on a table flicking through his phone and typing, I suppose on twitter – then he jumps up, his hair bobbing up then down as he jerks his head at the sudden light bursting through the windows.

I treasure the last 2 seconds of peace before finally the frantic Tara blunders through the double doors, then takes a sharp intake of breath as she sees me with probably her two idols.

We do as plan and proceed to look like we were just leaving, and I hurry up to her, peeling my back off the cool night air on the window, and explain that she has to be quick.

She hardly contains her excitement, as I talk she tries to peak over my shoulders at Dan and Phil as she practically jumps up and down, so I hold her elbows and hands to stop her buzzing so she will listen.

'Tara calm down now! You have to be sensible, we are just leaving so just- stop it- TARA!' I barely get my words in again like at the coffee shop. If she was calmer I could have explained that I live below them weeks ago!

She finally shuts up her squealing and stops moving at my abrupt exclamation, and listens to me. I continue to explain that she can't freak out, quietly this time because the guys are only a few feet behind us, and move her out the doorway towards them.

I can feel her practically exploding inside as I use my hand to guide her and control her to not freak out as Dan starts to say 'Hey ther-' When Tara runs out of my grip and glomps Dan in a tight hug of so much force I see his cheeks pinken and hair flop over his eyes, he blows it out the way, whilst trying to be nice and hug Tara.

Him hugging Tara causes a little part of me inside to twinge. I tell myself it can't be jealousy; I am way too smart to expect someone like Tara could break our friendship. Or am I? These thoughts are suddenly overcome by my realisation that Tara may never let go of Dan, the llama hat (as expected) still planted on her head, just reaches under his chin so he strains his neck above her and still with a slightly alarmed expression, he chuckles and says 'Okay now then, um, Hi'

Tara doesn't respond to Dan and instead lets go and as quickly as a darting fly, pounces on Phil who stands to the left of Dan, and embraces him in an equally exhausting hug.

I have just enough time to shoot Dan the look of a mixed of Sarcastic Sympathy, actual regret and a joke as meanwhile Phil can barely Breathe.

Finally Tara stands back again and looks at them both and exclaims 'Oh my god you two! Ahh! You are so tall! I can't! Oh my god I don't know what to say! Hi!' She flaps her hands around her face as she tries to look both at Dan and Phil at the same time, completely blanking me from the situation. I guess it's understandable but I have never been in her position before so I have no clue how to react to her excessiveness right now.

'Well nice to meet you!' Phil puffs as he catches his breath after the hug, and Dan agrees as he dodges around Tara to stand by me. I can't help but feel a little victorious about this, how Dan would rather talk to me than her, but then again I would want to talk to me than her right now!

Tapping Tara on the shoulder one last final time Phil shuffles towards the door whilst saying 'Look I'm really sorry but we really have to be going now, it was rally lovely to meet you! Great llama hat too, really!'

'Yeah I love it, very llama-mode!' Dan cracks a joke but I can tell he really wants her to leave, and I suddenly feel a little guilty for ruining the night.

'So Tara. See you soon, I'll text you okay?' My attempt to leave too.

'Wait a second! Maddy I have my car do you want a lift home?' Tara babbles even faster than I could if I was to try, and I have no words.

'Well we are in the same building Tara- I really don't-'

'No really if you were leaving anyway I need to talk to you' She pulls my arm in closer after saying bye to the guys as they sneak away out the door, Dan shooting me an apologetic and concerned look.

Before replying to Tara I get distracted by this and stare at them leaving – then Tara tugs my arm once again. 'HEY! Look they've left already so let me take you home!'

She is way too pushy and I would rather not be left in a car with her, but seeming as they have left, or hidden behind a bush from Tara- I have no other option.

'Okay fine!' I almost shout at her, but put a fake smile on so she doesn't hate me.

'Brilliant okay let's go- by-' She spins around to expect Dan and Phil there, half out the doorway, but they ran away whilst she talked to me. 'What no! I didn't! Picture! Argh!' She looks like she is about to cry, but I say instead of dealing with her,

'Let's go then.' And she follows me out of the building where I had the best night of my life. So far.

DAN'S POV

Me and Phil run out the restaurant, and I feel bad for abandoning Maddy like this, but this was the plan, we would wait outside until she came, just to lose Dara or whatever her name was.

We are all ready to hail a taxi then I notice Tara and Maddy walk out the building and get in Tara's car. I almost call out Maddy's name to stop her but Tara would see us and then it would all go to pot.

Accepting Tara must have manipulated Maddy in some way – I don't believe anyone would willingly go in a car with that girl – I pull Phil over and once they have driven off, approach the road to hail a taxi at half ten at night.

We jump in after the taxi arrives, then I notice it must have stopped raining whilst we were in there, but the ground is still sodden wet. Shaking off my shoes and directing the cab driver to our flat, Phil raises a somewhat abrupt question.

'Was it the best thing to do though?'

'Phil she was going to stalk us I think so!'

'What? No' he is confused by my answer but I'm sure it's correct. 'About telling Maddy we are Youtubers.'

'oh well. Look we already talked about this. Yes.' The taxi bobs up and down through the potholes and puddle water splashing round the tyres. 'I'm sure.'

'Just seeing tonight. It reminded me of all the fangirls out there. You saw what they are like, and on the internet. I know you are serious about Maddy- I've never seen you like this before.' He looks me straight in the eye and I know he is right. I am. 'Imagine how they will react if they find out about you two-'

I cut him off. 'They won't. I won't let them get in the way of my personal life. It's mine. They know that I guess. I've warned them enough with my brother and stuff.' I lean back in the cab seat, and rest my head on the cool window, looking away, as it starts to rain again.

Phil gives a confirming grunt, leans back too and I know he is certain about my word. That I will never let my personal life ever get interfered by my 'work', or anyone to do with it.

MADDY'S POV

As soon as I get in her car I instantly regret it. The whole backseats are full of shopping bags and coats and clothes and the car smells of hairspray and coffee.

Not even before I get my seat belt in Tara pounces the question on me.

'Where do you live?!' Taken aback by her eagerness I reply too quick to think.

'2 streets down on the left, ish!' Was that the best thing to do? 'gees..'

'Don't 'gees' me! You were the one who didn't tell me you live with them!' She almost shouts as she shoves her foot on the pedal and lurches the car forward.

Purely shocked by this I don't know how to respond. 'I.. I don't LIVE WITH THEM. I live UNDER THEM!'

'Whatever!' she is so snarky and not even slightly happy I introduced her to them. What a bitch. 'Come on direct me then!'

I leave her in silence after saying 'drive 2 streets down' because I realise then. She wants to know where Dan and Phil live. She doesn't care about me at all. I can't stand this girl.

I have put Dan and Phil in danger. Tara will leak their address and we will get invaded by fangirls everywhere. If I was Dan that's the last thing I would want!

We reach about 2 streets and I say 'Stop! Stop now.'

I leave a puzzled look on her face.

'I'm getting out now. Thanks.' My thanks is about as sarcastic as it could be as I open the door, grab my bag and slam the door, stepping onto the bus stop next the road, about 5 minutes walk from out flats – in the pouring rain.

I don't let he speak as I slam the door but I hear her blubber 'This isn't your Flat! This is a bus stop! MADDY!' She is clearly annoyed that I didn't lead her to Dan and Phil, and it's a jolly well good fact that I didn't, and that I am smarter than a manipulative bitch she is.

I shrug my bag on my shoulder, and proceed to walk down the path on the road in the rain, as the speed of her tyres slips on the wet road, before finally aggressively driving off into the dark.

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