'So we're in this pub, and you're about to buy us a round of drinks. Next thing we know, some guy comes up to us and starts talking to you. Turns out you know him, and you ditch us for the rest of the night and go home with him.' Luke sat back in his seat and took a casual sip of his coffee. Dan raised his eyebrows and sipped his own, a little surprised.

'So that was the first time you met Phil?' He confirmed, feeling annoyed at his former self. 'Wow, I was a dick.'

Luke laughed, his mouth so wide open that Dan could see every one of his pearly white teeth.

'You said it, mate, not me. But we forgave you. You were in love. That much was obvious.' Luke smiled and looked down at his hand resting on his knee. 'So you're still together, then?'

'Uh- yeah, I think so.' Dan said, but he faltered. He hadn't properly thought about Phil for the last hour. He wondered where he was, and what he'd say if he could see Dan now.

Luke flicked his eyes up and raised an eyebrow.

'You don't sound so sure. Did something happen?' He asked coolly, sipping his coffee again.

'We… uh… we had a disagreement. I don't think he's talking to me.' Dan said sadly, casting his eyes down in shame.

'What were you arguing about?' Luke traced a pattern with his finger on the table.

'I had a nightmare and I wouldn't tell him what it was about.' Dan felt like an idiot just saying it. It had been a stupid argument, he shouldn't have snapped so easily.

'Oh. Right.' Luke stopped and leaned forwards. 'But how are things between you two? I mean, without this argument.'

'We're great.' Dan looked up at him, confused. 'He's been looking after me so well, and I'm really happy. I think I love him. Why?'

'Oh nothing, I just wanted to check you were ok. Just wanted to make sure my best friend is happy.' Luke smiled and downed the rest of his coffee. 'Well Dan, this was great but I gotta go.'

'Yeah, it was great talking to you. Funny, the way we bumped into each other!' Dan laughed and Luke nodded as he stood up.

'We'll have to meet up again soon. It's good to have my best friend back.' He flicked his hair out of his eyes, and Dan mirrored him absent-mindedly.

'I... uh… I'd love to but Phil didn't want you to contact me.' He grimaced.

'Then Phil doesn't have to know.' Luke grinned, and ruffled Dan's hair before turning and walking away.

Dan arrived back at the apartment and took a deep breath before stepping inside. The hallway was becoming more and more familiar with each trip out of the house.

'Dan? Is that you?' Phil called from upstairs somewhere.

'Yeah. I just got home.' Dan called back, and a few moments later Phil was running down the stairs. He only just stopped in front of Dan, and immediately wrapped his arms around him.

'I'm sorry for trying to push you, Dan. I should have just dropped it.' He sobbed, and Dan squeezed him tightly.

'No, it's me who should be apologising. I should never have snapped at you like that. You didn't deserve it.' Dan rubbed soothing circles on Phil's back until he pulled away and kissed Dan. They stood in the hallway for a moment, silent apart from the sounds of their lips meeting. Eventually they broke apart before going upstairs, still holding hands, and collapsing on the sofa in the lounge. Dan intertwined his fingers with Phil's and they curled up together. Everything was forgiven and Dan had a warm feeling inside, slightly dampened by a sense of guilt.

'So where did you go this afternoon? I went out to the shop to get ingredients for a special meal tonight, and when I got back you were gone.' Phil mumbled, as he stared into
Dan's eyes with their foreheads meeting.

'I… uh… I went out for a coffee. I needed some air, I felt awful about how I hurt you.' It wasn't lying, not technically. Technically, he had gone out for a coffee. He was just leaving out the details, like with whom.

'Ok then. Well, you're back just in time. I've created a culinary masterpiece which I can't wait for you to try. It's one of your favourites. I'm reintroducing it to you.' Phil grinned, and he got up, offering a hand to pull Dan up.

'Phil… you know my video?' Dan started, as they lay side by side under the covers in bed.

'Mmhmm.' Phil nodded.

'I've seen the response. It's – it's a little crazy. There are so many people, and they all have a different opinion about it. I've lost 50'000 subscribers since it went public, and I've seen loads of hateful messages.' He stopped and tried to gather himself. There was no point crying over these strangers he repeated to himself, but it didn't stop it from hurting.

Phil pulled him into a tight embrace and played with his hair.

'Then those 50'000 people didn't truly support you in the first place. It's going to be ok, Dan, I promise. I'm here to help you carry on, and first thing tomorrow we're going to make another video and show the world that you are still Dan.'

'Phil, please don't do this, I can change.'

'It's too late. I've given you enough chances.'

'But I love you!'

'I want to believe you but- shit! No, no, no!'

The car swerved and the brakes screeched for so long that they morphed into a scream.

When Dan woke, he was drenched in a cold sweat, with Phil staring down at him. But this time there were no words. Phil lay back down and turned away. Dan was left to replay the seconds which had been added to the dream, and hope that this was just a figment of his imagination.