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helloanonymouswriter · 8 years ago

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Scholarship || Phan

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Scholarship

Words: 6899

Summary: Dan has a scholarship to one of the most prestigious schools in the country. Phil Lester is the richest, most popular and intelligent person in the school ... until Dan comes along.

Have you seen the new kid?

Apparently he's a commoner.

A commoner?! He doesn't belong in this world.

He'll get eaten alive.

He's quite hot.

Are you sure he didn't get lost?

Apparently he's here on scholarship; he must be incredibly smart.

There's no one smarter than Phil Lester though.

He'd have to be a genius to beat Lester.

Phil's amazing he doesn't even have to try.

Bet he just get's privileges for being the headmaster's son.

Maybe the new kid will give him a run for his money.

Phil Lester hated Dan Howell.

He'd hated him ever since he rocked up in his un-tucked sweater and black converse; with his messy hair and dimples that drove the girls wild. Yes, Phil hated him. He hated how he dressed, how he looked and how smart he was. Phil had been the smartest kid in the school ever since that guy had waltzed in with his lopsided grin and untidy uniform; he contrasted dramatically to every rich kid in the school dressed in crisp clothes. Phil's only act of rebellion was dying his hair black and even then he kept it in a neat fringe.

Phil was probably one of the most popular guys in school - boosted a little by his social standing as headmaster's son; however it was his smarts that gained him further reputation. He was known to get immaculate test scores without even trying and it made Phil's ego flourish. However ever since Howell had shown up it had been dented.

"Looking as trampy as ever Howell." Phil snapped with a smirk as the boy sauntered down the hallway.

"Looking like a dick 'ead as always Lester." Dan grinned with those infuriating dimples. The spark in Dan's eyes made Phil angrier for some reason - he always felt like he needed to rise to the challenge.

"Shut your mouth commoner." Phil spat.

Dan didn't even bat an eyelash. He only laughed and continued to sweep down the hallway - this time with more spring in his step. Phil Lester absolutely hated Dan Howell's guts. He hated how at ease he was when confronted with Phil's degrading comments. Phil glared at Dan's unkempt sweater and tugged on his blazer, heading to class. He would not be upstaged by an overconfident brat.

Phil glared at the score board. He grit his teeth as he read over the loathsome name taking up the number one spot.

Dan Howell

"Tough luck Lester. Seems your immaculate talent hasn't pulled through this round." Phil could almost hear the smirk in his voice. Phil spun round with his venomous glare now pointed at said individual.

"T'was just dumb luck Howell. I wouldn't be so confident." Phil nearly snarled.

"Ah ... I understand why you'd come to that conclusion. That's how you do isn't it? Phil Lester who get's his results without even trying - by sheer 'dumb luck'." Howell lifted an eyebrow condescendingly. Phil felt the fury boiling in his stomach.

"You watch yourself Howell." Phil warned and pushed past Dan, shoulders bumping harshly.

"I look forward to it Lester." Dan smiled. Phil looked over his shoulder and felt even angrier when he saw how genuinely pleased he was. He hated him.

"So anything new?" Mr Lester asked as he walked into his office. Phil trailed behind before flopping down and opening his book of the week.

"Not much, why?" Phil asked.

"Well you haven't had a boyfriend in a while. When am I going to meet a respectable new lad?" Mr Lester asked as he sifted through papers. Phil blushed.

"I don't know just haven't felt the need recently." Phil muttered.

"Well make sure it keeps up your reputation. Your actions affect me and school remember. I don't want the press finding anything to damage our image." Mr Lester warned.

Phil sighed. "You don't have to worry father, I'm currently single and perfectly fine with it."

"You can't stay that way forever. You'll have to marry into a respectable family - one who could handle the business and not hold you back." Mr Lester continued.

Phil winced. "Can we not discuss this right now? It's way too soon to be getting into details."

Mr Lester sighed and looked up at his son, "fine, but it will be spoken about."

"Thank you." Phil grumbled and tried to focus on the words in front of him.

"So ... took a hit this week did we?" Mr Lester changed the subject with a smirk.

Phil scowled. "A temporary mistake." He dismissed carelessly and continued to read his book on his father's chaiselong. The smirk didn't leave his father's face.

"That Daniel kid is quite remarkable; to be educated amongst the common public yet achieve such high standards of intelligence in my prestigious school. It's quite the scoop. I believe it will only better our reputation and motivate the other students to strive for better results. You might have to actually start trying my son." Mr Lester chuckled.

Phil huffed in reply. "Yeah right, like I said I don't need to study tirelessly like everyone else - I'm too smart for that. My way is the best way and I don't intend to change that." Phil gripped the book tightly - almost bending the pages. Howell was even getting under his father's skin.

"If that's what you believe I guess it can't be helped. I only hope this teaches you something." Mr Lester sighed and exited the room before Phil could question him. Dan Howell teach him something? As if.

"He's not that bad." PJ sighed after a Phil rant.

"Not that bad? He's awful and arrogant and irritating and smug-"

"Not at all like anyone we know." Chris chipped in sarcastically and tucked into a large spoonful of strawberry ice cream. He could usually sweet talk the cooks to give him some even though they weren't allowed it at lunch.

"Shut up Chris." Phil grumbled.

"We all have classes with him. He doesn't really do anything but study - he only ever seems to be fired up when you're around. I think you're jealous." PJ smirked.

"Jealous?!" Phil exclaimed - appalled at PJ's accusations. "What's there to be jealous of?"

"His intelligence."

"His face."

"His test scores."

"His ass."

"Chris!" Phil spluttered and Chris only grinned - mouth full of cream. Phil grimaced - his friend could be so vulgar sometimes. He was smart though and very funny; he was well liked by everyone who knew him because he could always bring about laughter. PJ was popular for his looks and wisdom - he wasn't far from Dan and Phil's smarts and used to have friendly competition with Phil even though Phil always just managed to get ahead.

"Just because I'm gay doesn't mean I like him." Phil sighed, angrily spearing his fork in his steak.

"Sure but it's not like you're blind. He's hot." Chris shrugged.

"What does that matter when he's a prick?"

Chris and PJ chuckled. "He's quite funny actually." Chris added and Phil gave him a betrayed look. "Oh don't be like that, we're allowed to differ in opinion. You're still our number one." He winked. Phil couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips.

"I don't doubt your loyalty." Phil smiled.

"You and Dan have differences of opinion. Maybe if you had more of an open mind you could see it from his point of view. He's not had it as easy as you." PJ interjected.

"I don't care about his background - he's here isn't he? The smug bastard just infuriates me." Phil scoffed.

PJ rolled his eyes. "Let's see how long you can keep that up."

Oh god. School dances.

Phil hated school dances - he couldn't dance. Everything was elaborate and mandatory and Phil just wanted to lounge around in his dorm and eat Doritos. He was sick of the constant barrage of delicacies and often craved a quiet evening with some junk food and anime. The only ones who knew of this side were Chris and PJ. His other friends all thought he was the prestigious son of Mr Lester - immaculate manners, hobbies and tastes. The one who had natural talent and didn't even have to try and get amazing test scores. He was only grateful for those evenings where he could nerd out with his friends and express his naturally lazy self. Almost every rich kid at the school had emaculate etiquette and although knew how to be charming and use his table manners, he never cared to learn how to do such strict dances.

"You ready Phil?" His date, Connor, asked.

"Um, yeah - just fixing my tie." Phil broke from his train of thought.

"Here let me." The boy smiled and gently took the silk between his perfectly manicured hands. Connor was very attractive and smart. Phil had taken a liking to him a long time ago and was happy when he'd agreed to go with Phil. He needed to keep up reputation of this all-round confident guy - someone who could have anyone he wanted. In this case he wanted one of the most attractive guys in the year. Connor was bisexual and Phil was out as gay so it all worked out. He was taking his dad's advice of trying to find someone - someone respectable.

Phil swallowed as he watched Connor delicately fold his tie until it rested neatly against his pristine shirt. Connor's bright blue eyes blinked up at him expectantly. Phil coughed and regained his conscience. "Shall we?" He offered his arm out for Connor to take. The boy beamed at him with pearly white teeth and nodded, taking his arm.

They both arrived in the large hall, couples and friends dressed in fancy suites and dresses spread throughout the hall. An orchestra played classical music in the background and the large chandelier surveyed the room grandly. Many eyes stared as Phil and Connor entered - nothign new, Phil was used to the attention. He smiled confidently and walked forward, the blond on his elbow.

He soon met up with his usual group of friends and relaxed a little in the uncomfortable atmosphere. He really hated formal dances. He chatted with Chris, PJ, Connor and some of his other classmates until he was asked to dance.

"I don't know ... it's not exactly my strong point." Phil laughed anxiously as his eyes swept over Connor's hopeful face. He was momentarily distracted by strands of blond hair that had fallen over his forehead but soon forced himself to look at the intense blue of Connor's eyes.

"Don't be so modest. The great Phil Lester can do anything he sets his mind to without trying." Connor's eyes glittered with the compliment. Phil swallowed, had he set the bar that high. He chuckled nervously once again.

"Uh - of course, let's go." Phil nearly stuttered and set his glass down. He turned back to Chris and PJ - the anxiousness clear on this face. His best friends looked concerned but Chris smiled and gave him a thumbs up and a whispered good luck. Phil blew air from his cheeks before taking Connor's hand and leading him onto the dance floor with the other couples. He gently held his waist and cupped his palm and tried to synchronise with the waltz. It took a little trouble getting into the same rhythm as everyone else but was doing alright. Phil let his guard down for a little while - once again marvelling at his natural talent. However relying on that only caused things to go downhill. It started with stepping on Connor's foot.

"Ow!" Connor winced and a look of horro flashed over Phil's face - his insecurities coming flooding back.

"I'm so sorry." Phil nearly stuttered once again.

Connor smiled. "It's okay, we all make mistakes."

However Phil made many more mistakes. He stood on Connor's other foot twice and led them into another couple which received some glares. Phil's nerves only made it worse. Connor stopped soon after, frowning down at his feet slightly. "Maybe we should call it a night." the boy offered and Phil felt his stomach sink.

"Y-yeah, I'll get you a drink." Phil smiled awkwardly and Connor nodded without even looking at him.

"Oh god you fucking idiot." Phil thought anxiously as he went over to the drinks table. He paused halfway there when he saw someone waltz into the hall late. Phil's eyes widened when he saw Dan Howell all dressed up, Louise Pentland on his elbow. Phil couldn't believe Dan could actually look so neat and marvelled at how well the black tux hugged his form. The white and black patterned shirt underneath supporting a black bow tie. His hair wasn't messy for once but straightened into a similar fringe to Phil's only in the opposite direction. His black onyx studs stood out on his ears as well and honestly he did look really hot. Phil was taken aback by the transformation - he almost looked like he belonged; it was also the first time seeing Dan without a smug expression. He looked content and something about it made his stomach feel funny. He ripped his gaze from the boy and shook those thoughts away. Dan Howell was a prat. He continued his journey to the drinks table instead.

As he asked the server to fill two glasses, Chris and PJ appeared by his side. "We saw the whole thing mate." Chris said almost pitifully. Phil glared at him and took a large gulp of wine.

"You just let your nerves get the best of you." PJ offered.

"I totally embarrassed myself. My reputation is tarnished." Phil mumbled solemnly.

"So Phil Lester can't dance. It doesn't exactly take away from everything else." Chris shrugged.

"It made me look stupid." Phil grumbled.

"Hey we're all imperfect. I think it only makes you more human. More attainable." PJ smiled.

"I can't be attainable Peej. You know my father has to keep up the school's image. Me not being able to complete such a simple practice could damage it." Phil whined.

"I think you're being a little melodramatic." Chris snickered.

"I don't think the press are going to care about that." PJ reassured.

"You'd be surprised." Phil huffed and took another gulp.

"Where's your date?" Chris asked, changing the subject.

"Probably hiding from me in embarrassment."

"If he's embarrassed of you then it's his loss." PJ frowned.

"Go find him. Show him that Phil Lester is still the talented bastard we all know." Chris smirked and shoved his friend towards the dance floor. Phil nearly spilt Connor's drink. He playfully glared at his friends before taking a deep breath and seeking out his date.

He searched the sides of the hall and all the tables. He was confused not to find him anywhere. Phil frowned, had Connor really been that ashamed to be seen with him? Phil gritted his teeth at the thought - how rude could someone get? Phil's opinion of the boy was rapidly changing. He thought that Connor was sweet and didn't care about reputation. Phil began to doubt this notion however when he thought back to his words before their dance.

"Don't be so modest. The great Phil Lester can do anything he sets his mind to without trying."

Had he really thought that? Was he disappointed? Phil felt a lump in his throat. Sometimes he really hated being the headmaster's son. He turned his gaze to the dance floor only to find Connor dancing away. For a moment Phil felt hope that he hadn't been abandoned but his blood ran cold when he saw who he was dancing with.

Dan Howell.

Phil's blood boiled as he watched Dan dance with Connor perfectly, step-for-step. He practically seethed at Connor's adoring expression. Phil felt the betrayal wash over him and couldn't help feel his eyes sting a little. He refused to cry though - not so publicly, not where he could be judged and ruin everything his father had built. He seethed in silence until the dance was over and watched furiously as Connor beamed and talked animatedly with Dan and gave him a peck on the cheek before scampering away. Phil watched Dan like a hawk and followed the boy to the drinks table. Just as Dan finished downing a glass of water, Phil grabbed his wrist and dragged him towards the exit. He wasn't going to make a scene in front of everyone, he would vent his frustrations in private. The boy squeaked at the suddenness of Phil's actions.

"Hey what?" Dan asked in confusion as he was dragged into the fresh night air.

"Just who the hell do you think you are?" Phil spat.

"Huh?" Dan asked dumbly. This was probably the first time he'd seen the boy look so confused.

"Is it your goal to humiliate me? Y'know stealing someone's date is really dick move Howell. I didn't know you could sink any lower." Phil sneered.

Dan frowned, still confused at Phil's outburst. "I honestly don't know what's going on right now." Dan tried to convince him.

"Don't act so innocent! You danced with Connor." Phil snapped.

Dan's eyebrows raised. "I didn't know he was your date." he said earnestly.

Phil didn't listen though. "Of course you did! Why else would you dance with him? You did it to spite me just like you always do." Phil continued angrily. He honestly hated Dan Howell.

Dan looked annoyed - it was the first time Phil had seen him look so bothered by what Phil had said. "I don't do anything to spiteI you. Besides Connor asked me to dance. I couldn't be rude and say no could I?" Dan asked angrily.

Phil faltered. He felt the betrayal even more - Connor had asked Dan? How could he do that to Phil? He must have known they were rivals, almost everyone knew. Phil's pride was damaged. Dan's frown was replaced with a concerned look when he noticed Phil's change in mood. He saw the betrayal on his face and felt bad. Phil remembered that Dan was there and tried to muster up his usual confidence.

"Why ... why would he dance with someone like you? Because I can't dance? I don't think so! I can do anything, I'm Phil Lester!" Phil retorted but there wasn't as much bite in his words than usual.

Dan's eyes widened. "You can't dance?"

Phil's stomach dropped and he suddenly felt small under Dan's gaze. He blushed. He quickly tried to regain his normal bravado. "Of course I can. I can do anything." Phil sniffed.

Dan looked at him sceptically and held his hand out. "Prove it then." He provoked.

Phil glared at his hand. "I don't have to prove anything to you. Why would I want to dance with you anyway." Phil snapped back but felt his nerves bubbling at the surface.

Dan held his hands up in surrender. "Hey, if you can't do it, you can't do it." His usual smirk had taken residence on his face.

Once again, Phil couldn't help but let Dan rile him up and accepted his challenge without a thought. "Fine! I'll show you!" He growled but regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. Dan looked absolutely delighted however. Phil tried not to show the anxiousness he was feeling in his facial expressions.

Dan offered his palm once again and Phil hesitated for moment before reluctantly placing his palm in the others. He placed the other on Dan's hip and tried to ignore how the heat from his body seeped into his fingers even with the fresh air. Phil avoided looking at Dan's face and listened for the rhythm of the music coming through the hall windows. He focused very hard and started to waltz. He found with concentration that he could just get the moves right but he felt a strain trying to think about it.

"You look like you're in pain." Dan giggled and Phil's eyes suddenly snapped up to Dan's face. He was surprised to see a genuine smile there.

"Shut up." Phil grumbled but lost concentration, standing on Dan's foot as he did. Dan flinched a little and Phil felt his stomach drop. Oh god. He held his breath as he waited for the judgemental look to cross Dan's face. However he once again was floored when he saw the encouragement in his features instead.

"Here." Dan offered and moved Phil's hand to his shoulder whilst Dan's hand shifted to Phil's waist. Phil tried not to blush at the hot touch. "Just relax. I'll lead and once you're comfortable you can try again." Dan reassured.

Phil was momentarily speechless before digging into his normal instinct to insult Dan and tell him that Phil didn't need help - Phil Lester could do anything. However Dan jumped in first. "Just shut up and learn for once." Dan said seriously and Phil found his words falter. For some reason the look on Dan's face compelled him to listen. His mouth clamped shut. Dan smiled and began to lead them in a waltz. Phil felt panicked again as he tried to follow Dan's movement.

"Relax, let your instincts take over." Dan insisted and Phil looked at Dan's face - finding it oddly comforting. His mind started to process the colour of his eyes - the middle of them were a more honey brown which bled into a more coffee brown. His irises were rimmed with dark chocolate and there was a small brown fleck in the left eye which Phil found himself concentrating on. He didn't realize that he was in a trance until the song was over and Dan spoke again.

"There you go. You didn't fumble once." Dan beamed proudly and Phil felt his heart falter. Why did he feel so proud when Dan looked at him that way? Phil couldn't understand why Dan was causing his insides to go fuzzy. "Now you lead." Dan instructed as the next song started. Phil swallowed and found his fingers moving to Dan's hips without thinking. He listened out once more for the sound of the violins enchanting a new melody. Phil tried to relax his mind and manoeuvre he and Dan. He couldn't help the small smile that reached his lips when Dan's steps matched perfectly with his own, he grew more confidence and led the waltz effortlessly - all the while not being able to look away from Dan's face once again. Something about it was strangely calming. The slope of his nose to the cupids boy of his pink lips. His soft peachy skin and cute brown freckles. Dan's face was strangely ethereal.

Finally the song came to an end and both of them stood frozen. Phil snapped out of whatever odd reverie and retracted his hands from Dan - almost as if he'd been burnt. What was he doing? Phil swallowed and glanced at Dan's smiling face. He felt that weird feeling again. He desperately grasped for something to say. "H-ha! Told you I could do anything!" Phil smirked but they sounded more unsure than usual. Phil expected Dan to retaliate but instead Dan only smiled down at his shoes.

"Yes you can, can't you?" He spoke softly before giving Phil one last smile and walking inside. Phil felt so conflicted and confused. What the hell had just happened? What the hell was he feeling? Was Dan trying to get in his head? Phil scowled. Dan Howell was an idiot. Stupid Howell.

Phil hated Dan Howell. He glared once again at the name taking the number one spot on the score board. He turned round and narrowed his eyes at Dan who stood smugly with his hands tucked into his black skinny jeans. Phil once again felt irritated by his presence - his wavy hair and un-tucked shirt.

"Falling short again Lester?" Phil didn't know what to say for once. The insults in his mind just didn't have enough bite. "Guess it was just sheer dumb luck and talent again!" Dan boasted.

Phil hated Dan Howell. He'd show him. He'd show that Phil Lester could do anything- especially beat a commoner like him.

Phil was having dinner with his father, the head of Sinclair Industries and his daughter. Sinclair Industries was a wealthy business that developed many types of computer technology - Mr Sinclair and Phil's father often did business together as two wealthy owners. Mr Sinclair's technology was used in the school. His daughter went to school there as well - her name was Annabelle Elizabeth Sinclair. Phil shared a few of her classes and often talked about their parents.

"Your test scores this year are the best you've ever had I hear." Mr Sinclair started a new conversation as he sipped the soup they were having as a starter.

"Yes I can't help but be extremely proud of the students' ambition this year. Annabelle herself has improved immaculately." Mr Lester complimented.

"Thank you sir." Annabelle smiled politely.

"And Philip, how are your studies going?" Mr Sinclair asked.

"Oh, well thank you Mr Sinclair." Phil smiled anxiously.

"Good man. Oh Michael, I hear you have a new transfer student whose doing extremely well. What's he like?" Mr Sinclair asked, directing his attention to Phil's father.

"Yes he is certainly impressive. The boy, Daniel, is here on scholarship and is the top of the year. He's gotten near perfect scores every time - a real model student, especially with his background." Mr Lester complimented, shooting a sideways glance at his son. Phil tensed up at Dan's name, almost scowling into his soup.

"He's certainly proven himself. I wonder if he'd be interested in working for my company." Mr Sinclair pondered.

"I would say it's a good opportunity. He's been giving Phil a real run for his money." Mr Lester smirked. Phil narrowed his eyes at his father.

"Nothing wrong with friendly competition. I think it's good to strive for better. You can bring out each other's potential. You're both intellectual boys with a bright future ahead of you." Mr Sinclair complimented and Phil held back a blush at his words.

"Thank you sir."

"I wonder if that Daniel boy has considered marrying into a wealthy family." Mr Sinclair pondered as the starters were taken away and replaced with the main. Phil stiffened. "He'd make a fine husband don't you think Annabelle?" Mr Sinclair asked and Annabelle blushed. Phil had a horrible taste in his mouth and it wasn't the food.

"Well he is handsome and smart. He's also really funny ..." Annabelle said almost dreamily. Phil felt something sharp in his stomach. He couldn't place it but he didn't like the feeling at all. "

"Looks like it'll be more than business that you'll be talking about." Mr Lester chuckled, oblivious to his son's conflicting emotions. "Although I may have to snatch him up first. Eh, Phil?" Mr Lester joked and Phil looked at him in alarm. He marry Dan? Why did his insides go fuzzy at the thought. He scowled at his father.

"Don't be ridiculous."

Annabelle jumped in, "Dan and Phil are rivals. Everyone in the school knows they hate each other."

"Hates a rather strong word." Mr Sinclair comments.

Phil swallows. "We just have a small rivalry is all." Phil lied and felt weirdly unsatisfied with how he and Dan were defined. Weren't they always enemies? He hated Dan and Dan hated him. Phil suddenly felt sad - why did he feel disappointed with the thought of Dan hating him? What the hell was wrong with him? He didn't care. He didn't care about Dan. He hated him. He'd show the smug bastard that he was better than him.

There was a knock on the door. "Go away." Phil called distractedly as he read through his Biology textbook. Despite his command, the door to his dorm opened and Chris poked his head through.

"Hey gorgeous." He teased and Phil rolled his eyes, looking up from the text with annoyance. PJ slipped in after him.

"I'm busy right now guys." Phil sighed.

Both his best friends frowned down at the books surrounding him. "Are you ..." PJ frowned.

"Studying?!" Chris finished in alarm.

Phil scowled. "Yeah ... that's what people do when they've got exams isn't it?" Phil snapped.

"Well yeah but ... you practically never study. I thought you relied on raw talent?" PJ raised an eyebrow.

"I do - I am, I .... I study sometimes." Phil said in defence although it wasn't true.

"No you don't. We've known you for years. You must be really fired up to get number one." Chris smirked.

"What's wrong with wanting good grades?" Phil hissed.

"Nothing. It's great. I'm proud of you." PJ smiled.

Phil blushed. "It's really not that big a deal." He insisted and felt weirdly exposed - as if Chris and PJ had uncovered a secret.

"Yes it is!" Chris exclaimed.

"No it isn't. Come on Chris, let's let Phil be." PJ urged and Phil felt grateful for PJ's understanding.

"But-" PJ shoved the boy out of the room and gave Phil one last encouraging smile.

Phil couldn't stop grinning. His name was right next to number one on the board. He felt the satisfaction seep through him. He turned round just in time to see Dan look at the results. Phil felt the need to boast swell inside him.

"Guess whose back in first place where they belong." Phil smirked. He expected Dan to retaliate but the look he gave him left Phil feeling floored. Dan was smiling at him. Genuinely happily smiling at him. Phil stared in shock at the unexpected turn of events. Why did he look so ... proud? Phil swallowed and suddenly felt a warmth flood through. He suddenly didn't care about the score board. He just cared about the fact that Dan's smile felt like everything - that him being proud of Phil was the only opinion that mattered. Phil didn't understand why he felt this way but it felt nice. To be looked at the way Dan was looking at him. It was doing some embarrassing things to his chest though.

"Congratulations Phil." Dan grinned and winked at him before disappearing into the mass of bodies trying to get a glimpse of their scores. Phil felt cold without Dan's presence and he didn't like it. He didn't like how Dan was confusing him. He hated Dan Howell didn't he? He frowned. Maybe that wasn't as much the case.

"What's with the look? We're supposed to be celebrating!" Chris asked, poking Phil's side.

"Yeah, you got number one just like you wanted. Why aren't you happy about it?" Jack, Phil's other friend from class asked.

"I am." Phil insisted but still felt odd. He'd been thinking about Dan all afternoon and honestly it was starting to get annoying. He was hoping this night out would take his mind off it. He agreed to eat out with a couple friends then go to a party. Honestly he wasn't completely feeling up to it.

"Then perk up will you?" Chris grinned and slung an arm round Phil's shoulder. Phil smiled back and shoved Chris off of him. Soon Phil, Chris, PJ, Jack and Carrie arrived at a local restaurant that they often went to.

"Table for Ligouri please." PJ smiled charmingly and the waitress blushed a little and checked the reservation.

"This way please," She smiled sheepishly and led us to a large table. Phil went stiff when he saw none other than Dan Howell sitting at the table adjacent to them with Louise, Dean and Tom.

"Oh hell." I grumbled and PJ heard, giving him a concerned look.

Dean spotted as Phil's group slid into chairs. "Jack! Hey man, didn't know you were going out."

"Yeah, sorry about that we're still going to the party though yeah?" Jack asked.

"'Course, hope you don't mind that I've brought these lamos with me." He smirked and Louise smacked him playfully.

"Always a pleasure."

"Hey why don't you guys join us?" Louise asked with a bright smile. Phil clenched his teeth. Sit. With Dan? No way.

"Sure, we'll ask the waitress." Jack agreed and went to find the girl at reception. Phil felt the tension throughout his body. He came out to forget about Dan not be self conscious around him. Hang on, why should Phil feel self conscious. He wanted to scream with the confusion Dan had inflicted upon him. He curiously glanced at said boy and felt his heart jump when he saw the boy smiling at him. He averted his gaze quickly, trying with all his might to stop the blush threatening to take over his cheeks.

Both tables were put together. Phil was determined to have a seat that wasn't beside Dan. However when everyone sat Dan he was left the one opposite him. Phil internally groaned as fate took its course. Why must he be punished. Conversation hummed throughout the group of friends. Dan and Phil however stayed strangely quiet, only contributing here and there. They both kept exchanging glances and whenever one caught the other they blushed.

"What the hell is going on?" Phil thought as he caught Dan staring at him for the third time.

"So, Philip." Dean smirked, diverting Phil's Dan-related thoughts.

"Hm?"

"Finally beat Daniel huh? Must feel good." He grinned, clearly looking to stir a little mischief.

Phil tried to collect himself. "Oh yeah definitely. He was just lucky the other times." Phil boasted, eyeing Dan out of the corner of his eye. The boy smirked at Phil's statement and took a sip of water.

"Really now? What do you have to say to that Daniel?" Jack encouraged.

"It's nothing to do with luck. I study hard. I guess Phil actually got his head out of his ass and actually studied this time." Dan quipped. There was a round of 'Ooohs' at the table and Phil flushed a little. Dan was right after all - he had actually tried hard to beat him. He could almost feel the smirks coming from Chris and PJ. He took a sip of his drink irritably. Everyone continued to laugh and chat until it was finally time to go to the party. Everyone paid their share to Jack and Dean who agreed to deal with the bill. Everyone else waited outside in the meantime.

Phil blew into his hands as the chilly night air nipped at his limbs. He breathed in and out to take a little break from the intensity of the evening when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Dan standing before him - hair still messy and silver earrings glinting in the street light. He was dressed in a long black coat which complemented his figure and black skinny jeans and studded boots. He looked amazing. Phil let out the breath he was holding. Why did Dan look so much hotter out of uniform? He was a little surprised at himself for admitting that he found Dan attractive. He'd denied it a lot in the past due to him hating the boy. Hating him seemed like an odd concept now.

"Hey Phil." Phil felt a jolt in his chest - Dan almost always called him Lester. The way he said his name made him feel really happy for some reason.

"Hi." Phil replied dumbly. Dan grinned.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" He asked softly and Phil was surprised that being alone with Dan made him feel nervous and excited at the same time. What was this strange attraction pulling him to Dan? Was there a string of fate forever intertwining them. Phil felt like he couldn't escape.

"Sure." Phil nodded, words coming up minimal. Phil followed Dan to the side of the restaurant away from the others. "So ..." Phil started awkwardly. "What's up?"

Dan chuckled at Phil's awkwardness before smiling kindly at the other boy. "I just wanted to say congratulations again. I'm proud of you." Phil stared at the boy in shock.

"What? Why?" Phil asked in confusion.

Dan only grinned at him. "When I first came to your school I was so ready to start proving that I belonged there - that I deserved my scholarship. When I saw how you behaved and how you got where you were it angered me. I felt that you were relying too much on your talent and social upbringing whilst others worked hard to be happy. I wanted to show you what you were missing. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. I showed you that when I got first place. I wanted you to open your damn eyes and stop being so arrogant. I didn't mind that you hated me, I just wanted you to work for something and prove to me that you weren't an arrogant prick ... well you're still an arrogant prick but I kind of like that about you now. I just wanted to tell you all this and just say that I don't hate you. If anything I admire that you have natural talent, I just didn't want you to waste and abuse it. So ... yeah ... anyway ..." Dan trailed off, looking a little flustered.

Phil was in total shock. He thought that Dan was challenging him to get a rise out of him - to take the top spot and ruin his reputation. Now here Dan was looking adorably red and telling him that he was only trying to help the whole time. Phil felt touched and warm and honestly how could he ever have hated Dan with his unruly hair, handsome dimples, doe eyes and gorgeous smile? He was a beautiful person and Phil was ashamed to only realize this now.

"I'm sorry." Phil blurted and Dan eyes met his. "I'm sorry for calling you all those names and-" Phil started to ramble but Dan put his hand over Phil's mouth.

"Shut up nerd. I forgive you." Dan giggled and Phil felt his heart go fuzzy. God he wanted to kiss Dan. Suddenly it didn't feel so surprising anymore. He really wanted to kiss his enticing pink lips. Phil smiled back and brought Dan into a hug instead. Even though Dan gave a startled yelp, his arms wrapped tightly round him. Phil felt his heart beat go wild in Dan's embrace. He didn't want to leave it ever. Shit why didn't he realize sooner? He felt Dan's nose nuzzle his shoulder and honestly Phil couldn't take the boy's cuteness any longer. He pulled out of the embrace and took one of Dan's cold hands in his.

"Thank you Dan." I grinned and Dan seemed to light up - I only then realised that this was my first time ever calling him by his first name. He was so pretty with half his face kissed by the amber light of the street lamp. The others were probably looking for them by now but Phil didn't care, they could leave without him for all he cared. Instead he enjoyed the feeling Dan's hand in his gave him.

Phil couldn't hold back anymore when he saw Dan's eyes dip slowly to his lips then back up again. He cupped Dan's cheek gently and pulled him into a passionate kiss. Dan didn't even hesitate to tangle his fingers in Phil's black locks and kiss back. Phil walked Dan backwards until he had him pressed against the wall. They broke hands so Phil could cradle Dan's hips and Dan could wrap both arms round Phil's neck to bring him impossibly closer. Dan's lips were perfect and soft and his noises were way too good to be heard in public. They broke away for breath only for Dan to pull Phil back into a more hungry kiss, tongue tracing Phil's lip. Phil felt a stirring in his gut and a warmth throughout his chest. He wanted Dan so badly - all of him. God he needed him. He wondered how he could have ever considered hating such a precious bean. Dan's tongue was heaven and Dan's leg was hooked over Phil's hip and oh god they really needed to go back to Phil's dorm now. Fuck the party - he wanted to spend every moment with his Dan and kiss him till his lips were raw. How was he so lucky to have such a wonderful person to kiss like this?

Dan broke away for air and grinned lazily at the other boy who was flushed and blinking slowly. "That was nice." Dan breathed and massaged Phil's head as he still played with his hair. An image of he and Dan cuddled together whilst he played with his hair flashed through his mind. He wanted it badly.

"Dan, will you be mine?" Phil asked, feeling very much infatuated with his new love.

"As if I'd say no." Dan beamed before pulling Phil back in for another passionate kiss.

Phil didn't hate Dan. Far from it, he was pretty sure one day soon he would tell Dan how much he loved everything about him and how he brought the best out of Phil. They really were tied together by the string of fate and Phil could only now be grateful that his life got tangled up with the amazing boy that was Dan Howell.

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Sorry if I shifted from first to second person - haven't written in a while. Hope you guys liked it :) x

~HelloAnonymousWriter~

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