Icy Inferno (Troyler AU)

⋙ Chapter Twenty-Six

Being absorbed in my own thoughts, I couldn't help but yelp when someone poked my back. I turned round, seeing a small Hannah beaming up at me. "Say Dan, how come you knew about that group?"

I shrugged. "One of my friend's already part of it."

"You know, go on about this "friend" a lot you know. She must mean a lot you."

"Um, yeah, she does." I didn't want to correct her and say it was in fact a he.

"Well, I'm glad you have someone... God, everything's changing so fast I don't know if I can keep up with it all. Sometimes it feels like I'm walking with a blindfold and there's a cliff up ahead."

"Just imagine you have wings then, like the angel you are," I said, sarcasm edging my words in the hopes things didn't get too sentimental. But her crestfallen face told me that sentimentality might be necessary.  "Or I could guide you away from the cliff face if you do get too close. Honestly though, I think we all feel that way at times."

"Well, at least I'm not alone then... " she stared out, becoming subdue. "He thinks he's alone, doesn't he? God... I'm really worried about him. He's not been the same recently but.... I think if they have each other, they'll be okay."

At first I thought she'd been talking about Troye and Tyler, but the scene in front of me made me think otherwise. Joe and Caspar were holding each other in the tightest of embraces, seeking a comfort no one else could give but someone who your soul was tied to. It was moments like that that made me feel more alone than ever.

In a flash I realised I didn't have to be alone. I remembered his face, his ways, his whole sense of being. His soul was printed onto me, and I desired nothing more than to be reunited with it.

I said my goodbyes and rushed off, towards my safe haven. A stupid grin grew on my face as I thought of him, shrouded by memories. The only thing that could wipe it off was the rain. It started off as a light pitter-patter, before growing in might and practically pounding against me. I darted down narrow streets, hoping I'd get there without looking a complete mess. I skidded across the cobbled roads, slipping every so often. I wished I'd brought an umbrella with me. I could only hope that he'd be in once I reached the apartment.

Just as the heavy downpour seeped through my shirt, the familiar black door came into view. I pressed the button for apartment 221B, inhabited by the one and only Phil Lester.

I tapped my foot nervously as it rang out. Fortunately it didn't take long before it was answered from the intercom inside. His tentative voice came through the speaker. "Dan? Why are you here?" I guessed he'd seen me through the window before answering.

"It's hard to explain. Can you let me in? It's raining," I said through chattering teeth.

"Crumpets. Okay." The door buzzed, indicating it was open, and I walked into the hallway, and stood outside the green door leading to his apartment. I attempted to wipe the water droplets off my face. What I hadn't anticipated was my jacket to be wet too. I pushed my hair back, grimacing when I found it to be dripping. I got out my phone to see how bad I looked, but the hall was too dark to see anything clearly.

Then I heard activity on the other side of the door. Immediately I stopped stressing out about my appearance. I put my phone away as he unlocked the door, sliding many bolts. When it finally opened, I couldn't help but smile. He was already wearing his pyjamas, looking nothing short of adorable. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Hey."

"Hello," I said, stepping forward to hug him. He looked like he was about reciprocate the action, until he took in my drenched appearance

"Ew no you're soaking! Go to the living room. I'll make us some tea." He gestured for me to go up the stairs first, knowing I already knew where everything was. I walked up, careful to miss the creaking steps. Phil still managed to step on it, grumbling when the loud noise echoed around us.