happy birthday camboy !!
The morning was as cold as the coffee on Dan's desk. I tapped it's murky surface with a spoon on the side to break the thickening skin and watched the new gap grow, shuddering slightly. He still was having those restless nights where he just worked until dawn and finally falls asleep at his desk.
He had given me a new schedule so I actually knew when to come into work instead of just always trying to be ready in case Chris texted me to come in and every morning when I came in he never let me in his office as he was snoozing at his desk, face flat. So one morning I decided to let myself in, risking him waking up to shout at me.
I crept in quietly, only letting a small noise out from the door and there he was asleep, face flat and nose pressed to the table. One hand with a pencil in and the other some scrunched up material. The whole desk was covered in various pretty fabrics and his phone still playing the sounds of Coldplay and then that cold mug of coffee.
Carefully, I lifted the pencil from his hand, his finger twitching slightly before laying flat, then paused his music and noticed the very low phone percentage. I looked around for a plug socket and on the wall behind his desk was one with the charger in so I popped it on charge so he had it for the work day. Cleaned up the fabrics, sorting them into a pile and picked up that pretty disgusting mug of coffee and left his office.
Down the stairs I went only to see PJ talking to that girl he had been staring at during the meeting, they were really engrossed in conversation so I didn't bother saying hello, I just went past with that gross mug in hand. Past the main desk where Chris was busily taking phone calls to help the newbie who seemed unable to answer a phone and through to the office break room which was pretty much empty.
Over to the sink, I poured out the murky coffee and ran the tap around the mug a few times before going over to the espresso machine to make a new mug of coffee for Dan.
Back I went, past stressy Chris, past flirting PJ and back up to sleeping Dan Howell.
He hadn't moved an inch since leaving so I placed the mug back where I found it and opened the large curtains, revealing the bright city landscape. Dan started to stir a little at the light and when I looked over at him, his eyes were open but very sleepy. I went over to the corner of the room to grab the armchair I usually sat in, dragging it across the rug and placed it opposite Dan's desk then sat.
Drowsily his head was lifted and thick grey rims circled his brown bloodshot eyes, he needed to get some real sleep in an actual bed that wasn't Graceffa's. He looked over his desk quietly. ''Good morning, I got you some-''
''Wh-Who let you in?'' He murmured rubbing his eyes.
I shuffled awkwardly in the chair, but he seemed too sleepy to care about me just coming in without his permission. ''Oh, er, I let myself in if that's okay?''
His eyes began to wander again, he turned around a few times, looking around the room. ''Where's my phone?''
''It's charging, I thought you might need it for the work day. Sorry I guess I should-''
''Is that coffee fresh?'' Dan yawned noisily, grabbing the little handle of the mug and dragged it closer.
I sighed, ''Yes it is, that's what I was saying, but you interrupted me.''
He just looked me over, sipping at his coffee before getting up and crouching down to the plug socket to check his percentage. It had only been on charge for around 10 minutes. Dan sat back down, pulling out a large black folder from his draw and pushed it over to me quietly, it was labelled ''Phil'' in very scruffy writing.
I opened it and the first page was just colour swatches, fabrics and illegible little notes everywhere. I turned to the next page and it was the photos PJ had taken in Hyde, the ones in blue and the ones in pink and the next page had the photos of me in my sonic boxers next to the window. It was very embarrassing to look at so I just flipped the page to find some very elaborate designs. I wasn't educated in fashion but they were definitely for autumn. I flipped through some more pages and there were some more sketches and then a very good sketch of my face with notes of my measurements on the sides. The majority of the book was filled and it was clear to see that he had been working on it like crazy.
''Dan, these are all so...gorgeous? How do you get such simple clothes to look so good?!'' I looked up from the book to see him sipping at his coffee and on the sides of the mug you could see some dimples peeping- he was smiling. One thing I did admire about Dan was how he knew he was good, but wasn't arrogant...well not too arrogant. ''Will I get to wear them all?''
Down the mug went and he leant forward with his elbows on the desk, ''The whole time you're with me that is all you will wear- my designs. See, Phil, I want every day to be a photo shoot.'' I stayed quiet for a minute, not fully understanding. ''Well, Mr Liguori and the seamstresses have been working away to get this all done for us. Each work day your outfit will be in my office for you to collect!''
''Then what will we do?''
''Walk around, go to meetings, come to dinners, meet a few rivals and just do all the things I am supposed to do, but will take you with me like a little purse dog.''
''I'm not exactly little.'' I laughed and so did he before taking the folder off me. It was a strange thought to be going around with Dan, going to all these events he goes to. If I was any other person I would've been complaining how I have plans sometimes, but I never did besides meeting Chris and PJ at the wine bar. ''So I will basically be doing Chris' job?''
''Yes but you are not assisting me. When you are with me on these events, Chris will be assisting Mr Liguori but he has not been informed of that yet. '' Dan yawned, clearly waking up. The conversation was cut short as he gave me the keys to his office and sent me on my merry way.
===
The rest of that day was just spent at home binge watching Love on Netflix before meeting Chris and PJ at the wine bar.
The atmosphere was always warm and it never failed to welcome us with the rich yet fruity scents, that hinted spice and burning wax off candles. It was a small and cosy place, and that's what probably garnered our love of the wine bar. It wasn't one of those chain places or anything formal. It was dimly lit and candle on each table. There even was a lit fire at the back with a small stage beside it where live music would sometimes play but, our favourite place to sit was outside. Not many people sat outside so it was nice and calm. Gothic metallic seats with matching table, multiple tea-candles burning, fairy lights wrapped around the back of the chair and lanterns hanging from the canopy.
It was one of those places you'd never want to leave. You could sip wine under the velvet sky for hours and never even see the time go by.
Chris and PJ exchanged jokes between conversation and Chris gave him so many gentle smiles I was starting to wonder how PJ has never noticed his ever growing crush. Our usual more comfortable mood wasn't present as PJ kept bringing up this woman he was flirting with at the office- Sophie. It was all clear that one meeting a while ago when they were giving each other the smiles Chris gave PJ but not as sweet or as genuine or as longingly as his were.
When we spoke about music, PJ would say what music Sophie liked or when we spoke about work he couldn't not mention Sophie. Any subject brought up she somehow managed to be brought up also.
''I didn't know tonight I was gonna get a whole fact file on Miss. Newton tonight, Peej.'' Chris muttered, and bitterly sipped at his wine.
PJ chuckled insincerely, ''I'm sorry, I didn't realise I wasn't allowed to mention people during conversation.''
''Oh I'm sorry I don't want to know every fucking tiny detail about this Sophie of yours.'' Chris put down his glass, untucking his chair slightly.
PJ rubbed his temples, smiling. ''Why is this such an issue? You're acting like some jealous teen, I think the wine's got to your head.'' I just sat there under the lights, scared to put an input. ''Wait, did you say Sophie of mine because she's not mine.'' He snapped.
''Well do you want her to be yours?'' Chris began to quieten down and as did PJ.
''Maybe I do but that's none of your concern.'' Up PJ got, grabbing his trench coat and chucking it on quickly before nodding at us with his usual goodbye phrase, ''Goodnight gentlemen.''
Then off he went as Chris sniffled, sipping wine under the velvet sky for hours and didn't even notice the hours go by.
===
Sat 13 Aug, 7:50pm
Phil Lester: Chris?? You okay after last night?
Read 8:02pm
Sun 14 Aug, 2:22pm
Phil Lester: If you need me I'm here!! :D
Read 11:27pm
===
Monday came too fast for comfort and Dan had us all in the conference room and by ''us all'' I mean Chris, PJ, Sophie, the new assistant, some seamstresses and everyone from marketing... so it was pretty full.
Dan sat at the head of the long table and everyone else on the sides.
By this time in the morning, I had already changed into the outfit Dan left me in his office. It wasn't exactly something I would wear but it was nice nevertheless. It was this silky maroon, button up shirt with heart prints all over.
Chris stumbled in late, bed head that looked like he hadn't even attempted to comb it, casual clothing and a narrow set of glasses that really drew attention to the protruding dark rings around his hazel bossed-eyes. There was even a coffee or possibly tea stain on his crushed white t-shirt.
There wasn't even comment made on his late arrival, just some very judgemental looks from some very pompous, skinny women from marketing.
Once Chris sat down the usual talk happened, discussing how much of whatever sold that week compared to something else or updates on how many shirts or something has been made that particular week.
That part didn't interest me but what did was the fact the whole wall of the conference room was glass, and it displayed the rain (that was verging on a storm ) rolled in was nothing short of incredible. The sky seemed to be boiling and brewing right in front of our very eyes but my eyes were the only pair to be watching.
''So, things are going to be changing around here...as many of you already know our brand's style is changing a lot. We're going to more simple clothes for everyday wear instead of just an abundance of suits that all start to look the same after your sixth line. Jobs will be changing too, but don't worry, nobody is getting fired! I have emailed the new schedules to everyone and the new look of Howell. Mr.Lester is our only model for the moment but, once this project is done we will hire some other models to just do the shots for the website. All advertisements will be Lester, the catalogue will be Lester and the website will just be shots of Lester unless it's the actual clothing. Phil Lester is the new face of Howell, got it?'' Dan looked over everyone.
No pressure.
Everyone nodded quickly with a mumble.
''Also, Mr. Kendall, Mr. Liguori and Mr.Lester stay behind. Conference over, please check your emails promptly. Thankyou.'' Dan finished and everyone left just leaving four seats full. We all sat quietly until the door shut, meaning the last person had left.
Dan cleared his throat, ''See, what's going to happen here is Phil is going to accompany me when I go to any events so Mr. Kendall, I'm going to transfer you. Miss.Clark will manage the desk but you will be Mr.Liguori's assistant instead of mine. I thought it would be less stress for you too hence why I hired Miss.Clark.'' He paused for a moment. ''Understood?''
''Yes, sir.'' They both said, not looking as pleased as I hoped they would be.
''Like I said to the rest, check your emails.'' Dan stood and so did they then he dismissed them. They left quickly, leaving Dan and me alone.
He didn't say anything but lugged his black leather briefcase to the table's glass surface. I felt weird being a good six seats away from him so I got up and sat on the chair next to him, but made sure I could still watch the storm brew from there.
Dan smiled at me when I sat down and I couldn't help but smile too.
He fiddled with the small golden clasp, opening it to get out some papers but I was too busy just watching the rain grow stronger.
Then there was rumble that must have echoed through the whole of London and I just couldn't help but get excited.
I heard a warm chuckle from the left side of me and I looked over to Dan who was sitting there with his chin in the palm of his hand. ''You look really happy, sorry.'' He directed his eyes away from me to the glass wall.
''Wh-Why are you sorry?'' And why am I blushing?
''Well, me watching you and smiling at you is a little bit creepy, don't you think?''
I think it's sweet. ''Oh, when you say it like that.'' I laughed, slightly uneasy.
Dan closed his briefcase, putting back the papers. ''Do you want to go outside, Phil?''
''What about your suit?'' I asked, recalling that time he snapped at me for wasting my own suit.
''I stopped caring about my suits when I ran beside you while you were on a bike. I don't care so much anymore.'' Dan stood up, holding his camera. ''I can see by your face that you want to.''
===
The sky was the darkest it could be in the middle of the morning and the clouds were already heavy boiled and the wind whipped up blowing many damp gusts. People had run for cover and the streets of London were empty for a change, cafés on the corners were pack, all shops were full. We could feel the electric tingle of the coming storm charging up in the sky as Dan and I were the only souls outside.
The heavens had opened up and its burden was released to the streets.
There were splashes as Dan's feet stomped in puddles, soaking right to his socks but it was true he had stopped caring. We were both soaked and our clothes clung and jeans rubbed the folds of our knees and we were freezing but we were having fun. I could hear the clicks of his camera now and then but not often.
I stood with my arms open wide, body exposed to the harsh hits of the rain but my skin was too numb to really feel it.
Then, I felt a tug at the back of my wet shirt which then slapped back onto my back. I turned around and Dan's face was a rosy pink and lips nearly blue. His hair was stuck to his face and slightly curled. I couldn't help but be a little bashful when I saw him but managed to keep my gaze up away from his thin white dress shirt. The glances were unintended but Dan still noticed.
''Do you wanna go inside yet?'' He laughed, teeth chattering.
''Oh my god, Dan! You look so cold.'' I wanted to hug him, but I didn't.
Dan then lifted up his camera again, click. ''Perfect shot.''
I laughed and pushed the camera down, ''You look really cold, do you want to go separate ways? Meet back up at the office later?''
Dan stood for a minute and crossed his arms, chattering still. ''I have another one of your outfits at my apartment? We could walk from here and-and dry off there. If you want to that is and we can even have lunch if you want.'' Dan Howell was nervous, that's a first.
''Um okay.'' I smiled, starting to feel the cold too and even felt my joints start to ache.
He looked so nervous and it was strange. It could have been the cold just making him look that way but I knew it wasn't. ''We've got a meeting with this er- company later about the advertisements and it would be a waste for you to change at home then change again, so...yeah.''
''Lead the way.''
===
im not even gonna apoloise for this shit being late.
also i havent checked this my bad .
also wowowow more fanart of camboy ? ty josie ( jijifun )
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