Surprise flutters in my stomach, he what?!

"W-Wha-What?" I exclaim, my face practically emitting heat.

Phil chuckles at my reaction before speaking, "I mean, that enjoy your presence Dan. I guess it was really all of a sudden. Even before we had a chance to get to know each other a bit, but I really didn't want to pass up the opportunity of getting to become friends with you."

I stare at him with a look of disbelief before dropping my head and letting out an exasperated sigh, earning a laugh from Phil. If either of my hands were free I would be covering my face in embarrassment, to think he might of meant it in that sort of way.

I shoot my worry-stricken gaze back up at him, "But still, aren't I going to make it awkward? Your family is going to think you're crazy for bringing a complete stranger to the house, much less to a family event!" I cry out.

Phil's smile never falters, "There's no way you'll make it awkward, my whole family is very accepting, and it wouldn't be the first time a stranger is introduced at a Christmas party. I promise you will be fine, unless you're backing out now?"

"No!" I say abruptly and Phil gives an amused smile, "N-no. not at all, its just...the whole idea of how your family is fine with me coming is weird. In a good way! It's just...my family would never approve of something like this," I explain, my hands squeezing Phil in reaction as my face slowly falls into his chest.

Phil's smile softens, "Well then I am even more glad that I invited you!" I give him a pout.

"Is this your usual way of my friends Phil?" I say with a small smile, lifting my head to look at him again.

"Only for you Dan!" He grins; and I swear I could feel my heart start to beat faster once again.

After awkwardly unraveling ourselves from each other, we resume our positions on the couch. I can't help but notice how much closer he's sitting to me.
"Do you want to play a game instead?" I offer, because in all honesty I have no idea what movie we were watching before, nor do I care at this point.

This grabs Phil's attention immediately, almost like a dog seeing a squirrel. I keep the thought to myself.

"Sure, what do you want to play?" Phil chimed, barely containing himself.

"Mario Kart?" I smirk, Phil immediately declines.

We end up opting for several rounds of Smash Brothers, and I have to admit Phil is a lot better at this game than he is in Mario Kart.
After playing a few rounds of winning and losing some, I start to notice Phil shifting ever so slightly towards me every so often. I smile to myself, he's asking for it.

Phil's character falls towards one side of the stage and while crying out trying desperately save himself; he leans towards me. I take the opportunity and shove into him, causing him to lose focus and kill his character.
"No! Dan! You killed me!"
I laugh as he shoves back playfully. He re-spawns in the game and we continue our tug-a-war.
I haven't played a game this intensely or with this much fun in ages.
Our laughter is loud and I silently pray that we don't anger any of my neighbors.
But, I do have to admit, I like Phil too.

The days start flying by, getting dangerously close to the Christmas party. Since Phil being officially hired, we have worked side by side, spending a large portion of the day together as we always head over to my place after.
This gave me plenty of time to get to know Phil more, and gives me a vague idea of what to get him for Christmas. Yet, I am still stumped.
We just finished another live show and are packing up the place when an idea strikes me.

"Hey, Phil?"
"Hmmm," He hums, focusing on his task at hand.
"I'm going shopping after this, do you mind joining me?"
"Sure I guess, but why are you inviting me?" Suspicion fills his voice, and I hear him stopping his work to look at me.
I avoid eye contact, "Uh well," crap.

"I uh-um, I need to get some presents for my parents and brother!" I spit out.
"Okay?" Phil drags out, "I don't think I would be much help in helping you choose a present for them, if that's what you're thinking Dan, " Phil says with uncertainty staining his voice.

"um well...It's still nice having a second opinion..." I explain. Phil squints his eyes at me with uncertainty. I silently pray that he doesn't ask any more questions.
"Sure, but we're definitely making some detours to my favourite stores," Phil exclaims, and I couldn't have been more luckier.

We find ourselves at the closest shopping center we could find. to be honest I didn't technically lie to Phil, I do need to find something for my family for Christmas, but finding something for Phil is much more important. I can't make a bad impression by showing up to the party empty handed. What would his family think of me?

"So, do you have any ideas for your family Dan?" Phil murmurs, almost fully distracted by the decorations hanging around the stores.

"I'm probably going to get them something practical. So nothing goes to waste." I respond slightly admiring how Phil's eyes glow under the Christmas lights.

"That's boring." Phil claims looking at me. "Christmas is supposed to be a time to give someone something they really want! Something special!"

I chuckle at Phil's antics, "That's true, unfortunately my family doesn't think the same way. They prefer something that they'll actually use." I explain.

Phil stares at me for a moment before turning back to the decorations scattered around.
"Welp, let's get their gifts done and over with so we can have some real fun!"

It only took us about 20 minutes to finish shopping for my family; Gloves for my father, a scarf for my mother, and a hat for my brother. Perfectly practical for the winter seasons to come.
Phil is practically running now as we head towards some more 'exciting' stores as he describes.

"Oh! Let's go to this store Dan!" I follow the giddy Phil into what looks to be some sort of video game store.
Upon better inspection the shelves were lined with a variety items such as video games, CD's, board games, figures and much more. To say the least I was impressed. I recall bits and pieces of memory from my childhood of seeing this store. Of course, I was never allowed to go in as my parents claimed that I should be spending less time playing and more time studying.

But now living alone I am as intrigued with the store as before.
"This is my favourite store!" Phil chirps, "They have so many cool games and plushies. It's hard to resist."

I nod at Phil in understanding, everything here was so colourful and bright; it's almost like I'm in Phil's shop all over again.

We scan the store for a bit, and I try to be a subtle as possible watching Phil's reactions to see if I could get a spark of inspiration of what to get him. However, nothing was worth noting as Phil becomes bored with the store claiming that he should wait until after Christmas to get something.
I am dragged out of the store in hot pursuit of Phil and I am filled with confusion as Phil drags us into a flower shop.

The shop was much bigger than Phil's and definitely has more customers than I have ever seen in his.
But something about the store made me favour Phil's more. This store smelled more of chemicals rather than earth; as well it felt more like a factory than a home.
But that didn't stop it from looking any less impressive.
As with Phil's, it is filled with varieties of flowers that engulf my senses. It is truly beautiful.

"Phil why are we in here when you own a flower shop" I ask deadpan. Phil giggles, "I like to see how other's stores are doing in comparison to mine, too see if I there's something I should do to improve my own. Plus I really just love looking at flowers."

He rushes around taking in each one's scent. I have never seen him in such a bliss, making me smile as a result.

"They have so many more flowers that I wish I could get, but its never in my budget. But I do like getting flowers for myself to see if I could take care of them." He explains.

I watch and follow him as he excitedly points out each one he doesn't have and which he wishes he could have. I couldn't have been any luckier.

After visiting a few more stores and grabbing a bite to eat we decide to end our tour.
With a stroke of luck, Phil explains that he has to head home due to some family business and we part ways for the day.
I feel bad for being excited for him to leave, but I erase the thought knowing that my plan would be ruined by staying with him.

As soon as I confirm that he can't see me anymore I make a U-turn and head right back into the shopping center.

On my journey back to the flower shop I purchase a few boxes of chocolates for Phil's family. I'm unsure how many people are actually going to be there so I grab as many as I can and hope that it's enough.

The flower shop is much emptier this time around. I head towards a section full of flowers in fancy pots. Many of them Phil didn't own which gives me a perfect opportunity to pick an choose.
I feel slightly strange with the thought of giving Phil flowers like some sort of couple, but just imagining how happy Phil will be receiving some pushes away any negative feelings.

I decide to be smart with the decision; I didn't want to get Phil anything too big as we are going to his family's home via train. Plus I still need to hide it from him while we travel together.

Shuffling through the pros and cons of several flowers I finally settle on a pot full of flowers that seem to be called red chrysanthemum; according to the tag.

They are beautiful to say the least, not too big and not too small. They are a vibrant red sat in a sturdy black pot. They don't look like your ordinary flowers. They kinda remind me of Phil and how amazingly weird he is.

I pick up the pot gently and bring it over to the counter, careful not to shake them too much. The lady at the cash looks down at the pot and smiles fondly.

"So who's the lucky girl?" she smiles, her voice sounds like its laced with a teasing tone and I can't help but give her a confused look.

"Um...actually its for a guy...my friend..." I draw out cautiously as she rings in the purchase.
"Oh! I'm so sorry for assuming, I wish you best of luck then. It's always difficult with friends." She chirps.
I give her another confused glace as I hand over some bills, "Yeah...I guess it can be" I respond.
what on earth is she talking about?

She wraps the flowers neatly in a package after explaining how I still have to take them on the train. She giggles out, "what a lucky guy," before I head out confused.

I look down at the package and smile fondly as I begin to build confidence to give him the present.

Finally finished another chapter! It's been a rough week, but I am glad it's finally over and the Holidays finally began. Though unfortunately for me I do have a lot of homework...
Either way I am ready for a break from school to spend with my love, my friends and my family!

I hope you are all doing well and that you all have your own wonderful breaks!
Remember that not everyday has to be a good day though! It may be the holidays where you are expected to be happy but you're allow to let yourself go and not have to put a fake smile for others!
Take care of yourselves
Rest well
Eat well
Do what you want
And know that you are all wonderful people in your own unique way. You don't have to be perfect to be valid!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

-Alex