pause // dan howell x reader

Chapter 10 - Cancelled

Your POV

"What?" You groan into the phone. Dan's bugging you. He's moping and complaining about something that's on his mind, and frankly, you're getting sick of it.

"You've been offered a full time spot at BBC." Dan explains simply.

"What?!" You exclaim again. You can't believe it. Going on the show twice is a lot, but a full time job? That's unreal.

"This is awesome! But... why do you sound so upset by it? You've been sulking about that all week?" You raise an eyebrow and wait for him to answer.

"Yeah, yeah. I was super happy for you and I was excited for you to be on the show with us because that would be incredible but-"

"No, there's no 'but'." You argue sternly. You don't want this to slip away from you, even if you just got the job six seconds ago, you are already attached. It's like a ball that you might have not been playing with, but as soon as someone took it, you want it all to yourself.

"The broadcast got cancelled." Dan tells you and your heart drops.

"Cancelled? How could they cancel on you guys?" You spat angrily.

"It isn't just us, it's the whole Internet Takeover project."

"But-"

"There's no 'but'. We can't change it." The call fills with silence. You feel bitter and angry. Who would offer someone a job and then immediately put it to an end?

"Why would you even tell me this? You could've just said the show got cancelled. Don't bring my hopes up and then shatter them." You snap and instantly regret it, Dan sighs.

"Look, why don't you come over to my flat? We could talk about it." He says understandingly and you're calmed by his sweet words.

"Sure, sorry about what I said." You apologise and look down ashamed.

"No worries, love. See you soon." The line goes flat and you smile to yourself. No worries, love.

You sit up off your bed and put on some boots. You're already in some warm casual clothes so you can't be bothered to change. After zipping up your left boot, you walk to the front door.

"Where are you going?" F/N teases.

"Nowhere."

"Sure. I really believe you." You roll your eyes and turn to F/N.

"Are you saying you want to come?" You place one hand on your hip.

"Uh- What? No, no, no, no, no, no! Why would I?"

"You just said six 'no's in a row. Do you want to go?" You laugh.

"Well, maybe." F/N shrugs sheepishly and looks away. You pretend to give it some thought.

"Ugh, let's go." You shake your head. The two of you go outside into the chilling breeze and arrive at Dan and Phil's place in the usual taxi. You pay and thank the driver and walk up to the complex. After many, many stairs, you reach Dan and Phil's door.

"Watch this." F/N giggles and knocks on the door.

"Who is it?" Phil calls but F/N doesn't reply. You hear the thumps of Phil's feet as he approaches the door. You look over to F/N and quirk an eyebrow but she holds a finger against her lips.

"SEVEN DAYS!" She shouts and you fall backwards.

"Ah!" Phil does little scream and you sit up, laughing. Phil opens the door and Dan looks frightened in the background.

"Hi Y/N!" Phil welcomes you and helps you up.

"Hi Phil, this is F/N." You gesture towards her and they shake hands.

"Nice to finally meet you Phil, you too Dan. I've watched your radio show with Y/N. How's that going by the way?" F/N asks.

"Uh-" You start.

"Not too good at the moment." Phil frowns.

"Aw, why?" F/N inquires, sadness spread across her face.

"About that, Y/N can I talk to you?" Dan interrupts and turns his head, his brown eyes staring into yours. You peer around at the others before looking back at Dan.

"Sure." You agree and step into the doorway. Dan leads you to the kitchen and props himself against the counter.

"Y/N, are you okay?" Dan asks seriously.

"You need to stop asking me that all the time." You snicker and cross your arms.

"I'm just worried Y/N. You got sounded like you were upset on the phone." He clenches his jaw as he waits for a response but you stand there dumbfounded.

"Well, I-I was." You stutter, embarrassed. Taking a step towards Dan, you lower your head.

"I was just so excited about it. I felt like I achieved something." You mutter and look up at Dan.

"You have achieved something Y/N! You've made a mark in the world." A cheerful grin spreads across his lips as he shakes you by the shoulders.

"I know, but, something new." You stare back down at the floor but Dan lifts your chin up.

"Let's go someplace new." The corner of his mouth lifts into a cheeky smirk.

"Oh the cring- Ah!" Dan yanks your hand out the kitchen, down the stairs and to the front door.

"We're going!' He yells to F/N and Phil who are still by the door.

"Uh wha-" The door shut and Dan kept leading you down.

"Dan, we're going to hurt ourselves." You laugh as you stumble a little on your feet

"Oh, don't be silly. Live on the ledge Y/N!" He chuckles, still racing down the stairs.

"Edge." You correct and Dan rolls his eyes, letting go of your hand.

"That was a friendship test." He slows down and goes down the last set of stairs.

"And?" You sass.

"You most definitely passed." Dan grins. He always seems so happy around you and full of life. Sometimes you catch him looking at you during a conversation but, then again, you're probably overthinking it.

You and Dan wander your way to the city and somehow make it to an arcade. Just as you are about to enter, someone approaches Dan.

"Oh hey Dan, it's so nice to see you!" Polly appears and hugs Dan. You try your hardest to not work yourself up but you feel like you're about to explode.

"Hi Y/N!" She waves at you and you give her your best fake smile.

"Guys! I just got this amazing job at a new broadcasting network and it's so cool!" Polly widens her eyes in surprise.

"What about BBC?" You ponder.

"Yeah, I left that place. It wasn't as good as it was with you, Dan." She pokes Dan's shoulder and he flashes a little smile. You nearly gag out loud.

"But, I've got some other exciting news..."

Hi guys! Feel free to tell me some constructive criticism/what you thought about this chapter because I thought it was pretty bad haha