An unexpected love || Ant x Stephen

The Live Show - Chapter Seven

"All this and more to come, right after the break!" the guest announcer's voice boomed through the studio, followed by the iconic, upbeat theme music that signaled the transition to commercials.

The moment the director's voice crackled in the earpieces with a sharp, "We are clear. Under five minutes, people!" the electric persona of 'Ant McPartlin' softened. Ant let out a long, shuddering breath, the kind that had been held behind a professional smile for the last forty minutes. On screen, he was half of the nation's favorite duo; off screen, in this precise moment, he was just a man desperate for a moment of quiet with the person who had been occupying his every thought since 7:00 PM the night before.

He leaned toward Dec, whispering into his ear over the din of the studio crew resetting the stage. "I'm heading back to the dressing room for a minute."

Dec didn't need an explanation. He gave a sharp, supportive nod, his eyes flicking toward the wings where Stephen usually loitered. "Go on. I'll cover if anyone asks."

Ant signaled the sound tech, pointing to his lapel mic. Once he received the crisp 'thumbs up' confirming he was muted to the world, he didn't walk—he moved with a brisk, determined stride toward the backstage corridors. Every second of the ad break was a currency he couldn't afford to waste.

As he reached the door marked with their names, his heart did that annoying, fluttering thing it had started doing lately. He paused, smoothing down his suit jacket and running a hand through his hair. He felt like a teenager at a school disco, a sensation that was both terrifying and intoxicating.

He pushed the door open. Stephen was already there, pacing the small space, but he spun around the second the hinges creaked. The transformation was instantaneous; the nervous energy in the room evaporated, replaced by a radiant, mutual warmth.

"Hi there," Ant said, the words coming out breathless. He didn't wait for a response before closing the distance, pulling the taller man into a fierce hug. He buried his face in Stephen's shoulder for a second before pulling back to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Hiya," Stephen replied, his voice equally hushed and happy.

"You been watching, then? Checking if we're behaving ourselves?" Ant teased, still refusing to let go of Stephen's waist.

Stephen tried to pull a face of pure professional indifference. "No, I never watch the show. Far too much shouting. I mean, it's not exactly the high-brow entertainment of Britain's Got More Talent, is it?"

Ant pouted comically, his lower lip quivering. "Oh, is that right? You're just here for the catering?"

Stephen burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the dressing room walls. "Of course I've been watching, you idiot. You're doing great."

"Good," Ant nodded, satisfied. He leaned back, his expression softening as he looked up at Stephen. "You okay? You look a bit... wired."

"I'm fine," Stephen promised, though his fingers were twitching against Ant's sleeves. "Just... the 'Ant vs. Dec' segment is next. I have to go out there and be the objective, cheeky host, and you have to go out there and pretend you don't actually like me."

"Oh, so it's 'pretend' now, is it?" Ant smirked.

"Sometimes," Stephen whispered, leaning down.

They were inches apart, the air between them thick with the kind of tension that makes the rest of the world disappear, when a sharp, rhythmic knock sounded on the door. It didn't wait for an answer.

The door swung open. They sprang apart with the speed of two people who had spent years training their reflexes for live television. Ant grabbed a script from the table, pretending to study it intently, while Stephen suddenly became fascinated by a bowl of fruit in the corner.