Always

AN: It's good to be writing again. I've missed this. Here's a little one-shot. x

"I was stopped on the street today," Ant says, handing his best friend a beer as he sits down on the sofa besides him. 

"Were you?" Dec glances over Ant, taking a swig of his ice-cold drink. "By who?"

"Not someone I knew." Ant's being vague, and he knows he is, but he doesn't know how to say what he wants to. 

After a moment of silence, Dec turns and looks at Ant properly. "Spit it out, mate. You wouldn't have brought it up if it weren't important to you, so what happened?"

Times like this, Ant is really grateful Dec is his best friend. This shouldn't be so hard for him to speak of, and yet, it is. The lump that had formed in his throat when he had listened to the stranger's words doesn't seem to have gone away, and Ant swallows hard. "Well, she thanked me. Thanked both of us, actually."

Dec remains quiet, letting Ant process his thoughts. Whatever happened to Ant is clearly bothering him, and Dec decides letting Ant tell the entire story straight up, no interruptions, seems wise. Then, he can comfort Ant, or do whatever he needs to do for Ant so his best friend will be happy.

"God this is hard." Ant laughs quietly. "I'm not sure why."

Okay, remaining quiet be damned. "Why did she thank us? We couldn't have done anything since we don't know her..."

Ant clears his throat. "Well, apparently we saved her life. Figuratively. She told me she had a good 'friend' who teased her quite often, and belittled her. She got very depressed and felt like she would never have a friend again." Ant pauses, looking up to meet Dec's gaze. Dec's blue-green eyes are sparkling with curiosity, and pain on the girl's behalf, and there's something reassuring in Dec's expression that calms Ant and helps him continue with his story. "Her older brother convinced her to go to SNT with him about a year ago, and I guess seeing us, and the chemistry we have with each other, helped her. She told me that when she saw how close you and I are, she realized that she could have a friendship like that with someone one day. She left the show in better spirits for the first time in months, she said, and now a year later from the show, she has found a best friend she really cares about, and who really cares about her."

"So...our friendship...encouraged her to keep going?" Dec's voice is low, and in awe. 

"Essentially, yes."

"Good."

The room falls into silence, Dec having muted the TV long before, when Ant had first begun talking. "Dec?" Ant whispers.

"Yes?"

"Have I told you recently how much your friendship with me means to us?" 

Dec doesn't hesitate. "You told me yesterday evening." He slides over on the sofa, snuggling against Ant, who wraps an arm around his waist. Dec kisses Ant's cheek and rests his head on Ant's shoulder. "I'm confused," Dec mumbles. 

"Why?" Ant tilts his head and rests his cheek on Dec's head, subconsciously holding Dec closer to him. 

"Why are you upset?"

"It shows?" Ant sighs.

"It shows." Dec lifts his head and nudges Ant's cheek with his nose, causing Ant to giggle a little. "Especially to your best friend of twenty-six years."

"Can't hide anything from you, can I?"

"Nope."

"Well, I've never been able to fool you, anyway." Ant sighs again. "This girl's story, it kind of reminded me of when I was little. At school, when I'd get picked on for my forehead, for being on telly... you know what I'm trying to say."

"I do." Dec sits up taller and kisses Ant's forehead. "Still the most handsome bloke I know, you are."

Ant smiles a little. "Yeah, you too, Decky."

"Continue your story, love." Dec's eyes shine at his use of the fond nickname, and his smile widens when he sees Ant smile bigger at the nickname as well. 

"When I joined Byker Grove, I was kind of reeling. Going through the motions of a typical teenager, not sure about anything, but positive I was at an all-time low with no friends, well no friends I would ever be super close to. And when some of the boys teased me on set, well, I didn't think I'd ever have a friend, one I could really depend on, who would care about me, and I would care about him, a lot." Ant laughs slightly. "Hell, I never even dreamed of one day having a friend like you! I never thought I would be so lucky, and reflecting on my life now, I've got a best friend in you that I was positive I would never even come close to having. You're not just my best friend..." Ant sniffles, "You're a part of me, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," Dec says softly, wrapping his arms around Ant's waist and burying his face in Ant's chest. "I love you."

"I love you too," Ant whispers, glad that he and Dec are so close. There's so much more he wants to say, wants to express, but he knows Dec knows everything he wants to say already. Because of their closeness, Dec knows how Ant is feeling, without Ant having to say it out loud.

"Anything else you want to get off your chest?" Dec says finally.

"No," Ant decides, shaking his head. "I'm happy to just sit here, with you, and enjoy the company of my best friend."

"About time you appreciate me," Dec teases, taking Ant's hand and squeezing it gently. "Just kidding, Anty."

"I know, Declan." Ant rolls his eyes fondly. "Well then, want to unmute the footy game?"

"Sure!" Dec exclaims, and settles against Ant comfortably as he unmutes the TV and they go back to watching the game. 

Ant smiles as he watches his best friend watch the football game. He's so glad- and grateful- that he has Declan Donnelly in his life. With Dec at his side, Ant knows he has a true best friend. One that will always be there for him, and one that Ant will always be there for. 

Always. 

The End.