It started as a Game

Meeting again...

Anthony enjoyed the time at his mother's house. It was good to just be himself. Because his family just took him the way he was. He knew that, it had always been like that. As soon as Sarha had learned that he was up, she had immediately turned up and they had talked. And Anthony had really opened up to her and he was surprised that Sarha had just listened and had had a lot of sympathy for him. He had expected her to tell him the famous 'I told you so' and 'you know I never liked her'. But all she had done was taking him in her arms and holding him close.

Anthony realised how much he was loved in that few days. He realised that he wasn't alone and that everything was going to be alright. Sure. It wouldn't be easy but he had the support he needed.

And then there was Declan. Declan who had given him the much needed push in that matter. Anthony only realised then how important that man had really become for him. And that's why he called him on Thursday.

That phone call was much needed and Anthony was astonished by how honestly they could talk about everything. Declan really opened up to him and he was happy about that. Because Anthony wanted to show him how much he also cared about him and he listened thoroughly when Declan told him about his previous relationship.

Declan was happy about that phone call. Work had been hell for the last days. For obvious reasons. But he had gotten through it because he knew that Ant was well and that it didn't matter what Rebecca thought.

When Anthony asked him about his relationship with Jacob and explained to him that he cared about him and that he wanted to know what was behind his little rant, it warmed Declan's heart. He knew Ant was quite preoccupied with his own problems and he had every right to be. But for Declan it was nice to know that Anthony had thought about him and cared about him.

So he told him. And he told him everything. He had never done that before. Of course he had talked to his mum. But he had spared some details. To not worry her too much. But with Ant it was different. He knew that he wouldn't judge him. Maybe because he was in a similar situation.

"Oh, Dec" was all Anthony got out when Dec was finished.

"I know" was all Dec said and then there was a bit of silence. Either man was lost in his own thoughts.

Anthony felt so sorry for Declan and at the same time closer to him than ever before. Dec opening up to him made him proud and at the same time he couldn't believe that this gorgeous man had had to go through something like that. He didn't deserve that. Not a single bit.

"I promise you, you'll never get hurt like this again" Ant said with a firm but gentle voice. "I'll make sure of that!"

Dec thought about those words of Ant for the rest of the day. It was this what he was looking for. Being understood. Being protected. And being honest. If Declan hadn't fallen for this man already, he would have definitely started to by that comment. But it only affirmed his first assumptions. This man was strong. And Declan liked strong men.

The next call Anthony made was to his wife. And he was nervous but determined.

"I'm not with her anymore, Dec" Anthony said and smiled warmly at the slightly older man in front of him. He had missed him over the last days. He really had. He would've never imagined that Declan really would have such an impact on him. On his life. This guy was the reason he had had the courage to stand up to his wife. Clearly something he should have done ages ago.

Anthony didn't understand how he had managed to stay with her for so long. He was a strong man. But somehow he had forgotten about that. He had surrendered, he had let her take the lead and he had done nothing about it. He had given up and had lost himself over the years. He had unlearned to be himself.

And there was Declan now. Smiling at him. Anthony knew this guy was the reason. Or rather the trigger that had gotten this whole thing started. And Anthony was thankful for that. He really was.

"Good" Declan smiled and let Anthony in.

They sat down on the red sofa, just like barely a week before, a bottle of beer in hand each. They clinked them together and took a sip each. Then, they started laughing. Declan didn't know why, but he just felt like it. This was such a weird situation and at the same time it was dead serious and he just didn't know how to react to that other than laughing.

"You know what?" Anthony said and turned his head to look at Declan. "That night really changed my life."

Declan of course knew which night Anthony meant. And he smiled and nodded. "Same" he mumbled and they took a sip from their bottles again before placing them on the little coffee table in front of them.

It was silent for a few seconds before Anthony turned to Declan and just like this man had done to him a few times before, he lay his hand on Dec's leg and looked him straight in the eyes.

"Thank you" Ant said with all his heart.

Declan smiled sheepishly and blushed. Anthony's voice had been warm and loving and Declan knew he really meant it. He felt Ant's hand stroking his leg and he felt the heat increasing in his body. Just from a simple gesture like that. But it wasn't only the movement, it was his beautiful hazel eyes which showed so much affection and at the same time were full of desire.

Soon Declan could feel Anthony's other hand coming to rest on his cheek and he closed his eyes and sighed loudly, leaning into the touch. Just feeling Ant so close felt amazing and a tingling went through his body. At the same time, he was reminded of what had happened last time and he was a bit scared as to how his body would react this time. Although he knew he wanted this man. With all that he had. God, Anthony was just perfect. And bloody handsome on top. And the fact that this man wanted him too made him dizzy.

"Ant, I..." Declan stammered when Anthony started to caress his cheek gently with his thumb, all the while looking him deep in the eyes.

"Shh" Ant whispered and smiled at the slightly older man. "I promised you, didn't I? It's all fine." With that he planted the gentlest kiss to Dec's lips and Declan felt his body relax a bit.

Anthony knew that Declan was nervous because of what had happened last time. And God, was he nervous himself. But he wanted this. He wanted this man with all that he had. Declan was the most amazing person he had ever met, he was kind and gentle and funny and bloody handsome on top.

Ant could feel Dec relaxing a bit and from their previous make out session, Anthony knew that Declan liked it when he took the lead. So he buried his face into Dec's neck and left light kisses all over the skin there. Anthony could feel Declan stretching his neck and he smiled at that. Soon, a first silent moan escaped the older man's mouth and Anthony could feel a shiver running down his spine. It was just the sweetest sound and boy did it turn him on.

"Do you trust me?" Anthony groaned into Declan's ear and carried on kissing the area all around it whilst his hand gently stroked through the sandy brown hair of the other man. He was dying to get this going and to attack this gorgeous man properly, feeling his bare chest again, feeling his tongue swirling around in his mouth. But he also didn't want to rush things like last time, he wanted Declan to be comfortable.

Declan was already turned on beyond reason by the other man nibbling at his sensitive skin. He grabbed Anthony's head and made him look at him. He kissed him gently one last time before completely giving in to this intense feeling of arousal, a not so silent moan escaping his mouth. Damn, he wanted this guy.

"I trust you" Declan nodded and leaned forward to moan into the taller man's ear. "I'm all yours."