It started as a Game

Together...

Anthony had moved into his own little flat and he was surprised how smoothly everything went in the end. The moving out, the moving in, even the divorce. Of course Rebecca had put on quite a fight. She knew she had lost and she had fought against it. Anthony knew she had always been proud to be married to him. In hindsight, he didn't know why though. Because she hadn't shown him. Only others. But maybe that had been her way of showing him.

But he didn't mind anymore. He was happy it was over. Because he knew there hadn't been a future. And he stuck to his words. He treasured those moments he had had with her earlier in their relationship. But that didn't change anything about the fact that she had changed over the years. And that Anthony had given up on himself.

But then there had been Declan. Declan who had woken him up. Who had shown him that he was worth it and who had shown him how wonderful love could be. How it should be. Anthony was happy that he had him in his life. And he was proud that he could call him his boyfriend. Just incredibly proud.

Declan was just so open-minded and he had this vibrant character. They did fun things together, they went to Newcastle together, they went to the football together. And they went to the pub together. The same one they had gone to all those months ago. Every weekend. Where they had gotten to know each other. And they still did that. Every weekend. They went there and just talked. And afterwards they always ended up in his or Dec's flat.

Ant just enjoyed this guy's company so much, he had never before experienced the feeling he had whenever he was with Dec. He made him feel at home. And Anthony was so comfortable around him. Declan just accepted him. He didn't moan, he didn't tell him what to do, he was there and that was it. And Anthony was so thankful for this guy. And that was why he tried his hardest to show him exactly that every day. Because Declan was so worth it. Everything about him was.

Declan was beyond happy to have Anthony in his life now. If he hadn't taken that step of approaching him in the first place he would've never had this now. He knew Anthony had been angry because of how their relationship had come about. But Dec also knew that Ant was thankful for his approach.

He knew he had just started this all because he had wanted to hurt Rebecca. And that he certainly had achieved. But he had never imagined that he wouldn't care about that one single bit in the end. It had started as a game but he had gained so much more out of this.

Declan couldn't quite believe it still. He had found his perfect match. Anthony was kind and gentle, he was sensitive and loving. But the one thing Dec liked the most about him was that he was strong. And Declan liked strong men.

Ant was there for him. He was his rock. He was always there and Declan could just lay his head on Anthony's shoulder and Ant would wrap his arms around him and kiss his temple and everything was fine. Dec felt secure in his arms, but above all he felt loved.

Love. It was such a huge word. But it was exactly how he felt towards Ant. He loved him. And Anthony had shown him what true love was. And he still showed him every day. He made an effort, he was there and he listened. He took him in his arms if Dec needed a hug and he showed him every day that he was worth it and for that, Declan was forever thankful.

He had lost his job because of all that had happened. Rebecca had lodged a complaint about him. Declan didn't even know why. But it fit her. And so he'd lost his job. But actually, he couldn't care less. He had let her have her little triumph. He didn't care about this woman and he was actually glad that he didn't have to work for her anymore. And of course, Anthony was as well.

He knew that Ant loved him. And that Rebecca Winterbottom didn't mean a fucking thing anymore. This whole thing was off the table. Because it was about them. And not about her. They had gained so much and all she had left was her job. But then again, that was maybe exactly what she wanted. The only thing she really cared about. But she meant absolutely nothing. And Dec was happy that he didn't have to face her anymore.

And after all, Declan was a qualified man, so he had found a new job very quickly. The funny thing was, Dec's new manager was a woman. Sarah Hillson was her name. And he liked her. He really did. She was nice and kind and friendly. Exactly how a boss should be. Maybe women weren't so bad after all. Well, if their name wasn't Rebecca Winterbottom.

"What are you thinking about, love?" Ant asked and stroked his arm.

"How lucky I am that everything turned out the way it did" Dec admitted and raised his head to look his boyfriend in the eyes.

Ant smiled down at Dec. He knew Declan was right. They were really lucky to have found each other. In a way, they had helped each other and most importantly, they had each other now. Whatever the future would bring. They had each other. Because they cared about each other. And that was an amazing feeling. And that was why Anthony bent down a bit and locked lips with his boyfriend.

"Aye, agree" he smiled after a very gentle and loving kiss. "Luckiest man in the world I am."

Dec blushed and replied with another gentle kiss, wrapping his arms around Ant's waist, pulling him close.

"I love you, you know?" Ant whispered and stroked his boyfriend's cheek with his thumb.

"Care to show me?" Dec smirked and giggled.

"Come here" Anthony grinned and started kissing Declan passionately, wanting to show his man exactly how much he loved him.

The end.

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AN: Guys, I am absolutely overwhelmed by the response to this story! I wanted to thank each and everyone of you for taking the time to read, vote and comment! It really means a lot as I was a bit insecure about the story at first ;) You are all so lovely - thank you!! xx