On his own

Dec breathed a sigh of relief as he paused, leaning his back against the cool corridor wall of the Hammersmith Apollo. He couldn't be more relieved that he'd finished with all his presenting and BGMT duties, and after having a chat with Stephen, could finally go home. Dec always found the semi-final week an incredibly stressful experience, but without Ant by his side, the emotional turmoil he'd gone through had drained all energy out of him.

Shutting his eyes, as his head came to rest on the wall, which to be honest was a slightly offensive shade of musky green, allowed himself to drift into deep thought. This was only the first night- he had 4 more live shows to do, and without Ant, he knew he was going to struggle to get through them. Dreading every minute of the next week, he was startled when he felt a hand placed carefully on his right shoulder. Jumping at the movement he sprang away from the wall, before laughing at his own reaction when he realised it was only Stephen.

"I gotta be quick-we are in an ad break- but I just wanted to say you done amazing tonight." Stephen beamed at Dec, and Dec could feel his heart swelling at Stephens thoughtfulness.

"Oh thank you, I didn't know if I could do it like." Dec smiled at the floor lowering his head, in a rare moment of self-consciousness- something that Stephen had only seen since Ant had been away.

"Well we all saw you can, and you did Dec, did it amazingly- even Simon said!"

"Aye, he came over and hugged me! He was proper sweaty though, from the heat!" Dec pulled a disgusted face, which made Stephen laugh. He and Stephen had grown really close since Ant had been away, as Stephen had been such a support to Dec. He'd continually made a special effort to always be around when Dec needed it.

Little did Dec know, but Stephen had been threatened that if he didn't keep an eye on Dec there'd be trouble. Ant had set him his secret mission the first time Stephen had visited him in rehab, and although Stephen knew the threat was empty, he was in no way going to let Ant down. Stephen admired their friendship so much, and really enjoyed the small part he could play in helping them both out. However, it did mean that Ant was not at all dissimilar to a worried mum- he texted Stephen every two minutes to check everything was okay! You just had to find it endearing though, so Stephen didn't mind.

"Right sorry, the producer calling me back," Stephen said gesturing to his earpiece. Dec nodded in complete understanding, but Stephen didn't miss the glimmer of isolation in his eyes."But hey, before you go stop off in your dressing room, I've got a little surprise for ya there!" Dec cocked his head to the side in confusion, desperate to ask more questions, but that thought was put to a halt when Stephen shot him a quick smile and turned on his heel- hurrying back to set.

When Dec made it to his dressing room, all excitement had fizzled away, and all Dec longed for was his bed. In fact, he had completely forgotten what Stephen had said and was completely lost in his own thoughts. Normally, Dec would have a ritual that when he returned to his dressing room he'd always take his shoes off (left first of course, much to the entertainment of Ant, who'd always laugh at him); and then place them neatly in the wardrobe. Ant normally opted for just kicking his shoes off wherever, so always took the mick out of Dec for needing to line them up neatly in the large wardrobe.

But tonight was different, and as soon as Dec entered the large dressing room (it was big enough for two, and Dec found it eerily cold when it was just him there) he made a beeline for the plush grey sofa. Dec collapsed into the sofa and closed his eyes, allowing his mind to wander, and the sheer exhaustion meant he quickly fell into a deep sleep.

So deep that he didn't notice the wardrobe door opening. Or the slightly taller figure climbing out clumsily. Or even the whisper under the figures breath, that he let out upon seeing Dec fast asleep.

"Oh, my Deccy Doolittle."

Ant had planned on jumping out the wardrobe when Dec put his shoes on the shelf. But upon hearing Dec enter and then silence for the next few minutes, Ant had gently opened the door to investigate what Dec was up to.

Ant felt his eyes begin to brim a little with tears, as he took in the sight of his physically and emotionally exhausted best friend, sleeping on the sofa. He hadn't seen Dec for 2 weeks now, and even there time together before that hadn't been proper quality time since one of the therapists had to sit in and watch all their interactions like a hawk.

But now, having just completed the first stage of rehab, Ant was allowed to move back home, and his first thought upon leaving was wanting to see his best mate. So, he'd texted Stephen and asked him to sneak him to the theatre. Ant could barely wait to see his best friend- but now, it broke his heart a little to see Dec so broken. Without hesitation, Ant took the seat next to him and pulled Dec's small body into his shoulder. Dec of course, happily complied in his sleeping state, nuzzling into Ants side, the familiar scent allowing his to relax deeper into sleep.

It was about an hour later when Stephen finished off his show and went back to his dressing room to collect his stuff before heading home. He'd just made it into his dressing room when he got another text from an all too familiar sender. ' Come to our dressing room, didn't get a chance to have a proper catch-up x'.

Stephen couldn't help but chuckle at the fact Ant was still referring to Dec's dressing room as their dressing room. He had to admit, he was a little surprised they were still at the theatre, it was past eleven and Dec had seemed shattered. Anyway, Stephen just threw his hoodie on and made his way to the adjacent dressing room. As soon as he opened the door, he was met by a low, but still very audible shhhh. A little confused, Stephen cautiously peered his head around the door and had to stop himself from saying aww out loud.

Dec was fast asleep, nestled into Ant's side, his arm wrapped tightly around Ant's waist. Ant looked remarkably pleased with himself and very very contented sitting with Dec.

"Littluns exhausted, didn't even get to jump out at him!" Ant spoke so softly, so as to not wake Dec- and couldn't help but sneak a smile at the sleeping lump under him.

"I'm so glad your better Ant... we've both missed you terribly." Stephen smiled, nodding at Dec knowingly as he quietly let the door click closed.

"I kna, I've missed this all, and all you ... even you Stevie!" Ant gave a cheeky wink to which Stephen pulled a jokingly offended face. They then stayed in comfortable silence until Stephen checked his watch and realised the time.

"I hate to do this, but we have to be out the theatre in er...8 minutes, they need to lock up." Ant nodded with understanding and nodded at Stephen.

"You go, I'll get this one out." Ant smiled, and Stephen sensed the fact that the boys needed the alone time, and so slid out the room discreetly.

"Right little guy, we need to get you home." Ant spoke much louder, and gently shook Dec's side- earning him a stubborn moan in response, as Dec tried to bury himself deeper into Ants neck. After a few more moments, Dec shot up his back bolted upright, and his face a picture of confusion for a second. But only briefly, before he threw his arms around Ant and squealed his name. Ant couldn't stifle his laughter as Dec squeezed him within an inch of his life.

"What are you doing here!?!" Dec was still squealing, his voice a mixture of excitement, and still hoarse from sleep.

"I've finished the first bit of treatment, I'm coming home." Ant couldn't help the joy that radiated through him as Dec's eyes lit up.

Quickly, Dec's eyes filled with tears and he couldn't blink them back as he stumbled through his next words."I..I've miss-missed you... so m-much." Ant felt his bottom lip beginning to wobble too, as Dec completely broke down- and Ant instinctively pulled him close once again.

After a few minutes, Dec pulled himself together and leaned away from Ants embrace.

"Can we go home please?" Ant nodded in response, as he and Dec stood up simultaneously.

"Course we can kidda."