Stay (MxM)

Down the Memory Lane

Dec looked at the man before him in panic. They were standing on the roof of a fifty story building, the cold wind blowing fast and merciless. Dec extends his hand and asks the dark-haired figure before him in a weak, begging tone

Dec: "Stay?"

The figure just closes his eyes and as he opens them, bright blue fills around Dec's world making everything happy and beautiful.

Dec: "You promised you will stay"

The figure doesn't respond but once again closes his eyes, Dec's world instantly plunging to darkness.

Dec: "You cannot leave me...I need you...I need you to stay"

And once again, the figure opens his eyes, but Dec's world was still dark.

As he watched, the figure walks to the edge of the skyscraper and stops to turn around and look at Dec.

Dec knew that face from somewhere...those eyes, the familiar way those lips drew a smile...

And then the figure asks...in the most broken tone Dec has ever heard: "Where were you when I needed you the most?"

Dec didn't know how to respond to that.

I failed him...his head says. I failed him...his heart repeats...and then, the figure stretches his arms. Dec's whole body lurches forward but his limbs were frozen that he couldn't run to that figure...couldn't feel those arms around him...or that safety around him...

Home...

Dec: "A-Ant..."

The figure shakes his head at that.

Ant: "Not anymore..."

Dec felt his heart stammering in his chest as the figure stretched his arms again and leaned back...as he fell back...

...fell tumbling into the emptiness below.

No...No!! Ant!!! Ant!!!

"Dec?! Dec!!! Dec! Declan!!"

Dec: "Ant!!!!!!"

The moment he opened his eyes with a terrified gasp, strong arms are around him holding him close and safe. Dec buries his face into the thin T-shirt, taking in the scent of expensive perfume and fabric softener.

Tears stream down his face unbidden, the fear and panic of his dreams choking him...and as he feels gentle fingers on his hair and soft lips on his head, he breaks down sobbing loudly into the white fabric.

Ant was lost as to how to respond as Dec broke down into his chest. He holds him close and kisses his hair, wondering the reason for the sudden meltdown. Dec was happy when they returned from his house and was half asleep when he took him to their room.

Ant couldn't come up with a reason why Dec is now woven around him, clutching him tightly as if he will disappear any moment now.

Ant sat there with his arms around Dec until the sobs turned to miserable whimpers and sniffles. He kisses the brown tresses below his chin and his heard breaks as more sobs broke out of Dec.

Ant: "What happened, baby? Bad dream?"

Dec nods at that, trying his best to suppress the sobs threatening him. He cuddles closer to Ant, wanting to feel the warm chest and beating heart beneath him.

Ant: "You want some water?"

Dec shakes his head and cuddles even closer.

Ant: "Look at me Declan, you alright?"