Unconditional

Did he just call you THAT?!

Ant felt a lump in his throat as he saw wounds in Dec's arm where the bird had pecked him. He takes his handkerchief and wrap the hanky around Dec's arm only for the smaller boy to wince. Ant felt guilt falling upon him for not coming early. For being stubborn and letting Dec get tortured when he could have helped him. What have I done.. why am I so heartless... this boy has his life on stake for trying to rescue a cat and I was all the while pampering my ego and stopping myself from helping him...how low can I fall before my own eyes...enough is enough!!

He pulls Dec closer to him and let Dec snuggle upto him, letting him hide his tears in the crook of Ant's neck. Another thunder strikes and Dec flinch again, and sigh as Ant's arms tightened around him, inhaling his scent deeply. Ant knew he has to distract Dec and suddenly something pops into his mind.

Ant shivered slightly at the coold wind but asks "Dehc.."

Dec snap his head up from Ant's neck and look at him . His lips were trembling with cold

Dec: "You are shivering..." he cuddled closer to Ant, trying to warm them both up. Ant continues

Ant: "That night.. you said something about my scent... what did you mean?"

Dec bit his lips at that Me and my drunken mouth " Er.. your scent.. it makes me feel safe"

Ant gulped a lump that has formed in his throat "Why.....?"

Dec: "Don't know. Makes me feel like I am not alone.. that I don't have to be afraid of anything .. that you will be there for me.."

Ant: "I.. I am sorry"

Dec: "Why?"

Ant: "For not coming early... you wouldn't have gone through all these if...I..."

Dec: "You are here.. you are always there for me... I never give you any time to rest "! he giggles, much to Ant's relief.

Ant huffs at that and then realise his breath had gone cold Shit! someone must find us soon... Dec shouldn't realise that.. keep talking Ant...

Ant: " I have only heard of accident magnets, until you turned up"

Dec: "Been always like that. Since childhood. Younger one of the family, me"

"Pampered one?"

"Hmm... never been away"

"And now you are alone here"

"No...not alone.... how can I repay what all you do for me?"

Ant flinched at that No... he shouldn't let the boy grow dependent on him. He can't take the responsibility.. he is not even his friend. He shouldn't

Ant: "I would have done the same for anyone ... " would I?!!!!!

Dec: "You are nice"

Another lump forms in Ant's throat. He can't take it any longer. He don't want anyone to be fond of him.. he don't want Dec to believe that Ant cares for him. Because he doesn't. Its just something he did on instinct. Something he did when his senses blinded his brain. He won't do this again...he shouldn't do this again.

Ant: "You rescued my life once... take this as a repayment" Is it that? Is that the only reason why I want to help him?

Dec: "What are you thinking? Do you regret helping me?"

Ant's eyes finds Dec's. It was not the same terrified ones he had seen when he took him in his arms. This time it showed relief, warmth and.... trust. So Ant had no doubt when he replied "No... I don't"