Unconditional

More than I can count

Dec rolls his eyes at that "Thought you had to go to your office?"

Ant: "Yeah, now I want to take you out tonight"

Dec: "Because of the compliments you got. It's a gratitude dinner ain't it? Anthony Mcpartlin doesn't like to owe anything to anyone"

Ant frowns at that "Yes, I am taking you to show my appreciation for what you did for me. But it's not because I feel like I have to repay you or something. If I am to repay you what all I owe you, a dinner won't be enough. Nothing will be enough to even our scores, Dec. What all you did for me, I am not capable of repaying them. It's more than anything I am able to give you, okay? You are worth more than everything I have put together. And whatever I do for you, will never come even close to what all you do for me"

Dec feels tears stinging his eyes and his bites his cheeks to stop them.

Ant: "I owe you so much Declan. Much more than I can ever count"

Dec nods at that "Wow,that's a speech"

Ant chuckles at that "So, you up for it?"

Dec: "Yeah, let's do that"

Ant: "Okay. So, I am going to the office now. Either you can come with me and stay there until we leave for dinner or I will pick you up once I leave the office"

Dec: "How long is it from here?"

Ant: "One hour"

Dec: "I will come with you then. We can then leave for dinner"

Ant: "Are you sure? You won't get bored?"

Dec: "I will take a book, if that's okay?"

Ant: "More than okay. Let's leave then?"

Dec: "Yup"

Dec sends a short text to Stephen saying that he is taking the day off and follows Ant to their hostel.

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It was an hour later that Dec found himself in the back of a sleek and black SUV, equipped with all sorts of luxury. He was wearing a black shirt with black jeans and a jacket. Whereas Ant was wearing a white shirt tucked into his black jeans, with a black vest and jacket. Dec really had felt his breath hitch in  his throat when he exited their shower to see Ant in the middle of their room, wearing a  suit, that fit perfectly to his body, the shirt sleeves clinging to his arms too well. Dec stared as Ant skimmed through a big file, frowning and noting down things now and then.

Ant: "Any specific reason why you are not taking your eyes off me?"

Dec had to laugh at that "I like to appreciate beautiful things"

Ant lowers the file he was checking and raises an eyebrow at Dec "Did you just call me beautiful?"

Dec: "What if I did? You know you are"

Ant chuckles at that "Are you flirting with me?"

Dec: "Maybe I am. Do you mind?"

Ant: "After getting these compliments? Nope"

Dec: "You know I like boys. Maybe you should be worried"

Ant: "Oh I am honoured that Mr Declan Donnelly has his eyes on me"

Dec chuckles at that and suddenly Ant's phone rings

Ant: "Sarha?"

Sarha: "How are you?"

Ant: "I am fine. We are on our way to the office"

Sarha: "We?"

Ant: "Yeah, me and Dec"

Sarha: "Dec?"

Ant: "We decided on having dinner from outside and I thought it will be convenient if he comes along to the office, so that once the work is done, I can take him there straight"

Sarha: "Oh my god? Is this a date?!"

Ant: "What? No!" He looks at Dec but finds him with the headphone on, watching something on the TV that is perched upon the sliding partition between Peter and them.

Sarha: "You are taking him on a date!"

Ant: "It's a dinner Sarha"

Sarha: "Taking him to your office and then deciding to go straight  for dinner, brother, not couply at all"

Ant: "Shut up! Why did you call me"

Sarha: "Mam is there"

Ant: "I know. How is she?"

Sarha: "She knows. I actually thought there were no secrets between us, Anth"

Ant: "Sarha, I-"

Sarha: "It's okay. I understand. I am happy you have Declan though..Rob called me and told me how he helped you. Anth... whatever happens, keep him close. You need someone like him in your life"

Ant sighs at that "I am sorry I didn't tell you. I didn't want anyone to worry"

Sarha: "Mam is worried. Talk to her and it will be okay. I miss you Anth... convey my love to Dec too... Love ya"

Ant: "You too pet"

He ends the call to see that Dec has fallen asleep on the seat. He slowly takes off the headphone and wipes the stray hairs that have fallen on Dec's forehead. He goes back to read the files, his other hand still on Dec's hair.

TBC