Ant was having another one of his sleepless nights and was slowly getting frustrated by his lack of sleep.
The clock on his phone showed 2:30 in the morning, making him sigh out in defeat.
He closes his eyes again, hoping that the surrounding sounds will lull him to sleep. He can hear the silent humming from the heater, his own breathing and a soft whimpering filling the air.
His eyes snap back open at the sound. He concentrates on the heartbreaking cries and detects that they are coming from the room next door. Dec’s room.
He is out off the bed in seconds, knocking on his partners door. “Dec, are you alright?” Ant asks concerned, still standing in front of the door because he doesn’t want to disturb Dec’s privacy.
There is no answer, so Ant waits a few more seconds longer before silently entering the dark room.
The light from the hallway brightens up the room, making it possible to get a glimpse at the bed opposite the door.
The sight that lays before him makes his heart ache. Dec is tangled in his sheets, whimpering and murmuring the word “No” all over again.
Ant reacts immediately, sitting on the edge of the bed, patting Dec’s cheek gently and whispering words of comfort in order to wake him from his nightmare. But Dec doesn’t wake up.
“There is only one way now” Ant mutters to himself before bending down and pressing his lips to Dec’s forehead.
Dec’s movements stop almost immediately. Eyes full of fear meet his own concerned ones.
“You're alright, Dec” Ant whispers. “Just a bad dream” he strokes his hand down Dec’s cheek.
His best friends face starts to crumble at the realisation, hot tears starting to leak from his blue eyes before they are rolling down his cheeks.
A painful sob escapes his mouth as his best friends pulls him in his warm arms, cradling his head gently. “Aye aye” Ant reassures. “Let it out” he rocks Dec gently in his arms, knowing that Dec didn’t cry for a long time.
Dec doesn’t want to be strong any more or to keep his emotions at check. He cries his little heart out, knowing that Ant won’t judge him. All the hurt from the last month’s comes pouring out, leaving him drained and Ant’s shirt soaked.
Ant doesn’t say anything, a lump in his own throat making him unable to speak. He just rubs Dec’s back, feeling as Dec’s bitter tears seep into his shirt.
Some time later, Dec slowly pulls away, keeping his head down. He doesn’t argue when Ant lifts him into his lap. He is rather comfortable being snuggled up to his best friend. “Look at me” Ant says softly cupping his chin.
Dec does, revealing his tear stained cheeks to his best friend.
“Better?” Ant asks softly, wiping away the tears that are still lying on his face.
Dec nods, hiccuping as another tear makes its way down his cheek.
Ant brushes it away with his thumb.
“Want me to stay here for the night?” he asks softly, knowing that that Dec doesn’t want to be alone.
“Yes, please” Dec sniffs, blushing.
Dec’s bed is big enough for both of them so Ant lies down next to his friend, offering his hand to him.
Dec takes it, a look of gratitude on his face.They both fall asleep quickly afterwards, hands still locked and with the knowledge that the other one is always looking out for them.
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