Oneshots and Other Things

Replaceable ~ Part 3

So, we've arrived at the last part!

I didn't know how I wanted to end it so I've aimed for bittersweet (I think?).

And now I can start working on something else. I'm actually quite motivated to write at the moment so if anyone has any requests/ideas, just send them my way and I will see what I can do :)

(*~*)

"It's Stephen."

Two words Ant hadn't wanted to hear when he asked what was going on.

The auditions were well underway, bringing with them the usual run of mediocre acts that the judges had nothing significant to say about, that Ant and Dec couldn't get an interview out of, that even Stephen struggled to make entertaining. So, it was almost exciting when there started to be some commotion within the crew behind the cameras during a break in auditions.

It started when a group of them congregated off to one side, listening to a walkie-talkie. Ant noticed them out of the corner of his eye, frowning when the floor manager, Alan walked over as well.

"He's alright now?" The older man's voice carried well in the small space but the response over the radio was indistinguishable. The question had got Dec's interest, making him perk up as he slumped on one of the two stools provided for them.

"One of the acts got hurt?" he suggested to Ant, tilting his head to eavesdrop more effectively as Ant shrugged.

"Maybe," he agreed, wrinkling up his nose, "No one in the last lot was particularly dangerous though."

"Maybe someone who hasn't gone yet then," Dec replied, "Nerves, probably."

"We can send a medic to check him over," Alan continued, quickly interjecting over the next response he started to get. "And that isn't negotiable."

Ant didn't particularly like the firmness of his tone, not sure where this flicker of determination was coming from. It seemed odd for him to insist on something for a member of the public.

"Is everything alright?" He reached a hand out to stop Alan in his tracks as he walked away from the huddle of crew members. Alan hesitated, gripping his clipboard a little more firmly as he debated over his response. "What's going on?"

"It's Stephen," the floor manager replied, already wincing pre-emptively at Ant's reaction. He glanced over at Dec as well, seeming to expect a similar outburst when the other man instantly snapped to attention.

"What about him?" Dec asked warily.

"He's feeling a bit ill," Alan replied, looking uncertain. "It might be nothing but they've had a few long days back-to-back and I'm concerned he might be over-tired. Although at this rate I'm going to have to go over that side of the theatre myself to make sure someone actually takes a look at him."

"Do you want us to have a go?" Ant offered immediately. "He can be a bit stubborn but sometimes we manage to wear him down."

"I don't think that will be necessary," Alan said, although he still looked doubtful. "Apparently the rest of his crew are more than happy to do some convincing of their own."

Ant smiled slightly, glad that the only good thing to come out of Simon's disdain for the ITV2 show; their all-for-one attitude; was still benefitting Stephen. But his need to see the younger man for himself still pushed him to go over there as well.

"Let us know if you want any help," Dec said, sounding tentative but unable to disguise his own similar feelings. Ant knew he was failing miserably at his current plan of backing off from Stephen and waiting for him to ask for help. Even if Stephen didn't want helping, Dec was clearly not managing to shed the urge to offer anyway.