Archive of Our Own ^beta

Everyone was buzzing at the end of the recording - the usual cast and guests alike - confident the huge amount of entertainment they produced will be plenty of WILTY gold for the editors to play with.

One thing was on David’s mind though. The “womble story” hadn’t left his brain since the admission that it was true. Even before that, there was something about the way Lee described what happened that pulled on David’s heartstrings. Like he said at the time, Lee had never seemed more human.

Of course, he knows Lee’s human. He sees more of the real Lee than anyone else. The caring Lee; the protective Lee; the Lee that only he gets to experience with the privilege of being the one that Lee’s dating. However, just because he gets the sensitive side of the man behind closed doors, it doesn’t mean Lee drops his guard completely. David’s had to take his time to chip away at him in the emotion department, as Lee’s still not great at talking about his feelings or his past.

Lee’s usually keener to keep the comedian side of himself active. No doubt because he knows how much making him laugh with his lightning-fast wit is a turn on for David. Lee mainly shows his feelings, whether it be with a look, or a cute voice he only keeps for David, or the way he always makes sure David’s looked after, from the small things like getting him cups of tea, through to supporting him when he’s upset or stressed.

So, upon hearing a true personal story when Lee was upset about his childhood toy being destroyed, David was moved. To the point where he felt the urge to immediately crossover to Lee’s side of the studio and console him… even if it did happen long ago when he was a teenager. He knows it’s stupid, but he still wanted to talk to him about it like it just happened. But while on the show he needed to stay on track and keep his comedic wit switched on for the cameras and deal with his mushiness later. He had a job to do after all. It was bad enough that he commented on Lee’s humanity with those doe eyes in the way he did. Hope nobody saw straight through me, he thought.

When the recording was over, it was time for David to embrace his soppy nature - the one only Lee gets to see - and get it all out. He couldn’t wait to hug Lee and talk about it all… despite it sounding ridiculous if he were to say that out loud. Overtime he’d learned he’s a happier person when he just gets his feelings out, so to hell with being repressed he told himself, even if Lee thinks I’m nuts for carrying on about a sad story like a worried mum.

He caught up to Lee on the way to the green room for the post show drinks with the guests.

“Hey, um, come with me for a moment. I want to speak to you now before-”.

David was cut off by a member of the crew calling out from behind who asked him to come back for a moment. Both Lee and David turned to acknowledge her, but David got instantly flustered by the interruption. Once David is focused on something, especially when it comes to things that are important to him personally, his OCD gets triggered if there’s an obstacle in his path.

David replied to her, “Ah… Yep. OK, I’ll be right there”, in his polite tone so he didn’t offend, but inside he was agitated. Lee knows full well how David functions and could clearly see the irritation within David bubbling under the surface.

Lee softly whispered, “David, it’s OK. I’ll just talk to you when you get back. Just breathe.”

Another big turn on for David other than Lee’s comedic skills, is his voice. However, while his boisterous northern timbre can easily get him going, when lowered to a whisper, it can act as a calming tool. At that moment, David was incredibly grateful for this gift Lee has, as well as being grateful that Lee can read him well enough to know how to use it and when. He definitely counts himself lucky that he’s found someone who acts as the Ying to his Yang, when they could easily find themselves getting annoyed by his idiosyncrasies.

David took a breath as per Lee’s recommendation and looked into his eyes. Lee’s subtle caring expression that only David’s trained eyes can see peeking through was the icing on the top. What would I do without him.

“Thanks. Just wanted to have a private moment with you before we all get chatting in the green room, but it can wait.”

“Are you sure? I can wait for you”, Lee said, ensuring to keep his volume discreet in the hallway… to David’s ears, his voice was pleasingly intimate.

He smiled internally at his own fascination with Lee’s voice but smiled outwardly to acknowledge Lee’s concern. “No, it’s fine. See you in there. I’ll speak to you tonight about it.”

Ahh, tonight, he thought to himself as he walked away from Lee, when I can relax cuddled up to him and block out the day, which isn’t a frequent occurrence, or maybe just not as frequent as he’d like.

Due to how discreet they need to be, alongside their busy work life, they don’t get to spend time with each other often enough. Maybe a couple of nights a week tops.

All at once David thought this rule of ‘taking it slow to see if we fit before going public’ suddenly felt more like going at snail pace times 1000. The amount of affection he feels for the Lancastrian was made evident to himself tonight more than ever. Everything was falling into place. It’s certain - he loves Lee. Although the ‘take it slow’ rule was his idea, a moment of clarity had shone through, and it was time for things to change. Lee is for him and wants the world to know.

Post show drinks didn’t take too long this time. Having respectable Joan Bakewell around kept everyone on their best behaviour, and Paul Hollywood isn’t really someone you’d call a party animal.

Afterwards, David and Lee went back to their dressing rooms to clean off any make up and gather their things. David was so happy to get moving so he could finally talk about his awakening at Lee’s place where they planned to be together that night.

He got another excited buzz when he remembered they both didn’t have any commitments the next day, so a full blissful morning of sleeping in and snuggles was in store for them. Being able to do that has always been an occasion. As long as Lee doesn’t say he’s getting sick of me when I tell him he’s the one, from now on we’ll be able to make it a habit, he thought with a giddy flutter in his tummy.

Lee knocked on David’s door after getting his belongings and called out, “Only me David.”

“Come in.”

Lee closed the door behind him when he entered, laid his garment bag on the back of the little couch, and sat his bag on the seat cushion, but David picked his things up at the same time.

“Don’t put your stuff down, let’s go”, and he proceeded to make a move towards the door. Lee touched his chest to stop him.

“Hang on. Didn’t you desperately want to talk to me about something?”

David had forgotten all about the womble story after having the epiphany about their relationship status. It completely took over his train of thought. “Oh… Well… yes, I did. Um, that’s not really important anymore.”

He blushed profusely realising how much he would love to talk about it, still weirdly having the urge to console him in some way - even if it wouldn’t make sense to do that so long after the event later in life. However now with his rational mind in play, he’s glad he didn’t get a chance to talk about it earlier. He thinks Lee wouldn’t understand where he’s coming from and would probably tease him instead.

“Well, I’m not leaving until you tell me. You were so stressed to be interrupted earlier. So, come on. Out with it.”

David got more sheepish by the second. He dropped his bag and began fussing over things in the room he wouldn’t usually bother with. He rearranged the cutlery on his plate from dinner before the show, then threw the tea bag from his cup into the bin.

His nasal meek voice squeaked out, “It’s embarrassing. I was all gushy and emotional before, but I’m not now, so…”, then took a wet wipe from his bag to wipe up the chocolate digestive crumbs off the table. This only got Lee more intrigued, making him grin in a ‘how cute’ kind of way.

“Love, what’s going on? How can it go from something being super urgent with you getting all flustered, to doing the cleaner out of a job and not saying anything. Just say it.”

“It’ll sound silly.”

“I have no doubt David”, then chuckled to stir him up a little.

David looked down at his hands as he timidly picked at his thumbnail before giving in.

 “OK. I just felt so sad about the womble story. That must have been horrible for you.”

“Oh. Is that all? Christ, you had me worried. The whole time in the green room I was stressing about what you wanted to tell me. I thought it was bad news or something.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to concern you. You know what I’m like when I’m fixated on something. I just sort of-”

“Flip out”, Lee interjected to finish David’s sentence.

David laughed shyly and draped his arms over Lee’s shoulders, Lee's hands gently caressed up and down David sides in response. Feeling more relaxed about it now, David went on to explain.

 “It might sound a bit strange but, I wanted to ask if you were OK.”

“Ask if I’m OK?? Do you mean after reliving it on the show?”

“I suppose, yeah, a bit of that… Though, I was mainly thinking of the event itself.”

 “David. I was sixteen. That was literally decades ago”, as he laughed incredulously.

“Still. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t upset you.”

“And it was just a toy. It’s not like I told you I was kidnapped.”

While he was absolutely confused by this concern of David’s, his expression was still showing just how fond he is of David for caring so much. However, David let go of Lee and rolled his eyes, then huffed as he picked up his bag again.

 “This is exactly why I changed my mind about talking to you about it. You’ll think I’m stupid.” His posture slumped, looking deflated.

Lee could see then he’d misread just how seriously David was taking this incident from his childhood and backed off on teasing him.

“I’m sorry love. I didn’t expect a story about a toy to affect you like this.”

David dropped his bag on the ground indicating his willingness to continue, rather than walk out embarrassed.

“Lee, I can’t explain it. There’s just something about listening to that story that made me want to… I don’t know…console you or something!”

The mini rant about his feelings on the subject must have sunk in because it was at that moment Lee changed his approach and stepped close beside him to gently rub soothing circles on his back. It was as if David was the one who needed to be consoled rather than Lee. David soaked up the caring touch of Lee’s hand and calmed himself.

“It’s because you don’t usually show vulnerability like that Lee. I found it rather sweet, even if it was about a sad story.”

 “Well, to put your mind at ease, I’m OK. And for the record, I don’t think you’re stupid”, in that cute voice that Lee keeps for David. David smiled bashfully.

“It must seem crazy to you, but I’m…”. He paused and turned to look into Lee’s eyes, wanting to be sure he makes this clear. Lee’s breath hitched when he noticed the glassy sheen over David’s chocolate irises, suddenly much darker than usual which he didn’t think was possible. David began to fiddle with the lapels of Lee’s signature suit jacket, eventually settling on holding onto them, and Lee drew light patterns on the back of David’s hands with his fingertips, then covered them with his warm palms as David steeled himself to explain his feelings.

“I’m finding that with every true story you tell on the show, the more realise I’m falling for you. And, well, this one caught me off guard. It made me realise how much I care about you. I mean, if I’m going into emotional overload due to a story about a toy womble assault, then I’d say that constitutes as something more than fondness. Wouldn’t you agree?”

 He dropped his head for a moment as his cheeks began glowing again, feeling a bit self-conscious about how mushy his admission was. Even for him, that was truly a heart-on-the-sleeve statement.

 Lee lifted his chin and looked down at David’s mouth, caressed his bearded cheek with the back of his fingers, and pulled him in close to plant a tender kiss on his lips.

Lee wanted to take his time and linger there to savour every minute sensation, loving the way their mouths marry up so perfectly every time. It was as if their lips we’re always destined to connect. Lee dragged out the last moment of their kiss by pulling on David's bottom lip at a gradual pace, keen to make David's head swim.

David almost lost his balance as he came back to the room. He found Lee already smiling warmly at him by the time he opened his eyes, his expression showing David just how proud he is to have the magic to make him lose himself like that. David takes a second or two to focus and attempted to put a sentence together. Eventually his breathless words made it out.

“Judging by that kiss, I think it’s OK to ask how you feel about making us official. You know, be a couple in public??”

 David immediately scolded himself as he was going to plan “the” conversation more thoughtfully. Preferably back at Lee’s, where he could make it more romantic, with the promise of a bed nearby if all went really well, and where he can allow himself time to choose his words carefully before speaking.  How the hell did it just come out like that! Have I got no self-control? he asked himself. This whole happened at lightning speed in his mind, as he didn’t give Lee a chance to respond before rambling at the realisation of what he had just said.

 “It’s just that, we’ve been going so well without everyone knowing about us, and it’s been some months now, more than some months actually. Plus-”

“David.”

David stopped and his eyes grew wide, nervous about what Lee might say. His face got cupped by both of Lee’s large hands.

“I would love to make us official. I love you”, spoken so quietly and tender in that deep tone of his, it was almost enough to make David’s knees buckle.

David’s heart swelled and a rush of warmth filled his entire body. His smile lit up his face as his frame let go of all tension. He instantly pounced on Lee to kiss him. Fast and messy kissing ensued with all the enthusiasm of a young new bride to be, eventually giggling through his nose as their lips remained locked for some time, Lee giggling along with him. After finally breaking apart, Lee brushed his thumb over David’s eyebrow as he gazed into those dark owl eyes, David dragging his hands down over the back of Lee’s neck and letting them rest on his chest, almost purring as he did.

“Perfect. That settles it then”, David replied as his hands began to rub his chest affectionately.

Lee didn’t give it a second thought that David didn’t say ‘I love you’ back. David’s excitement and relief, and the fact that he’s the one that brought up going the next step told Lee everything he needed to know. He knew David loved him, and there’s plenty of time for romantic talks later, all the time in the world.

Lee wrapped his hands around David’s waist to pull him in close against his body, and asked in a subtle rasp, “Are we still going to mine tonight?”

 “You’ve got the bigger bed, so most definitely.”

“Oooh, planning on needing lots of room tonight, are you?”, followed by a playful chuckle.

 David just giggled devilishly and picked up his things. Lee did the same, getting the clear message that he couldn’t wait to get home to celebrate, but David stopped suddenly when he took hold of the door handle, then turned around to Lee to put out his hand, gesturing for him to hold it.

“Are you ready?”, David asked daringly.

Lee beamed and licked his lips in his habitual way. “You’re really not wasting any time when you say you want to go public, are you?”

“Nope!”

Lee took his hand gladly and walked into the corridor. While David simply wanted to freely show everyone that he is with Lee, he had to admit it’s exciting to wonder who the first person to spot them together would be… Or in his words, who can I show how proud I am to have Lee as my boyfriend first?

As usual, Rob was going from room to room speaking to everyone before he left - being the social butterfly he is - and saw them walking towards him in the hallway. David’s satisfied grin became somewhat cheesier as he looked directly at Rob, but really it was the body language that said it all: look at me with my man, I’m the luckiest guy ever. By contrast, as one would expect a comedian to do, the words he chose as he passed him were, “Bye Rob. See you next week.”

Lee cracked up at the way the whole scene looked, with David enjoying every second of Rob’s stunned mullet expression as he smugly walked along holding Lee’s hand, heightening his enthusiasm momentarily to that of a brand-new couple walking through a park in a Mitchell & Webb sketch. Rob picked his jaw up off the floor and called out to them.

“If this is for real, then I’ll say it’s about bloody time.”

Rob’s comment spurred Lee’s laughter on. He knew Rob always suspected their sexual tension was too good to be fake. Now that they didn’t have to hide it from Rob, or anyone for that matter, Lee lapped up the feeling of freedom and euphoria he’d been waiting so long for - basically since he and David begun seeing each other.

While he’s been ready to do this from day one, David was nervous and cautious about how fast to take things- with good reason too, considering how brutal the media is and the fact that they work together- so he let things go at David’s pace. Certain that this day would be inevitable being so perfectly suited to each other, he was happy to wait if that’s what David needed.

As they continued toward the exit, Lee turned to point in Rob’s direction, fingers shaped like a pistol. He gave a wink and clicked his tongue against his teeth in agreeance with a cocky swagger. Then he confirmed to Rob it is indeed for real, by lifting their connected hands to kiss David’s knuckles sweetly.

 As Rob laughed with pure joy for them both, David looked to Lee enjoying his playfulness, and leaned his head onto his shoulder for a brief moment as he laughed to himself. Everything about the motion said, I love you so much.