Unspoken [ David Walliams x Simon Cowell ]

Ch.1 Unusual

"Aw, just look a'im. Precious lil' bugger in'he?" Cooed Ant; running a nimble finger along the pooch's exposed belly; to which Bert replied with a shut - eyed yawn, burrowing his face onto David's chest.

Dogs weren't allowed on Simon's private plane unless Squiddly, Diddly and Freddy were on it. Not only would it make the infamously critical music mogul homesick, but he thought it'd divide a certain someone's attention from the others; could be his dog - loving self or as expected, Bert's owner, David Walliams.

"Shhh, now. You'll wake him up!" Replied Dec; nudging his comrade on the side.

"T's alright." Says David with a soft chuckle, rocking himself as he cradled Bert back to sleep. "Go on. He's quite tired, he won't fuss." The comedian pauses, leaning his head against Bert in an embrace - like fashion as the two Geordies giggled among themselves admiring the photo they just took; David cuddling Bert with Ant and Dec making tutting pouty faces.

A good hour passes and the pilot announces their estimate time of arrival.

With Amanda preoccupied asking Alesha dance terminologies from one of the auditions, the Geordies on their phone, David content and surprisingly quiet in his seat, and Stephen Mulhern already at their designated lodging spot, all was left was Simon munching on a bowl of popcorn who couldn't get back to a proper nap.

"You're awfully quiet today, David." Says Simon, tossing a piece to chew on. It didn't seem much like a compliment as it lacked Simon Cowell's stern delivery as seen through his judging. Not to mention, a visibly amused grin as if to invoke lip from an unusually well - behaved David Walliams.

David turns with happy creases etched over eyes that glimmered at Simon's call; of which triggered some sort of excitement in Simon's system that he couldn't help but broaden that devilish smirk and toss another shot at the comedian.

"I like this better." Says Simon; coyly waving his fingers at David's entirety. "I should have Bert on the panel more often." He adds, seating himself onto his side to cross a leg over his knee.

Simon giggled in anticipation, he was ready for it; a full - on rest with everyone grabbing as much sleep as him, the auditions were great, Eric's two, Freddy's adjusted with the family, everything was just going well. He was such in a good mood that anything David would use against him wouldn't sour a competitive, playful banter; because truthfully, they do get on so well.

However, David merely made a cheery sigh - sound and shook his head.

Bert has become David's safe haven apart from Kathleen, his mum. It's been a year since the divorce and Bert's custody has been rough for all of them; Lara, David and the dog. Longing for his son, Alfred, and still somewhat hopeful to rekindle Lara's lost affections, Bert is the only one left in David's picturesque idea of a family. Depression, the papzz, court summons, the sight of love crumbling to pieces and the fact that all David could do was agree and sign the divorce papers "for Alfred's sake" are things that just don't heal in over a year.

David wasn't particular sad today, but the thought and feel of having something, someone (Bert) well within his grasp who'd love him as equally as he does calls to him deeply. To have at least one thing left after the gruesome separation assures him that all would indeed be all right.

That at the end of all these tribulations would be another day to celebrate life, his career, and fatherhood among all other achievements. Great friends, projects pouring in, profit, charities, good health, and well...

It will be.

The writer's lack of response merited a tart shrug and frown from Simon. He would've fired another one at David, but the pilot cut in and mild turbulence followed.

"Is it time to wake up? Hmm? Is it time to wake up, my handsome boy?" Mumbled David calmly, adjusting his arms to have a better hold at Bert who tossed instinctively as the plane went into a rattled landing and the speakers barked (no pun intended) the pilot's announcement. Bert then tilted his head left and right before hopping off David's embrace; yawning as he shook himself awake.

Simon, though he would never admit even to himself, sat waiting as if the comedian rightfully owed him a response. Eyes were kept fixated on David who leaned over the armrest to peek at Bert curiously inspecting the seat behind his owner.

"You've had a good nap, di'n't you, Bert?"

It was Alesha; inviting Bert over with her hand dangling within the dog's reach.

"You as well, David?" Came Amanda's voice, sliding her feet into her heeled shoe. "Flight's awf ' lly long." She added, grunting as he stretched her arms high before rising to her feet. "And yet, I wouldn't mind a couple mo' hours in bed."

"'Course you wouldn't." Teased David; eyes squinted and lips pursed in a mock of seduction, causing Alesha to have at her famous squeaky giggle as she picked up Bert.

"Ha- ha! Cheeky git!" Ant and Dec joined in at Amanda's retort. "Simon?"

"Ooh, she'd tell on you, David!" Ant commented, laughing as tucked his hands into his jean pockets.

David mouthed a cheery 'what?' and turned to address the judge across, but he's already gone.

"Yer lucky Simon's got off or you'll ge' an earful." Says Dec with a nod, squeezing David's shoulder as he passed the comedian's seat to board off.

"And I'm gonna borrow this good boy right he' (here). Yes, you are!" Says Alesha; flashing David a smile as she followed Amanda with Bert in her arms.

Right before David left his seat, he found Simon's reading glasses lonely by the tray. Taking it upon himself to retrieve the item and hand it to Simon, who generously allowed him to bring Bert along, the comedian bid the pilot and the staff thanks and goodbye before dismounting the plane.