Anxiety

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Dec pulled up outside ITV Studios, a familiar place that felt a little less welcoming today. As he stepped out of the car, a wave of anxiety washed over him. It was one of those days where everything felt just slightly out of reach, and the world seemed to be moving too fast while he stood still, feeling disconnected. With a deep breath, he made his way into the building, the bustling environment around him amplifying his feelings of unease.

As he climbed the stairs to the shared office he had with Ant, he spotted his best friend hunched over their computer, fingers flying over the keys. Dec was always a bit late, so Ant being lost in his work wasn't uncommon, and Dec smiled faintly at the sight, something so simple making him feel a bit better. He pulled the chair out from beneath Ant and, before his friend could question him, settled sideways onto his lap, burying his face into the warm crook of Ant's neck. The familiar scent of Ant's cologne and the warmth radiating from him offered a comforting cocoon, and he felt the tension in his body start to ease.

Ant chuckled softly, the sound reverberating against Dec's cheek. He adjusted the chair back into position, his hands instinctively wrapping around Dec's waist. As he returned to his work, he leaned down to press gentle kisses to Dec's cheeks and neck every few sentences. "You okay, mate?" he whispered affectionately, his voice low and soothing.

Dec didn't reply at first, choosing instead to melt further into Ant's embrace, feeling secure in the warmth and love that surrounded him. For the better part of an hour, he remained curled up against his friend, the world outside fading away. Gradually, he felt his anxiety ebbing, replaced by a profound sense of safety.

When he finally pulled back, Dec glanced up at Ant, who was still focused on their script. "I have some ideas I'd like to add," he said, his voice a little muffled as he nestled against Ant's shoulder.

"Great!" Ant responded, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Let's hear them."

Dec began to share his thoughts, and Ant jotted them down, never letting go of his hold. He continued to pepper Dec's face with soft kisses, their connection palpable as they collaborated. It was another hour before Dec felt secure enough to voice what had been weighing on his mind.

"Ant," he began hesitantly, "I've been struggling with my anxiety today. I just needed you close."

Ant's expression shifted from concentration to concern, and he pulled Dec back against him, his arms tightening protectively around him. "You're so loved, Dec. You mean the world to me," he whispered, pressing his cheek against Dec's head. "You brighten my day, you know that? I'm right here."

With that, Dec felt a warmth spreading through him, the feeling of being cherished and accepted wrapping around him like a cosy blanket. He buried his face into Ant's neck again, breathing in deeply.

Just then, the office door swung open, and Stephen peeked in, balancing a bag of fish and chips in his hands. "Well, well, well! Look at you two, all cosy!" he teased, grinning as he took in the sight of his friends.

"Stephen!" Dec exclaimed, momentarily lifting his head. "You're just in time for lunch!"

Ant stood up, lifting Dec effortlessly into his arms. "Let's eat on the sofa," he said, carrying him over as Stephen followed, laughing at the sight.

Settled on the sofa, Ant sat with Dec on his lap, and Dec instinctively pulled Stephen close, wanting the warmth of both his friends. They chatted animatedly while munching on the delicious chips, Stephen chiding Dec for his anxiousness. "You should've just told us earlier, mate. We're always here for you, I could have worked up here," he said, a gentle smile on his face.

"Yeah, I know," Dec replied sheepishly. "I just... I guess I was so lost in Ant, I forgot how much I needed you here too, until you came."

"Well, you've got us now," Ant assured him, his arms tightening around Dec again. "And you're not getting rid of us anytime soon."

Stephen agreed, pulling out Dec's laptop to work, placing Ant's laptop gently on Dec's lap so Ant could continue working. "I'll stay here, then. You two look too cute for me to leave," he cooed, settling into the corner of the sofa as Ant kept Dec on his lap, the three of them comfortably working together.

As the evening wore on, Dec felt the weight of his worries lift, replaced by a sense of belonging and love that filled the room. With his friends close, he realised he wasn't alone, and that made all the difference.

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