Ant and Dec One Shots

Always Here For You

Every day, without fail, Ant and Dec made a point to check in on Stephen. It was like a well-rehearsed routine-small but significant touches of affection scattered throughout his day that let him know they were thinking of him. Even if they were busy or had separate schedules, one of them would always send a quick text, a simple "Hope you're alright, mate," or "Need anything, Ste?" It was their way of reaching out, a lifeline reminding him they cared.

Stephen would often find himself smiling at his phone, his heart warming at their messages. The familiarity of their words was a comfort, like a warm blanket on a chilly night. "They really do think of me," he'd remind himself, but sometimes, as he scrolled through social media, he'd see photos of their adventures without him. Those moments made the distance feel heavier, igniting a flicker of doubt in his mind. What if I'm not as important to them anymore?

When they were in the same studio, they'd stop by his office with snacks and drinks, insisting he take breaks. "C'mon, mate! You can't work all day without some fuel," Dec would say, a playful grin on his face as he waved a chocolate bar like a trophy. Sometimes, they'd come in just to wrap him in a hug, no words needed. In those moments, Stephen could feel the warmth of their friendship enveloping him, their comforting presence reminding him how much he meant to them. He was their friend, their little brother, and they adored him.

But when Ant and Dec left for Australia, those little gestures became sparse. They tried to keep up with their messages, but the time difference and the busyness of filming meant he didn't hear from them as much. The emptiness of his phone felt like a void, amplifying his insecurities. He found himself constantly checking for their texts, the familiar thrill of hope mingling with the dread of disappointment. Each time he saw an empty screen, his heart dropped a little more, a heavy weight settling in his chest. What if they don't miss me as much as I miss them? What if I've been replaced?

As the days passed, his worry grew into a constant, gnawing anxiety. The mornings felt endless, filled with thoughts spiralling through his mind. What if they've found someone better? What if they don't want me around anymore? By the time he knew they'd be back at the studio, the thought of seeing them twisted his stomach into knots. Each imagined scenario was worse than the last, leaving him feeling smaller and more alone.

The morning they were due back, Stephen tried to keep himself busy, but his anxiety only worsened until he felt the familiar grip of a panic attack creeping up. His breath came in shallow gasps as he sat in his office, hands shaking, heart pounding like a drum in his ears. He gripped the edge of his desk, the wood digging into his palms as he tried to ground himself. Breathe, just breathe, he told himself, but the pressure felt too heavy, too suffocating.

He didn't notice when the door opened quietly or when two pairs of arms gently wrapped around him, holding him close. The familiar scent of Ant's cologne and Dec's aftershave flooded his senses, anchoring him momentarily.

"Hey, hey, it's alright, we're here," Dec murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm against the chaos in Stephen's mind. He felt Dec's hand rubbing soothing circles on his back, grounding him. "Breathe, Ste. Just breathe with us."

Stephen closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth of their embrace, the steady presence of his two best friends who had come back just for him. Ant gently held his hand, his thumb stroking the back of Stephen's palm as he murmured comforting words in his ear. "We're right here, mate. We missed you so much."

Slowly, Stephen's breathing evened out, and the haze of panic began to lift. He looked up, feeling the warmth of their hands on his shoulders, their faces filled with worry and love. Their concern pierced through his insecurities like sunlight breaking through clouds. They really do care about me, he thought, feeling the tightness in his chest begin to ease.

"I... I thought maybe you wouldn't want me around as much when you got back," he whispered, his voice shaky. Vulnerability seeped into his words, exposing the raw edges of his fears. "I was so scared."

"Oh, Stevie," Ant said, pulling him into a tighter hug, his heart swelling with the need to reassure his friend. "We'd never, ever not want you around. You mean the world to us."

Dec nodded, pressing a soft kiss to Stephen's forehead. "You're part of our lives, part of us. We'd be lost without you, mate." His voice was firm, filled with sincerity, and Stephen could see the truth shining in their eyes.

They held him for a long moment, letting their reassurances sink in. The warmth of their love surrounded him, wrapping him in a cocoon of safety. After a while, Stephen let out a shaky laugh, leaning into them as he felt the last remnants of his worries begin to dissolve. "I don't know what I'd do without you two," he said quietly, gratitude flooding his heart.

"Well, lucky for you, you'll never have to find out," Dec replied with a grin, giving him a gentle squeeze, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now, come on! We've got a day to fill with all your favourite things."

They spent the rest of the day together, Ant and Dec keeping Stephen close, constantly reminding him with little gestures and soft kisses just how much he meant to them. Every playful shove, every shared laugh felt like a promise that they were still there, still his friends. Each time they looked his way, it was with a warmth that melted his lingering worries. By the end of the day, Stephen felt lighter, reassured that no amount of distance or time apart could ever lessen the bond they shared.

As they sat together, cuddled up on the couch in Ant's office, Dec rested his head on Stephen's shoulder, his contented sigh making Stephen smile. Ant gave his hand a gentle squeeze, a silent gesture of solidarity. "Promise us one thing, Ste," Ant murmured softly, his tone serious yet filled with warmth. "If you ever feel like this again, talk to us. We'll always be here to remind you how loved you are."

Stephen smiled, his heart full. "I promise," he whispered, feeling safe and cherished in their arms, knowing he was exactly where he belonged. The day's worries faded like distant echoes, replaced by the vibrant reality of their friendship. With a contented sigh, he nestled deeper into their embrace, grateful for the unbreakable bond they shared.