Anxiety In Stephen

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One evening, Stephen felt a familiar unease rising within him, a subtle but persistent weight that pressed harder on his chest with each passing moment. He tried to distract himself, scrolling aimlessly on his phone, but the anxious buzz wouldn't subside. In a brief moment of clarity, his thoughts turned to Ant and Dec-his closest friends, his safe haven. Without overthinking, he typed a quick message and sent it before he could change his mind: "Are you guys free to hang out tonight? I just... need some company."

Almost immediately, his phone lit up with a reply. "Be there in 30 minutes, mate!" Ant responded with his usual energy, and Dec added, "On our way!" Stephen felt a small smile tugging at his lips. They never hesitated.

True to their word, Ant and Dec arrived exactly thirty minutes later, their familiar smiles and open arms banishing some of Stephen's tension. Ant pulled him into a warm hug, squeezing him tightly, and Dec followed, his touch gentle, but grounding. They didn't ask why he'd needed them, didn't pry-they just knew by the look in his eyes. With a silent understanding, they moved into the living room, setting down bags of snacks and sodas they'd picked up on the way.

"Pizza sound good?" Ant asked, already placing the order with a grin that promised they'd get Stephen's favourite.

Soon, the three of them settled onto the couch, Stephen nestled between his friends as the low hum of a comforting, familiar movie filled the room. He hadn't realised just how much he'd needed to be close to them until he instinctively leaned in, feeling his friends' presence on either side. Ant's arm draped around his shoulders, pulling him close, and Dec's hand found its way to his back, tracing slow, soothing circles that eased the tightness in Stephen's chest.

"We're here, Stephen," Ant murmured softly, his voice warm and grounding. Dec, resting his head gently against Stephen's, added, "We love you, mate." The quiet sincerity in his tone washed over Stephen, calming the relentless buzz of his mind. Then Dec pressed a soft kiss to his temple, a familiar gesture of care that said more than words could.

Stephen exhaled, feeling his body loosen, allowing himself to melt into their quiet embrace. The weight in his chest started to lighten, replaced by the quiet comfort that always seemed to follow when he was with them.

The pizza arrived, and they ate together, joking and sharing stories between bites, the routine as comforting as the food. At one point, Stephen paused the movie, his hands resting on his lap as he turned toward Ant and Dec, vulnerability flickering in his eyes.

"My anxiety... it's just been acting up," he admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's been tough lately, and... I just needed you guys here tonight."

Without hesitation, Ant and Dec leaned in, each placing a steady hand on his shoulders. Dec squeezed his shoulder gently, his gaze filled with understanding. "You're never alone in this, Stephen. We're always here for you-whenever, however you need."

Ant nodded, his voice low but steady. "We're not going anywhere, mate. You're family to us. Nothing changes that."

They kept the lights low, letting the soft, warm glow from the TV cast gentle shadows around them. Their voices softened as they continued talking, sharing funny memories and stories from old times, anything to keep the mood light and Stephen's mind at ease. At one point, Dec pulled a blanket over their laps, tucking it around Stephen as Ant brought him a cup of tea they'd made together in the kitchen. Every movement, every touch, conveyed their love and unshakeable support.

With each laugh, with every touch of reassurance, Stephen felt himself relaxing even more, the tension slowly unravelling as he sat between his friends. Eventually, he felt his eyes droop, his shoulders fully loosened as he leaned back against Ant. The quiet affection radiating from his friends filled the room, wrapping around him like a gentle balm.

By the time the movie ended, Stephen felt a peace he hadn't known he'd needed. He looked up at Ant and Dec, a soft, genuine smile breaking across his face, and whispered, "Thank you. I... I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

Ant pulled him in closer with a chuckle. "You're stuck with us, Stephen," he teased, ruffling his hair.

Dec leaned over, giving him another gentle hug. "Forever, mate. That's a promise."

As they sat together in the quiet of the living room, Stephen realised just how much he valued their friendship. In their presence, his anxieties softened, and he felt safe, understood, and deeply cared for in a way that only they could give.

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