Ant and Dec One Shots

Jokes And True Friendship

Ant and Dec were used to teasing Stephen, and over the years, it had become second nature. But as they watched the rerun of their latest show on TV that evening, the tone of their banter stuck with them longer than usual. They'd joked about Stephen's forgetfulness, his slightly clumsy ways, and his nervous excitement before each show. The laughter had flowed freely, yet something lingered in the back of Dec's mind.

"What if... what if he thought we meant it?" Dec asked, his voice unusually quiet.

Ant looked at him, a frown forming. He'd been feeling the same doubt. Stephen was always good-natured about the teasing, laughing right along with them. But now, as they replayed the moments in their minds, they realised how often they'd joked about him. It was their humour, their style-but they never wanted Stephen to think it was anything but love.

Dec's phone was already in his hand, but his gaze softened. "Let's go see him. Make sure he knows, yeah?"

Ant nodded, dialling the pizza place without a second thought. They ordered Stephen's favourite: pepperoni and extra cheese, with all the snacks he liked-crisps, popcorn, even a bit of chocolate.

As they arrived at Stephen's flat, they let themselves in, the familiar scent of his cologne mingling with the warmth of his home. They set up the pizzas on the coffee table, Ant carefully unwrapping each one, while Dec arranged the crisps and sweets into small bowls.

They took their seats, glancing around the room, taking in the photos of them with Stephen on his walls. There were memories from their time filming, laughing on red carpets, even a framed candid of the three of them on holiday, looking windswept and happy. That photo, especially, tugged at Dec's heart.

He sat back, glancing at Ant. "We mean the world to him, don't we?"

Ant nodded, feeling a swell of warmth. "Yeah... and I reckon we should be sure he knows that we feel the same."

They didn't have long to wait. Soon enough, they heard the sound of keys turning in the lock. Stephen stepped in, looking weary but instantly brightening when he saw them.

"Surprise!" Ant greeted him, waving a slice of pizza in the air.

Stephen's grin stretched from ear to ear as he dropped his work bag, pulling both of them into a hug. "What are you two doing here?"

Dec gave a casual shrug, trying to keep it light. "Figured you'd need a bit of a movie night, mate. Plus, you know we'll find any excuse to eat pizza."

Stephen chuckled, sinking into the couch beside them. "Not that I'm complaining. It's been a long day." He reached for a slice, taking a bite and sighing contentedly. He'd missed moments like these, he realised. The easy warmth, the comforting presence of his best friends beside him-he loved how they always felt like home.

They started the movie, laughing and munching on snacks, and soon the room filled with the warmth of shared memories and laughter. But as Stephen sank deeper into the couch, he couldn't shake the curiosity that crept into his mind. He knew Ant and Dec well enough to know that they rarely did things without reason.

Halfway through the movie, he paused it, turning to them with a curious smile. "All right, you two," he said, tilting his head. "What's this really about?"

Ant and Dec exchanged a look. Dec rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little awkward. "We were... just thinking," he started slowly, searching for the right words. "About all the jokes we make. You know, the teasing and... everything."

Stephen's eyes softened, realising where this was going. He could see the hint of worry on their faces, something they rarely showed. It warmed his heart, really, to see how much they cared.

"We just wanted to make sure you knew," Ant added, his voice sincere. "That it's all just in fun, mate. You mean the world to us. We'd hate for you to ever feel like we don't appreciate you."

Stephen's heart swelled at their words, his chest filling with an overwhelming warmth. He realised, then, how deeply he was loved by them-how much they worried about him, even when he didn't ask them to.

He let out a soft laugh, wrapping his arms around both of them, pulling them close. "I know that, you two," he said softly. "I've never taken it any other way. You don't have to worry. I know you'd never mean anything hurtful."

Ant and Dec visibly relaxed in his embrace, feeling a weight lift from their shoulders. Ant gave a small chuckle, resting his head against Stephen's shoulder for a moment. "Glad to hear it, mate," he said, his voice thick with relief.

Stephen gave them both a squeeze, his eyes shining. "I couldn't ask for better friends," he murmured. "Even if you do make me the butt of the joke sometimes."

Dec grinned, a playful gleam returning to his eyes. "Only sometimes? We're slipping, Ant!"

Stephen laughed, rolling his eyes as he pressed play on the movie. But as he settled back in, Ant leaned over, giving him a nudge. "You know we love you, right?"

Stephen nodded, a small smile on his lips as he looked at his best friends. "Yeah, I know. And I love you both, too."

The movie continued, and they laughed louder, teased harder, but now it felt different-freer, unburdened. They all understood each other completely, and each joke now carried an unspoken promise of friendship and love.

When the credits rolled, Stephen gave them both another hug, lingering as he squeezed their shoulders. "Thanks for this, lads. I didn't realise how much I needed it."

Ant grinned, playfully ruffling Stephen's hair. "Well, we're not letting you get rid of us that easily. Movie nights like this are officially a thing now."

Dec leaned in, giving him a cheeky nudge. "Just don't get used to us paying for all the pizza."

Stephen chuckled, a sense of peace settling in his chest. He knew, in that moment, he'd never feel alone as long as he had them by his side. And the teasing? Well, he'd take that any day, because he knew it was just another way they showed him they cared.

They left that night with their bond stronger, their laughter lighter, and a silent promise between them that nothing-not even the occasional joke-would ever come between their friendship.