Ant and Dec One Shots

Finding Balance

In the year that Ant was away in rehab, Dec and Stephen found themselves drawing closer than ever. What started as a tentative way to fill the gap in their trio quickly evolved into a bond of deep companionship. Dec missed Ant terribly, but Stephen's presence became a balm, easing the ache of Ant's absence. It was in those quiet, shared moments that Dec found solace.

During filming, Dec and Stephen fell into an easy rhythm, almost like an unspoken understanding of each other's needs. Stephen would pop into Dec's office daily, often bringing him a coffee or a cheeky snack, sitting close as they read through scripts or brainstormed segments. Their laughter came easily, filling the quiet rooms with warmth. Sometimes, Stephen would lean in, resting his head on Dec's shoulder as they shared a joke, and Dec found comfort in the small gestures-a gentle squeeze of his hand, a friendly pat on the back, or a quick kiss on the cheek from Stephen after an especially good idea.

When the workday wrapped, Dec and Stephen weren't ready to part ways. Instead, they headed out for dinners where their conversations drifted far from the realm of work. Stephen had a way of drawing Dec out, and soon they found themselves confiding in each other about family, life's stresses, and even their insecurities. Dec felt like Stephen truly understood him, and those dinners became a steady ritual, something they both relied on as the weeks went by.

Outside of work, Stephen became almost like family to Dec and Ali. He'd join them at Dec's for dinners, bringing dessert and stories that had everyone laughing. After meals, Dec and Stephen would often linger on the couch, Dec resting his head against Stephen's shoulder as they unwound. Stephen would gently stroke Dec's arm or plant a soft kiss on his temple, small gestures that told Dec he wasn't alone in this time of change.

When Ant finally returned, Dec and Stephen were overjoyed. They welcomed him back with open arms, eager to resume the bond they'd all shared. But despite their warmth, Ant couldn't shake the feeling of being slightly out of place. He watched Dec and Stephen's easy dynamic-the way they seemed so attuned to each other's moods, the natural flow of their jokes-and he couldn't help feeling like he was on the outside looking in. The missed months weighed heavily, and Ant found himself withdrawing, unsure of how to bridge the gap.

About a week after Ant's return, Dec began to sense Ant's quiet distance. He noticed the way Ant's laughter didn't quite reach his eyes, the way he hesitated before joining their conversations. One evening, Dec pulled Ant aside after everyone else had left. He led him to his office, closing the door behind them for privacy.

"Ant," Dec began, his tone gentle yet resolute, "I can tell that something's bothering you. And I'm here to listen. Whatever it is, you can tell me."

Ant hesitated, avoiding Dec's gaze for a moment before finally admitting, "It's just... you and Stephen. I'm so glad you have each other, but..." He paused, the words heavy on his tongue. "Sometimes it feels like I missed out on something important, something I can't quite get back. And now, I don't know where I fit in."

Dec felt a pang of empathy, understanding how painful it must have been for Ant to see the shift. Taking a step closer, he reached for Ant's shoulder, his grip firm yet comforting. "Ant, you've never been replaceable. Not in any way. Stephen was there for me when you couldn't be, but you're my best friend-my brother. Nothing can change that."

Ant's shoulders relaxed a little, but there was still a hint of doubt in his eyes. Dec smiled softly, giving Ant's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Stephen's family too, yes. But you and I? We've got years behind us. You're my partner in everything, and that's never going to fade, no matter how close Stephen and I have become."

A weight lifted from Ant as Dec's words sank in. He managed a smile, feeling the warmth of Dec's reassurance like a balm. The closeness they'd always shared was still there, waiting to be rekindled.

"Thanks, Dec," he murmured, his voice tinged with relief. Dec wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a warm, heartfelt hug that spoke volumes. Ant held on tightly, feeling more connected to his oldest friend than he had in weeks.

When they pulled back, Dec gave him a playful nudge. "There's room for all of us, mate. You, me, and Stephen-we're a team. And we're not complete without you."

Ant's eyes brightened, the old spark returning as he met Dec's gaze. Dec winked, and they shared a laugh, the tension between them dissolving.

Later that evening, as they joined Stephen for a quiet coffee date, Dec reached over, ruffling Ant's hair and leaning into Stephen with a contented sigh. He'd found a new kind of balance-a bond that held all three of them together in its own unique way, with enough room for each of them to feel loved and valued. And as they sat, laughing and reminiscing, Ant finally felt at home once more.