After a long day of filming, Ant and Dec walked off set with Stephen, feeling the weight of the day's banter still hanging in the air. The three of them shared so many laughs on camera, but Ant and Dec knew that sometimes, a well-meaning joke could sting, and they never wanted Stephen to feel that way. In the warmth of their friendship, they were careful to make sure that every laugh came from a place of genuine love and affection.
That evening, as they headed to grab a late dinner together, Dec glanced over at Stephen, noticing he was a bit quieter than usual. Nudging Ant, he shared a knowing look, and they both decided to bring it up gently.
"Hey, mate," Ant began, draping an arm over Stephen's shoulder, "you know we'd never mean anything bad by what we say on set, right?"
Dec nodded, leaning in closer. "Yeah, you're like a brother to us, Stephen. If we ever say anything that doesn't sit right, you can tell us. We'll always want you to feel comfortable with us."
Stephen smiled, brushing it off with a little laugh. "No, I know, I know. You two are the best. But thanks for saying that."
But even as Stephen reassured them, Ant and Dec weren't quite done. Later that night, after they'd all parted ways, each of them sent a message to Stephen, just to check in. They knew that sometimes, even with friends, words could linger.
Ant's message came first:
"Hey, just wanted to say again, we're so lucky to have you with us. Every time you're on that stage, it's a thousand times better just because you're there. Hope you're relaxing now, mate!"
A moment later, Dec's message popped up:
"Hey you! Hope you're feeling good about today-couldn't do this without you. Ant and I mean it when we say you're family. Sleep well, yeah? Talk tomorrow!"
Stephen's heart swelled as he read their messages, feeling the warmth in every word. Despite any teasing on screen, these texts were his reminder that he was deeply appreciated.
The next day, Ant and Dec were extra affectionate, greeting Stephen with wide smiles and tight hugs. Throughout the day, they were by his side, making sure he felt valued. Every time Stephen was hit with an unkind comment online, he would get a text from one of them, countering it with an overflow of love.
"Ignore them," Dec would say. "They don't know the Stephen we know. The real Stephen."
Ant would chime in with his own messages, insisting that Stephen was an irreplaceable part of their lives and of the show itself. Their gestures, from simple texts to little gifts, added up over time, filling Stephen's world with a steady reminder of the support that surrounded him.
One evening, after another long week of filming, Stephen received a text from Dec asking if he wanted to join them for a night in at Ant's flat. Stephen, of course, said yes. By the time he arrived, they had a cosy setup with blankets, snacks, and even his favourite movie ready to go.
As they settled in for the evening, Stephen felt the unmistakable warmth of being loved and appreciated. They never let a single moment of self-doubt linger in his mind, always balancing the teasing with care and making sure he knew he was truly family. As they laughed together that night, Stephen felt every bit as loved and respected as they intended, grateful for the unwavering friendship they shared.
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Ant and Dec One Shots
FanfictionAnt and Dec have had a profound impact on my life, bringing joy and laughter during both the good times and the tough ones. Their infectious energy and genuine camaraderie create a sense of warmth that feels like spending time with friends. Their ab...