Ant and Dec had taken it upon themselves to look after Stephen in ways big and small. They were a close-knit trio, and while they loved teasing Stephen on-screen, they made sure he always felt appreciated and supported behind the scenes.
Whenever Ant and Dec were busy with filming, they'd send Stephen gentle texts reminding him to eat, knowing he often lost track of time when he was working. Sometimes they'd even leave a plate of food at his office door, knowing he'd appreciate the thoughtfulness without needing to ask for it. Stephen smiled every time he found a small meal waiting for him, feeling truly cared for by his friends.
Ant and Dec also looked out for him in other ways. Whenever a contract or new opportunity came up, they made it a point to go over every clause, making sure each detail was in Stephen's best interest. They didn't want him to feel overwhelmed by legal jargon or pressured into something he wasn't comfortable with. They'd sit with him in their office, poring over the pages and explaining each term, their voices calm and steady.
And when they made a joke at his expense on stage or on screen, they were quick to wrap him in a reassuring embrace afterwards, reminding him it was all in good fun and that they respected and valued him deeply. Their laughter was never at his expense, but it was important to them that he felt that, too. Stephen couldn't help but smile at how thoughtful they were, feeling loved and safe in their friendship.
Every week, without fail, Ant and Dec would invite him over for their movie nights. They'd set up their living room with cosy blankets and snacks, making sure Stephen felt welcome and included. These were the quiet moments Stephen loved most, where he could let his guard down and simply be with them, feeling like family.
One afternoon, however, Stephen felt his heart racing as he worked alone in his office. A wave of panic hit him out of nowhere, making it hard to breathe. He knew he needed help, but the thought of disturbing Ant and Dec weighed heavily on him. After a few minutes of struggling, he forced himself to walk up to their office, his steps shaky and his breaths shallow.
As he knocked on their door, Ant was the first to notice his distressed state. He exchanged a quick glance with Dec before gently guiding Stephen into a chair, kneeling down beside him and holding his hand.
"Hey, hey, it's alright, Stevie," Dec said softly, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "You're with us now. You're safe."
They spoke in quiet, calming tones, encouraging him to breathe slowly. Dec ran his fingers through Stephen's hair, and Ant held his hand, grounding him with their presence. Gradually, Stephen's breathing steadied, his heartbeat slowing down.
As he finally relaxed, his eyelids grew heavy, exhaustion settling in after the intensity of the panic attack. Ant and Dec exchanged a gentle, knowing look and adjusted him to lie down comfortably on their office couch.
"There we go, mate," Ant murmured softly, tucking a blanket around Stephen. "Just close your eyes and rest."
They continued to stroke his hair and speak to him in low tones until he drifted off to sleep. They stayed by his side, making sure the office was quiet and peaceful, not wanting to disturb him as he rested. For the next hour, they worked silently, checking on Stephen from time to time to make sure he was comfortable.
When he finally awoke, Stephen found himself still nestled under the blanket, Ant and Dec nearby, waiting for him with gentle smiles. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his friends, who looked after him with such care and love.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He didn't need to say much more-Ant and Dec simply nodded, pulling him into a warm embrace, reassuring him once more that they'd always be there for him, no matter what.
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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...