Ant and Dec One Shots

Piano

Ant had only been back at work for a few weeks, and already he could feel the familiar press of expectation. The year away had been a lifeline-a much-needed escape to heal and recover-but he'd forgotten how relentless the studio could feel, with its never-ending deadlines, crowds of people, and unspoken demands. Though he loved what he did, he now found himself bracing for the impact of each new day, a low hum of tension following him wherever he went.

This afternoon, after a particularly taxing meeting, he felt the walls starting to close in. He needed space, a moment to breathe away from prying eyes and well-meaning questions. Without a clear destination, he wandered down the quiet corridors of the studio until he stumbled upon a small, almost-forgotten music room. The door was slightly ajar, and as he peered in, he spotted a grand piano gleaming softly under the dim lights. He hadn't touched a piano in years, but something about it felt inviting, like an old friend calling out to him.

Ant stepped inside, the room hushed and serene, and lowered himself onto the bench. He let his fingers drift over the keys, at first hesitant, as if testing his connection to the instrument. After a moment, he pressed down gently, drawing out a soft, tentative melody. But soon, the music grew louder, his fingers moving faster as he poured everything he'd been holding inside into the piece-a raw, passionate sound that filled the room and echoed back to him. The notes were intense, a mix of frustration, melancholy, and something aching and bittersweet. Playing felt like shedding a layer, letting go of the tension he'd been carrying, and in that moment, he was lost in it, his eyes slipping shut as he let the music guide him.

Meanwhile, Dec and Stephen had been wrapping up a conversation in a nearby room. They had noticed Ant seemed a bit distant lately, and though he hadn't said much, they knew him well enough to see he was struggling. When they heard the haunting melody drifting down the hallway, they followed it, exchanging a look of quiet understanding. The sound led them straight to the music room, and as they peeked inside, they found Ant, completely absorbed in his playing. They could see the way his shoulders relaxed slightly with each note, his fingers moving fluidly across the keys, and they understood he was letting out things he hadn't been able to put into words.

They didn't dare interrupt. Instead, they stepped inside quietly, finding a bench a little way off, and sat down, waiting for him to finish. Dec watched him with a look of gentle concern, while Stephen clasped his hands, giving Ant his full attention. They knew how much this return had meant to him-and how hard it was proving to be.

As the final notes of the piece faded into the air, Ant sat in silence, his hands resting on the keys as if he was reluctant to break the moment. He looked up, surprised to find Dec and Stephen watching him with patient, understanding smiles.

"Oh," he said, a little embarrassed. "How long have you two been there?"

Dec smiled warmly, getting up and placing a comforting hand on Ant's shoulder. "Long enough to hear you play beautifully. We didn't want to disturb you, mate, but we wanted to be here, you know?"

Ant's face softened, his usual guarded look melting into something more vulnerable. "Guess I needed to get that out," he admitted, his voice quieter than usual, almost hesitant.

Stephen's gaze was gentle as he met Ant's eyes. "It's been a rough adjustment, hasn't it?" he asked, his tone soft but understanding.

Ant nodded, his gaze falling back to the piano. "Yeah. I thought I'd be ready, you know? But some days... it feels like I'm back to square one. Like there's so much to prove, all over again."

Dec's grip on his shoulder tightened, a reassuring squeeze. "And that's okay, Ant. You don't have to prove anything to anyone, least of all to us. We're here for you, every step of the way. You're not alone."

Stephen scooted a little closer, resting a hand on Ant's other shoulder. "And if it takes time, or if you just need a break, we're with you. There's no rush. We're family, aren't we?"

Ant looked between them, his throat tight as he took in the sincerity in their eyes. In that moment, he felt something loosen inside him-a knot of worry and pressure easing away under the warmth of their reassurance.

"Thanks, guys," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Dec gave him a gentle nudge, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Well, lucky for you, you'll never have to find out. We're a package deal."

Stephen chuckled, leaning in a little closer. "Like it or not, you're stuck with us, mate."

Ant laughed softly, a genuine sound that seemed to lift the last bit of tension from his shoulders. "Guess I couldn't ask for a better deal, then," he said, glancing between his two best friends, a warmth spreading through his chest. He felt lighter, as if he could breathe a little easier now.

The three of them sat together in the quiet music room, letting the peace settle around them like a comforting blanket. They didn't need to fill the silence with words; their presence alone spoke volumes. Ant knew he could face whatever came next with Dec and Stephen by his side, and as they sat there, shoulder to shoulder, he realised that he wasn't alone in this journey-he never had been.