Ant and Dec One Shots

Comfort Given In Silence

Dec didn't knock; he didn't have to. The door to Ant's house was always open to him, an unspoken invitation that was as solid as their friendship itself. Dec slipped off his shoes at the entrance and padded quietly through the house, making his way toward the familiar warmth of Ant's lounge. He found him sprawled on the sofa, eyes fixed on the TV but a relaxed, half-smile spreading across his face as soon as he noticed Dec coming in.

Dec didn't say a word. He didn't need to. He walked over to Ant and sank onto the couch beside him, sliding in close and burying his face against Ant's chest, his head tucked perfectly against his best friend's shoulder. Ant responded instantly, wrapping his arms around Dec and pulling him close, his hand moving soothingly up and down Dec's back in gentle, rhythmic strokes. He didn't ask what was wrong or what had brought Dec over unannounced; he just held him, letting the silence speak for itself.

Ant placed a soft kiss on Dec's temple, murmuring quietly, "I'm here, mate. I've got you. Whatever it is, you're alright." His voice was low and warm, the words a gentle promise of comfort. He gave Dec's shoulder a reassuring squeeze, letting him know that he didn't need to explain anything if he didn't want to.

Dec let out a soft sigh, his fingers curling into Ant's shirt as if anchoring himself. He stayed there for what felt like an eternity, neither of them saying anything, just sharing the quiet and the closeness. Every now and then, Ant would murmur something soft, comforting, reminders like "I'm not going anywhere," and "You're safe here," spoken just for Dec to hear, words that wrapped around him as warmly as Ant's arms.

It took nearly half an hour before Dec finally lifted his head, resting his cheek against Ant's chest, his breathing a little steadier now. Ant looked down at him, his eyes soft with concern but filled with the steady, unwavering friendship that had always been there between them.

"What's wrong, Dec?" Ant asked gently, his thumb tracing small circles against Dec's arm.

Dec hesitated, his eyes downcast, and then he shrugged a little, a small, sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I just... missed you. Got a bit anxious sitting at home, I suppose," he admitted, his voice quiet. "Didn't know where else to go."

Ant smiled, a warmth spreading through him as he looked down at his best friend, his heart swelling with affection. He lifted a hand and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Dec's forehead, his fingers lingering there in a reassuring touch.

"You're always welcome here, you know that," Ant said softly. "You don't have to feel anxious alone, alright? You've got me. I'll always be here, no questions asked."

Dec nodded, letting out a deep breath, feeling the last traces of his anxiety melt away. "Thanks, Ant," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, but filled with gratitude.

Ant leaned his head against Dec's, letting their foreheads touch in a quiet moment of reassurance. "Anytime, Dec. Anytime," he replied, his voice a gentle promise.

And in that simple embrace, Dec felt every bit of the comfort he'd been searching for, wrapped up in the presence of the one person who knew him best.