Ant and Dec One Shots

Dec Checks On Ant

Ant had noticed the changes for a few weeks now. Stephen and Dec seemed inseparable, laughing together on set, going out for interviews, and grabbing dinners without him. While he knew that Stephen and Dec were close friends too, there was a gnawing feeling that kept rising in his chest, a quiet envy that he tried hard to suppress. He told himself he was just being silly, that this kind of thing was bound to happen. But it didn't stop the pang of loneliness from settling in, especially after long days on set when the two of them would head off together, leaving him behind.

Slowly, Ant began to withdraw, turning down drinks after work and ducking out of group dinners. He'd make excuses, claiming he was tired or had things to do, and head home alone. He'd tell himself that it didn't bother him and that maybe he was better off with some space. But Dec, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in his best friend. Ant wasn't as lively, his smiles didn't quite reach his eyes, and he'd become uncharacteristically quiet during their breaks.

One evening, after another long day of filming, Dec headed straight to Ant's place, determined to check on him. He knocked softly, and when Ant opened the door, his surprise quickly gave way to the reserved smile he'd been wearing lately.

"Dec," Ant greeted, his tone neutral. "Didn't expect you. Thought you'd be out with Stephen."

Dec took a step inside, giving Ant a warm smile. "Nope, I wanted to see you. Thought maybe we could catch up," he said gently, his eyes searching Ant's face.

Ant nodded, motioning Dec to the couch as he closed the door behind him. He settled beside Dec, looking at his hands, unsure where to start.

"Ant..." Dec's voice was soft and full of concern. "I've missed you. It feels like you've been pulling away a bit lately."

Ant let out a small sigh, glancing away as he tried to find the words. "It's nothing, Dec. Just... I thought maybe you and Stephen were having a better time together. Didn't want to get in the way."

Dec's heart ached at the words. He reached out, resting a hand on Ant's shoulder. "You could never be in the way, Ant. You're my best friend, always have been, always will be."

Ant gave a small, vulnerable smile. "I know. I just thought maybe you were getting tired of me. That you and Stephen were having more fun together... I mean, I noticed all those dinners, the interviews, the laughs you two have."

Dec shook his head, a look of understanding and guilt in his eyes. "Oh, Ant, I'm so sorry. I didn't realise it looked that way. Stephen and I are close, but... you're the one I've been through it all with. No one could ever replace you." He leaned a little closer, nudging Ant with his shoulder. "You're not just my best friend-you're like family to me."

Ant's smile returned, a little stronger this time. "You really mean that?"

"With everything I've got," Dec assured him. "You're the one who knows me better than anyone. No one makes me laugh like you do, and no one else I'd want by my side for every mad adventure we end up on."

Ant chuckled softly, his eyes meeting Dec's as some of the weight lifted from his chest. "I'm sorry. I guess I should have just said something instead of shutting myself off."

Dec squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "We all feel left out sometimes. But I promise, you don't need to worry about that with me. We're a team, always."

The two of them shared a warm silence for a moment, a sense of peace settling between them.

"Tell you what," Dec said, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "How about a night out, just the two of us? Dinner, drinks, all the laughs you can handle."

Ant grinned, feeling his spirits lift fully for the first time in days. "Yeah, I'd love that."

The two headed out, rekindling their bond as they always did, reminded of how much they meant to each other. And as the night wore on, Dec made sure Ant knew that he was, and always would be, his best friend.