Isla's Cocoa Adventure

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AN: I know that Ant moved away after what happened with his alcohol. But for the story, Ant still lived two doors down...

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Isla had been eyeing her Uncle Ant's house from her front garden, her little face lighting up at the thought of the sweets and chocolates she knew he kept hidden in his cupboards. She'd watched her mummy and daddy open the latch on their garden gate plenty of times, and though she was only four, it looked simple enough. With a determined nod, she stretched up on her tiptoes, gripped the latch with both hands, and wriggled it open. The gate swung free, and with a proud little smile, Isla toddled her way over to her uncle's house, just two doors down.

When she finally reached the door, Isla gave it a couple of brave knocks with her tiny fist, feeling a thrill run through her at the thought of surprising her Uncle Ant all by herself. Moments later, the door swung open, and Ant's eyes widened in surprise as he looked down at the unexpected visitor. But almost immediately, his astonishment softened into a big, welcoming grin.

"Well, look who's here!" he said, his voice bright with warmth as he bent down to scoop her up into his arms. "Isla! Did you come to see Uncle Ant all on your own?" He held her close, feeling her small arms curl around his neck as she snuggled into him, her excitement practically bubbling over.

She nodded against his shoulder, her giggles muffled in his shirt. Ant chuckled and gave her a playful squeeze, making her feel as safe and happy as possible. "Oh, I'm so glad you did! You know, I was just thinking of making some hot cocoa," he said, his voice full of mock surprise as he carried her into the house. "But first-how about a little treat?"

Isla's eyes sparkled with delight as he brought her to the cosy lounge, settling her carefully on the couch. She looked around, taking in the familiar room with its soft blankets and warm colours, knowing she was somewhere she was loved. Ant fished out a small chocolate from his secret stash, making a show of hiding it behind his back before revealing it with a flourish, which made her giggle again. He handed her the treat, then put on one of her favourite movies, tucking a blanket around her shoulders to make sure she was comfortable.

As Isla focused on the screen, her little legs kicking happily under the blanket, Ant slipped into the kitchen to whip up some hot cocoa. He gave the milk a quick stir before pulling out his phone to call Dec, just to let him know Isla had arrived on her own.

"Hey, Dec-you'll never guess who's here!" he said in a hushed, amused tone. "Your little adventurer decided to pay her old Uncle Ant a visit all on her own."

"Oh, dear," Dec sighed, though Ant could hear the laughter in his voice. "I'll be right over. But don't tell her I'm coming-I want to surprise her too."

A few minutes later, just as Ant was topping the cocoa with whipped cream and sprinkles, Dec arrived. He crept quietly into the lounge, grinning when he saw Isla on the couch, eyes wide with wonder as she munched on her chocolate. He sat beside her, his serious dad face softened by a gentle smile, and took her small hand in his.

"Now, Isla, sweetheart," he said softly, brushing a thumb over her knuckles. "You know you can always come over here to see Uncle Ant, but you've got to ask Mummy or Daddy first, okay? We don't want you walking over all alone."

Isla looked down, her little mouth forming an "oh" as she nodded solemnly, understanding the importance in his voice. Dec's face softened, and he leaned forward to gently brush a stray strand of hair from her cheek. "That's my girl. I love that you wanted to surprise Uncle Ant, but we just have to keep you safe."

Just then, Ant returned with a tray of hot cocoa and set it down with a grin. "Alright, cocoa for everyone!" he announced, handing Isla her very own little mug decorated with marshmallows and a dash of sprinkles. He carefully held it steady for her as she took her first sip, a blissful look spreading across her face as she tasted the warm, creamy chocolate.

"Is it good, love?" he asked, giving her a wink. She nodded enthusiastically, her small hands wrapped around the mug as if it were the most precious treasure. With a satisfied sigh, she snuggled back into the couch, the warmth of her uncle, her dad, and the cocoa made her feel as cosy as could be.

The three of them settled in together, the movie playing softly in the background as Isla alternated between sipping her cocoa and filling in her colouring book with little bursts of bright colour. Ant and Dec shared a few quiet laughs, their eyes twinkling as they watched Isla, who would occasionally glance up and grin at them before turning back to her colouring.

At one point, Dec reached over, gently patting her back in that reassuring way that always made her feel safe. Isla leaned into him, letting her little body relax completely, her heart brimming with happiness. Here, snuggled between her dad and her beloved Uncle Ant, she felt perfectly at home.

When the movie ended, Isla was nearly asleep, her head resting against Dec's shoulder. Ant chuckled softly, gathering her into his arms as Dec quietly gathered up her colouring book and blanket. They carried her home together, her soft breaths the only sound as they tucked her into bed, kissed her forehead, and left her room as quietly as they'd come. In her dreams, Isla relived her little adventure, knowing she'd always be safe in the warmth, laughter, and love of her family.

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