Ant and Dec One Shots

Isla Helps Dec To Open UP

One sunny afternoon, five-year-old Isla was happily tending to her little garden, her small hands gently patting the soil around her favourite flowers. She loved her garden; it was her own special world of flowers and butterflies, and she often spent hours talking to her plants as if they were friends. But today, she overheard her dad, Dec, talking on the phone from the open kitchen window nearby.

"I just... I don't want Ant to know," he said in a low, weary voice. Isla's young mind didn't grasp everything he said, but she could hear the sadness in his tone, something heavy and tired. She didn't like it at all. Her daddy was always happy and full of fun, like a big kid. It made her stomach feel funny to hear him sounding so different.

After a few minutes of thinking hard, Isla made up her mind. She slipped out of the garden, leaving her little flowers behind, and headed down the familiar path toward her Uncle Ant's house, two doors away. She knew she didn't need permission; she went there all the time, and she had something important to say to him.

When she reached Uncle Ant's door, she knocked softly but with determination, her little fist tapping against the wood. A moment later, Ant opened the door and looked down to find her staring up at him with her biggest, most serious eyes.

"Isla! Hey, kiddo!" He beamed, crouching down to her level. "What's up?"

Isla shifted from foot to foot, nervously holding onto the edge of her dress. "Uncle Ant... I think... I think Daddy's sad," she said, her voice a little shaky. "But he said he didn't want you to know. Why wouldn't he want you to know?" Her brow furrowed as she looked up at him, her innocence mixed with genuine concern.

Ant's smile softened, and he gently patted her shoulder. "Oh, Isla, sometimes grown-ups have funny ideas about sharing their worries. They think they have to keep it to themselves, even from the people who love them the most. But thank you for telling me, love." He could tell that Dec must be feeling pretty low if it was affecting him this much. He'd noticed hints of it but hadn't realised how deeply it ran.

Then he got an idea. "How about a sneaky hot chocolate date, just us?" he asked her with a grin. Isla's eyes lit up, and she nodded excitedly, her concern easing just a little at the thought of their shared treat.

Ant sent a quick text to Ali, letting her know that Isla was safe with him for a little while, and soon enough, he and Isla were in the cosy kitchen, stirring warm milk and chocolate together. As she sat on the counter with her little hands wrapped around a mug, he listened to her describe what she'd heard from her dad's conversation, trying her best to put it into words that made sense.

"He sounded... sad, like he's got a really big boo-boo in his heart," she explained earnestly. "And it made me feel funny here," she added, pointing to her chest.

Ant's heart clenched. Isla's innocent worry only underscored how much Dec was holding in. He needed to check on him. He texted Ali again and suggested that Dec come by to pick Isla up when he could. A few minutes later, Dec arrived, giving Isla a warm smile as he took her hand, though Ant could still see the tension in his eyes.

"I'll bring her home and tuck her in," Dec said, trying to smile, but his voice was quieter than usual.

Back home, Dec gently tucked Isla into bed, brushing a stray curl from her forehead as she yawned and snuggled into her blanket. "Goodnight, my little flower," he whispered, kissing her cheek softly.

"Daddy?" she mumbled sleepily. "You'll feel better, right?"

Her innocent words hit him deeply, and he felt a lump in his throat. "Yeah, sweetheart. I'll be okay," he murmured, giving her one last squeeze before she drifted off.

Taking a deep breath, he returned to Ant's house, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and relief. As soon as he stepped inside, he felt Ant's familiar presence and found comfort in the warmth of his best friend's living room, dimly lit and cosy.

Without saying a word, Ant pulled him in for a hug, and it was like a dam broke. All the stress Dec had been bottling up for weeks-the weight of work, expectations, and the worry of not measuring up-came spilling out as he held onto Ant, tears streaming down his face. Ant didn't rush him or pry; he just kept a steady hand on his back, letting Dec speak when he was ready.

"It's just... I feel like everything's falling apart, and I can't keep up. I'm supposed to hold it all together, but it feels like it's all slipping away." Dec's voice cracked as he tried to explain, his usual energy replaced by sheer exhaustion. "I didn't want to worry you, mate. But... it's too much sometimes."

Ant squeezed his shoulder, his voice calm and steady. "Listen, Dec, you're not alone in this. I'm right here, and I'll always be here. You're not letting anyone down. You don't have to carry it all by yourself." He looked into his friend's eyes, holding his gaze. "You don't have to be strong all the time. I'll be strong for you, okay?"

Hearing those words, Dec finally allowed himself to fully let go, crying openly. It felt like a massive weight was being lifted off him, all the pent-up feelings finally finding their release. They talked late into the night, with Ant quietly reassuring him, keeping a comforting hand on his shoulder. By the time Dec went home, his heart felt a little lighter, his mind calmer. He was exhausted but relieved, knowing he didn't have to handle everything alone.

The next morning, Dec woke up feeling a little more like himself. He and Isla spent the morning baking cookies together, flour dusting her nose as she carefully helped him stir the dough. They laughed as she eagerly tried to shape each cookie, her tiny hands patting the lumps of dough with all her effort. She was his "little chef," and he couldn't have been prouder.

By midday, they brought the freshly baked cookies to Ant's house. Dec gave Ant a warm, grateful look as he handed over the plate. "Thanks, mate. For everything," he said quietly, a hint of emotion in his voice.

Ant grinned, ruffling Isla's hair before leading them into the living room. The trio settled in for a cosy afternoon, watching Disney movies, with Isla happily nestled between them, munching on cookies. Ant and Dec exchanged smiles, content in each other's presence, finding peace in their shared company. They knew they'd always have each other's backs, through the tough times and the laughter, and today, they savoured the simple comfort of being together.