Ant and Dec One Shots

Seven Hours Of Neglect

The day had stretched long and quiet, with the soft tap of keys and the low murmur of conversations echoing from the home office. Ant and Dec were absorbed in their work, the familiar rhythm of their days slipping by unnoticed. Stephen, however, sat curled on the couch in the living room, his fingers absently scrolling through his phone, though his mind wandered. The occasional glance at the office door brought with it a growing sense of loneliness.

He knew they were busy, had known that from the start. It wasn't that he minded-he understood. Ant and Dec had projects, responsibilities that needed their focus. But as the hours passed without a single interruption from them, he couldn't help but feel as though something was missing. Their attention, their warmth. The playful teasing, the little touches, the way they would sneak in a kiss just because. The way they made him feel seen and adored.

Stephen's thoughts began to spiral, a deep yearning for their closeness tugging at his heart. Maybe they don't need me as much as I thought, he thought, his stomach tightening. Maybe I'm just... being needy. They've got a lot to do. I shouldn't be asking for attention. But... I miss them so much.

He tried to distract himself, flipping through social media, but nothing could hold his focus. He stood up, paced a little, hoping the movement would ease the ache in his chest, but it only made it worse. Finally, he couldn't sit still any longer.

Quietly, he made his way to the office door. He stood there for a moment, hesitating, wondering if he was just being silly. But the loneliness gnawed at him, and without another thought, he pushed the door open.

Ant and Dec were so wrapped up in their work that they didn't even notice him standing there, their backs to the door, heads bent over their laptops. Stephen stood there for a moment, unsure of how to announce himself, but the vulnerability inside him gave way to a quiet, shaky voice.

"Hey," he murmured, just loud enough for them to hear. "Can I... can I get some attention?"

The words felt small as they left his mouth, but the moment they did, he immediately regretted them. What if they're annoyed? he thought, shifting from foot to foot, the uncomfortable silence settling over him. What if they tell me to leave them alone?

Both men turned to face him at the same time, their expressions instantly shifting from surprise to concern. Ant's brows furrowed, his mouth opening as if to speak, but it was Dec who moved first, getting up from his desk in an instant.

Stephen didn't meet their eyes at first. He was trying, with everything he had, not to let the tears start to fall. He wasn't sure why it felt so hard to ask for attention, but there it was-a quiet fear that they'd turn him away. I've been fine on my own, he thought, but maybe they don't really want to be bothered right now. They've got enough on their plates.

But then Ant was there, pulling him into his arms, and Stephen was overwhelmed.

"Oh, baby boy," Ant whispered, his voice soft but filled with such warmth that it nearly made Stephen's knees buckle. He held Stephen close, his hands running soothingly up and down his back. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. We've been so wrapped up in work, haven't we? I should've checked in on you."

Stephen felt his chest tighten, the strain of trying to hold it together becoming too much. I just needed them... He pressed his face into Ant's chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace, but the tears came anyway.

"I didn't want to interrupt," Stephen said, his voice cracking. "But I've been... I've been so lonely today. And I thought maybe you'd be annoyed, or... or just too busy."

Dec's hand was on Stephen's shoulder now, his voice full of regret. "Oh, love, you're never an interruption," he said softly, brushing a thumb across Stephen's cheek to wipe away the tears. "You're everything to us. We should've been giving you attention, and we've let time slip by without even realising it."

Stephen's heart swelled in his chest, overwhelmed by the sincerity in their words. They really do care. They really love me... The thought made him almost dizzy.

"I just... I didn't want to be a burden," Stephen whispered, his voice shaking.

Ant gently cupped Stephen's face, lifting it so that their eyes met. His gaze was filled with tenderness, and Stephen could see the guilt there, but also a deep sense of care. "Baby," Ant murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You could never be a burden. Never. You're the light of our lives. We love you more than you could ever know, and we're so sorry for making you feel neglected. That was never our intention."

Stephen closed his eyes, resting against Ant's chest once more. He felt a weight lifting from his heart as the words sank in. It was so easy to feel like he was just one small part of their busy lives, but hearing their reassurances made him realise how wrong he had been to doubt their love.

"Can we make it up to you?" Dec asked, his voice hopeful as he pulled Stephen closer, joining Ant in the embrace. "We've been terrible. Let's just forget work tonight. We'll get takeaway, and we'll be with you. No more work distractions. Just us."

Stephen sniffled, shaking his head. "I just want to be with you both. That's all."

Ant kissed the top of Stephen's head gently. "Then that's exactly what we'll do. You're our priority tonight. We'll shower you with affection, I promise."

Dec gave Stephen's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Let me grab the food, yeah? You two get comfy."

With a quick nod, Dec stepped out of the room to place the order, leaving Ant and Stephen alone in the quiet of the office. Ant turned to Stephen, lifting his chin to look into his eyes once more.

"I love you so much," Ant said softly, his voice a low murmur. "I'm so sorry for making you feel alone. You are the most important person in my life, Stephen."

Stephen felt a rush of emotion flood through him. He wanted to speak, to say the words that were bubbling up inside, but instead, he just leaned forward and kissed Ant, his lips soft and full of love.

"I love you," Stephen whispered, his voice full of gratitude.

The three of them soon found their way to the bed, the warmth of the blankets offering an extra layer of comfort as they snuggled close together. Ant fed Stephen small bites of food, taking his time to make sure he was settled and relaxed. The three of them shared soft laughs and stories between bites, the closeness between them making everything feel right in the world.

As the night deepened, and they nestled together, the soft light of the TV casting a glow over the room, Stephen couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with affection. His heart was full, and every touch, every word, made him feel like the most loved person in the world.

Ant kissed him gently on the cheek, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're the most precious thing to us, sweetheart."

Dec leaned in to kiss the other side of Stephen's cheek. "Forever, love. Always. We're yours."

And as Stephen rested in the safety of their arms, the weight of the day seemed to melt away. He was home, in their arms, loved and cherished more than he ever thought possible.