Ant and Dec One Shots

The Gift Of Love

It had been six months since Stephen had been invited into Ant and Dec's relationship. Six months of laughter, affection, and countless moments that made him feel special-yet there was always that gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach. No matter how much Ant and Dec showered him with love, a small voice inside his head refused to be silenced, whispering doubts he couldn't quite shake.

Do they really want me here? Am I just a phase? Is this what they truly want, or am I simply the third wheel?

It wasn't like he didn't feel loved-he did, more than he could ever describe. But sometimes, when he saw the way Ant and Dec looked at each other, the closeness they shared, the private glances and inside jokes they had before he came into the picture, he couldn't help but wonder. Maybe it was just easier for them now. Maybe they were just being kind to him, not because they truly wanted him but because they felt sorry for him.

It didn't help that, no matter how hard he tried to push the thoughts away, the anxiety kept creeping in, tightening around his chest, every day more and more. Every time they made him laugh or held him close, his mind would rush to the same terrifying place: What if they decide this isn't right? What if I mess it all up?

Tonight, though, was supposed to be different. Ant and Dec had planned a special evening for him-a surprise celebration, just for him. A way to show him how much they cared.

The room was warm, filled with the scent of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. Candles flickered softly on the table, and the atmosphere was cosy, intimate. Ant and Dec had set the scene perfectly. His favourite snacks lined the coffee table, and the soft hum of music filled the background. It all seemed perfect, a dream come true.

But the anxiety in his chest didn't go away. He could see the way they kept exchanging looks, the tenderness in their smiles. They were so natural together-so perfect. So why does it feel like I'm just here because they have to be?

As they invited him to sit between them on the couch, he hesitated for a moment, then joined them. The space felt too small for all the emotions bubbling inside him. The laughter was there, but it felt distant. The affection they shared with him felt like a gift, but part of him couldn't help but wonder if he truly deserved it.

"Come on, Stevie," Dec coaxed, grinning widely, his eyes full of warmth. He patted the spot next to him on the couch. "Come sit with us, mate. We've got a surprise."

Stephen forced a smile and moved over, trying to push the thoughts out of his head. He sat between them, their familiar, comforting presence beside him. But it felt too close, too overwhelming. His heart pounded in his chest. The love, the care, the tenderness-they all felt too much.

"Now," Ant grinned, his voice light and teasing, but with a warmth Stephen couldn't ignore, "We've got something special for you tonight."

Stephen's hands trembled as Dec handed him a small box wrapped in soft blue paper. It was beautiful, delicate. But he could already feel the lump in his throat, the sudden pressure building behind his eyes. He unwrapped the paper slowly, trying to hide his trembling hands, and revealed the gift-a sleek silver watch, its surface catching the light.

The engraving caught his breath: For the man who makes our world brighter.

His vision blurred with tears before he could stop it. He couldn't understand it. Why? Why would they give him something so beautiful, so personal? Why did they think he deserved this when he constantly wondered if they really wanted him?

He could feel the tears welling up, his chest tightening as the emotions swelled. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. His heart was breaking with love and doubt, and the anxiety that had been building for months finally burst free.

Before he could stop it, a sob escaped his lips. His hands covered his face as his body trembled, unable to control the onslaught of emotion.

"Hey, hey, Stevie," Ant's voice was full of concern, soft as he pulled him gently into his arms, wrapping him in the safety of his embrace. "What's going on, love?"

Stephen tried to speak, but all he could do was shake his head, overwhelmed by the flood of feelings he couldn't put into words. The weight of it all was too much.

Dec moved closer too, his hand smoothing over Stephen's back. "Talk to us, darling. Please."

Stephen could feel their warmth, the care they were pouring into him, but it felt so heavy. How could they truly love him when his own insecurities were making him doubt every moment? He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold it together, but the dam broke, and he felt the words rush out of him before he could stop them.

"I- I don't know how to say this," he whispered, his voice trembling, "But I keep wondering... Do you really want me here? Every day, I think about it. I feel like I'm just... here because you feel bad for me, or... or because I fit some idea. I don't want to be in the way. I just don't know if I really belong. I don't know if you love me the way you love each other. I can't help but feel like one day you'll realise I don't belong here."

The words fell from his lips in a rush, raw and vulnerable. The fear that had haunted him for so long finally spilled out, leaving him exposed and trembling in their arms. His face was still buried in his hands, his tears falling freely now.

There was a long silence, and for a moment, Stephen thought he might've ruined everything. But then he felt the soft press of Dec's lips on his forehead, the warmth of Ant's hands cupping his face, gently tilting his head up to meet their eyes.

"Stevie," Ant whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "this is everything we've ever wanted. You are everything we've ever wanted."

Stephen blinked, his eyes still brimming with tears, but he couldn't look away. His heart beat so loudly in his chest that he could hear it over the voice inside his head that had caused him so much pain.

"We love you," Dec continued, his voice steady but full of affection. "You're not a replacement. You're not something we added just to make it work. We chose this, every single day. We wanted you, Stevie. We love you. And we will keep choosing you. Always."

Stephen's breath caught in his throat. He didn't know how to process it-how to let himself believe it after all the doubts that had gnawed at him. But as he looked into their eyes, he could see the truth there. They weren't just saying this-they meant it. The love they were offering him wasn't conditional; it was unwavering.

"You really love me?" Stephen whispered, barely able to get the words out through the lump in his throat.

"Always, little one," Ant said, his voice filled with a tenderness that broke through Stephen's defences. "We've always loved you. You are exactly what we wanted, Stevie. You're not a mistake, not a burden. You're our family, our little one, and that will never change."

Dec nodded, his hand resting on Stephen's chest, just above his heart. "You belong here, with us. And nothing will ever make us question that."

Tears streamed down Stephen's face, but this time, they were tears of relief. The weight of the doubt that had been holding him down was lifted, replaced with an overwhelming sense of love, of belonging. He let himself fall into their arms, feeling safe, cherished, and loved.

"I love you both so much," Stephen whispered, his voice shaking with emotion, and the sincerity in his words made both Ant and Dec's hearts swell.

"And we love you, little one," Dec murmured, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

Ant leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips. "Always, Stevie. We'll never stop loving you."

They held him close, their arms wrapped around him, offering him the love and warmth he so desperately needed. And in that moment, Stephen finally believed it. He was not just there-he was wanted. He was loved. And he would always belong with Ant and Dec, now and forever.