Ant and Dec One Shots

A Year With Stephen

When Ant took a year off, it wasn't just about his time to recharge after the drunk driving - it also meant Dec would have more time to explore a deeper bond with Stephen. It started out in a simple, almost unnoticeable way. At first, the absence of their usual third felt awkward, as if they were waiting for a missing puzzle piece to fall into place. But as the weeks turned into months, they grew closer, each moment subtly bringing them closer together.

The days started early. It was a routine now for Dec to pick up Stephen from his flat before heading to the set, the car ride filled with light-hearted chatter, shared playlists, and gentle teasing. The little things started to matter more-the way Stephen would steal glances at Dec, the way he'd pass him a cup of coffee without asking. The silence between them, rather than uncomfortable, was always companionable. They would laugh over the smallest things, inside jokes developing in the quiet moments of waiting, making each other smile with just a glance.

One morning, Stephen was waiting for Dec to finish getting ready. The soft hum of the shower echoed from the bathroom, and Stephen, sitting on the couch, absently flipped through a magazine, waiting for Dec to join him for breakfast. When Dec finally emerged, towel around his waist, hair damp, Stephen's gaze lingered for just a moment longer than usual. The way the light hit Dec's tousled hair, the sharp lines of his jaw, the warmth that seemed to radiate off him-Stephen's chest tightened unexpectedly.

"Ready for another day of torturing the crew?" Stephen asked lightly, his voice softer than usual.

Dec chuckled, running a hand through his wet hair. "If you're lucky, I'll let you be my sidekick." He pulled on a t-shirt, grinning at Stephen. "It's a big responsibility, you know?"

"Just don't get too attached to the title," Stephen teased, nudging Dec with his elbow. He was smiling, but there was a softness to his eyes, a warmth that had become an unspoken part of their routine.

During lunch breaks on set, they didn't have to talk to fill the silence. Often, they would share a sandwich, Dec leaning back in his chair, letting the sunlight warm his face. Stephen, sitting across from him, would pass him bits of food, their fingers brushing lightly in the exchange. No words were needed; it was a quiet comfort, the way they communicated in subtle gestures, the small moments that felt so intimate.

One afternoon, they were sitting on a bench outside, watching the crew make preparations for the next shot. Stephen had his arm casually draped over the back of the bench, and Dec leaned against him, eyes half-closed in the sun. "You ever think we'll just... keep doing this forever?" Stephen asked out of nowhere.

"Doing what? Filming?" Dec replied, looking over at him.

"Yeah, but... together," Stephen said, his words measured, like he was trying to get to something important. He wasn't sure how to phrase it, but there was an undeniable pull between them now, something that had grown in the months of spending nearly every moment side by side.

"I hope so," Dec said quietly, his voice a little deeper than usual. He didn't have to think about it-Stephen was now such an integral part of his life, he couldn't imagine not having him around.

They spent evenings at Dec's flat, watching movies or talking for hours on end, sharing their thoughts about everything and nothing. It was during these moments that their bond grew even more, moments that felt like they were only meant for the two of them. On one particularly quiet evening, Stephen had curled up on the couch, his head resting on Dec's shoulder as they watched a movie they'd both seen a dozen times. The light from the TV flickered across the room, casting soft shadows, and Dec absentmindedly ran his fingers through Stephen's hair, the motion so natural it seemed like he had always done it.

"You're so damn comfy," Stephen muttered, half-laughing, half-serious.

"I've been told," Dec replied with a grin, though there was something deeper in his gaze. He let his hand rest on Stephen's head for a moment longer before pulling away, but the gesture lingered in the air between them.

Their connection wasn't just about the sweet moments, though. It was about the quiet ways they understood each other. There were moments where Stephen would feel the weight of the world press down on him, the stress of work or life outside of the show, and Dec would be there, silently, without needing to ask, offering a shoulder to lean on or simply a warm, reassuring touch. The quiet understanding between them spoke volumes, and Stephen often found himself leaning into Dec's support, no longer afraid to show vulnerability.

Dec, on the other hand, found himself increasingly aware of Stephen's moods, too. He could tell when Stephen was holding back, when he was pretending everything was fine when it wasn't. And so, Dec would always ask-sometimes teasingly, sometimes more seriously-what was really going on inside his head. There was a growing comfort in that, the way they could just be themselves, without the pressure of the world around them.

As the months went by, the little nuances of their relationship became more pronounced. The small touches-the pat on the shoulder, the brush of hands, the way they would stand close, without even realising how much space they'd naturally filled together. They were in sync in ways that felt almost unexplainable. They would finish each other's sentences, laugh at the same time, or know when the other was about to speak.

It wasn't just about the laughter, either. It was the quiet moments, too. The way Dec would squeeze Stephen's hand just before a big performance, the soft, private smiles that passed between them when they saw something funny in the distance. There were so many little things they had come to share-a secret language, a rhythm that didn't need words.

Then, one afternoon, Ant returned. The shift was subtle at first. Ant was happy to see his friends, of course, but there was something about their interactions that felt different. It was the way Stephen and Dec exchanged glances across the room, the soft chuckles they shared over something only they understood. Ant caught the way they moved in sync, like they were operating on the same wavelength. It wasn't intentional, but it hit him hard-the little jokes, the shared looks, the way their laughter seemed to echo in a way that felt like an inside secret.

Ant smiled and tried to join in, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. They were closer now, the connection between Dec and Stephen palpable in a way it hadn't been before. It wasn't that Ant felt excluded-it was more that he felt like a third wheel, like he was intruding on something that had become theirs.

That night, as they sat together, Ant tried to brush it off, but the weight of it hung heavy in the air. He kept his distance, watching Dec and Stephen talk, feeling like he wasn't part of their world anymore.

It didn't take long for Dec and Stephen to notice. The way Ant withdrew into himself was obvious. They shared a silent look, the kind that had become second nature to them by now. And then, Dec made his move.

"Oi," he said softly, pulling Ant to the side when he noticed his distant behaviour. "You alright?"

Ant forced a smile, not wanting to admit how insecure he felt. "Yeah, just... got a lot on my mind."

Stephen appeared, walking up behind them, his eyes warm but knowing. "You know, you're not losing us, right?" he said, his voice steady and gentle.

Dec placed a hand on Ant's shoulder, his gaze firm but kind. "We're a team, mate. Always have been, always will be."

It took a moment, but Ant exhaled, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders. "I guess I just... I don't know," he started, the words catching in his throat. "I just don't want to be the odd one out. I've seen you two get so close this year, and it feels like I'm... well, it feels like I'm missing something."

Stephen smiled softly, stepping closer. "We've always been close, mate. But nothing changes between us. You're our friend. Our family."

Dec nodded, pulling Ant into a hug. "You belong with us, always."

From that moment on, they found their rhythm again. But now, it wasn't just about them all being friends-it was about the unbreakable bond that had formed between the three of them. Dec and Stephen had deepened their connection, yes, but Ant was never, ever going to be left behind.

And so, their trio continued, built on trust, love, and the shared memories of a year spent not just working, but living. Together.