Ant and Dec One Shots

Affection Overload Misunderstandings

It had been a tough week for Stephen. The comments, the whispers, the people who thought they knew him better than his closest friends-it all stung. But what hurt even more was seeing the way Ant and Dec were reacting. They weren't the kind of people who let negativity get to them, but lately, they had been more affectionate, more tender with him than usual. It wasn't just the usual cheek kisses or playful teasing. No, this was different. They were calling him 'darling' and 'sweetheart', using soft, intimate nicknames that felt out of place for their friendship-a friendship that had always been built on jokes and pranks.

At first, Stephen had assumed it was a joke-a prank, maybe, one of their ways of making light of things. But as the days went on, he realised something was wrong. They were treating him like he was fragile. More than usual, they were doting on him-running errands for him, holding him close when they could, giving him tight hugs, sometimes even squeezing him like they never wanted to let go. The touches were gentle, affectionate, like they always were, but also loaded with something unspoken, something that made his chest tighten with a mix of warmth and confusion.

Why are they doing this? he wondered. Are they pitying me? Or do they know something I don't?

It felt nice. Too nice. But it also felt strange. Why were they doing this?

The shift was subtle at first, the kind of thing that was easy to brush off if you weren't paying attention. Dec would gently pat his back while handing him a drink, calling him darling in a soft voice that felt unusually tender.

Ant would kiss the top of his head, whispering, "Love you, baby boy," like they were trying to reassure him about something. And all Stephen could do was smile weakly, not quite understanding it, yet finding comfort in the gestures. They made him feel cared for, adored-but why now? Why the sudden change?

The warmth in their words and the care in their touch began to feel like a balm for his wounds, yet it only deepened his uncertainty. Am I overthinking this? he asked himself. But they never acted like this before. Not even when I needed them the most and even then they were so protective and adoring on him.

As the week wore on, the affectionate gestures kept coming, more frequent and tender than ever. Ant would pull him into a hug just because, rubbing his back in slow circles as though he were trying to soothe him. Dec would smile at him in a way that felt too warm, his eyes lingering a little longer than usual. The soft kisses, the babying, the doting-they made Stephen feel safe, but also increasingly unsettled. There was something in their behaviour that felt... like they were preparing him for something. Something he didn't want to hear.

What's going on? His mind raced. Why the sudden change?

By the end of the week, Stephen had reached his breaking point. The gestures were sweet, but there was an underlying tension that made his stomach churn. Am I a burden to them? The idea nagged at him, and it made him feel worse with each passing day. I need to know what's going on.

He couldn't take it anymore. He needed to know. He was on the verge of breaking down by this point.

So, he did what he did best: he showed up at their door unannounced, nothing new to their friendship, because they could just show up without a warning.

Ant and Dec were lounging on the couch, having just finished a long day of work, when Stephen knocked lightly on the door. When they saw him, both of them immediately stood, smiles so bright they could blind him, any exhaustion they had on their faces instantly melting away.

"Stephen!" Dec exclaimed, his voice warmer than ever, and his arms immediately opened wide. "Come in, darling."

Stephen hesitated in the doorway, a frown furrowing his brow. The concern was evident in his eyes. What's going on? His heart was racing now. Why are they being so sweet?

"What's going on? You've been so... so nice to me lately. I mean, extra nice. Are you... are you guys okay?" He stepped inside, his voice shaking slightly as his gaze bounced between them. He could feel the knot in his stomach tightening. Something's off. Something's wrong, really wrong.

They exchanged a quick, knowing glance before Ant stepped forward, pulling Stephen into a tight hug. The embrace was warm, enveloping him like he was the most important person in the world. Why are they hugging me like this? Stephen thought, feeling a strange mix of comfort and confusion, but he didn't hate it, quite the opposite, actually. Why do I feel like I'm being protected?

"We're fine, little beauty," Ant said softly, kissing Stephen's forehead as he held him close. "Better than fine."

"Better than fine?" Stephen asked, his voice trembling slightly as he pulled away. He swallowed, trying to steady his breath. What is going on? Why are they acting like this? "You've been calling me 'darling' and 'sweetheart'... you never do that unless there's something wrong." He narrowed his eyes as tears welled up. His concern deepened, his voice breaking as he added, "Are you guys sick? Or is something happening? Are you... dying or something?"

Both Ant and Dec laughed softly, a sound that didn't quite reach their eyes. They exchanged a brief, almost unreadable look before Dec answered, his voice gentle and sincere. "Oh, no, sweetheart, nothing like that. We just-" He paused, collecting his thoughts, his gaze soft and full of tenderness. "We saw some comments online, and it really hurt. People saying that they didn't think we cared about you, or that we weren't really friends."

Stephen's heart clenched. They're acting like this because of me? He felt overwhelmed, the realisation crashing over him. He had known about the comments, of course, but he hadn't realised they were affecting Ant and Dec this much, because they never seemed to mind comments, having had them since they were kids. He blinked, trying to understand their words, but the lump in his throat made it hard to speak.

They really care that much... His chest tightened with emotion.

"These things don't usually affect us," Ant added, his voice quiet but filled with emotion, "but seeing those videos-hearing people talk about us like that-it hurt more than anything. Because we never want to come across that way. Not with you. You're like a little brother to us, love."

Stephen felt a sting in his chest, his eyes stinging with un-shed tears. They see me as family... like a brother...

"We didn't want you to feel like we weren't showing you how much you mean to us," Ant continued, his hand running affectionately through Stephen's hair. The touch lingered, gentle and possessive in a way that made Stephen's heart flutter. Why does this feel like I'm being cherished, more than how they usually treat me? "Those words made us realise that maybe we weren't doing enough to remind you how loved you are. So, we've been going overboard with the affection. We just want to make sure you know."

Stephen's chest tightened. It wasn't that he had doubted their love-it was just that hearing it like this, seeing it in their eyes, made him feel something deeper than he had ever expected. A mixture of gratitude, guilt, and love washed over him. He shook his head, a small laugh escaping his lips as he wiped at his eyes. "Guys... you don't have to do this. I know you love me." He swallowed again, his voice a little hoarse. "Honestly... what do some random strangers know about us?"

Ant and Dec exchanged another glance, their eyes softening with affection, before Dec stepped closer. He reached for Stephen's hands, holding them gently in his. "We know you know, my beloved. But we just want to make sure you never doubt it. Not for a second."

Stephen smiled, the weight in his chest finally beginning to lift. This is love. This is real. He grinned at them, his voice cracking slightly as he said, "You two are crazy. But I love you. I always have. You're like brothers to me, you know that?"

Ant leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, lingering for just a second longer than usual. "Love you, darling. Don't ever forget that."

Stephen's heart swelled. The worries, the uncertainty, the doubts-they all melted away in that moment. He chuckled softly, wiping his eyes again as he muttered, "You're impossible," but his voice was thick with affection. They're my family. Always.