The evening had settled quietly in Ant and Dec's living room, the soft glow of the lamps casting a peaceful ambience that seemed to hold the entire room in a gentle embrace. The last traces of daylight had slipped away, leaving the night to envelop the space in a warm, tranquil hush, like a blanket wrapped around the world. The air was heavy with the scent of fresh jasmine from the garden outside, mingling with the comforting aroma of warm tea on the table.
Stephen had arrived earlier that day, his energy drained from the long, exhausting week of work. The usual sparkle in his eyes had dimmed, his movements slower, his body weighed down by the constant pressure of his responsibilities. It was as if the weight of the world had settled on his shoulders, invisible yet suffocating. God, I'm so tired... Stephen thought, his mind heavy with the exhaustion that seemed to seep into his bones. But despite it, the familiar comfort of Ant and Dec's home offered a soft kind of respite, even if his body didn't quite agree.
Ant noticed it first. Stephen had slumped into the armchair, eyes unfocused, shoulders hunched, a mere shadow of the energetic person he usually was. The usual brightness of his presence had been replaced by an air of quiet exhaustion, and the room, which was often filled with laughter, seemed to grow stiller in response.
"Stevie?" Ant's voice was soft but full of concern, cutting through the quiet like a gentle wave. He's been working too hard again, Ant thought, his heart aching a little at the sight of his friend like this. "Come on, little one," he coaxed, crossing the room with easy steps. "Movie night. You need a break."
Stephen's response was a small, weary smile, the kind that didn't reach his eyes, but it was enough to make Ant's heart swell. I really don't want to move... Stephen thought, but he knew Ant wouldn't let him stay like this. With a reluctant sigh, he allowed his hand to be taken by Ant, feeling the warmth of his fingers close around his own.
Dec, already preparing the sofa, fluffed up the pillows and spread the blankets into a cosy, inviting pile. He turned to Stephen with a reassuring smile, his eyes soft with unspoken affection. "You're not lifting a finger tonight," Dec promised, his voice a balm to Stephen's frayed nerves. "Just relax, yeah?"
Stephen let out a soft, weary sigh and nodded, his body already too tired to fight the comfort being offered. He could feel the tension in his shoulders begin to ease, just from Dec's presence. They always know what I need, Stephen thought, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite the exhaustion.
Ant moved to pull him into a tight, comforting embrace, and the warmth of Ant's arms around him was a welcome relief, grounding him, reminding him that for once, he could surrender the fight. The familiar scent of Ant's cologne, a mix of sandalwood and something faintly citrus-y, filled his senses. I missed this... I missed them, Stephen thought, leaning in closer, pressing himself into the warmth of Ant's chest. The steady thrum of Ant's heartbeat under his ear was like a lullaby, coaxing him to let go.
Dec smiled warmly, his gaze lingering on Stephen with the quiet understanding only he and Ant shared. He moved to settle beside them, his hand instinctively reaching for Stephen's as he nestled close. "We've got you, baby boy," Dec murmured, his voice low and steady as he helped arrange the blankets around them. He brushed his fingers through Stephen's hair, the soft strands slipping through his fingers like silk. He's so precious, Dec thought fondly. He pressed a soft kiss to Stephen's temple, the touch so tender it felt like a promise, a silent vow to protect and care for him. "Just you, us, and no work. That's all that matters tonight."
Stephen's heart swelled with the love that enveloped him, and he let himself sink deeper into the softness of the moment, trusting them completely. Every breath he took seemed to sync with theirs, a rhythm of calmness he hadn't realised he'd been craving. This is all I need, he thought, closing his eyes for just a second, letting the peacefulness wash over him. Ant gently rubbed his back in slow, soothing circles, each motion a silent reassurance that he didn't have to be strong tonight, didn't have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"You don't need to do anything right now, sweetheart," Ant whispered, his voice thick with affection, as if he were speaking directly to Stephen's heart. "Just let us take care of you."
Dec leaned in, his breath warm against Stephen's ear, and whispered words of comfort. "You're safe with us, little one," he murmured, his lips grazing the skin of Stephen's cheek. "No more work tonight. Just us."
Stephen's eyelids fluttered, the exhaustion that had been gnawing at him all week finally beginning to release its grip. His body melted against them, the tension draining away like water flowing down a stream, slowly and peacefully. I can finally breathe again, Stephen thought as he let himself go, wrapped in the embrace of their care.
Ant pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head, the warmth of his lips lingering there, a silent affirmation of his love. He's so perfect... he deserves this, Ant thought, his lips curving into a soft smile as he tucked Stephen closer, enveloping him in an even deeper cocoon of love.
Dec continued to murmur sweet nothings, his words like soft rain falling on Stephen's soul. "You've been working so hard, Stevie," Ant added quietly, his lips brushing against Stephen's neck in a tender kiss, the sensation warm and grounding. "You deserve to rest. Let us pamper you tonight."
Stephen let out a deep, contented breath, the gentle rhythm of Ant's hand on his back lulling him further into a peaceful daze. The movie began to play in the background, its familiar melody barely a whisper to the softness of the room. It wasn't the movie that soothed him, but the warmth of the space, the steady presence of his two closest friends, the soft kisses, and the rhythm of their breathing. This is my safe place, Stephen thought, feeling completely at home in their care.
As the movie played on, Stephen remained nestled between them, his body curled up with a content smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His eyelids fluttered closed, and he napped peacefully through it, knowing, deep down, that there was no place he'd rather be. Every so often, Ant would press a kiss to his forehead, his lips lingering for a moment before he tucked Stephen closer, enveloping him in an even deeper cocoon of love. Dec would gently brush his hair back from his face, his thumb grazing his cheek in the softest caress, a silent vow to always keep him safe. I'm loved. I'm safe. I'm home, Stephen thought, his heart swelling with the quiet certainty of their affection.
When the movie finally ended, Stephen stirred, blinking his eyes open slowly to the soft warmth of his two best friends still beside him. He could feel the last traces of his fatigue melting away, replaced by a comforting sense of peace, like coming home after a long journey. I could stay like this forever...
"Feeling better, love?" Dec asked, his voice soft and full of concern as he pressed a kiss to Stephen's cheek, the touch lingering in a way that made Stephen's heart swell.
"Much better," Stephen replied, his voice barely a whisper, a contented smile spreading across his face. "But don't stop pampering me just yet."
Ant chuckled, his arm still securely around Stephen's shoulders as he pulled him closer, as if unwilling to let go of the precious moment. "Of course not, Stevie. We're not letting you lift a finger. You deserve to be spoiled this weekend."
And spoil him they did. They kept him cosy and content, feeding him snacks, playing his favourite films, and making sure he felt cherished every moment. Each small act of care was a reminder of how much he was loved, and how safe he was with them.
Stephen didn't resist. He let go of the pressure he always carried, allowing himself to bask in their affection and warmth. For the entire weekend, he let Ant and Dec take the reins, indulging in their care and adoration. He felt like a child again, safe in their presence, where nothing could hurt him. I never want this to end, Stephen thought, letting their love wash over him.
As the weekend passed, Stephen grew more and more content, wrapped in the cocoon of their love. Every touch, every word, filled him with a deep sense of belonging and warmth. He knew, without a doubt, that he had found something truly special in Ant and Dec-something that made him feel cherished, seen, and deeply loved.
And as he drifted back to sleep, nestled against their chests, he knew he could finally let go of the exhaustion that had weighed him down for so long. Because with them, he was home.
YOU ARE READING
Ant and Dec One Shots
FanfictionAnt and Dec have had a profound impact on my life, bringing joy and laughter during both the good times and the tough ones. Their infectious energy and genuine camaraderie create a sense of warmth that feels like spending time with friends. Their ab...