Cared For

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It was one of those lazy, rainy afternoons when the world outside felt distant, and everything inside Ant's flat was warm and cosy. Stephen was lounging on the couch, wrapped in a soft blanket, his eyes fluttering with sleep as the gentle rain tapped against the window. Ant and Dec were nearby, tidying up after a long day of work, but their minds were entirely on Stephen. They could see the subtle signs of weariness in his eyes, the way his shoulders drooped, and the way he didn't move much except to shift under the blanket.

Ant exchanged a look with Dec, and without a word, he crossed the room to sit beside Stephen on the couch. Gently, he lifted the blanket off his friend, noticing how Stephen instinctively curled in closer for warmth.

"Hey, baby boy," Ant cooed softly, his voice tender and soothing as he brushed a lock of hair from Stephen's face. "You've had a long day. How about we take care of you for a bit?"

Stephen blinked up at him, half-dazed but smiling, as he nodded. He hadn't realised how much he needed this-just the presence of his two best friends, offering comfort without any questions.

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up," Ant said, his hand gently cupping Stephen's cheek. "You've been so good today, so good for me and Deccy, and you deserve to relax."

Stephen couldn't help but feel his heart swell with affection. There was something so comforting in the way Ant and Dec treated him, like he was their responsibility to care for, a precious little one who never had to worry about a thing.

With careful hands, Ant helped Stephen to his feet, wrapping an arm around his waist to steady him. "No need to lift a finger, little one. Just let us take care of you," Ant murmured, guiding him toward the bathroom by lifting him onto his hip and carrying him like a toddler. Stephen allowed himself to lean into Ant's side, trusting him completely. He could feel the warmth of Ant's hand on his back, a constant source of comfort.

The bathroom was already prepared-steamy warmth filled the air, and soft towels were waiting. Ant turned on the shower, the warm water steaming up the mirrors, before gently pulling Stephen into the shower stall. Stephen shivered slightly as the water cascaded over them both, but Ant quickly wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close.

"There we go, nice and warm," Ant whispered, his voice full of affection. "Now, you just relax, baby boy. I've got you."

Stephen leaned into Ant's chest, feeling the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat and the steady warmth of his touch. Ant's hands moved with slow, careful motions, helping Stephen wash up without a single worry. It was like nothing else mattered in the world-just the two of them, surrounded by warmth and affection.

As Ant finished washing Stephen's hair, he pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, feeling Stephen's body relax completely under his care. "You're so precious, you know that?" Ant murmured, his voice full of adoration.

Stephen smiled, a soft, contented smile that reached his eyes. "I know," he whispered, his voice barely above a hum.

Ant chuckled, brushing his hand over Stephen's cheek before softly kissing his lips. "Good. Now, while we're at it, you're going to call me 'daddy' for me, okay? I want to hear it, little one."

Stephen blinked, a little taken aback, but the gentle tone in Ant's voice made him feel safe, cherished, and cared for. Without hesitation, he whispered, "Daddy."

"Louder, sweetheart, with feeling. You can do it, I believe in you," Ant encouraged, his smile widening at the way Stephen flushed slightly.

"Daddy," he said a lot firmer, with love deep in his heart.

Ant smiled wide, his heart swelling with love. He pulled Stephen into a tight hug, not caring about the soap suds or the water running down their bodies. "That's right," he said softly, pressing another kiss to Stephen's forehead. "You're my precious baby boy, and you don't have to do a thing. Just relax and let me take care of you here, whilst Uncle Deccy takes care of everything out there."

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