Ant and Dec One Shots

Emily

Stephen took a deep breath as he glanced across the candle lit table at Ali, Dec, Ant, and Anne-Marie. The soft flicker of the candles cast a warm glow over the intimate restaurant, its cosy ambience offering a sense of comfort, but Stephen's nerves still buzzed in his chest. The evening felt significant. He had planned it meticulously-every detail, from the setting to the timing, had been chosen to make the night feel perfect. Tonight wasn't just dinner; it was a moment of vulnerability, a step forward in his life with Emily.

He glanced at her beside him, her hand resting gently over his on the table. She looked stunning in the emerald-green dress that complemented her complexion perfectly, but her tight grip told another story. Her fingers trembled ever so slightly, betraying her nervousness. Stephen squeezed her hand gently, brushing his thumb against her knuckles to offer silent reassurance.

Her eyes met his, filled with quiet anxiety. He knew how much she respected Ant and Dec, and that made the weight of this moment heavier for her. She had confessed, countless times, how much their friendship meant to her-how much Ant and Dec's bond had gotten her through dark times. She had admired them for years, and now, here she was, sitting across from them, hoping not to disappoint.

As the conversation around the table shifted to lighthearted chatter, Stephen couldn't help but notice Emily's eyes drifting toward the restroom. With a quiet smile and a barely noticeable nod, she excused herself, clearly needing a moment to breathe.

Once she was out of earshot, Dec leaned over, his usual playful grin replaced with a subtle frown. "Mate, is she alright? She seems a little... tense," he asked in a tone softer than usual, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

Ant, too, was watching Stephen closely, his brow furrowing with worry. "Yeah, mate. She looked like she might faint back there. We don't want her feeling like she's under a microscope, you know?"

Stephen sighed, the weight of the situation pressing against his chest. "She's just... overwhelmed," he admitted, glancing toward the restroom with a mixture of concern and understanding. "She's convinced herself that if you two don't like her, it could ruin everything. You mean the world to me, and she feels like she has to live up to that. But it's more than that." His voice softened, his own nerves creeping in. "She's always idolized you both. You don't know this, but 'Saturday Night Takeaway'... it literally saved her when she was younger. She'd watch it to escape her... her life at home. She still laughs at old clips when I come home. I've found her in tears, just laughing at you two getting up to mischief. It's so much to live up to for her."

Ali and Anne-Marie exchanged a glance, their expressions filled with compassion. Anne-Marie leaned forward, her voice gentle. "Poor thing. She doesn't have to prove anything to us. We'll make sure she feels right at home tonight."

When Emily returned, she seemed lighter somehow, her shoulders no longer stiff with tension. Dec turned to her, his voice full of warmth. "Emily, Stephen's told us this night means a lot to him, but honestly? We're just here to get to know you. You're part of his life, and that means you're already part of ours." He nudged Stephen playfully. "We're just a couple of lads, trying to make you feel at home."

Emily's tense smile wavered, and she let out a small, nervous laugh. "I hope so... It's just... I really want to make a good impression," she admitted, glancing down at her hands.

Ant's voice was a soft comfort as he added, "If you make Stephen happy, then you're already doing something right. That's all we want." His smile was genuine, warm, and full of reassurance.