Ant and Dec One Shots

Daisy

Stephen had felt isolated and alone for far too long. Work had become relentless, each day blurring into the next, with friends drifting further out of reach. Ant and Dec, always juggling their own busy lives, checked in when they could. But even their thoughtful messages couldn't fill the aching void, the growing silence around him that felt heavier each day. Sometimes he wondered if anyone truly saw him anymore, if anyone knew how deeply he missed the warmth of genuine companionship.

One especially quiet evening, as the city lights flickered outside his window and loneliness settled in like an unwanted guest, Stephen made a decision. He couldn't keep waiting for connection to find him-he needed to seek it out. After hours of scrolling through local shelter websites, he found her: a golden retriever puppy named Daisy, with soft eyes that seemed to glow with kindness and a tiny, wagging tail. Her gentle spirit felt like a flicker of light in his dim world, and in that instant, he knew he'd found the companion he so desperately needed.

The moment Daisy came home, she became Stephen's shadow. Whether he was working, relaxing, or simply walking from room to room, she stayed at his side, her tiny paws padding alongside him, her presence a steady anchor. They took long walks through the neighbourhood, where her playful joy managed to draw smiles from strangers, a contagious warmth that filled Stephen's heart in a way he hadn't felt in years. At night, when silence crept in, he'd talk to her, sharing stories and secrets, feeling strangely comforted by her soft, attentive gaze. As the days passed, Daisy's quiet understanding began to ease something deep within him, a quiet healing he hadn't known he needed.

One rainy afternoon, about a month after adopting Daisy, Stephen fell asleep on the couch, Daisy nestled beside him, her soft breaths syncing with his. The room was filled with a gentle peace, as if her presence had brought a kind of magic to his life, a sense of comfort he'd almost forgotten was possible.

He hadn't expected visitors. But as the rain tapped against the windows, two familiar figures slipped into his flat, their faces softening when they spotted him on the couch, Daisy curled by his side. Ant and Dec had been worried; they'd seen the brightness in Stephen's eyes begin to fade, his once boisterous laughter growing quiet. That evening, they decided on a whim to surprise him, hoping to bring back a bit of the joy he had always brought into their lives.

They tiptoed into the cosy living room, the soft, grey light of the rainy afternoon casting a gentle glow. Ant knelt down, extending his hand toward Daisy. She blinked at him, her nose twitching as she took in his scent, then gave his fingers a curious lick before her tail began to thump softly, as if she sensed he was already part of her family.

Stephen stirred, blinking his eyes open, a smile spreading across his face as he realised who was there. "Hey...when did you two sneak in?"

Ant grinned, leaning close. "Just now. Didn't mean to crash nap time," he teased, nodding at Daisy. "And who's this little beauty?"

Stephen's gaze softened as he stroked her fur, a warmth filling his chest that he couldn't quite put into words. "This is Daisy," he murmured, his voice tender. "She's been my...my company. She's...a lifesaver, really."

Ant and Dec exchanged a look, understanding flashing in their eyes. Dec took a seat in the armchair while Ant settled beside Stephen, careful not to disturb Daisy, who nestled even closer to her owner, her tail thumping in approval of the new friends in her life.

The afternoon drifted by in warm conversation and laughter, the kind of easy talk that Stephen had missed so much. They caught up on everything-work, old stories, even a few shared worries. Daisy, sensing the peace in the room, rolled onto her back, and Ant scratched her belly with a smile, chuckling as she melted into his touch.

"She's a sweetheart," he said, meeting Stephen's gaze with a knowing look. "Just like her owner. Always here to bring the sunshine."

Stephen tried to brush off the comment, rolling his eyes, but he couldn't hide his smile. "She's kept me going these past few weeks. I don't know what I'd do without her."

The rain had let up by then, leaving the room filled with a soft, golden glow. Ant checked his watch, a reluctant sigh escaping him. "I'd better get going. The girls have their recital tonight, and if I'm late..." He gave Stephen a lingering hug, squeezing his shoulder as he pulled away. "Remember, mate-don't ever think you're alone. We're just a call away."

"I will," Stephen promised, his heart feeling just a little lighter. He watched as Ant left, a warm, reassuring look in his eyes that lingered even after the door closed behind him. Daisy's ears perked up, but as if sensing Stephen's need, she stayed curled beside him.

Dec, noticing the sadness still lingering in Stephen's eyes, stayed behind. Moving closer, he placed a gentle hand on Stephen's shoulder. "You know, you don't have to hold back with us. We're family, and that means being there for each other. Through all of it."

Stephen's gaze fell to Daisy, who had begun chewing on her toy, her tiny tail thumping in contentment. "It's just... been a lot. Daisy's helped, but..." He trailed off, searching for the right words to express the loneliness that had taken hold of him.

Dec moved even closer, his hand warm and steady on Stephen's shoulder. "We're here for you, you know. Ant and I-we don't want you to ever feel alone. You're like family to us. So please, let us be there for you."

A tear slipped down Stephen's cheek, and before he could brush it away, Dec pulled him into a tight, protective hug, wrapping him up in a warmth that broke through the ache. He held him close, rubbing his back in slow, reassuring circles, letting him know he didn't have to carry his burdens alone. Daisy, sensing the moment, hopped onto Stephen's lap, licking away his tears and curling up with a small sigh, her warmth a gentle reminder that love surrounded him.

As they sat in silence, Dec's arms a steady, comforting presence around him, Stephen felt a weight begin to lift. He looked around his cosy living room, at the familiar faces of his friends, at the sweet, loyal pup curled up in his lap, and for the first time in a long while, he felt truly at home.

When it was time for Dec to leave, Stephen hugged him tightly, gratitude swelling in his heart. "Thank you, Dec. For everything. I don't know what I'd do without you two."

Dec hugged him back, his voice soft but full of conviction. "Anytime, mate. And remember, you're our little brother. We're here for you, always."

With a final, reassuring smile and a gentle pat on Daisy's head, Dec slipped out the door, leaving Stephen in the warm glow of the quiet evening. Daisy curled up on his lap once more, her small body a promise that she'd never leave his side.

As the night settled in, Stephen sat there, Daisy's soft form pressed close, feeling the contentment he'd long been missing. He knew now, deep down, that no matter how far apart his friends might be, they were always just a heartbeat away, ready to bring light back into his life whenever he needed it most.