Ant and Dec One Shots

Home Is Where You Are

Stephen sighed as he sat alone in his flat, the hum of the television providing little comfort. A rerun of some panel show flickered on the screen, but he wasn't paying attention. His phone sat on the coffee table, the screen lit up as he scrolled through an endless stream of updates. Smiling faces, big announcements, and snapshots of perfect moments flashed before him, none of which did anything to ease the quiet ache in his chest. He missed them-more than he cared to admit to himself.

The flat felt emptier tonight, the kind of emptiness that echoed. With a sudden burst of determination, Stephen grabbed his keys from the hook by the door. He didn't bother with a jacket; the walk wasn't far. There was no need to text or call ahead. Ant and Dec had made it clear time and time again-our home is your home. It was the one place where he never felt like he had to ask for permission to just be.

The late autumn air nipped at his cheeks as he walked the familiar path, the streetlights casting a soft glow on the pavement. He arrived within minutes, the warmth of their house a stark contrast to the chill outside. The faint scent of vanilla candles greeted him as he stepped inside, mingling with the comforting aroma of something freshly baked. The distant hum of a football match playing on the TV felt like a welcome embrace.

Stephen paused in the hallway, listening. Their voices carried softly from the living room, a mix of casual banter and laughter. He didn't hesitate to slip off his shoes and make his way toward them. Ant and Dec were sprawled on the couch, dressed in matching sweatshirts, the kind they always teased each other about wearing but clearly loved.

Dec noticed him first, his face lighting up in surprise and delight. "Stephen!" he said warmly, sitting up a little straighter. "Didn't know you were coming over, mate. Everything okay?"

Stephen didn't answer right away. Instead, he crossed the room, his movements deliberate yet unhurried. Without a word, he curled into Ant's chest, resting his head against the familiar steadiness of his friend's heartbeat. Ant didn't need to ask any questions; his arms automatically encircled Stephen, holding him close like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Hey, hey," Ant murmured, his voice low and soothing. He rested his chin lightly on Stephen's head, his tone filled with gentle concern. "What's this, eh? What's got you down, little one?"

Dec shifted closer, his hand already reaching out to rub soothing circles on Stephen's back. His voice was soft, almost a whisper. "You okay, love? Talk to us."

Stephen swallowed, the tightness in his chest easing slightly as he spoke. "Just... felt a bit lonely," he admitted, his voice muffled against Ant's sweatshirt. There was no shame in the admission, only a quiet vulnerability that he knew they would never take for granted.

Ant's arms tightened around him, a protective warmth radiating from his embrace. "Well, you're not lonely anymore, are you? You're with us now, yeah?"

"Exactly," Dec added, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Stephen's temple. "We've got you, baby boy." The nickname drew a faint smile from Stephen, one that made Dec's heart ache with affection.

For a long while, they didn't speak. The three of them stayed huddled together on the sofa, the soft glow of the television casting shadows around the room. Ant's steady grip anchored Stephen, while Dec's gentle touch on his back provided a constant reassurance. Every so often, one of them would murmur words of comfort:

"You're safe with us, Stevie."
"We're not letting you go anywhere, little one."
"You mean everything to us."

Stephen felt himself melting into their care, his breathing evening out as the tension slowly left his body. He was surrounded by warmth-both physical and emotional. The ache that had gnawed at him just an hour ago was replaced by a quiet, contented happiness. This was where he belonged. Here, with them, he was never alone.

"You two always know how to make everything better," Stephen murmured, his voice soft and drowsy. His eyes fluttered shut, and he let out a small, contented sigh.

Dec smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of Stephen's face before giving him one last kiss on the temple. "That's what we're here for, sweetheart."

"And you know you can come to us anytime," Ant added, his voice firm but loving. "Doesn't matter when, doesn't matter why. You're our little one."

Stephen gave a faint nod, his lips curving into a peaceful smile. "I know," he whispered.

As the night wore on, the three of them stayed on the couch, cocooned in love and comfort. The flicker of the TV, the warmth of the blankets, and the quiet strength of their bond made the rest of the world fade away. In that moment, nothing else mattered.