Ant and Dec One Shots

A Blanket Of Comfort

Stephen pulled into Ant's driveway, the headlights briefly illuminating the familiar brick facade before he turned off the engine. He leaned back in the seat with a long, slow exhale, the kind that tried to release the heaviness he'd been carrying all day. The golden glow of the porch light spilled across the driveway, a small but steady promise of comfort waiting inside.

Tonight, he didn't need to explain himself. He didn't need words. He just needed the grounding presence of someone who made the world feel manageable again.

The front door creaked faintly as he let himself in, the sound as familiar as his own breath. Inside, the gentle hum of an old black-and-white movie filled the space, its soft dialogue mingling with the unmistakable aroma of buttered popcorn. It felt like stepping into a sanctuary.

Ant was exactly where Stephen knew he'd find him: sprawled on the sofa, a blanket draped over his legs, one hand absently cradling a bowl of popcorn. The flickering screen bathed his features in soft light, his eyes warm and welcoming as they lifted to meet Stephen's.

"Hey, love," Ant said, his voice low and inviting. "Rough day?"

Stephen didn't reply, at least not with words. He crossed the room, his steps slow but deliberate, and eased onto the sofa. Without hesitation, he leaned into Ant's chest, wrapping his arms tightly around him. His head tucked under Ant's chin, and he exhaled shakily, as if trying to anchor himself to something solid.

Ant shifted without a moment's pause, pulling the blanket over both of them and wrapping his arms securely around Stephen. "Come here, little one," he murmured, his voice gentle as his fingers began tracing soothing patterns along Stephen's back. He kissed the top of Stephen's head, lingering just long enough to let the warmth of the gesture seep in. "You're safe now. I've got you."

Stephen melted further into Ant, letting the steady rhythm of his breathing and the gentle strokes on his back pull him away from the restless floaty sensation in his mind.

The movie droned on in the background, but neither of them paid it any attention. Ant pressed another kiss to Stephen's temple, his lips brushing lightly. "You're my baby boy," he whispered. "So precious. So loved. Just let it all go, Stevie. You're home now."

Minutes passed, or maybe longer, before Stephen finally found his voice. "I feel... floaty," he admitted quietly, his tone uncertain. "Like I don't know where I'm supposed to be."

Ant's arms tightened just a fraction, a protective gesture that made Stephen feel grounded. Ant tilted Stephen's face up gently, his eyes filled with an unwavering tenderness. "Oh, my sweet Stevie," he murmured, kissing Stephen's forehead. "You're right where you're meant to be-right here, with me. You're never lost when I've got you, okay?"

Stephen's heart swelled, the weight of Ant's words settling into the cracks left by the day. He nodded slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

The moment was broken by the sound of the front door opening, followed by Dec's voice cutting through the stillness. "Ant? Stephen? I see how it is-you've started the cuddle fest without me."

Stephen couldn't help but chuckle, peeking out from beneath the blanket as Dec stepped into the room. His best mate's mock indignation was written all over his face, hands on his hips like a schoolteacher catching students mid-mischief.

"Sorry, mate," Ant quipped, his hand never stopping its soothing motion on Stephen's back. "But someone had to take the initiative."

Stephen grinned, a spark of mischief lighting his eyes. "Yeah, Dec. Besides, you were probably outside peeking through the window again."

Dec staggered back dramatically, clutching his chest. "Betrayal! Left out in the cold by my two favourite people."

Ant smirked, gesturing toward the sofa. "Get over here, you big drama queen. We saved you a spot."

Dec didn't need a second invitation. He kicked off his shoes and joined them, settling into the narrow space beside Stephen. With practised ease, he draped an arm around Stephen's waist and reached out to squeeze Ant's shoulder.

"Alright, Stevie," Dec said, leaning in to kiss Stephen's cheek softly. "Feeling a bit better now? You know we love you, don't you? Always."

Stephen's cheeks flushed at the affection, but his smile was brighter now. "Yeah," he murmured, glancing between the two of them. "I know. Love you both too."

They stayed like that, a snug tangle of limbs and warmth, laughter weaving through the quiet. Dec occasionally pressed more kisses to Stephen's cheek, each one met with a soft giggle. Ant, meanwhile, whispered sweet reassurances into Stephen's ear, his hand never leaving Stephen's back.

In that moment, the outside world ceased to exist. It was just the three of them, wrapped in the kind of love that felt like home. Stephen closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the safety of their embrace. Here, in their arms, he knew he'd always belong.