Ant and Dec One Shots

Baking And A Show

Ant and Dec arrived at Stephen's doorstep with mischievous grins, a shared spark of excitement lighting up their eyes. With the afternoon free, they'd instantly agreed that spending it with Stephen was the perfect way to break from their usual routines. They didn't knock-they didn't need to. Their friendship was solid enough that they could walk in like they belonged, and today, that was exactly what they did.

As the door creaked open, they were greeted by the faint sounds of music-something lively, with a touch of drama-and the mouthwatering, warm, sugary aroma of something sweet baking, drifting through the hallway like a welcoming hug. The smell was intoxicating, teasing them with the promise of both comfort and indulgence.

Following the scent and melody, they rounded the corner into the kitchen, only to be met with a sight that made them pause. There, standing at the counter, was Stephen, utterly absorbed in an impassioned rendition of Chicago's "Cell Block Tango." His voice rose and fell with the song's darkly playful lyrics, each note dripping with exaggerated drama as he moved around, mixing ingredients with a passion that made it hard to believe he wasn't auditioning for Broadway. His flour-dusted cheek, his hands expertly wielding a spatula, and the way his body moved rhythmically to the beat of the song-everything about him was perfectly in tune with the moment.

Ant and Dec exchanged amused, fond glances, both of them secretly admiring Stephen's effortless charm. Dec, ever the impish one, couldn't resist capturing the moment. With a sly grin, he pulled out his phone, snapping a quick photo just as Stephen hit an especially intense note, his expression a perfect blend of fierce concentration and theatrical flair.

The snap of the camera was followed by a soft ping-the sound of Stephen's phone vibrating on the counter.

Stephen, mid-performance, glanced down, raised an eyebrow, then looked up to find both of them standing in the doorway, grinning widely. Without missing a beat, he locked eyes with them, his lips curling into a teasing smirk as he leaned into the song, playing up the drama even further.

Ant and Dec couldn't help but burst into laughter, unable to contain their joy at the sight. They crossed the kitchen in quick strides, their laughter echoing around the room, until they reached Stephen. As the final, dramatic notes of the song rang out, they wrapped their arms around him in a warm, spontaneous hug, letting their affection spill over as they murmured their greetings. Stephen's cheeks flushed lightly, his usual confidence momentarily softening in the embrace.

The three of them settled onto the bar stools by the counter, the warmth of the kitchen and their laughter wrapping them up in a cosy bubble. Stephen returned to his baking, carefully pouring the cupcake batter into each tray mould with a practised hand, each movement smooth and deliberate, almost hypnotic in its precision. Every now and then, he glanced up, meeting their gazes with a smile that made the room feel even more inviting, as if it had been designed specifically for these moments of quiet joy.

As the final notes of the song faded, Stephen gave a slight nod and casually spoke, "Alexa, stop playing." The room was filled with an almost tangible silence, the only sound being the soft hum of the oven. The stillness was wrapped in the comforting scent of vanilla and sugar, making the kitchen feel like a haven-a safe place where time slowed down just enough for them to savour it.

"So, was the performance for the cupcakes or for us?" Ant teased, his eyes twinkling as he leaned forward, chin propped in his hand, watching Stephen with a playful, knowing smile.

Stephen let out a soft chuckle, swiping a dollop of batter off the spatula with his finger. "Depends," he said with a mischievous smirk, licking the batter off slowly. "Did you enjoy it?" The glint in his eyes was a perfect invitation to more fun, and Ant and Dec couldn't help but burst into laughter again, their shoulders shaking with the force of it.

"Oh, we loved it," Dec chimed in, grinning as he leaned his elbows on the counter, savouring the moment. "Should've known you'd go for the theatrical ones."

Stephen shrugged nonchalantly, the playful smile never leaving his face as he slid the cupcake tray into the oven. He wiped his hands with a flourish, clearly pleased with the attention. "Well, I've got to keep my audience entertained, don't I?"

With the cupcakes safely baking, Stephen turned his attention back to the counter, leaning casually against it, as though there was nowhere else he'd rather be. The three of them fell into easy conversation, the kind that came naturally between old friends. They shared highlights from the past week, traded funny stories from recent shows, and tossed around inside jokes that felt like they'd been building for years. The laughter flowed freely, intertwining with the familiar rhythm of their shared history.

Ant couldn't help but smile fondly as he watched Stephen, his expression softening. "You know, mate," he said, voice low with affection, "this feels just like old times. You, me, Dec... a bit of singing, a bit of baking, and loads of laughs. It's like we've got our own little routine."

Stephen's smile deepened, his eyes flicking between the two of them, and he spoke softly, the sincerity in his voice unmistakable. "Honestly? I think this might be my favourite kind of routine."

For a moment, the three of them simply stood there, enveloped in the comfortable, contented silence that only true friendship could create. In that cosy kitchen, surrounded by the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar, they didn't need anything more. They had their laughter, their music, their moments of pure joy. It was enough.

And as the first batch of cupcakes baked, the world outside might have been moving at its usual pace, but in that kitchen, time stood still, and the warmth of friendship felt like the only thing that mattered.