An Evening Serenade

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Ant and Dec exchanged a mischievous grin as they approached Stephen's front door, a playful surprise in mind. They hadn't seen their dear friend in a few days and thought a spontaneous visit might brighten his evening. Dec quietly slid his spare key into the lock, the two of them stifling their laughter as they slipped inside, careful not to make a sound. The familiar scent of Stephen's favourite vanilla and sandalwood candles welcomed them, along with the soft glow of warm lights illuminating his cosy, inviting home.

The faint, melodic notes of a piano drifted through the house, the tune weaving around them like an enchanting spell. They shared a glance, both touched and surprised. Tiptoeing down the hallway, they followed the music to the lounge doorway and froze, leaning against the frame to watch.

Stephen sat at his grand piano, completely lost in the music. His fingers danced across the keys with a graceful fluidity, his expression peaceful yet intense, eyes focused as if lost in a world of his own. The melody was hauntingly beautiful, filled with yearning and depth, revealing a vulnerability that made Ant and Dec's hearts swell. They exchanged a soft look-this wasn't just music; it was a piece of Stephen's soul.

They'd known for years that Stephen had a talent for performing, but seeing him this way was something else. It was raw, real, and deeply personal. They didn't dare move, afraid that the smallest sound might disrupt this beautiful moment.

As the final, lingering notes faded into silence, Ant and Dec slowly clapped, their applause soft but full of admiration. The sound startled Stephen, and he turned to see them with wide, loving smiles.

"Oh my-what are you two doing here?" Stephen laughed, visibly startled but amused.

Dec stepped forward, his eyes sparkling. "Surprise, darling! We thought we'd come by for an impromptu visit," he said, his voice playful.

"Didn't mean to sneak up on you," Ant chuckled, stepping into the room. "But we couldn't bear to interrupt. You were brilliant, love."

Stephen's cheeks turned pink as he tried to brush off the attention. "Oh, it's just a little something I was working on... Nothing fancy, really."

"Nothing fancy?" Dec echoed, his arm slipping around Stephen's shoulders. "Are you kidding? That was incredible, love. We knew you were talented, but you just blew us away."

Ant joined them by the piano, giving Stephen a gentle squeeze. "You've got a way of bringing emotions to life, sweetie. It's... it's something really special."

Touched, Stephen looked down, hiding his bashful smile. "Thanks, you two. Hearing that means a lot."

Dec glanced around the lounge, then nudged Ant with a grin. "Well, since we're here and you've already blessed us with your hidden musical talents... how about we turn this into a movie night?"

Stephen's face lit up, a boyish grin spreading across his face. "That sounds perfect."

Within minutes, the three friends were bundled up on the sofa, wrapped in blankets and surrounded by cushions, a generous pile of snacks in reach. The flickering glow of the TV cast a cosy warmth around the room as they dove into their favourite films, letting the familiar characters and lighthearted scenes fill the evening with laughter. Dec playfully teased Stephen throughout, tossing in compliments on his "secret musical side," while Ant, nestled close on the other side, kept Stephen supplied with popcorn and occasional soft nudges to make him smile.

At one point, Dec rested his head on Stephen's shoulder, looking up at him with a fond smile. "You're brilliant, you know that? Don't ever forget it, darling."

Ant nodded, slipping his arm around Stephen's waist and pulling him close. "We love you, Stevie. You're a treasure, honestly."

Stephen glanced between his two best friends, his heart swelling with warmth. "I love you both too," he murmured, his voice soft but full of sincerity. Cuddling between them, he felt a happiness that wrapped around him like a blanket, the warmth of their friendship filling every corner of his heart. As the night continued, Stephen knew he could play a thousand songs and never feel alone as long as he had his two favourite people by his side.

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