Brownies And Singing With Friends

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Stephen moved gracefully around his kitchen, a contented smile gracing his face as he hummed to himself, blending sugar and flour with practised ease. The Prayer by Celine Dion played softly from the Alexa speaker, his voice harmonising with hers in a quiet, heartfelt duet that floated through the air, filling the room with a sense of peace. As he swayed, his movements were almost like a dance, each flick of the wrist or sway of the hip adding a touch of magic to the warm, golden light that wrapped around him. It was as though the outside world had faded away, leaving him in this sanctuary, where melody and the aroma of chocolate filled the air, creating a moment that felt timeless.

Meanwhile, just outside the kitchen, Ant and Dec had let themselves in, their footsteps soft as they tiptoed down the hallway. They shared a look, their faces lighting up as they heard Stephen's voice, his rich tones carrying through the house. Stopping in the doorway, they took in the scene: Stephen, dusted with flour and sporting a cosy apron, lost in his own world, the kitchen's golden glow casting a soft, painterly light around him. He looked serene, almost ethereal, like he belonged in a cherished memory or an old photograph. Ant grinned, pulling out his phone and snapping a photo, the warmth and admiration clear in his eyes. Quickly, he sent it to Stephen's phone, chuckling as he imagined Stephen's reaction.

The chime from his phone pulled Stephen from his trance, his brows lifting as he glanced at the picture. His lips curved into an amused smile, and he looked up to see Ant and Dec in the doorway, their expressions full of affection and a hint of playful mischief. With a cheeky glint in his eye, Stephen decided to give them a little show, embellishing the song's final notes with a dramatic flourish, his hand sweeping through the air theatrically. Ant and Dec laughed, their chuckles blending into the cosy warmth of the kitchen.

As the song faded, Stephen told Alexa to stop, folding his arms with a playful smirk. "Didn't expect the paparazzi in my kitchen today," he teased, eyes twinkling as he looked at them.

Ant and Dec exchanged a glance before stepping forward in unison, wrapping him in a warm, wordless hug that caught Stephen by surprise. Ant's arm slipped around his waist, pulling him close, while Dec pressed a soft, affectionate kiss to his cheek. They stayed like that for a moment, the warmth and affection filling the room as Stephen hugged them back, feeling his heart swell with gratitude for these two who made him feel so cherished.

"You two sure know how to make an entrance," he murmured, resting his head on Dec's shoulder, savouring the quiet intimacy of the moment.

Ant chuckled, giving him a gentle squeeze. "We couldn't resist. You looked so... happy."

"Absolutely glowing," Dec added, running his hand up and down Stephen's back soothingly. "And sounded flawless. You didn't even know we were here, did you?"

Stephen laughed softly, shaking his head. "Completely in my happy place. Singing and baking-it doesn't get much better."

They finally pulled back, though they remained close, their presence grounding Stephen in a quiet contentment that lingered. He turned back to his brownie batter, pouring it into a baking tray with practised care, and as he spread it evenly with a spatula, Dec leaned over and snuck a finger of batter with a mischievous grin.

Stephen swatted his arm, laughter dancing in his eyes. "Oi, that's for the brownies!"

Dec grinned, licking the batter off his finger unrepentantly. "Just a little taste test," he said, his eyes twinkling.

Stephen rolled his eyes, setting the tray in the oven before turning back to his friends. "All right, then-what brings you two troublemakers here today?"

Ant shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes as he stepped closer, slipping an arm around Stephen's shoulders. "Just wanted to see you, make sure you're not having too much fun without us."

Stephen chuckled, the sound soft and warm. "Mission accomplished, but since you're here, you're on brownie duty," he teased, nudging them both.

"Oh, we're all in," Dec said, sidling closer and wrapping an arm around Stephen's waist. "Especially if there's more taste-testing involved."

Stephen scoffed, rolling his eyes, though his smile never wavered. Dec kept his arm around him, pulling him close, and Ant reached over to press a comforting hand to Stephen's back. They settled into a cosy rhythm, talking and laughing as the rich aroma of chocolate filled the air. At one point, Ant reached out, absentmindedly brushing a lock of flour-dusted hair from Stephen's face, his touch so gentle that Stephen's heart swelled, a warmth settling in his chest.

When the timer finally chimed, Stephen carefully pulled the tray from the oven, the scent of freshly baked brownies filling the room like an embrace. Setting it on the counter to cool, he looked up, noticing Ant and Dec's expressions of eager anticipation.

"You two are like kids waiting for dessert," he teased, though the fondness in his tone was unmistakable. "Since you're here, you get the first taste."

Ant grinned, his eyes shining as he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Stephen's temple. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

Dec hugged him from the side, resting his head on Stephen's shoulder. "You're stuck with us, mate. We're not going anywhere."

In that golden-lit kitchen, surrounded by warmth and the smell of chocolate, everything felt perfect. The brownies cooling on the counter were just the finishing touch on a moment already rich with love and laughter, where the three of them shared a quiet, unspoken joy that seemed to fill every corner of their little world.

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