Stanley Park, Vancouver, Saturday Afternoon

[pocketpretzels]

One of the great things about a holiday was the chance for a lie-in, and that was exactly how Watts and Steven spent their Saturday morning. Followed by brunch, of course. Their evening would see them off to the opera, but until then they had the afternoon free.

There was a bicycle rental place near their hotel, and so Watts had convinced Steven to go on a short bike ride through part of Stanley Park, followed by a much more extensive tour via carriage.

"I cannot believe I forgot about the holiday today," Watts said a little sheepishly. In his defense, anniversary was a bigger deal personally than Dominion Canada Day.

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

That eased the last bit of tension that was still hanging on inside of Steven. "The fact that you mean that is part of why I have everything I want in you. An entire year of you proving that to me. I love you for it."

[pocketpretzels]

"And many more of me continuing to do so," Watts said. "This is- only the beginning."

[hasaknightjob]

It was Steven's turn to smile delightedly at the idea of more time with Llewellyn to come. "I like that. Very much. That's one thing I am absolutely past. The idea that some day you'll leave and that'll be better. I don't ever want you to."

[pocketpretzels]

"Nor do I want you to," Watts said. And he was finally, finally at the point where he could believe that Steven would not want to leave.

That Steven would be taken from Watts somehow was unfortunately still a very real fear.

[hasaknightjob]

"Promise we'll stick together then?" Steven asked. "Neither one of us leaving or getting lost?"

[pocketpretzels]

Watts reached for Steven's hand, curling their fingers together in a grip that was maybe a little too tight for what ought to be a nice, romantic moment.

"I promise. With all my heart."

[hasaknightjob]

That was all right. Steven was a bit clingy himself in this moment. "So do I. And I promise to trust that if I get lost, you'll find me."

[pocketpretzels]

"Always, darling. Always."

[hasaknightjob]

"My detective," Steven said. He lowered his voice. "Mind if I kiss you?"

[pocketpretzels]

The carriage driver was paying them no mind, nor were the other park-goers, busy as they were with Canada Day celebrations.

"Please do."

[hasaknightjob]

The carriage driver was being very thoughtful and would be getting an excellent tip.

Steven leaned in to give Llewellyn a kiss. He let Llewellyn lead on how long it lasted, but Steven tried to communicate his love and gratitude for his beau the entire while.

[pocketpretzels]

Watts was quite content to let it go on for a while, himself doing his best to convey love and appreciation for Steven.

[hasaknightjob]

Which in turn got a sound of appreciation from Steven. He reached up to cup Llewellyn's cheek as the kiss continued.

[pocketpretzels]

For all that he was good with letting the kiss go on, Watts was still very aware that they were in a public place, which is why he didn't give in to the temptation to slide a hand under the hem of Steven's shirt.

"You see," he said, finally pulling away. "Perfect."

[hasaknightjob]

Or Steven the desire to take hold of Llewellyn's tie and keep him from going far. He did, however, look at Llewellyn while flushed with happiness. "That's right. You are."

He knew very well what Llewellyn had meant.

[pocketpretzels]

Watts let out a soft huff of laughter. "Cheeky," he admonished. "I was referring to you."

[hasaknightjob]

"You love it," Steven replied. He caressed Llewellyn's cheek, looking at him as though he were a wonder. Which to Steven he was. "And you are perfect to me. For me. All of you."

[pocketpretzels]

"Cheeky, incorrigible, ridiculous sense of humour, and you're right, I love all of it," Watts confirmed. "All of you."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven took all of that in like a plant basking in sunlight. "I love making you laugh. It's such a wonderful thing to see. Makes me proud to be able to do it, actually."

[pocketpretzels]

“You’ve rather an exceptional talent in that area,” Watts told him.

[hasaknightjob]

"I like cultivating it," Steven said. He indulged himself in letting his hand run down the front of Llewellyn's tie, even if he didn't hold on to it. "It's like a present every time I can make you do it."

[pocketpretzels]

There was a flicker of sadness in Watts’s expression, for just a moment. And then it was gone, fond smile back in place.

“A gift I am happy to provide.”

[hasaknightjob]

Flicker it may have been, but Steven noticed all the same. "Are you all right?"

[pocketpretzels]

“I’m fine,” Watts assured him. “I only- it struck me that you and Danny would have gotten on like a house on fire.”

[hasaknightjob]

"Ah," Steven said. He reached for Llewellyn's hand to give it a squeeze. "I think you're right, if how you've described him is anything to go by. Plus you cared for him and Hubert so much. I would've loved them for that alone."