Patapsco Valley State Park, Sunday Afternoon

[pocketpretzels]

It wasn't the nice sunny day Watts had been hoping for, but nor was it pouring rain, so Watts and Steven were forging ahead with their plans to go on a nice hike together on the mainland.

"Careful," Watts said, not for the first time as he took Steven's arm to gently move him out of the way of a branch that had fallen across their path.

[ooc: for the beau, and NFB for distance!]

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

Cloudy or not, Steven was taking plenty of photos. Which was among the many reasons why he did not notice the branch.

"What?" Steven looked around in confusion, then saw what Llewellyn had saved him from. "Oh. Cheers. Sorry. I liked the color on those leaves."

[pocketpretzels]

It was still a very scenic trail, even with the cloudy weather!

"No need to apologise," Watts said. "I just didn't want you to trip."

[hasaknightjob]

"Didn't want you thinking I wasn't paying attention," Steven said.

He was paying attention, just not to what was right under his feet.

"It's a nice trail," Steven said. "You picked a good one."

[pocketpretzels]

"I'm glad you like it," Watts said, blushing lightly at the compliment. "I wanted somewhere scenic. Where you could get some nice photographs."

[hasaknightjob]

"It's lovely," Steven said. "I wouldn't mind trying it at other times of the year. See what it's like in different seasons. Are you all right? Weather's not too bad?"

Steven knew that overcast wasn't the same as dark but he still worried about his beau.

[pocketpretzels]

"Perfectly fine, darling," Watts assured him.

Even if they did end up staying late enough to see the sunset, he had company, and that was more than enough to stave off any feelings of uneasiness.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven put his mobile into a coat pocket, then reached his newly freed hand to hold Llewellyn's. "I don't mind the weather. Long as you've a good coat on it's fine, isn't it?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Precisely," Watts said, threading their fingers together. It wasn't quite cold enough for him to want to wear his overcoat just yet, but he had opted for a light flannel underneath his waistcoat.

He reached with his free hand to pluck a leaf from a nearby tree, twirling it in his fingers as they continued to walk. "If I remember the trail description right, there should be a small waterfall that we pass by in a few minutes."

[hasaknightjob]

"Is there? Oh that'll be lovely," Steven said. "Can't wait for pictures of that. Though I guess I'll have to, won't I? Not there for a few minutes."

[pocketpretzels]

"Hopefully I can keep you entertained until then," Watts said with a grin and a quick peck to Steven's cheek.

[hasaknightjob]

"You may not be as colorful as some of these leaves but you make up for it by being charming," Steven told him with a grin.

[pocketpretzels]

"A kiss from a leaf," Watts leaned over and brushed the leaf he'd been fiddling with across Steven's cheek, "Doesn't hold the same appeal, then?"

[hasaknightjob]

That got a find chuckle out of Steven. "Sadly no. They do their best but can't compare
No lips, you see."

[pocketpretzels]

“How unfortunate for them,” Watts said, shaking his head. “Works out rather nicely for me, however.”

[hasaknightjob]

"A leaf could not claim my heart as you have," Steven told him. He gave Llewellyn's hand a squeeze. "That's for certain."

[pocketpretzels]

“You hear that?” Watts told the leaf in his hand. “His heart is mine.”

[hasaknightjob]

That got a laugh and a look of fondness from Steven. He also addressed the leaf. "It's all right. You'll find someone of your own. Or not, if that's not what you care for. It's what makes you happy that matters."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts tucked the leaf into the band of his hat.

“It seems so long ago that I was dreadfully unhappy, myself,” Watts admitted.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven made a mental note to take a picture of Llewellyn and his leaf later.

"I like that it feels long ago," Steven said. He rubbed his thumb against Llewellyn's hand. "Means feeling happy has had more of an impact."

[pocketpretzels]

“Like a different life altogether,” Watts confirmed.

[hasaknightjob]

"What did you imagine happening when you moved to the island?" Steven asked. "You must've had some hopes or aspirations since you did it."

[pocketpretzels]

"I don't know," Watts admitted. "I was running away more than I was running to something. My heart was broken and I felt- empty."

[hasaknightjob]

They were already holding hands but even so Steven stepped closer. "A fresh start then? Find out the new life when you got there?"

[pocketpretzels]

Watts nodded. "Someplace where I wouldn't be reminded of my heartache every time I took a stroll."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven squeezed Llewellyn's hand. "No places or smells to bring the bad memories flooding back."