An Indoor Ice Rink Somewhere in Baltimore, Saturday Afternoon

[pocketpretzels]

Having thoroughly enjoyed skating last weekend, Watts and Steven had decided to follow up their usual Saturday routine of services and then lunch at a local cafe with an excursion to a local indoor rink.

It was busy, as one might expect of such a venue at this time of year, but not so busy that it felt overcrowded.

"It feels a bit strange wearing boots that several other people have worn before me," Watts admitted as he laced up the rental skates. "But more convenient than carrying my skates around all morning."

[ooc: for the skating partner and NFB for distance!]

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

"At least you've socks on?" Steven said. He worked on his own laces, trying not to make them too tight. "Not too bad then?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Mm, that's true," Watts said, with a fond look in Steven's direction for the reassurance. "Though speaking of layers," he said. "Did you bring a hat?" It was awfully chilly in here.

[hasaknightjob]

"Didn't think to," Steven admitted. "It's indoors so I thought... warm."

Steven personally had little experience with indoor ice rinks.

[pocketpretzels]

Watts had never been to an indoor rink himself. But he also had done research on what to expect. And thus out of his jacket pocket he pulled a slightly rumpled knit hat.

"Here," he said, handing it over.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven took the hat automatically but didn't put it on yet because he was too busy looking at Llewellyn with hearts in his eyes.

[pocketpretzels]

"Don't want your ears getting cold," Watts said, bumping Steven's shoulder gently with his own.

[hasaknightjob]

"I love you," Steven told him. He put the hat on, dutifully making sure to pull it down enough that it covered the tops of his ears. "How do I look?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Awfully handsome," Watts replied immediately.

[hasaknightjob]

That got a chuckle out of Steven, even as he blushed. "Flirt. Thank you for thinking of it though. Never even occurred to me."

[pocketpretzels]

"They need to keep the building quite cold in order for the ice to remain frozen," Watts explained. "So I wanted to ensure that you would not be uncomfortably cold."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven lowered his voice so only Llewellyn could hear. "That's the sort of thing that makes me want to kiss you, you know."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts smiled back at him. "You could, you know," he said, after thinking about it for a moment.

[hasaknightjob]

"Yeah?" Steven smiled. "You'd be comfortable with it?"

[pocketpretzels]

"A quick one, yes," Watts confirmed.

[hasaknightjob]

"Now?" Steven asked, just to be sure.

[pocketpretzels]

"Before I lose my nerve."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven quickly darted in to give him a peck on the lips.

"Love you," he whispered.

[pocketpretzels]

"Love you too," Watts whispered back.

[hasaknightjob]

"Thank you for thinking to keep my ears warm," Steven said.

[pocketpretzels]

"Of course," Watts said fondly. "I like to ensure you're well taken care of."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven bumped their shoulders together. "You do a wonderful job of it. Better than almost anyone."

The other contender being Marc, of course. Which was an entirely different kind of care.

[pocketpretzels]

"Good," Watts said. "I'm glad. You're very important to me, Steven Grant."

[hasaknightjob]

"No catching my death of cold on your watch," Steven said, with a definitive nod and a smile.

He looked out towards the rink. "More skaters than we dealt with last week."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts followed Steven's gaze. "Fewer gremlins," he noted. "And porgs."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven nodded, since that was a good point. "I'm mainly worried about crashing into people. Is there a place that's meant for beginners? So I'm not holding anyone back?"