Pyramid Lake Lodge, Jasper, Alberta, Sunday Evening

[pocketpretzels]

The only thing on the docket for the day was dinner and ringing in the New Year, so things had started off with a lie-in. Followed by, ahem, other activities that didn't involve leaving the room.

With dinner being sent up in a few minutes though it was time to get dressed- yes, even though they were taking dinner in their room where no-one else could see, Watts and Steven were both going to the trouble of dressing up for the occasion. There would be dinner, and dancing, and going out on to the balcony close to midnight to hopefully get a look at the Northern Lights (they both had some rather spectacular photos taken with the help of the telescopes from Friday evening, but hoped to be able to view the phenomena again tonight).

"Food should be here shortly," Watts said, pulling on his suit jacket.

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

“I’ve gotten much better at picking up when you’re making one,” Watts said, sounding a little pleased by that.

[hasaknightjob]

"That wasn't an easy one either," Steven said, very proud of his beau for how well he'd done with it. "Little abstract, really."

Steven improvised some faster steps. Nothing that was actual formal dancing, he was just moving with the happiness he was feeling in the moment.

[pocketpretzels]

“Helps that it was at least partially regarding a topic I know quite well,” Watts said, pulling in closer in an effort to encourage Steven to wrap his arms around him.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven needed very little encouragement in that regard. He wrapped his arms around Llewellyn's shoulders and smiled up at him.

"Dates?" he asked, regarding the topic Llewellyn knew well. His grin showed he was joking. "That's true. You've gone on loads with me after all."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts opened his mouth, this close to declaring Steven incorrigible when something occurred to him and he swiftly changed tracks.

“That’s true,” he said. “And not a bad one in the bunch.”

See what he did there, Steven?

[hasaknightjob]

Steven did, and was charmed by it. He gave Llewellyn a kiss. "I love you. Very much. Wouldn't want to spend new year's with anyone else."

[pocketpretzels]

“Not even several someone elses?” Watts asked, because staying behind and attending the party on the island had been an option, even if he personally much preferred this one.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven shook his head. "Friends are nice and all, but when midnight comes I want to be with you."

Steven paused, then added, "When the clock strikes, I mean. Here's hoping Midnight doesn't show up. Our borders would be out of a home."

[pocketpretzels]

“That’d be something of an unpleasant surprise for them,” Watts agreed. Not to mention their poor cat!

[hasaknightjob]

"But here, now - well, in a bit as well," Steven said, glancing at the time, "I want to be with you. My Llew. Ringing in the new year with that kiss."

[pocketpretzels]

“I like when you say my name like that.” Which Steven had probably inferred from the fact that Watts had told him of the nickname in the first place.

[hasaknightjob]

"I like that I'm the only one who can," Steven admitted. "Might seem silly. It's only a name. But I like that it's the name I can call you."

[pocketpretzels]

“That’s why I gave it to you,” Watts told him. “To be yours alone.”

[hasaknightjob]

That earned Llewellyn a soft kiss. "Just like you. Mine alone. And I'm yours alone. Forever and always."

[pocketpretzels]

“Forever and always, my Gentleman Knight,” Watts agreed. It wasn’t quite the same as a nickname, but it was something.

[hasaknightjob]

"Forever and always yours," Steven said. He moved his hands to the back of Llewellyn's neck, lightly massaging. "I like how it's a code as well, you know. Llew. Secret way of saying I love you whenever I can't say it out loud."

[pocketpretzels]

“Mmm,” Watts hummed happily at the touch. “I do wish I had something similar for you,” he admitted.

[hasaknightjob]

"I wish I had something to give you," Steven said with a sigh. "It's Steven. I don't like Steve or Stevie or anything like it."

[pocketpretzels]

"It's all right," Watts said. "That's more important, anyway. That I'm not using a name you dislike."

[hasaknightjob]

"That meant a great deal to me," Steven said. He hugged Llewellyn closer, more about comfort now than dancing. "Even at the start, when you didn't call me - when you called me Steven."

[pocketpretzels]

"Of course," Watts said. "I didn't know why it made you so uncomfortable," still didn't completely understand it, though at least now he had a little context, "- but I did know that I never wanted to be the source of discomfort for you if I could help it. Even so early as that first meeting."

[hasaknightjob]

"Kind from the start," Steven said, looking at him fondly. "I appreciated that. You respecting that. I still wasn't used to people doing that with my name. Meant a great deal."

[pocketpretzels]

"Went against the rules of propriety as I'd been taught, of course," he said. "But for you?" Watts reached up to cup Steven's cheek. "I'd break all sorts of rules."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven leaned into the touch. "Broke all sorts of rules for me. Based on what you knew, I mean. Courted me and all. See? You're brave. Always have been."

[pocketpretzels]

"If I'm brave, it's because you inspired me to be," Watts said.