Midnight Manor Private Residence, Tuesday Evening

[pocketpretzels]

Since last Sunday, Watts had been spending a significant amount of time in the library, with the doors closed, as he undertook learning how to play his new- well, new-old- piano.

Thank goodness for the YouTube, honestly.

Today, though, the door was left open, and Watts had the sheet music out for the first piece he'd taught himself to play. Focused as he was on his current task, he might require someone to come in and remind him about things like, oh. Dinner. Just sayin'.

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

"Hello, you," Watts replied with a smile. And then: "Dinner?" with a slight frown. "But it is only-" he fished his pocketwatch out from his waistcoat pocket and his frown deepened slightly. ".... Oh."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven gave Llewellyn's shoulder a sympathetic squeeze. He certainly understood what losing time was like even if the reason why was different. "You were deep in concentration there. And it's not ready just yet. About a half hour. But I thought you'd appreciate knowing in advance."

[pocketpretzels]

"I- Yes, thank you. Were you standing there long?" Watts asked, somewhat concerned.

[hasaknightjob]

"A couple of repeats?" Steven said. He only said it as a question because he was guessing where the song stopped and restarted. "But I liked listening to you, so I didn't say anything at first."

[pocketpretzels]

"I haven't quite mastered it," Watts said.

Which might have been evident from those stops and restarts.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven stood behind Llewellyn so he could lean down and wrap his arms around Llewellyn's shoulders. "Of course not. You're still learning. It sounded as though you were making progress though?"

[pocketpretzels]

There was also the fact that while the song was simple enough to be one of the first a new piano student might learn, it wasn't generally the first.

But Llewellyn Watts didn't always do things the way they were meant to be done.

"Yes, I think so," Watts agreed, leaning back into the embrace. "Fewer stumbles."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven rested his chin on Llewellyn's shoulder, hugging him closer now that Llewellyn was leaning back. "That's what it sounded like to me. You were able to get through to the end more often without as much hesitation."

[pocketpretzels]

"Do you know the song?" Watts asked curiously. It had been written after his own time, but well before Steven's.

[hasaknightjob]

"It sounds familiar?" Steven said, uncertain. "Like I might have heard it in a movie?"

[pocketpretzels]

"It's not solely an instrumental piece," Watts said. "It has lyrics as well."

[hasaknightjob]

"Really?" Steven perked up. He tilted his head as he thought about it. "I don't think I knew that? The only sounds coming to mind are music. Are they cheerful? The song sounds cheerful."

[pocketpretzels]

Well, what else was Watts to do but start singing?

"Heart and soul, I fell in love with you
Heart and soul, the way a fool would do, madly
Because you held me tight
And stole a kiss in the night..."

Three guesses as to why Watts had chosen this particular piece.

[hasaknightjob]

"Oh!" Steven was taken aback. And then he immediately had to come around to give Llewellyn a kiss. Both because that had been a delightful surprise, and because he was more than happy to respond to such a request.

[pocketpretzels]

Well of course Watts was going to return said kiss enthusiastically.

"That's not all," he added.

[hasaknightjob]

Once again Steven looked surprised. "It's not?"

[pocketpretzels]

Watts took that as an invitation to continue:

"Heart and soul, I begged to be adored
Lost control, and tumbled overboard, gladly
That magic night we kissed
There in the moon mist

Oh but your lips were thrilling, much too thrilling
Never before were mine so strangely willing

But now I see, what one embrace can do
Look at me, it's got me loving you madly
That little kiss you stole
Held all my heart and soul."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven had to sit down on the bench beside Llewellyn because he was so taken aback by how perfect the words were - and how lovely Llewellyn's voice was, as always.

And then Steven kissed Llewellyn again. There was no choice in the matter, really. Had to be done.

[pocketpretzels]

Well if there was no choice...

"So you see," Watts murmured, resting his forehead against Steven's. "What compelled me to learn this particular piece."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven might have been looking at Llewellyn with heart eyes. Red hearts specifically. "That's wonderful. Thank you, Llew. I love it."

[pocketpretzels]

"I only wish I had perfected it before you had a chance to hear it," Watts said, a little sheepish.

That was on him for leaving the door open, though.

[hasaknightjob]

"Just means I get to see how much work you're putting in to learn it," Steven pointed out. "That means a great deal as well. That you would take the time to get it right."

[pocketpretzels]

"For the man who has captivated me, heart and soul?" Watts said with a smile. "Of course."

[hasaknightjob]

"Now you're being charming," Steven said. It was very much a compliment.

[pocketpretzels]

"I am certainly trying my best to be so," Watts agreed. "I take that to mean I am succeeding?" he asked hopefully.