Midnight Manor Private Residence, Wednesday Evening

[pocketpretzels]

Last night's gathering had been a success, at least by Watts and Steven's standards. Which was that a) everyone appeared to have a good time, b) no-one left hungry and c) there were enough leftovers that anyone who wanted some could take some home. Including the hosts.

They'd enjoyed some of those leftovers for lunch, Marc also making an appearance to have the jalapeno poppers Arden had made. When it had come time to contemplate dinner, though, a decision was made to veer in a completely different direction and order some Japanese takeout.

"Dinner has arrived," Watts said, triumphantly holding up the takeout bag as he made his way back in to the living room.

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

Possibly? Definitely.

"Agreed," Watts said as he unpacked the last container, one of sushi rolls. "And there we are."

[hasaknightjob]

"Looks wonderful," Steven said. He gave Raphael another pet. "Sorry there's no fish to be had here. Hopefully you didn't have your heart set on anything but keeping us company."

[pocketpretzels]

"Perhaps a treat later," Watts said, because he was a soft touch.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven started to confirm but then remembered you weren't supposed to contradict your fellow parent in front of the child. Or cat.

"Yes. Perhaps. As dessert."

[pocketpretzels]

To be fair, Watts's 'perhaps' was as good as a yes.

"Ice cream sandwiches for us," Watts told Steven. "For dessert, that is."

As opposed to dessert.

[hasaknightjob]

"That'll be nice," Steven said. "Refreshing. None for cats though."

Just in case even the vegan ones weren't healthy for them.

[pocketpretzels]

The vegan ones were probably even worse, honestly. Full of plant-based ingredients and all.

"All for us," Watts affirmed, divvying up the sushi, making sure Steven got the end piece with the little bit of extra filling.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven noticed that and gave Llewellyn a kiss on the cheek in thanks. "I thought yesterday went well?"

The question was to see if Llewellyn agreed, not because Steven was uncertain.

[pocketpretzels]

Watts nodded. "It seemed like everyone had a nice time, even with the weather being dreadfully hot."

[hasaknightjob]

"At least it was easy enough for everyone to duck inside if they needed to cool off," Steven said. He took a bite of his sushi with mushrooms, making an approving noise as he tasted it. "It was good for them all to come and share in their way. Very nice. Community and all."

[pocketpretzels]

"Yes," Watts said, thinking about his conversations with Kamala and Arden in particularly. "And- our boarders enjoy it here. It's not- just a place to hang one's metaphorical hat."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven reached over to lightly ruffle Llewellyn's hair, metaphors about hats or no.

"Do you think we should open it up to other people?" Steven asked. "Not all the time. I think it's nice to have things just for the residents. But for friends like Steph, or Harley. Or anyone the others might care to invite."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts leaned in to the touch, not entirely unlike the cat seated next to Steven.

"That- might be nice," he said after a moment's silence.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven noticed the silence. "You're not sure?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Well, there's some who'd have no problem accepting an invite," Watts pointed out. "Others..."

With others, it still stung.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven rubbed Llewellyn's arm comfortingly. "I know. That's why I thought small round of invites to start? Plus ones, I think it's called? But we don't have to either. I'm only pondering."

[pocketpretzels]

"It's certainly worth consideration," Watts said. "I suppose we could see about the 'vibe' later on."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven smiled at him. "Look who's comfortable with modern slang? You."

[pocketpretzels]

"Yes, well," Watts said with a crooked smile. "It's rather unavoidable."

Between some of their tenants being young as they were and the fact that he spent time with Steph on a regular basis, it really was.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven kissed him. "It's charming."

[pocketpretzels]

"I'm glad you think so."

[hasaknightjob]

"I know so," Steven said, bumping their shoulders together. "And we can play it by ear I suppose. About including those who don't live here."

[pocketpretzels]

That got a light chuckle out of Watts. "'Play it by ear'," he repeated. "Not a phrase I've ever given much thought in the past. At least, not insofar as it's literal meaning."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven looked curious. "Does it mean using your ear on the keys?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Not that literal," Watts said. "But to play it by ear means to- hear the music, and then be able to reproduce it. Without using sheet music or any other guides telling you which keys to press."