Midnight Manor Private Residence, Monday Evening

[pocketpretzels]

A Thanksgiving feast, even when just for two(ish) people, was still a feast, and thus had required both yesterday and today to be properly prepared. Most of the dishes were the same as last year: the main along with the side dishes of vegetables, potatoes, and stuffing. And yes, of course there were dinner rolls.

New this year was a soup and simple garden salad. Dessert was also the same as last year, with apple cake and butter tarts (along with a batch of the non-vegan variety that had been set aside for Marc).

"It looks fantastic," Watts said, surveying everything laid out on the dining room table. "Will you light the candles, then, while I go fetch us a bottle of wine?"

[ooc: for the beau!]

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

"Generally speaking, I am," Watts nodded. "It can be- troublesome- at times. But overall? I am most grateful to be here."

[hasaknightjob]

"Troublesome in interesting ways," Steven said. "Unlike anything either of us would get at - in the worlds we came from. But it brings good with everything else. Rather like life that way."

[pocketpretzels]

"I suppose that's true," Watts admitted. Even coming in to possession (?) of Midnight, although initially a terrifying experience, had turned out to be something wonderful.

[hasaknightjob]

"And the greatest benefit of all," Steven said. "You and me meeting."

[pocketpretzels]

"Indeed," Watts said. "I cannot imagine a life without you, nor would I care to."

Did it matter that a Watts who'd never made it to the island would have no idea what he was missing? No, of course not. Not the point.

[hasaknightjob]

"Be a nightmare," Steven agreed. "Which is why we're not going to ponder it. It's a happy holiday. No borrowing trouble."

[pocketpretzels]

"I do like the way you think." Which clearly deserved another kiss, right?

[hasaknightjob]

It did as far as Steven was concerned. Though after the kiss he said, "Not - we needn't force ourselves to be happy. I only mean the borrowing trouble part. Making ourselves unhappy unnecessarily."

[pocketpretzels]

"I understood what you meant, darling," Watts assured him. "And I am happy, that is the truth."

Even his nightmares had tapered off into something much more manageable, over the last couple days.

[hasaknightjob]

"I am too," Steven said, as he tucked into his soup again. "Saturday was a bit touch and go but I'm glad we were there for each other. That made it easier, I think. Remembering - remembering those we've lost."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts nodded. "It was- " he frowned, slightly, trying to find the right word. "It wasn't pleasant. But it was like- like the easing of a tight feeling in one's chest, the relief that comes with that. That was what it was like, having you there with me."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven nodded, because he understood what Llewellyn meant. "It's like a burden shared. Not - not that your feelings are a burden. But taking that moment to - "

Steven was still having a difficult time saying honor those who had died. He pushed on. "Taking that moment wasn't easy. For either of us. But we had one another and that made it not as bad."

[pocketpretzels]

And now it was Watts's turn to brush his hand over Steven's in a show of support. "Well said."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven gave Llewellyn's hand a squeeze. "Thank you, love. I'm glad I could be of help to you as well. It means a great deal to me that you let me join in that."

[pocketpretzels]

"We're partners," Watts said. "Meant to walk beside each other."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven smiled at him fondly. "Now who's being a poet? You."

[pocketpretzels]

"You do inspire it," Watts told him.

[hasaknightjob]

"Thank you," Steven said.

Done with his soup, Steven started making a plate of the rest of the meal. "Would you like me to do you as well? The food?"

[pocketpretzels]

"I- please," Watts said, feeling a warmth curl in him that had nothing to do with the last spoonful of soup and everything to do with Steven's offer.

[hasaknightjob]

"Of course," Steven said. He put a plate together for Llewellyn, making sure he had ample helpings of the things he particularly liked."There. How's that?"

[pocketpretzels]

The thoughtful way Steven portioned things out had a tendency to make Watts smile rather besottedly, and tonight was no exception.

"Perfect, thank you darling."

Yes, he could easily have served himself larger portions if he'd seen fit, that was most assuredly not the point.

[hasaknightjob]

"Of course," Steven said, smiling back. It might not have been a huge gesture, but the idea of serving up good, home cooked food to the man he loved - his partner - made Steven feel warm inside. "Part of the holiday, isn't it? Taking care of one another."

[pocketpretzels]

It was sweet and Watts loved it, small gesture or no.

"The holiday, and the rest of our lives," Watts smiled back at him.

[hasaknightjob]

"Now and always," Steven agreed as he began serving himself.

[pocketpretzels]

Almost any other time, Watts would've dug in to his own plate by now. Instead, he waited, briefly wondering if he ought to have offered to serve up Steven's plate. He resolved to do so when it came to dessert, at least.