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]

Watts nodded. "The leaves might be further along than they are here," he told Steven. "As it's further north."

[hasaknightjob]

"Maybe there's a park we could walk through and take photos," Steven said. "Hold hands as we crunch through the leaves."

[pocketpretzels]

"Sounds like a lovely way to while away an afternoon."

Because neither of them were prone to getting up early, particularly on holiday.

[hasaknightjob]

"Perhaps with a picnic lunch as well?" Steven suggested.

It showed how much Steven was used to doing things with Llewellyn that he could make plans for food even as they were almost full on Thanksgiving dinner.

[pocketpretzels]

"Oh, yes," Watts nodded. "Minor pity that we won't be going to Montreal, their bagels aren't as good as the ones in New York but they're still better than most."

[hasaknightjob]

"Do they have pretzels?" Steven asked. Because one had to check the important things.

[pocketpretzels]

"They didn't when I was there last. But perhaps by now..." Watts mused.

[hasaknightjob]

"We can pack some to take with as needed," Steven said.

Because, again, the important things.

[pocketpretzels]

"My beau, taking such wonderful care of me." The heart eyes were out in full force now.

[hasaknightjob]

"It makes me happy when you're well cared for," Steven told him. He caressed Llewellyn's cheek. "I like seeing you enjoy yourself."

[pocketpretzels]

"You're wonderful at ensuring I do so," Watts said. "As- I hope I do the same?"

[hasaknightjob]

"Of course," Steven said. He gestured in front of them. "Look at this wonderful meal we've had thanks to you. Yes, I helped, but you brought the holiday into our home. Shared it with me and Marc. Made it something we could enjoy in our own way."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts smiled back at him, shyly pleased. "I hadn't really thought about it in that context overmuch," he admitted.

[hasaknightjob]

"Even for Marc," Steven said. "He'll enjoy those butter tarts, I promise you that."

Marc wouldn't be sharing them with anyone, as a matter of fact. Except Watts, if he wanted any.

[pocketpretzels]

"Good," Watts said firmly. "I'm glad."

Watts might even take him up on that offer. Not because the non-vegan ones were any better, but because he liked Marc's company. Well, that and any version of a butter tart was delicious.

[hasaknightjob]

"You're wonderful about that," Steven said. "Including him. Being a friend to him. I know you don't do it for me but it means a great deal."

[pocketpretzels]

"I enjoy his company, and his happiness means a great deal to me," Watts said.

[hasaknightjob]

"Still such a dream for me," Steven admitted. "That I can be with someone who cares for him as I do. Who shares his burdens. Much as he lets anyone, that is."

[pocketpretzels]

"When you are- accustomed to being alone. Trusting others in that manner can be- difficult," Watts said knowingly. "That he does so, even a little, means a great deal to me."

[hasaknightjob]

"You've earned it," Steven said. "He doesn't consider you a friend out of obligation or anything like it."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts looked very pleased at that. "He's a dear friend."

[hasaknightjob]

"He doesn't use the term 'friend' lightly," Steven reminded him.

Or much at all. Really just for Llewellyn. Anyone else like Layla was for lack of a better word.

[pocketpretzels]

"I have noticed that," Watts agreed.

[hasaknightjob]

"He means it," Steven said. "Even if he doesn't say it often. You're one of the few people he feels comfortable around."

[pocketpretzels]

"It's mutual," Watts said. "I may have- a longer list of those I would consider friends." Not that much longer, what with some recent departures from the island. "But with both you and he I find I can- relax in a way that I generally cannot, around most people."