Midnight Manor Private Residence, Tuesday Afternoon

[pocketpretzels]

Today was Pie Day. No, not Pi Day, which was legally distinct and had been back in March, but a very specific anniversary of the baking of a very specific pie.

And what better way to celebrate the making of a pie than by... making pie to enjoy for dessert later tonight?

The ingredients were laid out, the recipe book was turned to the appropriate page, and the cat had been provided with a catnip toy to keep him busy and hopefully out from underfoot while they worked.

"I do believe that's everything," Watts said as he pulled the spices out from the cupboard and lined them up with the rest of the ingredients.

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

Steven checked what they had and what the recipe called for. "Looks like? Shall I get started on the apples then?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Please," Watts said. "But first-" and he was pulling Steven in for a kiss.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven kissed him back. Kisses were a vital part of any recipe, and thus important to include.

[pocketpretzels]

It just wouldn't be the same without them! Watts lingered in the kiss for a moment, then pulled away. "Right," he shook his head. "Apples."

At least this one didn't require pretty-looking slices, so he could do his part without worrying he'd slow the process down trying to be precise as possible.

[hasaknightjob]

"Half each?" Steven suggested, indicating the apples in need of preparation.

[pocketpretzels]

Watts nodded. "Seems fair." Would Steven be done before him? Almost certainly. But he wasn't going to divide the work unevenly.

[hasaknightjob]

"I like the idea of us working side by side," Steven admitted.

So much so he was probably going to pace himself so that he didn't finish significantly faster than Llewellyn.

[pocketpretzels]

"It is nice," Watts agreed with a smile. "Companionable."

[hasaknightjob]

"Precisely," Steven said. He started to peel his apples. "That's part of what makes it special, not just the pie."

[pocketpretzels]

"I love baking for you," Watts said as he began- in his somewhat awkward manner- peeling his own apples. "Surprising you with something, or fulfilling a request. But baking with you is always a joy."

[hasaknightjob]

"I love your baking," Steven said. He took a piece of apple peel and offered it up for Llewellyn to nibble on. "Means a great deal that you do it for me. Makes me feel cared for."

[pocketpretzels]

"Good," Watts said, pressing a kiss to Steven's fingertips as he took the offered peel. "That's what I want. To take care of you."

[hasaknightjob]

"Trying to imagine you surprising me with something now," Steven said. He looked thoughtful. "Suppose if I knew it wouldn't be a surprise anymore."

[pocketpretzels]

"Unless you only knew I was making you something, and not the details thereof, I suppose," Watts mused.

[hasaknightjob]

"That's true," Steven said. He smiled at Llewellyn. "Like when I made dinner on Saturday."

[pocketpretzels]

"Precisely so," Watts said, leaning over to press a kiss to Steven's cheek.

[hasaknightjob]

"Those are good surprises?" Steven asked, to double check. "All right for me to keep doing them?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Yes," Watts affirmed. "That's- I already knew we would be having dinner together here at home. That you prepared it on your own was a nice surprise. Conversely, if you'd come in to the library and announced that we were going out for dinner instead, that- that would not have been as pleasant a surprise. I enjoy dinners out, of course but not- not on short notice like that."

[hasaknightjob]

"That's good to know," Steven said. He nibbled on a piece of apple peel as he thought about it. "I don't know that I would have ever done that? I think I knew not to, even if I couldn't articulate why."

[pocketpretzels]

"Because you're a thoughtful man," Watts said. "I like- knowing what to expect, to some degree. If you told me you were making a dinner reservation somewhere but wished to keep the locale a secret, that sort of thing would be all right."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven peeled another apple as he considered what Llewellyn said. "I think I would prefer to give more indication than that. Depending on what the location was and why I picked it. I wouldn't want you to be anxious not knowing until we got there. Hardly enjoyable for either of us."

[pocketpretzels]

"You see? Thoughtful," Watts told him. "Which is precisely why I know I can trust you above anyone else."

[hasaknightjob]

"Thank you," Steven said. "It's good to know, what you told me. I will keep it in mind. I only mean to say if I do attempt such things it will probably be rare. Erring on the side of caution and all that."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts nodded. "Your consideration is appreciated," he told Steven.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven gave Llewellyn a kiss on the cheek. "You are appreciated."

He turned back to his apples, then realized, "Oh - thank you. As well."