Midnight Manor Private Residence, Sunday Evening

[pocketpretzels]

Watts couldn't pinpoint when, exactly, Steven came to bed during the night- only that he woke up in the morning clinging to Steven like a human octopus.

After waking there had been the promised breakfast in bed- French toast with syrup and fruit, of course. What followed that was- well, it may have been Steven's birthday but he had something of a gift for Watts of the variety that would normally go behind a cut tag or in the comments because NSFW.

Next up had been the part that Watts was the most apprehensive about- he'd put together a little concert of sorts of a few piano pieces he felt he'd especially mastered. But Steven had enjoyed it, so it was a success.

Late afternoon rolled around and Watts excused himself to go prepare dinner- he'd done as much of the prep work as possible yesterday but despite it not being quite as elaborate as last year's, it still did require some work day of.

Eventually, though, dinner was laid out in the dining room: A soup and salad, along with the main course (which Watts had cooked indoors, with Midnight's help, thank you). There was a cake as well, that would be brought out later. For now, there was music playing softly in the background, and all Watts needed was the birthday boy himself.

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

Watts beamed at him. "Amazing what one can do with potatoes," he said around his own mouthful.

[hasaknightjob]

"There's potatoes as well?" Steven asked, pleasantly surprised. "I'd not have guessed. Not that I'd have minded tasting them! I like them too."

[pocketpretzels]

"For texture, along with the cashews," Watts imparted. "Carrots as well for colour."

[hasaknightjob]

"Isn't that clever?" Steven said. He took another spoonful. "It tastes wonderful. Thank you."

Steven then smiled to himself.

[pocketpretzels]

"You're very welcome," Watts replied, smiling as well. "It was my pleasure."

[hasaknightjob]

"I'm thinking of a story," Steven admitted.

[pocketpretzels]

"Oh?" Watts immediately leaned in, interested. "Would- you care to share?" he asked hopefully.

[hasaknightjob]

"It's only the start of an idea," Steven said, to manage expectations. "Not a full story yet. But - something about a kind man who owns a - not a restaurant. Too posh. A good place for a luncheon?"

[pocketpretzels]

"A diner?" Watts suggested.

[hasaknightjob]

"Perhaps," Steven said. "Decorated warmly. Lots of wood and comfortable booths."

[pocketpretzels]

"Sounds cozy," Watts said.

[hasaknightjob]

"And the man who owns the place does the cooking as well," Steven said. "All sorts of things, though he's known for his baking. Breads and pies an the like."

[pocketpretzels]

"Hmm," Watts said thoughtfully. "Any regular customers?" he asked.

[hasaknightjob]

"Yes! A - " Steven paused, thinking about it " - a writer?"

[pocketpretzels]

"I bet the diner owner wouldn't mind if the writer did some of his work while at the diner..." Watts said thoughtfully around a mouthful of soup.

[hasaknightjob]

"Precisely," Steven said. "He comes in every day at lunch and then lingers while he works on his stories. Sits at the counter so he's not taking up too much room."

[pocketpretzels]

"Easier for the owner to take time to stop and chat," Watts pointed out. "So long as he wouldn't be interrupting, of course."

[hasaknightjob]

"I don't think the writer would mind," Steven said. He pulled his salad closer so he could start to eat it. "I think he would appreciate the company. Friendly face and all that."

[pocketpretzels]

"He seems like a charming sort, and I daresay the diner owner would find him so," Watts mused as he finished off his own soup and then poured the wine meant to accompany the salad for each of them.

[hasaknightjob]

"Cheers," Steven said in response to the wine. "And that's as far as I've gotten I'm afraid. But a good place to start, yeah? Potential."

[pocketpretzels]

"I like it so far," Watts agreed. "And look forward to hearing more when you have more to share."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven leaned in, like he was whispering a secret. "I do think they will fall in love though."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts laughed, delighted. "That is good. I do like a good romance."

[hasaknightjob]

"While having good long talks over lunch," Steven said. He took a forkful of salad to demonstrate.

[pocketpretzels]

"In my experience, a wonderful way to get to know someone," Watts said, looking at Steven and smiling warmly.