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]

"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.

[hasaknightjob]

"I - " Steven started to say, then chuckled when he realized. "It is, isn't it? Can work out rather well for some people."

[pocketpretzels]

"An excellent way to court and be courted," Watts nodded.

[hasaknightjob]

"I think he's very welcoming, that owner," Steven said. "Always makes sure people leave with a full stomach no matter what."

Steven used his fork to point to his salad. "This is good by the way. Tasty."

[pocketpretzels]

"Thank you," Watts beamed. "A little different from the usual salad, I thought."

[hasaknightjob]

"Goes well with the soup," Steven said, pointing to his now empty bowl. "Balances out the creaminess."

[pocketpretzels]

"And ties nicely with your cake," Watts said, excited anticipation lighting his eyes as he thought about how Steven would (hopefully) react to seeing that.

[hasaknightjob]

"Looking forward to that one," Steven said. "I know Marc liked his pie."

[pocketpretzels]

"He seemed to," Watts nodded, appreciative of the outside confirmation.

[hasaknightjob]

"He didn't say much and I didn't press," Steven said. "But I know it left a good impression. Last night in general."

[pocketpretzels]

"I'm glad," Watts said. "That was my intent."

[hasaknightjob]

It wasn't full heart eyes, but Steven was looking at Llewellyn with great fondness. "I - you make this a good day, Llewellyn. That at this stage of my life I have you."

[pocketpretzels]

"This and all future stages, is my hope," Watts admitted.

[hasaknightjob]

"Absolutely," Steven said, without hesitation. "But - it's a nice round number, yeah? Makes you reflect. See where you are in life. And - it might not be where I thought I'd be. But I'm happy. Very happy. You're a big part of that."

[pocketpretzels]

"I'm glad," Watts said. "You deserve happiness, and- selfishly, of course, I'm glad I'm part of that."

[hasaknightjob]

"I wouldn't be happy without you," Steven said. "I - you're too wonderful. You're everything I could need and more."

[pocketpretzels]

"Thank you," Watts said. "I feel- the same about you, you know."