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

[hasaknightjob]

Steven hugged the pen to his chest, then gave Llewellyn a kiss. "Thank you, Llew. I know what I do isn't as fancy as a concert, but it means so much to me that you like it."

[pocketpretzels]

"Fancy or not, you regularly indulge me when I make a request for one of your stories," Watts pointed out. "That is- a wonderful gift."

[hasaknightjob]

"It means so much to me that you enjoy them," Steven ask. "That you even ask me to tell them. Makes me feel - not as silly. To come up with them."

[pocketpretzels]

"Steven Grant," Watts said. "You know my feelings regarding you using that word to describe yourself or your desires."

[hasaknightjob]

"I do, I do," Steven said. "But I thought in this case it might be all right? Because I was saying you help me not to feel that way?"

[pocketpretzels]

Watts softened a little at Steven's explanation. "I'm sorry, darling," he said. "I suppose I'm a little- defensive."

[hasaknightjob]

"No, you're wonderful," Steven said. He quickly pulled Llewellyn into a hug. "I was asking you, actually. If what I said counted or not?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Since you put it that way, I do approve of anything that helps you feel less silly," Watts agreed.

[hasaknightjob]

"All right. Good." Steven relaxed, but still kept hugging. "You're my touchstone, Llew. Help steer me right. Including when I'm not being kind to myself."

[pocketpretzels]

"You can count on me," Watts promised.

[hasaknightjob]

"I like that you're defensive about such things," Steven admitted. "That you're so good about protecting me, even from me."

[pocketpretzels]

"I don't care for the idea of anyone putting you down," Watts said firmly. "Especially yourself."

[hasaknightjob]

"Makes me feel so loved when you do that," Steven said. "Cared for. Cherished."

[pocketpretzels]

"As you ought to be," Watts said.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven pulled back just enough to kiss Llewellyn's cheek. "Thank you for my gift. I look forward to writing with it. I'll use it in my journal about today!"

[pocketpretzels]

"You're very welcome, darling," Watts replied, looking pleased. "I do hope it performs as advertised."

[hasaknightjob]

"I'd offer to try it now," Steven said, "But that would mean being to busy to dance with you or kiss you."

[pocketpretzels]

"Mmmm," Watts said. "While it is your birthday and you ought to do as you please, I have to admit I am very fond of those two activities in particular, and thus might have some complaints at missing out."

[hasaknightjob]

"Besides," Steven said, leaning in close like whispering a secret, "if we did them I would have more to write about."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts laughed. "I do love you so very much," he declared.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven grinned proudly. "You like that idea?"

[pocketpretzels]

"I do," Watts said. "In fact, I've some ideas of my own regarding activities that we might do tonight..."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven moved his hands up to rest against the back of Llewellyn's neck. "Oh? Do tell. Your ideas have been wonderful so far."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts leaned in and whispered something in Steven's ear. Yes, even though they were alone.

(Well, sort of. Sentient house and all that. But said house could also read their thoughts and emotions, so whispering didn't do much good there.)

[hasaknightjob]

Steven blushed, but pressed closer to Llewellyn. "I like the sound of that. And the idea of it. And doing it."