Honeymoon Lake Campground, Jasper, Alberta, Saturday Evening

[pocketpretzels]

The division of labour in their relationship- their marriage- meant that Steven typically handled the details regarding parties and get-togethers, while Watts handled those for holidays and getaways. Like this camping trip at Honeymoon Lake in Alberta.

They'd slept in that morning, catching the portal to the campground in the afternoon. After setting up the tent, they'd taken a walk to explore the grounds and then dipped into the lake for a swim.

With the sun setting, it was time for dinner: Just a simple dish of pasta with marinara sauce, prepared over the fire.

"I thought we could try something a little more involved tomorrow on one of the camp stoves," Watts said. "But for tonight, I figured this would do."

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

"Sounds good," Steven said. "Simple is fine by me tonight. Yesterday was wonderful but a lot."

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"The quiet is much needed after- all that," Watts agreed.

[hasaknightjob]

"Just you, me, and the crickets," Steven said. "How are you doing? Sharp edges starting to fade?"

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"Yes," Watts said with a grateful sigh, letting his head drop on to Steven's shoulder as he watched the pot heat up over the fire.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven put his arm around Llewellyn. "Been... an interesting few weeks to be certain."

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"An understatement," Watts agreed. "How are you feeling?"

[hasaknightjob]

"Glad to be away from it all?" Steven admitted. "I know that doesn't actually solve anything. But it's good to have the quiet. No one around but you and me. I think I understand what you mean about easing those sharp edges."

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"It may not solve the larger problems, but it does- give you time to refresh. Refocus," Watts agreed. "A few days where there are no immediate problems to worry about."

[hasaknightjob]

"Precisely," Steven said. "Get my feet under me again. Face whatever may be waiting for us back home. Which could be nothing, I know. But it's hard not to worry."

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"I have noticed a general improvement in that regard," Watts noted. Yes, there had been a surge of worrying recently but that was understandable given the circumstances.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven pressed a kiss to Llewellyn's head. "Thank you for being supportive through all that. You always are, but it's always appreciated."

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"Of course," Watts said. "Without question."

[hasaknightjob]

"I kept telling people how good you are about such things," Steven said. "That you look out for Marc as much as I do, if not more."

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"He is my friend," Watts said. "And therefore very precious to me."

[hasaknightjob]

"Still," Steven said. "Not always a guarantee that will happen, is it? I'm glad it did with you. My life's so much better for having you in it. Marc's as well."

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"As is mine in knowing you both," Watts replied. "It's been a gift."

[hasaknightjob]

"Can't believe I found you, sometimes," Steven admitted. "Someone who's so generous of spirit that your heart can hold us both."

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"Believe it," Watts said firmly. "I'm here and I'm real and I'm yours."

[hasaknightjob]

"My husband," Steven said, still giddy over that. "Here at our honeymoon."

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"Which- thank you for obliging my desire to go camping," Watts told him.

[hasaknightjob]

"Honeymoon Lake," Steven said, because he was not over that yet. "It's an excellent choice of location. And I'm glad we could do it. I know how much you like it."

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"You still would've been within your rights to insist upon something- more luxurious," Watts said.

[hasaknightjob]

"To be honest I don't consider these things limited?" Steven said. "We travel enough. Even if we did declare this our formal honeymoon there'd still be some luxurious trip later to enjoy. One doesn't take away from the other. The important thing is I'm with you."

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"Romantic," Watts declared, lifting his head from Steven's shoulder so he could offer a kiss.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven accepted that kiss gratefully, holding Llewellyn closer as he did.