Fandom Island Museum, Thursday Daytime

[hasaknightjob]

Most people might not work on their birthdays. But Steven wasn't most people. He enjoyed working at the Museum. Besides, there was a weekly lunch to look forward to.

Blathers had made note of the day, which was kind. He gave Steven an entire breakdown of how birthdays were handled where he was from. It sounded nice, other than the part where people were sort of kidnapped into a birthday party. But Steven supposed if they knew it was going to happen as soon as they stepped out of their homes it wasn't too bad.

After that Blathers went off for his usual daytime sleep and Steven got to work.

[open!]

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[pocketpretzels]

And indeed, at lunchtime there was Watts for their weekly lunch date as per usual. Not so usual was the fact that he was struggling to juggle a takeout bag, a cake box, and his tote bag.

It had been a much slower, more careful walk from the apartment than usual. Good thing he'd accounted for that and left a little early.

"Hello, you."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven's face lit up when he saw his beau. "Hello, you. Do you need a hand?"

It was the little things that told you the difference between Steven and Marc. For instance, that Steven thought to offer.

[pocketpretzels]

"Oh, would you?" Watts said, clearly relieved. Was there etiquette regarding making someone carry their own birthday cake to their lunch table? Because that's what Watts was setting down on the welcome desk, followed by his hat.

[hasaknightjob]

If there was Steven didn't know about it. Besides, he was happy to help his beau however it was possible to do so. "Just this then?"

[pocketpretzels]

Watts nodded, adjusting the bag slung over his shoulder. "If you please."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven didn't know what was in the box but he picked it up very carefully all the same. "Right. To our usual spot then?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Let's," Watts agreed, and after just a moment's hesitation, reached to (carefully, so as not to upset the cake box) hook one arm with Steven's.

[hasaknightjob]

Whatever Llewellyn had planned regarding the birthday, the courage he just displayed was more than enough to make Steven's day. He smiled, showing Llewellyn how touched he was by the gesture. "I'd say after you but it's us together, isn't it?"

As it should be.

[pocketpretzels]

"As it ought to be," Watts said with an answering smile, echoing the narrative.

[hasaknightjob]

"Romantic," Steven said. But this was very much a compliment. "Small wonder you're the highlight of my week."

[pocketpretzels]

“As you are mine,” Watts replied fondly. “How was your day so far?”

It had been odd, not waking up together this morning, but the reason for it had been a good one, after all.

[hasaknightjob]

"All right so far," Steven said. "Blathers even wished me a good one."

Which could be added to the large pile of reasons why Blathers was a better boss than the last one Steven had.

[pocketpretzels]

“That’s kind of him,” Watts acknowledged as they reached their usual lunch spot.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven set the box down on the table carefully. "Apparently birthdays are a big thing where he's from? Island wide events and all. Think that'd be a bit much for me. But I suppose it's nice if you're used to it."

[pocketpretzels]

“Agreed on both counts,” Watts said, as he unpacked okra & kidney beans stir-fry, vermicelli salad, and fried chickpea tofu.

“I’ve a gift for you as well,” he said, still standing. “Just- something small to unwrap,” he added, echoing Steven’s words regarding his own birthday.

[hasaknightjob]

"That's very kind of you," Steven said. He pointed towards his usual seat. "Shall I sit down first?"

[pocketpretzels]

“Please,” Watts nodded.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven sat down, which moved his coat to the side enough that Llewellyn might be able to spot the chain of Steven's pocket watch.

"There we are," Steven said. He smiled up at Llewellyn. "Whatever it is I'm sure I'll love it."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts smiled as he caught sight of the pocket watch chain.

With a quick, slightly anxious glance around to confirm they were alone save for the fish, Watts sat in his usual spot.

“Would you like it now or later?” he asked.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven was proud of Llewellyn for being able to sit close, even if he felt bad that Llewellyn wasn't fully comfortable with it yet.

"Now, I think? Since you brought it?"

[pocketpretzels]

He was working on it!

He produced a tissue-wrapped box from his tote bag and slid it across the table towards Steven.

[hasaknightjob]

And Steven was proud of him!

In the meanwhile Steven unwrapped the tissue. He smiled, delighted when he saw what was inside. "Oh, brilliant! Thank you! Shame I've nothing to put in it. I'd use it right now."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts beamed at him, pleased that he liked it. “I’d thought about waiting until today to give you my apartment key, but obviously I was far too impatient for that.”

[mylandmyrules]

Nell bustled in with a box and a wrapped gift. "Good morning and happy birthday, Steven" She said cheerfully.

[hasaknightjob]

"I don't mind you being impatient with that," Steven said. He put his mug down carefully so he wouldn't break it. "Can I thank you properly for my gift or would you rather that wait for later?"

With a kiss, of course.