Fandom Island Museum, Thursday Daytime

[hasaknightjob]

Steven was in his usual spot behind the Welcome Desk. He had his glasses on and was scrolling through the pictures he'd taken of Shenanigans the previous day.

In theory he was debating if any of the pictures were worth turning into a display for the history section of the Museum. In reality he was having a hard time focusing as his thoughts kept turning to things that had come up for him on the weekend.

He didn't want his thoughts to linger there, though, so he did what he could to try to shake it off and stay on task.

He wasn't always successful.

[open!]

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[hasaknightjob]

"Might get cold," Steven pointed out. But this was more about him getting his emotional footing under him again so that he could talk to Llewellyn about what he felt rather than simply cling to him. "Or warm. Don't know what you've brought."

[pocketpretzels]

"Then let it," Watts said. "We can eat it cold, or I can order something else and we can have this later."

[hasaknightjob]

"No, it'll make me happy to have what you brought," Steven said. He pressed a kiss to Llewellyn's cheek and eased back from the hug. "Thank you. Needed that more than I realized."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts didn't link their arms back together for the short walk to their usual table, opting instead to take Steven's hand in his own for those few final steps.

"Sit, then," he said, gesturing for Steven to take a seat once they arrived.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven threaded their fingers together for the duration of the walk, then sat where Llewellyn indicated. "I am looking forward to seeing what you brought, truly."

[pocketpretzels]

"All right," Watts said, tone indicating that while he was letting the topic of why Steven had needed a hug just then go for the moment, he wasn't forgetting about it. Which was a lot of meaning to pack into two words but there was also some facial expression doing some heavy lifting there.

From that insulated bag that saw a lot of use between the two of them, Watts unpacked two containers as well as the appropriate condiments (ketchup, vinegar, and a slice of lemon in addition to that tartar sauce, for those playing the home game). He also unpacked another small container that he set to one side for after lunch.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven took it all in, a smile spreading across his face. "Did you make fish and chips for us?"

He didn't bother mentioning "vegan" because he knew Llewellyn would've included that automatically.

[pocketpretzels]

"That I did," Watts said, a mirroring smile appearing on his own face as he took in Steven's reaction. "I do hope you like it."

[hasaknightjob]

"That's so clever!" Steven said as he took it all in. "Wait, wait - hang on."

Steven patted himself down to find his mobile - yes, even though he'd put it away only minutes ago he still needed to refind which pocket he'd put it in - and unlocked it so he could take some photos. "Need to capture this for prosperity."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts was well-accustomed to Steven’s habit of taking photographs of their lunch by now, but he’d be lying if he said the action didn’t please him every time.

And thus he looked quite pleased with himself as he fondly watched Steven track down and then prepare his mobile phone to take a photograph.

[hasaknightjob]

"It looks amazing," Steven said. He put his mobile away now that he'd immortalized the food before it was eaten. "Authentic and all."

[pocketpretzels]

“I was quite pleased with how they came out,” Watts admitted. “The texture being surprisingly close.” And the taste, obviously.

[hasaknightjob]

"I mean it's just brilliant, Llew. Thank you," Steven said. He reached for one of the "fish" so he could try it as is first. He bit and chewed and then smiled.

"Oh that's very nice!" Steven said, still chewing. "I like it."

[pocketpretzels]

“Yeah?” Watts said. Yes, he’d tried a small piece before packing everything up but it was still nice to have that independent verification that it had turned out well.

[hasaknightjob]

"It's brilliant," Steven assured him. He leaned over to give Llewellyn a kiss on the cheek before moving on to adding the sauce and vinegar. "Well done, you. Clever and delicious."

And comforting, which he also needed at the moment.

[pocketpretzels]

“Are you speaking of me or the ‘fish’?” Watts was unable to resist asking.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven chuckled. "Both. You're clever for making something delicious."

[pocketpretzels]

“I’m just glad you approve,” Watts said, sprinkling some vinegar over his fries. “And that it made you smile.”

[hasaknightjob]

"It does," Steven said. "Good timing as well. Makes me think of home. Comfort."

Not that Steven ate actual fish with or without chips, but the concept was British enough to be comforting.

[pocketpretzels]

Watts reached over to give Steven’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Whatever you should need,” he said softly. “I am happy to provide, if it is within the scope of my abilities.”

[hasaknightjob]

"You're like home as well," Steven said. "I think wherever you are, that's home. For me."

[pocketpretzels]

“I’ve never had a home, myself, not until you,” Watts replied.

[hasaknightjob]

A slow smile spread across Steven's face. "Well. That's very nice to hear, actually. I'm glad you think of me as home. I hope you always do."

[pocketpretzels]

“I certainly plan to,” Watts informed him.

[hasaknightjob]

"Always?" Steven asked. And this time the question didn't seem as rhetorical as it usually was. "Not in spite of?"