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Anything But White Party - Stark Industries, Friday Night

The ballroom was once again set up for guests at Stark Industries, this time with a decidedly colorful theme for it. Where the color white could reasonably be avoided it was avoided: from the decorations to the lighting, to the food and drinks provided for the guests.

Because no one enjoyed a nice theme more than Tony Stark.

Steve strode across the ballroom and stared up at the new Chihuly chandelier installed over the dance floor. "When I suggested we switch out the art, I meant the kids' paintings," he said, pointing to the new, very colorful, pictures that had been blown up from construction paper size to 5 foot tall show-stoppers. "I still think the pictures of Princess Thor riding on the unicorn wins, though."

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Steven's grin grew wider. "It's got the benefit of being true as well."

“Is it?” Watts said curiously. “There’s not been one thing we’ve tried together that you have any regrets about?”

The same was true on his end, but then… he was often the one nudging Steven towards trying new things.

Edited 2023-09-16 07:44 (UTC)

Steven thought about it to be sure he remembered the various things they'd done at Llewellyn's suggestion. "No? Things I've enjoyed more than others, yes. But no regrets about trying."

“That’s- good to hear,” Watts said. “I’d never wish you to make yourself uncomfortable just because you think it’s something I want. Your happiness is paramount to me.”

Steven gave him a look that suggested he would kiss Llewellyn except for where they currently were.

"I know. I'm never worried that I can't speak up if I need to. I'm glad you do it as well. Like earlier when we were chatting about George's book. That's part of being honest, isn't it? Not keeping things like that to ourselves."

“That’s one,” Watts said, smiling. And then, more seriously: “I know we’ve promised to always tell each other the truth,” he said. “But there are- ways to be dishonest that don’t involve outright lying. Like, as you said, keeping things to ourselves.”

"Lie of omission, you ask me," Steven said. Of course he had feelings on that subject, given how long he'd been on the island without telling anyone about him and Marc.

Watts wasn’t a mind-reader, but he did have his own lived experiences to draw on.

“I’ve always hated hiding what I am,” he said. “Even back when- when I knew it was necessary to protect myself.”

Steven gave Llewellyn's hand a comforting squeeze, "It's hard having to hide your true self. But even small lies I don't want between us. I know white lies happen - " he'd certainly been reminded of that lately " - but I'd rather not have them between us.

"Say I kept it to myself if I didn't enjoy reading together. Then every time you asked about it I'd be lying if I said I wanted to."

Steven hoped the absurdity of the example would ease any concerns that there was a real example that needed to be given.

Meanwhile, the hand on Steven’s shoulder drifted up to briefly cup his cheek.

“I trust you with my whole heart, darling,” he said softly. “No matter what we might need to do to get along in the wider world, there is nothing I would feel the need to hide from you.”

Edited 2023-09-16 13:31 (UTC)

Steven leaned into the touch for as long as it lasted. "Me to you as well."

Then, because Steven's experiences were what they were, and in and of itself this was being honest, he added, "Not about anything I know about. If my memory is playing tricks on me I might not be able to tell. But I'd never lie on purpose, not to you."

“Of course,” Watts nodded. “You are telling me the truth as you know it. Just as I wouldn’t get upset with you for forgetting something, because I know it’s not due to laziness or lack of care on your part, nor would I be angry at finding out you’d unknowingly told a lie,” Watts promised him.

Steven knew it, but it didn't hurt to have the reminder. "Thank you. It means a great deal, you understanding that. That's part of why I feel safe to tell you things. I know you'll be honest about setting me right, even if what needs setting right is telling me I've done something wrong."

“If someone told me a falsehood and I repeated it to you thinking it was true, would you be angry with me if you found out it was a lie?” Watts reasoned.

"Not angry with you, no," Steven said. "Potentially cross at the person who lied to you. Depending on the circumstances."

Watts nodded. "But no intentional lies, not between each other," he said. "Not even- I know you don't mind surprises, but I wouldn't lie to you to cover the fact that I were planning one."

"If you were I'd try not to pry too much to let you have your fun," Steven said. "Or make you feel as though you had to lie about it."

"That's two," Watts said, mostly to himself. And then smiled. "I know. One of the many ways in which we fit together."

Steven looked curious. "Two what?"

"Kisses," Watts said. "That I owe you. Later." Proper ones, not the peck he'd managed prior to their heading towards the dance floor.

A delighted smile touched Steven's face. "I'm earning kisses?"

“Proper ones, yes,” Watts said, making the narrative text.

Well Steven liked the sound of that. "Am I able to earn more?"

“There is no upper limit,” Watts affirmed.

"Lucky me," Steven said. He looked hopeful. "Do I get hints on how?"

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