Trooper Station, Friday

[pocketpretzels]

There was a pile of several hundred bottles of calcium tablets in the middle of the floor today.

“Recycling Amnesty Day,” Ralph said, before Watts could ask.

“Well,” Watts sighed. “At least no one has tried to recycle a raccoon?”

“… Actually, uh…”

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

"Mine too," Steven said. He gave Llewellyn another quick kiss. "Shall we eat? I made something in honor of our first lunch of the new year."

[pocketpretzels]

“Let’s,” Watts said. “I am eager to see what it is you’ve made,” he added, moving away so that he could pull Steven’s chair out for him.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven took the chair, charmed as always by the chivalry. He then set about unpacking their meal, which was Hoppin' John done in a vegan style.

"Here we are," Steven said. "It's meant to be eaten for new year as good luck. I know it's not new year itself but close enough to count, yeah?"

[pocketpretzels]

“We’re within the first week, I’m declaring it close enough,” Watts said. “It looks wonderful.”

[hasaknightjob]

Steven doled out portions, making sure Llewellyn got a little extra. "I liked this version because they said it was good for Rosh Hashanah as well. So something to keep in mind later in the year."

[pocketpretzels]

“Oh, that’s useful,” Watts said, Steven getting a fond look as Watts noticed the portioning.

[hasaknightjob]

"I thought so as well," Steven said. Serving taken care of, he held up his fork in an approximation of a toast. "To the new year. Cheers."

[pocketpretzels]

"Cheers," Watts echoed, and then dug in. "Mmmph," he mumbled around a mouthful. "S'good."

[hasaknightjob]

"Yeah?" Steven asked. "I thought it came out well, being vegan. I mean you don't miss the ham or the like, do you?"

Not that Steven would know what a dish with ham or any pork products would taste like, granted.

[pocketpretzels]

"I've never had this dish before," Watts pointed out. "With ham or without. So it isn't as if I can compare. But it doesn't feel as if it's lacking anything, no."

[hasaknightjob]

"There's supposed to be a sort of smokey flavor?" Steven said. "I think it's there. Not too strong but in the background?"

[pocketpretzels]

Watts chewed thoughtfully, then nodded. "I caught that, yes."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven smiled. "Excellent! Well then, happy new year to us. Here's to good luck. Or as much luck as a meal can bring us."

Steven took a mouthful of his own food, then asked, "Do you think you'll go to the welcome picnic tomorrow?"

[pocketpretzels]

“I… hadn’t really thought about it,” Watts said. “I was planning on checking in on DI Goodman tomorrow, but I suppose it’s possible he might be at the picnic himself. What about you?”

[hasaknightjob]

"That's a good idea about Humphrey," Steven said. "He and I had a good chat yesterday when he popped by to see me at work."

Steven grimaced at the idea of the picnic. "I'd love to make Marc go."

There were very, very small odds of Marc going. Sometimes Steven's optimism was adorable.

[pocketpretzels]

“You wouldn’t care to?” Watts asked.

[hasaknightjob]

"Oh no, no, I would," Steven said. "I'd like it a great deal. Just, you know. Marc. Maybe he could meet new people? People he might like?"

Again, Steven was adorably optimistic.

[pocketpretzels]

“I suppose that’s not impossible,” Watts conceded.

[hasaknightjob]

"Maybe I could go and if there's someone Marc might like having a chat with he could pop out and have the body?" Steven suggested.

There was very small likelihood of this happening, in Marc's opinion.

[pocketpretzels]

“I’d not object to either your company or his,” Watts said. “Not that- not that either you or he is obligated to spend time with me during an event meant to meet new people.”

[hasaknightjob]

"Or you in return," Steven said. "Perhaps we treat it like a party? Time together as we can but socializing on our own as well as it happens."

[pocketpretzels]

“I would be amenable to that,” Watts said.

[hasaknightjob]

"Either way I'll make sure to wear a jacket with plenty of pockets," Steven said. "In case you need help with snacks."

[pocketpretzels]

“Ever my Gentleman Knight,” Watts said fondly, leaning over to press a kiss to Steven’s cheek.

[hasaknightjob]

"Maybe they'll have soft pretzels," Steven said. Since his optimism could apply to other things as well, and this one had the benefit of being more likely.