Trooper Station, Friday

[pocketpretzels]

Nobody was probably more relieved at the island's December whimsy changing by the day than Llewellyn Watts was today. Ball pits full of Christmas baubles were... strange, but didn't make his skin crawl the way the dreidels' attempts to make him place a bet did when he attempted to set foot outside yesterday.

The Trooper Station was open, just... mind the ball pit.

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

"Good man," Watts declared, leaning over to offer a kiss.

[hasaknightjob]

"But it's been so tempting," Steven said, pouting about it at Llewellyn because he couldn't pout to anyone else.

[pocketpretzels]

And of course, that pout just made Watts want to kiss him again.

"I know," he said sympathetically. "But it's his path to take, darling."

[hasaknightjob]

"I know," Steven said, with a put upon sigh. He gave Llewellyn a grateful look. "Thank you. For listening. As always."

[pocketpretzels]

"Part of being your partner," Watts reminded him, taking Steven's hand and threading their fingers together to give them a brief squeeze.

[hasaknightjob]

"All I'm saying is he could make the tiniest bit of effort to - " Steven started to say, then stopped himself. He took a breath and again looked at Llewellyn gratefully. "Thank you."

[pocketpretzels]

"If you must excise those thoughts, you can tell me," Watts told him. "I will, of course, remind you that Marc's business is his own and we're to leave him to it."

[hasaknightjob]

"I need that, thank you," Steven said. He stirred his soup before taking another spoonful. "I suppose it's worth remembering that it sort of seems to be working? For whatever it is they've going on?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Precisely," Watts pointed his spoon at Steven. "Remember, I have been that person whose partner rarely had time for them, and practically begrudged what time was spent together. I do not get the sense at all that that is what is happening with Marc and Dr. Quinn."

[hasaknightjob]

"True." Steven ate some of his soup as he thought. "I get the sense the time isn't a factor? Not something either of them are worried about?"

How much of that was due to Marc and Harley's shared inability to notice how much time passed as a concept was anyone's guess.

"I just - " Steven tried to think of how to put it. "I'd handle things differently, is all. But I suppose that's why I'm with someone like you instead. Someone who appreciates my way of doing things."

[pocketpretzels]

"I appreciate a good many things about you and the way you do things," Watts said with a smile.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven smiled back. "I do like that we're compatible in those ways. How we talk to one another. Things we do for one another. I like that very much."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts nodded. "Myself as well. The policy of honesty between us. It is a relief knowing you will not let a small complaint become a larger grievance by burying it."

[hasaknightjob]

"Likewise," Steven said. "And that we both enjoy doing little romantic things for one another. Like sending flowers at work."

The bouquet from yesterday was displayed at home now, though out of reach of Raphael.

[pocketpretzels]

"Good surprises," Watts said, with a little smile. "Done because I know you'd like them."

[hasaknightjob]

"Very good surprises," Steven said. He leaned over to kiss Llewellyn on the cheek. "That I enjoyed a great deal."

[pocketpretzels]

"Then I will continue doing so," Watts replied, smiling back at him.

[hasaknightjob]

"You always find ways to make me smile," Steven said. He caressed that same cheek with his hand, then sat back again. "Even when you're not there."

[pocketpretzels]

"As do you," Watts said. "You're in my heart, even when you're not next to me."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven tapped his chest. "As you're in mine. Now and always."

[pocketpretzels]

"Right where I belong," Watts said.