Fandom Island Museum, Thursday Daytime

[hasaknightjob]

After a pleasant holiday away (and a weekend of things best not lingered on, which was why Steven wasn't doing so), it was good to get back to work.

Even if at the moment work was a bit puzzling.

Moreso than usual that is.

Steven looked over four separate packages of things marked "whale bone." He called the number on the invoice for each of them and, after a great deal of button pushing and shouting answers at at automated system that didn't understand what he was saying, he was at least now talking to a person.

"Yes, we are a museum but this isn't the sort of thing we deal with? All our animals and bugs are alive, you see. If we reach the stage where they're naught but bones something's gone horribly wrong. Yes, I'll hold, thank you."

Steven sighed. This was clearly going to take a while. At least he didn't have anywhere to be but behind the Welcome Desk? He certainly wouldn't mind anyone who interrupted him from his call.

[open]

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

Begging the narrative's pardon, but he absolutely had somewhere to be come lunch time.

"Busy day?" Watts asked.

[hasaknightjob]

"Confusing," Steven said. He was off the phone but still had the packages nearby to gesture to. "Not you though. You're wonderful. Hello."

[pocketpretzels]

"Hello, you," Watts replied. "Nothing too bad, I hope?"

[hasaknightjob]

"Misplaced shipment I think?" Steven said. Then he chuckled. Then he realized he had to explain. "Whale bone? Supposedly? So - so sort of a bit of wordplay there, with 'ship.'"

[pocketpretzels]

"I see," Watts said, cracking an amused little smile now that he was in on the joke. "Clever."

[hasaknightjob]

"Been trying to get it sorted," Steven said. "Told them it's not our domain, really. Only live animals here, thankfully. Er - well - in that we'd like to keep them that way. No problem with museums that have bones as a concept of course."

[pocketpretzels]

"They can be interesting to look at," Watts said in agreement. "But not really within the scope of this establishment, as you said."

[hasaknightjob]

"Things here are much more lively," Steven said. He grinned at Llewellyn. "Like you, for example."

[pocketpretzels]

"You must say that to all your patrons," Watts said as he deposited his hat on the desk and held an arm out for Steven.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven made sure the sign was out to say he was taking lunch, then took the offered arm gladly. "Would I need to say that for the vampires or zombies if we had any? Might be rude. You certainly though. You make my day lively."

[pocketpretzels]

"Good," Watts said, leaning in to bump his shoulder against Steven's. "I like that."

[hasaknightjob]

"Excellent," Steven said, bumping his shoulder into Llewellyn's in turn. "How's your morning been then?"

[pocketpretzels]

"No complaints, but my day is much improved now that I am in your company," Watts told him.

[hasaknightjob]

"I'm glad my company can make even an average day better," Steven replied. "More lively for you as well, I take it? Being here with me?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Always," Watts said, as they reached their spot and he let go of Steven's arm to pull out his chair with a flourish.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven did not take the chair with a flourish since he had no hope to compare. But he did smile and say, "Thank you. My gallant detective."

[pocketpretzels]

A hint of pink appeared on Watts's cheeks at the compliment, and he ducked his head and scratched at his chin as he sat in his own seat. "You're welcome."

[hasaknightjob]

"I enjoy our little traditions," Steven said. He settled in his seat. "Like this one."

[pocketpretzels]

"Best part of my week," Watts admitted, unpacking two bowls.

[hasaknightjob]

"Doesn't that look fun?" Steven said when he saw it. "Thank you, love. It smells delicious."

[pocketpretzels]

"Hope you enjoy it," Watts said, gesturing for Steven to go ahead and take his usual photograph.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven patted himself down for his mobile and then took the picture. "It's colorful."

[pocketpretzels]

"One of the reasons I chose it," Watts admitted.

[hasaknightjob]

"Bright and cheerful like you?" Steven suggested.

[pocketpretzels]

"Flirt," Watts said, cheeks colouring again. "Because it makes you happy."

Which didn't contradict Steven's statement at all, all things considered.

[hasaknightjob]

"Flirting with you does make me happy," Steven said, but with a grin to show he knew what Llewellyn meant.

[pocketpretzels]

"Scoundrel," Watts added, in exactly the same way he'd said 'Flirt' moments ago.

[hasaknightjob]

"Indeed," Steven said with a grin. He brushed his hand over Llewellyn's. "Thank you for making something cheerful for me."

[pocketpretzels]

"Of course," Watts said, smiling softly back at him. "You're very welcome."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven picked up his fork to enjoy his meal, only occasionally getting sauce on his lips that his husband needed to help him with, oh no.