Apt #14, MHA, Saturday Afternoon

[hasaknightjob]

Another Saturday, another tryout of a Temple on the mainland to see if it felt like a good fit for Steven, Llewellyn, and perhaps even Marc when he felt more comfortable with it again.

This had involved waking up early on a Saturday morning (i.e. waking up at all in the morning on a Saturday) so between that and the chilly weather the plan for the afternoon was staying inside and snuggling.

Yes, the heating in the flat was perfectly fine. But shush.

Lunch was also on the agenda. Which was why, after they returned home, Steven and Llewellyn briefly separated into their separate flats to prepare. Steven had the pizza they'd picked up along the way (a heart shaped vegan pizza). He put that down on the coffee table as soon as he got in, then busied himself with changing into comfortable and warm sweats, putting a spare comforter on the couch, putting out Raphael's water dish and toys, and then getting the kettle on for warm drinks of some kind.

Then, on impulse, he put on a video of a crackling fireplace on the TV.

Now all he needed was the beau and his small companion.

[for the beau and his small companion]

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

"And from someone older as well," Steven said. He couldn't read Llewellyn's thoughts, of course, but he could still guess the man's age might have played a factor. "Someone who's been around for a while. Possibly in that very community."

[pocketpretzels]

"The idea wasn't new to him," Watts agreed. "I liked that. It's what I want?" Though for some reason he was still phrasing that as a question rather than a statement.

[hasaknightjob]

"But it's still very new," Steven said, again guessing as to why Llewellyn sounded uncertain. "It's a coat you're not sure fits right."

[pocketpretzels]

"I've spent my whole life hiding who I am," Watts said. "It's- getting easier, in Fandom. To not do so. But the island is- unique. Isolated. Safe." Minus temporary invasions, of course.

[hasaknightjob]

"And most everyone here is kind," Steven agreed. "I mean - not that I've met them all. Everyone who lives here. But it does seem to be the trend. Kindness. Understanding. Not always like that out in the world."

[pocketpretzels]

"But everyone seemed to be there, at the temple," Watts said. "I preferred it as well, over last week's. I'm not accustomed to that level of kindness, but- I think I would like to be."

[hasaknightjob]

"I would like you to be as well," Steven said. He kissed the top of Llewellyn's head. "They did all seem more... don't know. Like last week was nice, no question. But this felt more... baked in? Sort of? Nice because they're nice, not nice because they're being polite to new people."

[pocketpretzels]

"Precisely," Watts said. "We could try a repeat visit? See how it feels second time around?"

[hasaknightjob]

"Of course," Steven said. "Could even try staying later next time, if you liked? Not sure of the date but I saw one of these Saturdays they've plans to make sandwiches for those who need them. Might be an opportunity to get to know people outside of all the formalities."

[pocketpretzels]

"Yes," Watts nodded. "I would like that. It sounds- like a worthy endeavour, and as you say, a chance to get to know people."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven gave Llewellyn a proud nudge. "Maybe someday they'll be making sandwiches with your bread."

Yes, Steven was already a thousand optimistic steps ahead. Why should Marc be the only one who was the recipient of such ideas?

[pocketpretzels]

"Maybe so," Watts said, with a tiny smile. After a slight pause, he added: "It was also just- nice to be able to go at all. Something that's only possible because I'm here, in this time."

[hasaknightjob]

"I hadn't thought about that," Steven admitted. Though Llewellyn pointing it out did make sense. "You would've been in trouble at work, wouldn't you? If anyone had seen you?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Mmm," he nodded. "There were- a couple of people I told, back when I made the initial discovery. But other than that- if the Board of Control had ever found out, I would've been out on my ear quick as that."

[hasaknightjob]

The arm around Llewellyn's shoulders became more protective. "It's not right. I mean - obviously. But it isn't. There's nothing wrong with you. Not any part."

[pocketpretzels]

"It is getting easier to remember that," Watts told him.

[hasaknightjob]

"I'll tell you as often as you need," Steven said. "And have strong words with anyone who disagrees about it."

[pocketpretzels]

"As always, my Gentleman Knight," Watts said fondly.

[hasaknightjob]

"Always," Steven said, wanting to be sure that word was stressed. He pressed a kiss to the top of Llewellyn's head again. "And especially as we find somewhere you feel welcome."

[pocketpretzels]

"Where we both do," Watts said firmly.

[hasaknightjob]

"If you don't feel welcome there, I won't," Steven said. "That's important to me."

[pocketpretzels]

"I was having the near-identical thought," Watts told him. "Only in regards to how you might feel."

[hasaknightjob]

"I'm more... used to places?" Steven said. He wasn't sure how to put it. "Like last week? Did remind me of the one back home. But that's all British manners too, in a way? Polite before it's friendly? If I was on my own I might've gone back. But I'm glad we've tried today. I like it better."

[pocketpretzels]

"So, worth going again?" Which he'd already floated but that was him saying he would like to. Now he was checking to ensure Steven was on board with the idea.

[hasaknightjob]

"Worth going again," Steven said. He let his head rest on top of Llewellyn's. "Even if it means getting out of bed on Saturdays."

The true horror.