Midnight Manor Private Residence, Wednesday Evening

[hasaknightjob]

The appearance of freshly made latkes had caused a bit of confusion. They'd checked in with Midnight to make sure it hadn't developed a new ability - handy though that ability would have been - and determined it to be one of those Fandom things.

On the plus side they were surprisingly fresh and tasty for all that they randomly appeared. So a changing of plans for some toppings and side dishes meant this could be supper while Steven and Llewellyn tried to watch a film.

"I know it's early but perhaps a holiday film?" Steven suggested, pointing to the summary of it on the screen.

[for the beau]

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

"My thoughts exactly," Watts agreed.

[hasaknightjob]

"Let's keep it in mind and judge as it goes," Steven said. He looked down at the latkes and thought about how they'd celebrated in the past. "I suppose we could think of something else for the menu."

[pocketpretzels]

"You think people would tire of latkes after a day of them?" Watts asked, before popping another bite in his mouth.

[hasaknightjob]

"Maybe not by the time Hanukkah rolls around?" Steven said, after giving it more thought. "It is weeks away. Plenty of time to regain an appetite for them."

[pocketpretzels]

"People don't seem to tire of Christmas-themed treats despite them being everywhere in the weeks leading up to the holiday," Watts agreed. "And besides, there will always be those who would rather not eat food that mysteriously appears from the ether."

Llewellyn Watts was not one of those people by a long shot.

[hasaknightjob]

"That's true as well," Steven said. "And company is always good, isn't it? No matter what's being - "

Steven started, then corrected himself. "We can have a few options. So hopefully people will have something they can enjoy."

[pocketpretzels]

"What's being?" Watts echoed, curious.

[hasaknightjob]

"Served," Steven said. "If we have options that means more likelihood that there'll be something people will like."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts reached over to thread his fingers with Steven's, bringing their joined hands to his lips so he could press a kiss to Steven's knuckles. "Just so," he agreed. "And accounting for dietary restrictions as well."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven relaxed. He leaned into Llewellyn's side for comfort. "Precisely. Something for everyone. Hopefully."

Steven would likely overcorrect and have far too many things even if the entire island was there.

[pocketpretzels]

Again, the solution to the 'too much food' problem was sat right next to him. "I'm sure we'll manage," he agreed.

[hasaknightjob]

A thought occurred to Steven and he looked worried again. "Unless they don't want food? Is food rude?"

Steven was likely to anxiety spiral without something shaking him out of it.

[pocketpretzels]

"Darling," Watts said gently. "Food is central to most holidays. It is not rude to offer it. But regardless of that, we are not forcing anyone to accept food from us, either. If they do not wish to eat, they do not have to." For this hypothetical gathering they hadn't even fully decided they were having yet.

[hasaknightjob]

"Right, right." Steven leaned even more against Llewellyn, drawing comfort and soothing himself with the solid feeling of his beau beside him. "Sorry. I'm borrowing trouble, aren't I?"

[pocketpretzels]

"You are," Watts acknowledged, putting an arm around Steven's shoulders and pressing a kiss to his temple. "And that's why I'm here. To remind you not to do so."

[hasaknightjob]

"Getting in my head a lot lately," Steven said, thinking back the past week or so. "You're putting up with a great deal from me."

[pocketpretzels]

"'Putting up with' makes it sound like a hardship to be endured, and I don't see it like that at all," Watts said gently.

[hasaknightjob]

"Even when I get in the way of us having it off?" Steven asked, uncertainly.

[pocketpretzels]

"We got there eventually, didn't we?" Watts reminded him. "And- had some good conversations besides."

[hasaknightjob]

"Still felt bad I kept buggering it," Steven said.

Which was perhaps an ironic choice of words, considering.

[pocketpretzels]

"I could've been clearer about my desires from the outset," Watts reminded him. "Don't you dare try and take it all on yourself. I won't have it."

[hasaknightjob]

A small smile started to peek out at Llewellyn's reassurance. "Thank you. Kind of you to be patient with me through all of it."

[pocketpretzels]

"More important to me than anything else at all is this right here," Watts said, poking a finger at Steven's chest, right over his heart.

[hasaknightjob]

"My shirt?" Steven said, but he smiled to show he was joking. "No, I know you meant my heart. You take excellent care of it. Being honest with me and helping me understand things."

[pocketpretzels]

"Neither of us can read minds," Watts said. "So plain and honest communication is the way to go."