Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, Friday Afternoon

[hasaknightjob]

Thursday had been spent enjoying themselves as much as possible, including the couples massage which had proven a great way to wind down after some sight seeing.

Friday... Friday was quieter.

Steven sat outside by their pool. He was dressed in his swimsuit but he was currently sitting cross legged by the edge of the pool looking into the water.

Looking at his reflection. Which was his reflection.

Which was fine. Good. What Steven was for, of course. Handling things that were too much or too painful for Marc to deal with.

Still. It wasn't as though Steven liked dealing with it either.

Steven sighed and kept looking down towards the water, not sure what to do.

[for the beau. warning for discussion of parent death and child abuse]

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

"Seemed only fair to warn you," Steven told him. "Should you wish to avoid such a fate."

[pocketpretzels]

"Never," Watts scoffed. "So long as it's you doing the kissing."

[hasaknightjob]

"Ah," Steven said. "An understandable concern. I should have clarified. Yes, it would be me doing the kissing."

[pocketpretzels]

"Well, there you have it," Watts said. "In that case, I welcome any and all kisses you have on offer."

[hasaknightjob]

"Are you certain?" Steven asked. "Because I have a great deal."

[pocketpretzels]

"I've never been more certain of anything in my life, Steven Grant," Watts told him.

[hasaknightjob]

"See? That sort of talk gets you kissed, Llewellyn Watts," Steven replied. Then leaned in to start giving the kisses in question, one after another.

[pocketpretzels]

"Good," Watts said between kisses. "I'm glad."

[hasaknightjob]

"Perfect," Steven said, between kisses, "Wonderful. Kind. Considerate. Amazing - "

[pocketpretzels]

"You inspire it in me," Watts replied. "Thank you."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven rested his forehead against Llewellyn's. "Thank you. It's easier with you here. Not being alone today."

[pocketpretzels]

"Your troubles are my own, darling. Now and always," Watts reminded him.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven hugged Llewellyn closer. "All this and a birthday next week."

[pocketpretzels]

"Along with its own set of complications," Watts agreed, holding on to Steven. "Have you given any thought to what you'd like to do?"

[hasaknightjob]

"Not really?" Steven admitted. He let go so it was easier for them to face one another as they spoke. "I feel as though I should do something special? Because it's our 40th? But to be honest a quiet night in has great appeal."

[pocketpretzels]

"Dinner and a dance at home with your beau?" Watts suggested. "Though I don't know if I can outdo last year's dinner..."

[hasaknightjob]

"Very much a dance with my beau," Steven said. He caressed Llewellyn's cheek. "And you don't have to. Last year was amazing. Don't do anything that would cause you stress, please?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Ah, but I enjoy doing things for you, even when those things involve hard work," Watts reminded him.

[hasaknightjob]

"As long as you're happy," Steven said. "And it gives you no stress."

[pocketpretzels]

"Very well," Watts said. "I will agree to that."

[hasaknightjob]

"Thank you," Steven said, letting his relief show. "That's a gift to me as well. Knowing you're not making yourself unhappy on my account."

[pocketpretzels]

"No unhappiness," Watts promised.

[hasaknightjob]

"I think Marc will be all right for his usual, if you're up for it as well," Steven said. "I've felt nothing different from him on the subject."

[pocketpretzels]

"I've had a recipe picked out for a while now," Watts admitted.

[hasaknightjob]

"For Marc?" A smile spread on Steven's face. "That's wonderful! Oh don't tell me, I want to be surprised after."

Marc generally let Steven know how those nights went. Generally. At least with specifics enough about what Llewellyn had made.