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]

"No one says we have to be traditional," Steven pointed out. He held on to Llewellyn's hand just because.

[pocketpretzels]

"Were we traditional we would not be romantically involved," Watts pointed out.

[hasaknightjob]

"Precisely," Steven said. "We make our own traditions. Just as we make our own family."

There was a little melancholy that crept in there, but Steven was pushing past it.

[pocketpretzels]

"And I am very fond of our family," Watts agreed, besotted look on his face as he gave Steven's hand a squeeze.

[hasaknightjob]

"Our family is fond of you," Steven said, since he had the benefit of being able to speak on behalf of more than one member of it. "Very much."

[pocketpretzels]

"Though we may have to find Raphael an extra present for being away so long," Watts added.

[hasaknightjob]

"It's only fair," Steven agreed. "Poor lad without us for so long."

[pocketpretzels]

"We shall give him plenty of attention upon our return," Watts said. "Let him know he was missed."

[hasaknightjob]

"Let him shed all over our luggage to reclaim it as something that lives in the home," Steven said.

[pocketpretzels]

"Precisely," Watts nodded. "As is proper."

[hasaknightjob]

"Shed all over us as well," Steven said. "Make it clear which cat we belong to."

[pocketpretzels]

"Curl up for a snooze in the basket of post-holiday clean laundry."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven grinned. "Him or us?"

[pocketpretzels]

"I don't think we'd fit in the basket," Watts pointed out.

[hasaknightjob]

"Spread it out over the bed then?" Steven suggested.

Granted Raphael would probably pounce on it before they could.

[pocketpretzels]

"I think I would prefer warm blankets and your arms instead," Watts laughed. "But if you'd care to, I shan't stop you."

[hasaknightjob]

"Arms I can give you," Steven said. "Warm blankets we'd have to go back inside."

[pocketpretzels]

"Well, while we are here I shall take arms and warm sunshine," Watts declared.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven wrapped his arms around Llewellyn's shoulders and held him close. "How's that?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Mmmm, very nice," Watts agreed. "Shall we do so out on one of the loungers, perhaps?" he asked.

[hasaknightjob]

"Yes," Steven said. "Let you get your sunlight in."

[pocketpretzels]

"We can mull over such important topics as what to order for dinner," Watts said playfully.

[hasaknightjob]

"And have a good cuddle?" Steven asked.

They'd have to be particularly snuggly to do so on the lounge chairs but Steven was willing to try it.

[pocketpretzels]

They could always push two loungers together if they had to!

"And have a good cuddle," Watts agreed.

[hasaknightjob]

"I know I'm being clingy," Steven said. "Thank you for putting up with me."