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]

Steven brushed his fingers against one of Llewellyn's curls. "My dearest detective."

[pocketpretzels]

"I wish I could do more than- wax philosophical at you," Watts said, leaning in to that touch. "I hate that this hurts you so."

[hasaknightjob]

"You are being helpful," Steven assured him. "You're giving me things to think about. A different way to frame it. I may not be able to do it right now but that doesn't mean it's not helping."

[pocketpretzels]

"All right," Watts said, turning to press a kiss to Steven's cheek. "I love you. I want to take care of you as best I can."

[hasaknightjob]

"You take excellent care," Steven said. He gestured at the plate. "You even brought food. Thank you. I didn't feel hungry but it's helping."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts nodded. "You have to eat," he said solemnly. "But- a full meal seemed. Like too much."

[hasaknightjob]

"Something warm would've been too much as well, I think," Steven said. He picked up his glass again to have more iced tea. "Wait - have you eaten?"

[pocketpretzels]

"Crackers and fruit, the same as you," Watts assured him.

[hasaknightjob]

"All right," Steven said. Though he did turn the plate so that more of what was on offer was closer to Llewellyn. "Long as you're not going without."

[pocketpretzels]

"Sweet of you, to be concerned for me," Watts said with fondness.

[hasaknightjob]

"Of course I am," Steven said. He motioned for Llewellyn to take something. "I may be out of sorts but I still worry about you."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts obligingly took a piece of melon and popped it in his mouth, before picking up another and holding it out to Steven.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven likewise took the piece. He started to eat it, then considered, "Oh, we could have toasted with them. Meloned?"

[pocketpretzels]

Watts let out one of those little barks of laughter that was the closest thing he had to a giggle. "Perhaps with our next one?" he suggested.

[hasaknightjob]

"All right," Steven said, as he finally ate his piece. It was still cool, and just the right amount of sweet. "Could do grapes as well, though we'd have to be careful."

[pocketpretzels]

"Because they're smaller?" Watts guessed, unsure of where Steven was going with this.

[hasaknightjob]

"If we hit them too hard they might let out a little whine," Steven said, grinning proudly at his pun.

[pocketpretzels]

"You absolutely incorrigible man!" Watts exclaimed.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven giggled, very proud of himself indeed. He scooted off of the side of the pool so that he could escape by dipping down into it. Though any true attempts at escape were foiled by how he stayed by the side, his arms now folded over where he'd been sitting to help keep him close.

"Rather liked that one."

[pocketpretzels]

"It was pretty good," Watts admitted in a grudging tone that was entirely for show.

[hasaknightjob]

"Good enough for a kiss?" Steven asked, looking hopeful.

[pocketpretzels]

"Mmm, I think that can be arranged," Watts decided, before slipping in to the pool as well. Clad, it should be noted, not in his customary suit but in swimming costume bottoms and a t-shirt.

[hasaknightjob]

"Your shirt will get wet!" Steven said.

Not that Steven minded the view.

[pocketpretzels]

"Then I will hang it to dry," Watts pointed out. "I do have others." Well. He'd only brought the one t-shirt, but details.

[hasaknightjob]

"Long as you're certain," Steven said, still admiring the view.