A Celebration for Nell

[mylandmyrules]

Nell had tried something a little different for dinner tonight. She'd made a large, and hopefully tasty, vegetable stir fry and had stir-fried some beef in a different pan so those wanting meat could have some. She also had homemade sourdough bread, salad, and a vegetable broth based soup to start the meal.

The apartment was spic and span, the cats were happily curled up on their cat trees, for however long that would last, and she thought she was prepared as she could be for her first ever birthday celebration. Now to wait somewhat anxiously for her guests.



[For those who know who they are.]

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

"Ms. Ingram's promised to send me home with leftovers," was Watts's answer. Because trust Nell to find a way to give other people something at her own birthday party.

[hasaknightjob]

At least that way they knew it was the real Nell?

"I'd say her food is so good there won't be any but we know she always makes enough for dinner and more besides," Steven said. "At least there's presents and she can feel a little spoiled. As she should."

[pocketpretzels]

"Everyone deserves to every once and a while," Watts agreed.

[hasaknightjob]

"Like with a concert?" Steven said, bumping Llewellyn's shoulder again.

[pocketpretzels]

"Precisely so," Watts said, beaming back at him. "That was- phenomenal," he continued. "There's something unmatched about live music. Being able to feel it in your bones." He really needed to get looking at current concerts, see if there was anything worth going to see on the mainland anytime soon.

[hasaknightjob]

"Maybe we should have that on the list for next trip," Steven said, brightening as he thought about it. "Seeing a concert over in London. Oh! And one of the museums does music as well. Special occasions, not every night I'm afraid. But it's lovely."

[pocketpretzels]

"Well, colour me intrigued," Watts said. "I would love to attend a concert in London with you. Perhaps even a play as well, if we wanted to be very cultured."

[hasaknightjob]

"Oh West End!" Steven said, brightening at the suggestion. "Can't believe I didn't think of it. Globe as well. Have to see Shakespeare there, don't we?"

[pocketpretzels]

"All the more reason to go back again, isn't it?" Watts pointed out.

[hasaknightjob]

"Would you like to try to go to something Monday?" Steven asked. "It'd be last minute, have to take what we can. But I'm up for it if you are."

[pocketpretzels]

"Oh!" Watts beamed at him. "Absolutely, yes. I would love that, if we can." Impulsively, he leaned over to give Steven a blink-and-you'd-miss-it quick peck on the cheek.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven gave him a fond smile in return for the kiss, not wanting to make the reaction too obvious to draw attention to what Llewellyn had done. "I'll see what's available. Now I'll warn you not all shows are open on Mondays but I'm sure there's something we can find."

[pocketpretzels]

"I'm sure whatever's available will be grand," Watts said.

[hasaknightjob]

"I'll see if I can't get us something at the Globe," Steven said, excited at the idea of being able to take Llewellyn to a show again. "And we'll have to plan to go back when the V&A does the night time concerts. It's like they're made for you. String quartets in a museum!"

[pocketpretzels]

"A combination I hadn't thought of, but you're correct, I am going to need to experience it," Watts said.

[hasaknightjob]

"V&A could be interesting for you as well," Steven said. "They've modern things as much as historic. Or contemporary for you."

[pocketpretzels]

"I've been before," Watts told him. "Not too long after they renamed it, actually. But, like many things, I imagine there have been some slight changes in the intervening years."

[hasaknightjob]

"Perhaps something for Monday daytime then," Steven said. Assuming they left the flat at all, other than for a show. "Imagine you'd find the clothing of interest at the very least."

[pocketpretzels]

"Got me figured out, do you?" Watts said fondly.

[hasaknightjob]

"You're not the only one who's observant," Steven replied. "Have to keep up with you, don't I?"

[pocketpretzels]

"I just- hope you know how much I appreciate that. And you," Watts told him.

[hasaknightjob]

"That I keep my eye on you?" Steven asked.

[pocketpretzels]

That you paid attention to what he liked. "Yes."

[hasaknightjob]

Well of course Steven had to respond to this by smiling at Llewellyn... while looking into his eyes.

[pocketpretzels]

Steven, you and your extremely kissable face were testing the limits of Watts's reserve at this very moment. Just so you know.