Steven watched Blake and Lucy intently, his expression unreadable. As he watched, his mind worked overtime. Blake’s nervousness was palpable and Lucy’s confident lies grated on Steven’s nerves. People say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but Steven says otherwise, if you know how to read the details. Although, Steven’s face remained steeled, despite seething on the inside. The pairs’ body language screamed discomfort and guilt, Steven noticed, they seemed to be caught in a situation no one wanted to be in. So Steven stepped closer to Blake, maintaining a facade of politeness. “Blake. I appreciate you keeping my wife company. It’s always good to know she has someone looking out for her when I’m occupied.” The words were friendly enough, but there was an edge to them, a subtle reminder that Steven was always watching, always aware.
Anger surged through Steven, deep within, when Lucy suggested they were about to take to the floor. He knew when she was hiding something. “A dance, you say?” he repeated lightly. “I suppose a dance is harmless enough." But that wasn’t what was concerning. A dance is nothing, nothing to Lucy’s question; Lucy’s question about why he had come, that was a deflection, he knew that. “I was concerned I’d miss out on all the fun," he said simply. “You know how much I worry about the children, but I trust Cindy. She’s more responsible than you give her credit for.” This wasn’t true at all, and Lucy knew that. He had other reasons for being here. “But Blake-", he was interrupted by the room.
The room was starting a Thanksgiving game of “Diss or Thank”, and as it continued, Steven wondered if this was really worth him coming here. So he waited for everyone to have their turn, even Blake left their company to take his turn drawing a name. Maybe, just maybe, if he waited it out, he would have to partake. … However, luck was not on his side. He had waited right 'til the end, along with Lucy and that musician guy… Danny, was it?.. and now they were told as the final three, they were paired. Steven closed his eyes in annoyance, which apparently left it open for Danny to take the stage first. His words reflected kindness and gratitude towards Lucy; they seemed genuine. Perhaps there was something there, perhaps the man had feelings for his wife. Who didn’t, Steven could only assume.
When Steven was certain Danny had concluded, he decided to take his turn next. Taking a mere second to check his composure, he stepped forward. He met Lucy’s gaze before speaking, his voice steady and composed, “Well, Lucy, my dear wife, we’ve been through a lot together. And while there have been moments of minor martial tension and disagreement, I cannot overlook the years of support and partnership you’ve given me.” He paused, his gaze unwavering from her. “So, I want to thank you, Lucy. Thank you for being my partner, for standing by my side through thick and thin. I appreciate everything you’ve done for our family and for me.” His words were sincere, but there was an underlying current of warning, a reminder that he was always watching, always aware.
Then, hovering his gaze on Lucy a little longer than needed, Steven turned his attention to Danny. “And it seems I have the privilege of playing this game with you as well,” he remarked. “Danny, I ought to say, your collaboration with Lucy was… surprising,” he announced, pausing a little too long. Some may think it was only to think of his next words, however, they’d be wrong. His lengthy pause was deliberate. “But I’ll admit, the song you created together was quite impressive. So, I’ll thank you for that. Thank you for bringing out a different side of Lucy, for helping her explore new creative avenues.” The inflection on the word ‘creative’ was much sharper, said a a sort of warning. As if to say that whatever feeling Danny felt for Lucy, keep them down and stick to your job. With that, Steven stepped back.
@Kbail - Blake mentioned
@ChayChay05 - Lucy
@eunoia - Danny
had to make it a little steamy lol
