Chapter Text
“Whoa look look, there’s corn hole and ring toss and poker shot.”
“I see kid, what'd you want to do first?” Slim asked one hand on Crickets head and his other around George’s waist. The rest of the crew listened to the kid chatter away but George let his eyes wander over the many attractions, a booth of poker shoot caught his eye. Stuffed bears, chickens and rabbits sat in a wooden crate labeled prizes.
“ You want to try that one love.” Slim asked following Georges’s gaze. George hummed an affirmative and began digging through his pocket. He withdrew a handful of coins, dropping three in each outstretched palm before pocketing the rest.
“That’s all we have to spend so be careful now, and don’t come asking for more.” he added with a pointed look at cricket.
“Sir yes Sir.” the boy responded with a mock salute far too gitty to be intimidated by the older man’s typically somewhat frightening glare, the group laughed out loud. George rolled his eyes and commented.
“Wrong hand Cricket.” but could not stifle a chuckle of his own. The ten year old amended his salute before grabbing onto candy and dragging him off toward a clown giving out balloon animals.
“Meet you back here.” Crooks called back hobbling after Cricket and Candy.
“Shall we?” Slim asked, stepping in fruit of his boyfriend and offering a hand, George smiled, letting himself be led toward the booth.
“Y'all want to give it a shot.” The man behind the counter inquired, slender nimble fingers twirling an air gun lazaly.
“I suppose it can't hurt.” George hummed, taking the gun from the host.
“Show Em how it's baby.” Slim encouraged laying a hand on his boyfriend’s back. George aimed at the cards squirting as if he could simply will them to fall. The shorter man gave no further warning gun going off in three loud bangs. The top row of cards fluttered to the ground.
“Mhm that’s my man.” Slim cooed proudly. George blushed at the praise gently leaning his head into Slim's shoulder.
“Pick your prize.” said the man behind the counter. George hummed thoughtfully as he scanned the row of plushies and trinkets, He followed his boyfriend”s eyes to a small stuffed calico. George smiled, picking up the plush and handing it to his boyfriend.
“For you my love.”
Now it was Slim's turn to blush.
“I love her, I think I’ll call her lily.”
The couple lazly made their way through the fair trying their hand at all the free games.
“ Quit worrying love I’m sure they’re coming.” Slim said, placing a reassuring hand on the smaller man's back and pushing him the cup of rice pudding they were sharing. Their quiet moment was interrupted by the Cricket’s tell tale chittering. Apparently he and Candy were having an in depth discussion on trains and how to hop them.
“Hey Mr Slim Mr George.” Crooks greeted smiling
“Evening.” George greeted stretching out “and I thought I told you to not to call me Mr makes me feel ancient. “
“Sorry, how was yalls day?”
“Our day was lovely George and I tried most of the games here. It was fun even if we were no good.”
“No good? You speak for yourself, I was great.”
“Fine George was alright.” Slim amended “ what about Y’alls day.”
Cricket immediately perked up
“ My god Slim we had so much fun we watched this clown for a while and then we got to play all these games, Crooks bought me candy floss and I got to touch a real life elephant can you believe it.”
“No I can’t believe it sounds like you had a great day, how much candy floss did you say Crooks brought to you again.?” George hummed
“Oh I don't know three or so,”
George threw the older two men a look but opted not to say anything.
“I think we have enough for one more thing if you want,” Slim said
“Oh, Oh can we do the ferris wheel please.”
“Sure I’m up for it, what about you guys?” George looked around, after receiving nods and confirming mumbles from everyone he took Slim's hand and headed toward the ferris wheel. The line was particularly short for the time of night so it didn’t take long for the crew to board the ride. No one said much as they enjoyed the gentle rocking of the ride. Their third time around their cart crepted to a halt at the top of the wheel.
“By god I haven’t seen a sunset like that since I was a boy.”
The men followed Candy’s eyes to the horizon. The sun was gone now but left the most vibrant shade of orange gently fading into pink as it got higher. George smiled, laying his head on Slim's shoulder. The men all gazed in awe at the sky the only sound Crickets quiet snoring,life was indeed perfect