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"The Pillow Fort Competition will begin in five minutes. All contestants please make your way over, so we can begin." The announcer's voice echoed through the rickety sound system, the feedback screeching as he pushed the microphone away.
Marc glanced at Nathaniel, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his jacket. "That sounds like fun. Wanna give it a try?"
"Sure, why not?" Nathaniel smiled and took one of Marc's hands, tugging him toward the fort staging area. "Oh, look, it's Marinette and Adrien. They'll be tough competition, but I know we can take them."
"You think so?" Marc's gaze traveled toward the couple and spotted the competitive gleam reflected in them both. He'd heard how well they worked together, almost as if they belonged together like soulmates or something along those lines. Seeing them together as they prepared themselves for this challenge, he could well imagine they were and found a tendril of envy curling in his stomach. It'd be nice to have that kind of understanding with another person.
Nathaniel's hand tightened around his for a moment, his features twisting into one of concern as their gazes met. "You okay? We don't have to do this if you don't want to."
The way Nathaniel watched him did funny things to him. Having Nathaniel in his life had opened doors to possibilities he'd been a little scared to explore before, but seeing him then gave Marc the courage to shake his head, a small smile spreading across his lips.
"No, let's do this."
Together, they approached the starting line for the competition, eyeing the various pillows, mats, and other necessities one needed for the ultimate fort. It appeared they'd have everything they could possibly want and maybe a tiny bit more.
The air zinged around them as excitement between the competing couples rose to peak heights.
"Alright, everyone, we're here to have some fun," the referee said, stepping toward the half dozen couples waiting at the starting line. "That means no dirty tricks, including knocking down a competitor's fort. That will result in immediate disqualification and removal from the carnival's grounds. Be creative and give it your best shot. The one with the loudest cheers will win two tickets to the upcoming Jagged Stone concert."
He held up a white flag and shouted, "Go."
Nathaniel's hand gripped his tight as they raced toward their space and began assembling the foundation of their fort.
Marc dived in with a gusto he hadn't known he possessed, growing focused on the job at hand. Handing pieces to Nathaniel, they soon had the walls of their fort up and were moving toward the roof.
Every so often, he glanced up to see Marinette and Adrien's progress, a little shocked and awed by how well they worked together.
It took him a bit longer to realize he and Nathaniel matched their pacing and synchronization.
With the roof set, they scooted into the interior and worked on building up a space where they could sit and relax, securing the opening with a few well-placed mini pillows.
"And time," the referee called.
Marc scooted behind Nathaniel back outside, a little saddened they wouldn't be able to enjoy the fort but eager to see how theirs stood against their competitors.
The referee made his rounds, taking his time with each inspection and garnering shouts for each fort.
When he finally came to theirs, Marc slipped his hand into Nathaniel's and gripped it tight. He worried his lip between his teeth, doing damage to the skin yet not caring as anxiety filled him.
"We'll be fine," Nathaniel whispered, his free hand coming up and rubbing at Marc's lip.
All thoughts of the competition fled as he focused on the feel of Nathaniel's fingers against him. Oh, boy, he was in trouble, he couldn't help thinking. It surely wouldn't take much for Nathaniel to realize how he felt about him. Would this change things between them in a way that might hurt him? He certainly hoped not, but he couldn't be sure.
Cheers permeated his thoughts, bringing him back to the competition and the smile Nathaniel wore as their eyes met.
"We won," Nathaniel said as he leaned in and wrapped Marc in a hug. "Wanna celebrate with something to eat? My treat."
Marc nodded, unsure his voice would work even if he tried.
As they accepted the concert tickets and congratulations from the other contestants, they made their way toward one of several food carts.
Before Nathaniel could order, Marc blurted, "I like you."
A fiery blush covered his cheeks as he hadn't expected those words to come pouring out.
Nathaniel merely smiled at him, a matching tint of color staining his cheeks. "I like you, too."
Emboldened by the admission he'd gotten in return, Marc worked up the nerve to ask, "So, the concert? Could it possibly be a date? We could have dinner before and maybe something sweet after. If that's okay with you, that is."
"Sounds great. Pick you up around five on Friday, then?"
Smiling despite his deepening blush, Marc nodded.
This could be the start of something good, he thought, his hand reaching for Nathaniel's again.