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It was just three words. Followed by a bunch of other words. How hard could it be?
Max shifted about in his seat again, staring out the car window and finding it seemingly impossible to relax.
It was just words. No big deal. He'd said plenty of words before. He was the master of saying words. This was going to be fine.
He flopped back against the seat, closing his eyes.
He was screwed.
"Err, you alright there little buddy? You're squirming around more than rhumba of rattlesnakes in a burlap sack."
Max's eyes shot open, ears perking up as he turned to look at Sam who's focus seemed split currently between driving and giving Max a concerned look.
"Yeah! I'm great! Perfect!" Max replied just a little too quickly, cringing internally at how loud he'd been.
"Just struggling to get comfy I guess." Max looked away nervously, his currently occupied brain failing to think of a better excuse.
"Alright little pal, whatever you say" Sam said questioningly, his expression making it obvious he didn't believe Max for a second. To Max's relief, he seemed content to let the issue go for now, simply taking Max's hand and giving it a small squeeze with a fond look before returning to driving.
Why did Sam have to be so sweet?
He was 𝘴𝘰 screwed.
See, Sam was a sap. A massive one at that. He'd never admit it to anyone's face, but Sam was a hopeless romantic. Even before they'd gotten together, Max had known this about Sam. From the schlocky noir romance paperbacks Sam hid under their bed to those stupid detective films where the hero always got the dame Sam loved, he was always hooked on the romantic crap. It wasn't his favourite or only genre of choice of course, he was more than happy to enjoy senseless violence and action alongside Max on movie nights, but there was no denying that Sam was an idiot with a hopeless romantic streak.
Which would've been fine, if Sam wasn't 𝘩𝘪𝘴 idiot with a hopeless romantic streak.
Max glanced at Sam before staring out the window again, leaning on his hand and as he saw familiar streets pass by in the quickly fading light.
As the car rounded a corner Max could see their destination in the distance, the colourful lights of the fairground standing out like a sore thumb. At the current (probably illegal) speed of desoto, they'd be there relatively soon to meet up with Sybil and Superball for their double date.
Max felt his stomach churn.
He'd been planning this for a little while now. Not the specifics of when and where of course, just what he was going to say. Max felt his stomach flip as he thought about the note he'd written, crumpled from multiple failed attempts over the last month to read it out to Sam. He swore to god, only Sam could make him even consider writing down a bunch of mush and then actually reading it out loud.
He'd been waiting for the right moment. There'd been a few of times he'd considered it recently, after they'd finished an especially insane case and kissed in front of a burning building as one example. But it'd just never felt right.
Or rather there'd been ample opportunities for Max to tell Sam he loved him and all the other stuff he wanted to tell him and he'd chickened out every time.
It's not like it wasn't obvious. They'd been together for a while now. Max felt a private smile cross his lips and he thought back to when it all happened. He still got sickeningly sweet butterflies at the thought that "partner" no longer simply applied to their job. It all should've been easy. He loved Sam. Simple and clean.
But there was just something about saying it out loud that made Max terrified.
That, and he was determined not to screw this up.
Max felt the claws of the hand he wasn't leaning on unsheathe as he gripped the seat a little too tightly.
Sam deserved the best. Max was...bad at showing or telling Sam how he felt. Unlike him, affection came naturally to Sam. Even before they were together Sam was naturally affectionate and touchy. He was always petting Max's head and picking him up (even if half of the time it was to then proceed to throw him).
Ever since they'd become a couple Max had been showered with affection from Sam. Hugs, kisses, affectionate words, even just hand holding were almost all initiated by Sam. He'd rather die than admit it out loud but he loved every minute of it.
Whenever Max tried to initiate affection he always felt like an idiot. Even when it was something as simple as holding Sam's hand in public. He'd reach for it and inevitably chicken out, only for Sam to notice, chuckle good naturedly and gently grab Max's hand as he could feel his face burning.
In private, it was easier still not 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺. Sam always reassured him it was fine, but he still wanted to get better at it. Not just for Sam's sake, but for his. He 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘥 affection. He 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘥 giving affection to Sam, at seeing the stupid smile Sam gave him whenever he did it.
Which is part of why he was so determined to get this right.
Max was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of a handbreak being pulled, eyes coming back into focus as he realised they were here. Colourful lights and the thrumming of fairground music hit Max as he opened the car door.
"Ready little pal?" Sam appeared along side him, offering his hand with a fond smile.
Max took a deep breath, plastering a smile on his face as he slammed the door behind him. "Ready as I'll ever be"
The two weaved through the relatively crowded fairground, passing by cheap stands and rickety rides. The smell of greasy food drifted from food stalls, a normally delicious smell to Max making his stomach turn as nerves continued to eat him.
As it turns out, holding hands turned out not just to be a simple act of affection but a nessesary tactical choice as Max's small size meant he'd likely be swept into the crowd if he wasn't careful.
Max felt his hand be given a squeeze as Sam grabbed his attention
"You doin alright down there little pal?"
"One comment about my height and I swear I'll bite you"
"Not my fault you're vertically challenged darlin'. Also I get the sense ya'd probably bite me at some point anyway."
"Ya know me so well Sam" Max grinned up at him as they continued to make their way towards the ferris wheel, the apparent meeting site where Sybil and Superball would be waiting for them.
"Any sign of em? You're the freakishly tall one"
"Six foot is not freakishly tall Max. And I'm having a hard time seein' em while keepin an eye on ya so I don't lose ya."
"I'll have ya know I can handle myself" Max said, puffing his chest out jokingly as they walked.
"It's not you I'm worried about little pal, it's everyone else. Heh, maybe I should tie a balloon to ya so I can see it floating if you're in the thick of the crowd.
"That is the single most undignified suggestion you've ever made Sam".
Sam looked thoughtful for a second before continuing. "Well good thing this next thing is an action and not a suggestion".
Max found himself being picked up, an action that at this point he was incredibly used to. His legs dangled in the air before he felt himself being lifted onto Sam's shoulders.
"There, two birds with one bullet. Now I won't lose ya and ya can keep an eye out for Sybil and Superball!"
"Not with your stupid hat in the way" Max took Sam's hat and wore it himself, leaning his chin on the top of Sam's head.
"So this is how the tall man lives - hey, there they are!" Max saw Sybil waving frantically near the ferris wheel, standing up on Sam's shoulders to wave back and nearly losing his balance as Sam grabbed his legs to steady him.
Besides Sam, Max couldn't say there were many people he liked that much. But it was safe to say Sybil was high-ish on the people-Max-would-consider-people-he-liked list, with Superball close behind.
The two eventually found there way to Sybil and Superball, her arm hooked in his. They exchanged greetings as Max sat back down on Sam's shoulders as conversation began to float between the four of them
"So, is Penny with Abe tonight?"
"Yep, he may be a cheating no good bastard" Sam and Max both cringed slightly as Superball remained unphased as usual "but he's a decent father to Penny at least...barely."
Sam quickly moved onto another topic of conversation before another raw nerve was hit.
"So, what thrilling, structurally dubious fairground activity should we partake in first?"
The trick seemed to have work as Sybil's face immediately brightened "Ooh, let's play some fairground games first!" Sybil pointed towards a carnival game "They have the most adorable stuffed foxes on that stall! Think you can win one for me sweetheart?" She turned towards Superball.
He replied in his usual monotone cadence "Yes dear. I believe that winning one of them will be child's play."
As Sybil squeezed Superballs arm and gave him a small kiss, Max leaned down and whispered into Sam's ear. "I do not understand those two"
Sam replied quietly, trying to keep a straight face to avoid alerting Sybil. "Me neither little pal, but they seem happy enough".
"Besides" he heard Sam continue, louder this time as they began to follow behind Sybil and Superball "We're not exactly the most usual couple either darlin' "
Max readjusted himself as they walked so he was sitting on only one of Sam's shoulders, rather like an oversized fluffy parrot. "True enough, you are pretty weird"
Sam snorted "Thanks pal"
"I mean, both you and Superball wore suits on a date to a fair. Who does that?"
"At least I'm wearing anything at all ya naked freak" Sam turned his head, pushing Max down with his hand and affectionately peppering his cheek with kisses as they walked.
"Ah! Sammy, gross!" He laughed, but made no motion to stop the act.
It was always stuff like this. Stupid affectionate stuff like this that made his heart melt and made him a complete idiot around Sam and that he wouldn't change for the world and...
Max remembered the note.
He felt himself gulp.
As it turns out, winning one of the stuffed toys was an easy task for Superball. For Sam, not so much.
Sybil and Superball had already moved onto other games at this point, but Sam's stubborn determination to win at least once thing at the milk bottle toss meant they'd been here for a while now. Max watched amusedly with his arms crossed, sitting just in front of Sam on the carnival booth. Sam lined up yet another shot.
"Havin' fun big guy?"
"Shut up Max" Sam had one eye closed, hat askew slightly on his head and his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth as he threw his arm back, preparing to throw.
Max thought it was adorable.
Sam put his arm back down, blowing air out of the side of his mouth as he reassessed the shot again.
"I swear these things are rigged. I hit it dead on before and it didn't even wobble!"
"Sam, I don't think hittin' the stand and havin the ball bounce into the bottles counts as hittin' it 'dead on'."
"Can it, knucklehead"
Sam gave another huff and went back to reassessing his throw, tongue sticking out of his mouth again.
It was stupid little moments like this that always made Max love Sam even more.
He felt his face crinkle. Okay, that was corny.
It was true though.
The sun had set now, though the brightly lit fair ground meant it was anything but dark. The warm orange lights of the booth contrasted the colourful lights strung up around the rest of the carnival. The orange glow hit Sam in a way that Max swore made him look gorgeous, even with his face scrunched up ridiculously as he concentrated on his throw.
It'd be so easy to do it now. There weren't many other people around the carnival games, most were on the rides. They were the only one at this particular booth and the attendant had dissapeared off to who knows where, so they were fairly alone. And wouldn't there be something nice about telling Sam when they're like this? Just the two of them together, enjoying a stupid date at the fair as Sam attempts to throw a baseball at a pyramid of milk bottles for the eighth time in a row?
Max felt a warm fluttering in his stomach as he decided to seize the moment, already reaching for his crumpled note.
If Sam noticed anything, he gave no indication, eyes still focused on his target with his arm pulled back again.
He began, note in one hand ready to be unfolded after he caught Sam's attention with the first three words "I lo-
"What?" Sam's concentration broke as he looks turned to Max, Sam's arm failing to stop the throw as the ball left his hand.
Max is hit squarely in the face with the baseball.
Max hears another puppy like whine as Sam yet again fussed over him.
"I'm so sorry Max. Are you sure you're alright? Do you need more ice? I can-"
Max let out a weak laugh, shifting the bag of ice on his eye a little "I'm fine Sammy, really! Stop worrying so much."
Max shifted, leaning against Sam's side on the picnic table's bench. The smell of greasy food wafted from the nearby food stalls which, thankfully, had enough ice to spare for a rabbity thing with a developing black eye. "Seriously, I get worse cuts and bruises on our cases all the time, quit worryin'!"
He heard Sam sigh, wrapping his arm around Max as he let out yet 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 whine.
Max rolled his eyes before placing the ice bag down on the table, squirming out from under Sam's arm. His eye still ached but he'd be damned if he let Sam continue to sulk. He climbed onto the table, kneeling in front of Sam so that they were eye to eye, holding the canine's face and forcing Sam to look at him.
"I'm 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 ya big dope! Quit worryin'!" He gave Sam a hopefully sincere smile, petting his cheek.
Sam looked solemn, eyes quickly darting to Max's black eye before he looked at him properly again. "Promise pal?"
Max leaned forward, determined to be bold and to make Sam feel better. He gave Sam a brief kiss before pulling back, smile on his face. "I promise."
Sam's face had brightened considerably. Max held back a laugh as he heard Sam's tail hitting the wood of the bench he was sitting on as it wagged.
He was unable to resist as Sam leaned forward, dopy grin on his face as Sam kissed him. He could feel the telltale rumbling of a purr in his chest when he felt the table wobble as someone sat down on the bench behind him.
"Well, looks like you're feeling better Max" he heard a voice say in a teasing tone
Max pulled back, twisting around with a frown "Fuck off Syb".
He heard Sam laugh behind him as he felt the tips of his ears burn with embarrassment.
"Well, since you say you're alright" Sam kissed his cheek from behind, making his ears burn more. He swore he saw Sybil holding back a laugh as she placed various stuffed animals onto the table. "I'll get us somethin to eat. Want anythin' in particular little pal?"
Max gave Sybil a final glare before slipping back onto the bench opposite her. "Eh, anything that looks especially greasy or deep-fried for me. I trust you to get something that doesn't taste completely like burned rubber."
"Alright. Anything for you Sybil?"
She shook her head "No thanks! Superball is already grabbing me a hotdog. Word of warning though, the lines are crazy"
Sam gave a nod to Sybil and a smile to Max as he set off towards the food stalls.
As soon as Max was sure Sam was out of eye and earshot, he placed the ice back on his eye and gave a pained groan.
Sybil gave an amused but sympathetic look "Not actually better huh?"
Max glared at her, but his gaze softened as she handed him a fresh packet of ice which he quietly took.
"Look, you know what Sam's like, he's a huge sap. It was the only way I could get him to feel better and stop moping."
Sybil smiled "You're pretending you're not hurt to make him feel better and he's the 'sap'?"
"Fuck off Sybil." He replied maybe a little to quickly as Sybil laughed.
𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘺𝘣𝘪𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦-𝘐-𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥-𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳-𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦-𝘐-𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵.
Ever since he and Sam had got together Sybil had enjoyed teasing Max about it, the apparent joy of doing so coming from a mix of "I told you so" and finally having some ammo with which to bully Max. When it came to anything other than Sam, he was admittedly shameless. And for some reason, Sybil seemed to take great joy in pushing his buttons.
Max quickly changed the subject before he felt his entire ears turn bright red. "So, how's Penny been?"
It was an obvious attempt at subject switching, but it worked. "She's been good. Though now she's toddling around it's a lot harder to keep an eye on her. Or well...contain her." Sybil's expression changed from a smile to mild exasperation. "She's...strong to say the least."
Max snorted "I'm not surprised, she's half stone for god's sake. And if she's got half the determination her mother does when it comes to pursuing careers, I've no doubt she's unstoppable."
"Wow Max, was that a compliment?"
"Hush would ya?" Max replied with a genuine smile "I have to keep buttering you up so I can keep visiting Penny. I wanna teach her as many bad words as possible"
"There's no buttering up needed, you know how much she adores her 'unk mac'. I wouldn't have the heart to stop you visiting of I tried. Besides, having you guys visit is always a fun change of pace"
She gave another exasperated look "Though I'd appreciate it if you'd stop trying to teach my daughter curse words"
"Look, I'm just saying, you're the one who decided to raise a kid in New York. She's gonna hear them eventually, and whether it's from her beloved uncle or some toothless truck driver yelling out of his window is your choice." Max said with a shrug.
The conversation flowed into talking about Sybil's new career choice, though Max found himself struggling to properly engage. His thoughts drifted back to the note.
He was going to do this tonight if it killed him. He cringed as a wave of pain shot through his skull, shifting the ice on his eye again. Okay, so the first attempt didn't go...perfectly. But he could do this! Though waiting for another opportune moment that may not appear probably wasn't the best idea. Especially considering how the last attempt went.
Something more planned then? Maybe something on a ride or something?
His mind was coming up blank.
Max held back a groan of annoyance. This was why Sam did the thinking, not him. If only there was someone else who could so some of the thinking for him.
"- you'd he surprised how much of a market there is for grooming orangutans. Though I gotta say -" Sybil continued, Max only just realising that he'd been in a world of his own as Sybil's voice came back into focus.
Hey, what about Sybil?
She'd been married. She'd had multiple long relationships. Sure, her relationship with Abe turned into a cesspool of cheating (her words) but she'd done the whole romance thing more than him. And she seemed happy with Superball. Maybe asking her would be a good idea.
Okay, it'd probably be an awful idea, and would only provide Sybil with more teasing ammo, but he was desperate and drawing up a blank.
"-and there was debris everywhere, it was crazy! Anyway, how've you been?" Sybil finished, looking towards Max.
"I've been...y'know...." Max placed the bag of ice on the table. He looked down at his lap, attempting to drum up the courage to ask. He took a deep breath. "Syb, can I ask you something?"
Sybil looked concerned "Of course Max, what's wrong?"
Max looked up, trying and failing to form a sentence. "How do you...when you...how did your...".
Sybil simply looked at him with confusion as Max felt the frustration with himself growing, fists clenching at his sides.
𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘵.
"How do you tell someone you love them?"
Sybil looked surprised at first, but a genuine smile began to form on her face.
"Max, is this about Sam?"
Max felt the urge to deny everything but he was in way to deep now.
"...yeah. I've been tryin to tell him for a while. I tried to tell him before when we were at the game booth an' err..." Max pointed to his eye "I kinda got this before I could say anythin."
Sybil gave another annoying sympathetic-but-amused look. "Didn't go so well huh?"
Max grabbed the ice, putting it back on his eye a bit too forcefully, making him wince. "You can say that again."
"So, not that I'm not flattered but why ask me? Why not just tell him?"
Max looked away with his one good eye "I just want it to he special y'know?" He could feel his face burning up. "And you've done the whole romance thing more than I have. Even if the first one kinda crashed and burned"
"Max!"
"Sorry!" Max turned his head "I'm not wrong though" he muttered.
"But anyway, point being, you'd know more about this than me. Also after all the effort I've gone to I refuse to let the stupid note go to waste"
"Note?"
Oops
"Nope, no note! Nothing! There's nothing! Forget this ever happened!"
"Oh come on Max! You can't just tell me you wrote a love note and then not show me!"
"It's not a love note it's a 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯" he said between gritted shark teeth.
He knew this would be a mistake.
"Come on Max, please?" She gave a pleading expression. "Besides, if you show me I can tell you where it'd be best to give it to him!"
"...read it out."
"Huh?"
Max felt his ears droop as he put the ice back on the table "I was gonna read it out to him"
"Oh" Sybil looked taken aback "Max, that's actually really sweet"
Max took out the folded note, rubbing his thumb across the worn paper "Look, if I give it to you and you read it do you promise to stop teasing me and just help me?"
Sybil gave a nod. Max passed the dogeared paper across the table between the small army of stuffed animals, looking down as he heard the sound of paper unfolding.
Sybil was silent for a little while before Max heard an incredibly soft "aww" from across the table.
"Max...this is so unbelievably sweet" Max looked up to see Sybil smiling at the paper, hand to her chest.
"Do ya...y'know, think he'll like it?" Max put his hands on the table, drumming nervously.
Sybil reached across the table, giving Max's hand a small squeeze "Max, he's going to love it".
Max gave a genuine grin then "Ya think so?"
"Positive" she replied, handing the note back to him.
"So, where d'you think I should read it out? I'm gonna do it tonight if it kills me" he rubbed his eye, the pain finally subsiding somewhat "though if I'm not careful it just might"
Sybil hummed in thought, looking around at the various attractions at the fair.
"What about the tunnel of love?"
Max gave her an unamused look "Really Sybil?"
"Hey, I'm just spitballing! Now let's see, what else..."
"Actually..." Max said thoughtfully. "That could work!"
"It could?"
"Yeah...yeah!" Max said, more to himself than to Sybil.
"If it goes well, then it's the perfect kind of mushy setting that Sam loves, and if I fuck it up, I can just say it was a joke cause the ride is so corny!" He was standing up on the seat at this point, grinning furiously as his plan came together.
"I don't think you can play telling someone you love them as a joke, Max" Sybil said skeptically, leaning on the stuffed animals.
"Details, details" Max made a dismissive motion with his hand, not noticing Sybil look behind him. "This will go great, it's the perfect plan!" He yelled, throwing his fists into the air triumphantly.
"What's the perfect plan little pal?" Max suddenly froze, hearing Sam's voice behind him.
He span round, seeing Sam standing confused holding corndogs and Superball looking...well like Superball.
"Nothing! Just...helping Sybil plan how to handle one her clients who always escapes!"
"Yep!" Sybil responded quickly "Orangutans do not like shampoo!"
Sam raised an eyebrow but pushed no further, simply sitting down next to Max who was shooting Sybil a grateful look. Superball sat opposite, earning a kiss on the cheek from Sybil as he handed her a hotdog. "Thanks bally!". Superball's expression remained completely static bar a distinct pink tinge across his cheeks.
'Bally?' Sam mouthed questioningly to Max, handing him a likely overpriced corndog. Max simply shrugged.
He bit into it, smile on his face.
This plan was going to be 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵.
If he could gather up the nerve to actually do it.
They'd been around a few of the attractions by this point. They'd rode some rides, the type where the fear came less from the attraction itself and more the question of if the ride would hold together long enough for a person to get off safely at the other end.
Max's stomach had been doing flips as they'd rode them, though very little of it had to do with the rides themselves. Sam had held his hand or put his arm around him on most of the rides making everything worse because of course he had the stupid perfect idiot.
The two had split off from Superball and Sybil, waving them goodbye for a while as Sybil unsubtly whispered that it was Max's chance.
"So, what d'ya feel like doing next little pal?" Sam asked as they walked, Max once again sitting on his shoulder for ease of transport.
Okay...now.
"How about that?" Max pointed squarely towards a rickety looking attraction clearly labelled "tunnel of love" in gaudy pink letters.
Sam gave Max a questioning look before he continued "Come on! It you know how corny these things are, it'll be fun to mock it! Besides, it'll be y'know..." be bold damnit "quiet, if you catch my drift" he finished, running an unsheathed claw along the back of Sam's shirt collar.
Max earned a surprised look before Sam gave him that one stupid smile he always did when Max initiated moments like this.
Score.
"Heh, sure, why not" He gave Max's neck a small kiss, making him shiver.
Focus, focus.
"Great, let's go!" He jumped off Sam's shoulder, grabbing his hand and pulling him forwards.
He could do this.
The line was thankfully short, though Max felt part of himself wishing it was longer so he could have more time to prepare. It wasn't long before they were on a poorly thought out heart shaped boat drifting into the tunnel.
Past the enterance was a dimly lit tunnel filled with various simulacras of what was likely intended to be hearts. Pink neon lights lit the boats path as it continued to float down the tunnel.
Sam began laughing "...wow"
"You can say that again" Max said, looking around the tunnel in fascination and horror.
"Say what you like about the poor decorum though, it is private in here" he felt Sam slip is arm around him, mild annoyance bubbling at the realisation he was meant to be the one dishing out the romantic stuff this time damnit.
Max felt himself unconsciously leaning into Sam's side however, frustration melting away as Sam began to pet the spot on his neck he new Max liked.
He felt himself purring, closing his eyes and leaning into the touch, ears drooping contentedly. He felt Sam's other hand on his cheek, and before he knew it Sam's lips were on his.
He moved his hands to Sam's cheeks as their lips moved, letting out a small noise into the kiss as his mind went completely blank bar anything that was happening right this second.
Sam had stopped petting and instead was resting his hand on the small of Max's back, gently pushing into Max. Sam tasted of the shitty food they'd had earlier which right now, couldn't have possibly been more intoxicating.
Sam sighed into the kiss, running his thumb along Max's cheek.
Fuck he loved this idiot.
Loved.
The note.
Shit.
Max's ears shot up as put his hands on Sam's chest, pushing him back and leaving Sam slightly stunned.
"Max? Are ya alright? Is somethin wrong?" He asked, genuine concern in his voice as he looked at Max with those pretty brown eyes that were just making this worse.
"No! Yes! I mean..." Max let out a groan of frustration, covering his eyes with his hands.
"Hey, it's alright" he heard Sam say in an irritatingly perfect tone as he felt Sam take his hands, gently moving them away from his face.
"What's on your mind darlin'?" He asked with a soft smile on his face.
This was not how this was meant to go.
Screw it. He had Sam's attention. It was now or never.
He took a deep breath, readying the note in his hand and standing up in the boat.
"Sam, I lo- GAH!" the boat rocked precariously at the sudden movement of Max standing up, tipping from side to side. Sam grabbed onto one side as Max wobbled and tried to grab the other, failing miserably as he went straight over the side.
As Sybil and Superball approached the meeting spot, they distinctly saw Sam but Max was nowhere in sight.
Sybil gave a small wave as they approached, noticing Sam had his jacket off and was holding it in his arms. "Hey Sam, where's Max?"
Sam gave an awkward chuckle, shifting his arms slightly to give view of the shivering, soaked, one black-eyed and thoroughly miserable looking lagomorph bundled in the jacket in Sam's arms.
"Oh dear"
They were sat back near the food stalls at this point, Sybil having sent Superball and Sam on a mission to see if they could find something to dry Max off, though mostly it was an excuse for Sybil to talk to him. Sam was reluctant to leave the shivering rabbit, but a smile and reassurance from Max was enough to get him to leave, though likely not for long.
"So...how'd it go?"
Max gave her a glare, ears drooped as he bundled himself tighter in Sam's jacket.
"Yeah sorry, silly question."
Max let out a furstrated groan which came out in spurts as he shivered.
"What happened? Oh gosh, is the note alright?"
Max pulled out the note and brandished it, dry and no more worn than before.
"I managed to hold the hand with the note in above the water when I fell in. It's how Sam grabbed me actually." Max remembered with distinct embarrassment of being fished out of the cold water by his arm.
"I was going to tell him but I stood up in the boat an' it rocked an'..." Max shrugged his shoulders beneath the jacket "...yeah"
"Oh Max" Sybil said softly.
"Do you think you'll try again or..?"
The rabbit gave a miserable look before glancing away, looking very small.
"I want to but...ugh, I give up" the rabbit bundled himself further into the expanse of the jacket, looking thoroughly defeated.
"This will work right?" A voice came from behind her as Sam approached, holding an...orange rectangle of material with a burger on it?
Max brightened at the voice, still looking miserable but a small smile formed on his face as Sam returned.
"It's not much, but more layers will hopefully keep ya warm at least" Sam briefly removed the jacket from Max as he shivered, wrapping him in the material before bundling him back into the jacket.
He gently picked up the cloth and rabbit bundle, holding it close as he sat down.
"Sam, what even is that? Where did you get that?"
"Huh? Oh, it's a flag from one of the food stands. They weren't usin' it." Max looked much happier at this point, his eyes closed and smile on his face as he nuzzled into Sam's chest. It'd be cute if not for Max's sharp glinting teeth.
"And by 'they weren't using it' you mean they took it went they weren't looking?"
"Yup!"
"Alright then"
Sybil rolled her eyes as Sam gently kissed Max's forehead "How ya feelin bunny?"
Sybil heard a muffled whine from the cloth and fur bundle "Saaaamm, I told ya not to call me that in public."
Sam just laughed as Sybil failed to hold back one of her own. "Sorry little pal." He gave Max another small kiss on the forehead as an apology.
Oh she was so using bunny.
Finally her boyfriend reappeared. She gave him a wave from the table to which she received a nod as his arms were filled with what looks like fluffy towels.
"Hey, these are perfect, where did you get these?" Sam was already taking one from Superball's arms, unwrapping a grateful looking Max and rubbing him dry like a small dog after a bath.
"I'm afraid that's on a need to know basis Ms. Pandemik dear"
"Bally, I told you to call me Sybil!"
"Yes Ms Sybil Pandemik dear"
Sybil just rolled her eyes, turning to notice Max looked much happier (and poofier).
"How ya feelin' Max? Wanna go home? I don't mind if ya do"
"Nah, we can go on a few more things, I wanna at least get the most out of the fair before it closes."
"Bunny's right, there's still some time left"
Max gave her a piercing glare which could've been consideried intimidating if he wasn't currently puffed up like a show poodle.
Sybil just smirked.
The four passed around the remaining attractions at the fair they hadn't yet visited, with Sam even managing to win Max a stuffed horse at the shooting gallery. Finally, the fair was beginning to come to a close, with crowds of people beginning to dwindle.
Sam looked down to Max, petting his head as they walked. "So, dispite the multiple mishaps, did ya have a good night little pal?"
Max sighed, holding the ridiculous looking horse plush tight in his arms. Okay, so he hadn't got to confess, but in the end, he got to spend time with Sam.
He smiled up "Yeah, I did"
They heard Superball pipe up in front of them. "It appears the fair is closing sirs. Any remaining activities you wish to do should likely be partaken in"
Sybil turned "He's right. Hey, what about the ferris wheel? We rode it before, the view from the top is great."
Sam nodded "That sounds kind nice actually. And ferris wheels probably have lower chance for err..." Sam looked down at Max, still thoroughly fluffed up and black eye now having fully developed "Mishaps, so to speak. What d'ya say little pal"
Normally Max was more for faster rides, but after the night he'd had, a calm ride on the ferris wheel as he cuddled against Sam sounded nice.
"Sure, why not?" He grinned.
There was no line, the few people left choosing to take a final spin on the more exciting rides to end the night. The two climbed into the rickety carriage, Max placing the lopsided toy horse beside them in the carriage.
Sybil waved from the ground as the attendant pulled the level and the wheel went up, Max smiling contentedly as he leaned into Sam's side, feeling Sam rub gentle circles into his back. The view of the fair was surprisingly pretty, lights twinkling against the dark sky, soft carnival music drifting up and the sounds of the remaining people chattering.
At least this was nice.
The two reached the top, at which the ride would usually stop to give it's passengers a view.
Unusually however, the sound of metal scraping against metal filled the air as the ferris wheel jerked to what was likely a harsher stop than intended.
Sam and Max shared a look of confusion before they heard a tinny voice coming from the tannoy. "It appears the ride has ran into an unexpected problem. Please be patient as our workers fix the issue. Thank you for your co-operation."
Max's good eye twitched.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Max yelled, standing up and yelling into the air as the ferris wheel cart rocked at the sudden motion.
Sam flinched at the sudden loudness. "Does anything ELSE want to go WRONG tonight?!" Max was about to scream when he felt gentle hands on his shoulders.
"Hey, hey, it's alright! We just have to wait a little while." Max turned around to see Sam staring at him with those pretty eyes because of course he was.
Max felt his ears droop. "Ugh, sorry. Its just...been a long night." He felt a hand on his cheek as Sam coaxed his face up to look at him, his gentle smile already making him feel better.
He nuzzled into Sam's hand before flopping back down next to him, shivering as a gust of wind blew through his fur.
"Chilly little pal?"
"Yeah, but I'll be fine." Sam didn't respond, simply taking off his jacket and wrapping it around Max. He took Max's shoulder, urging him to lean into Sam's side. He complied as Sam began to pet his head gently.
Okay, maybe this wasn't so bad.
Max began purring involuntary at the feeling, pushing up into the hand without thinking.
"You're adorable you know that?"
"Shut up Sammy"
Sam just laughed, closing his eyes and slouching into the seat, preparing for a long wait.
The two fell into a comfortable silence, the main sounds coming from the fair below and Max himself, still purring. A slight breeze rocked the carriage, making it chilly but not cold as above them stars vaguely twinkled.
This was really nice actually. Just the two of them, pretty view, it'd be perfect for...
Max shifted in his seat slightly. They'd probably be here a while. They were alone, no baseballs or water or anything else that could possibly ruin it.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮.
"Sam, I have something to tell you."
One of Sam's eyes peaked open as Max shuffled away from him slightly, turning to face him in the carriage with the jacket still loosely draped in his shoulders
Max took a deep breath as Sam sat up, attention fully focused on Max.
He saw Sam's eyes widen as he took out the note in plain sight, unfolding it. He was going to be prepared this time.
He steeled himself. "Sam, I-," he was interrupted by a sharp gust of wind, causing Sam to grab his hat as it was nearly blown off and tearing the note straight from Max's hands.
Max made a fruitless grab for it as it flew off. The two watched as it was carried away by the wind, flittering away from the fair.
Max just stared, mind struggling to comprehend what had just happened as Sam looked at him with concern and slight terror.
He felt something inside him snap.
Three fucking times. THREE fucking times the universe had decided it'd be hilarious to screw this up for him. If there was a god Max decided that this was proof he was a cruel one.
𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘦.
Max turned sharply, taking Sam's hands in his as the canine's ears perked up at the sudden motion. Max looked him directly in the eye.
He was doing this whether the universe wanted him to or not.
He held Sam's hands tight.
"Sam, I love you"
Sam's eyes went wide.
"And I did have a whole thing with a note and a plan but the universe seems to hate me so I guess we're improvising now."
He stood up, Sam's hands still held tightly in his as Sam stared at him speechlessly.
"Sam, you are the single most gorgeous and amazing person I've ever met. I adore spending every day with you and you make me happier than I ever thought I could be. You're hilarious, sweet, caring and a million other things I had written down that I can't remember right now because I'm panicking"
Max gulped, continuing.
"I can't imagine my life without ya and quite frankly I don't ever want to. I love wakin' up next to ya every day and seeing your stupid gorgeous face. I wish I could put into words just how much I care about ya."
Sam continued to stare, eyes wide as Max felt Sam's grip his hands tighten.
"I have literally no idea what's gonna happen in the future. But I know I wanna spend it with you."
"I love you, Sammy."
Max finished, letting out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. Sam stared at him, mouth slightly agape, stock-still.
"Sammy?" He said cautiously. "Are yo-mmph!"
He barely had time to respond as he felt Sam barrel into him, lips pressed to his.
He fell onto his back, the carriage shaking slightly as he hit the seat, Sam on top of him. Sam's hat fell off in the scuffle onto the floor of the carriage, the stuffed horse following suit. He cradled Max's face in his hands, pressing into him as he ran his thumbs through the fur on Max's cheeks.
Holy shit.
Max let out a happy noise as he wrapped his arms around Sam's neck and pulled him down further, twisting into the kiss to deepen it.
"Max" he heard Sam mutter against his lips, pressing into him as much as he possibly could.
He felt the blazer underneath him as he shifted slightly. The rabbit let out a sigh, one hand moving to the back of Sam's head as the other gripped the back of Sam's shirt collar tightly.
Time seemed to freeze as they stayed locked together. At least until the sound of metal creaking filled their ears. They felt the carriage shift slightly. The two broke apart, gasping for air as the ferris wheel began to move slowly once again.
Max smiled up at Sam as he looked down at him slightly ashamedly, cheeks red under his fur as he breathed in Max's face. He looked so pretty. "Heh, sorry darlin', might've gotten a bit carried away there."
Scenery passed by through the corner of Max's eye as the carriage moved, though his focus was entirely elsewhere. Sam ran a thumb through the fur on Max's cheek again, looking at him adoringly. "Ya gave me a pretty good reason to though."
Max thought he might melt.
He lay beneath Sam, unable to do anything but stare at him dumbly with a huge smile plastered on his face. "Is this why you've been acting so odd tonight?" Max gave a bashful nod, mouth apparently having lost the ability to speak.
Sam pressed their foreheads together as the ferris wheel neared the ground.
"I love you too. So, so much."
Tonight had been perfect.
The two exited the ride, Sam gently tugging Max out by the hand. The two looked dazed as Sybil and Superball came to greet them.
"Sorry about the ride getting stuck guys. Looks like you had an okay time of it though." Sybil said with a smile, glancing down to Max who paid her no attention as he was too busy staring at Sam dreamily, jacket hung loosely off his shoulders and a lumpy horse under his free arm.
"Yeah, you could say that" Sam replied, squeezing Max's hand.
"Anyway, it's pretty late, we should all probably be getting home."
"What? Oh, yeah! Sorry, you're right." Sam gave a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his neck.
"Thanks for a fun night Sybil. And you Superball. We should do this again sometime."
"Agreed sirs" Superball linked his arm with Sybil's.
"Well, we should probably get goin'. G'night you guys! Come on Max." He smiled down to Max, giving his hand a small tug urge him to walk. The rabbit just barely responded, eyes lidded with a smile on his face as Sam pulled him gently towards the fairs exit.
Superball and Sybil didn't follow, instead going toward the ferris wheel.
Superball smirked as Sybil slipped the ride operator a $20 bill.