Work Text:
When the traveling fair announced its arrival in town, Elliot felt a jolt of excitement as he stumbled across one of the bright, colorful posters taped to a light pole. His eyes widened, scanning the bold text and vibrant illustrations of Ferris wheels, flashing lights, and carnival games. It wasn’t just the idea of the fair that got his heart racing, though fairs were undeniably fun, they were also notorious for being money traps filled with overpriced games that leaned heavily on luck. And when it came to luck, only one person came to Elliot’s mind: Chance.
Chance, with his ever-present smirk, sharp black suit, and an aura of confidence, was someone Elliot both admired and secretly harbored feelings for. They were close friends, but Elliot’s crush on the gambler was a well-kept secret, one he guarded heavily. The thought of confessing, of possibly ruining what they already had, was something Elliot couldn’t bear. But this… this could be an opportunity.
The fair, with its glittering attractions and lively chaos, seemed like the perfect excuse to spend time together, even if it wasn’t a real “date.” It didn’t matter. As long as he got to be near Chance, to hear his laughter or see that signature glint in his eyes behind glasses, Elliot would be happy. Just the thought of it brought a small smile to his face as he tugged out his phone to send Chance a text.
His fingers flew across the screen as he typed out the details of the fair, ending the message with a casual invitation, though his heart hammered nervously as he hit send. The reply came almost instantly, and Elliot’s breath caught when he read Chance’s response:
> Sounds like fun. Count me in.
Now, here he was, standing alone in the dimly lit parking lot outside the fairgrounds. The night air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint sound of carnival music and laughter drifting from the glowing lights in the distance. Elliot fidgeted nervously, his work uniform suddenly feeling stifling and uncomfortable. He adjusted the collar of his black undershirt, the fabric brushing against his neck in a way that only seemed to heighten his anxiety. He wasn’t usually this tense, but tonight felt different.
The minutes seemed to drag as Elliot shifted his weight from one foot to the other, glancing around the nearly empty lot. His mind raced with second thoughts.
Was this a mistake? Would Chance think this whole thing was lame? What if he didn’t even show up?
Just as those doubts began to take root, a firm hand landed on his shoulder. Elliot flinched slightly, his heart skipping a beat as he turned around. There stood Chance, his ever-present smirk tugging at his lips. The man looked effortlessly put together, as usual, wearing his signature black suit paired with limiteds that probably cost more than Elliot’s monthly bills. His sharp appearance stood out starkly against the dull backdrop of the parking lot, making him seem almost surreal in the faint glow of the streetlights.
“You came,” Elliot blurted out, his voice betraying a mix of relief and nervousness. He quickly offered a smile, trying to mask his jittery energy. “I’m glad you showed up.”
Chance tilted his head slightly, his smirk deepening into something halfway between amusement and curiosity. He let out a soft laugh, the sound light and teasing. “I agreed to come, didn’t I? Why wouldn’t I show up?”
Elliot mentally kicked himself. Of course, Chance would find that statement odd. It was a dumb thing to say, and now he probably looked like a total loser. His cheeks flushed as he scrambled to recover, offering an awkward laugh of his own. “Ahh, sorry. You’re right.”
“Hey,” Chance interrupted, leaning in slightly, his voice carrying a hint of playful admonishment. “Why are you apologizing? I was just joking. Don’t overthink it.” Straightening up, he glanced toward the glowing fairgrounds ahead. “Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to waste all our time hanging out in a parking lot, do we?”
Before Elliot could respond, Chance turned and began walking toward the entrance. For a moment, Elliot stood frozen, caught between lingering nerves and the thrill of seeing Chance so relaxed and in his element. Quickly shaking off his hesitation, he jogged to catch up, falling into step beside him.
The two made their way across the parking lot, the neon lights from the fair casting fleeting reflections on the pavement as they walked. Elliot found himself sneaking glances at Chance, unable to help himself. The way the man carried himself, the easy confidence in his stride, it was captivating really. More than once, Elliot had to force himself to look away, afraid that Chance might catch him staring and ask why. His pulse quickened every time their arms brushed as they walked, though Chance didn’t seem to notice.
As the two approached the entrance and stopped at a ticketer, the sounds of the fair filled the air. Elliot stepped forward, pulling out his wallet from his pocket, his fingers fumbling with the edges as he quickly gathered the money he’d set aside.
His plan was simple: he’d pay for both tickets. It felt right, especially since he had invited Chance, and it was a small gesture to show how much he appreciated the man’s company. However, just as he began to unfold the bills, Chance’s voice cut through his thoughts.
“I got it, don’t worry.”
Elliot froze mid-motion, glancing up in surprise. Before he could protest, Chance had already stepped ahead, casually sliding a neatly folded stack of bills onto the small counter. The worker behind the glass nodded briskly, accepting the payment and handing over two paper wristbands. The process was so smooth, so quick, that Elliot barely had time to react.
“Wait—” he started, still holding his wallet, his eyebrows furrowed.
Chance turned to him with a smug yet warm smile as they stepped away from the counter. “It’s on me. Call it my treat. Besides, consider it payback for all the times you spotted me in the past.”
“That’s different,” Elliot argued, though his voice was softer than he intended. He slid his wallet back into his pocket with an exasperated sigh, his brows knitting together in mock annoyance. “I invited you. I should’ve paid.”
Chance let out a soft chuckle, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. “Relax, Elliot. You don’t always have to be so formal. Just enjoy the night.”
Elliot’s annoyance lingered on his face, but deep down, he couldn’t help but feel a small flutter in his chest.
As they moved into the venue, the fair unfolded before them like a living tapestry of lights, sounds, and vibrant energy. String lights hung above like delicate, glowing vines, casting a warm and inviting glow across the bustling crowds. People weaved in and out of brightly colored booths, their laughter and voices blending into a cacophony of joy. The air smelled of popcorn, caramel, and fried foods, the scents swirling together in a tantalizing mix.
Elliot stuck close to Chance as they navigated the crowds, their shoulders occasionally brushing as they walked. Each fleeting touch sent a small spark through Elliot, though he did his best to ignore it, focusing instead on the sights around them. Chance seemed completely at ease, his gaze flitting over the booths and games with a casual interest.
As they passed rows of games and attractions, Elliot’s eyes landed on one of those punching strength machines tucked away in a quieter corner of the fair. The machine stood under its own set of string lights, casting a soft glow on its polished surface. Elliot’s attention was immediately drawn to it, and without thinking, he reached out and grabbed Chance’s arm.
“Hey,” he said, his voice filled with sudden excitement as he pointed toward the machine. “Can we go do that over there? Nobody’s around it, and we can finally see who’s stronger. I bet I’ll get a higher score.”
Chance blinked, momentarily surprised by Elliot’s enthusiasm, but his lips curled into a small smirk. “You’re on,” he said with a nod.
Elliot smiled, his grip still lingering on Chance’s arm as he led the way to the machine. Only when they arrived did he realize he’d been holding onto Chance the entire time. Embarrassed, he quickly let go, rubbing the back of his neck as he stepped up to the machine.
The area was quieter than the main fairgrounds, with a few benches and vending machines scattered nearby. The string lights above gave the space an almost cozy atmosphere, and the sounds of the bustling crowd faded into the background. Elliot stood to the right of the machine, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms in preparation. He glanced back at Chance, who was leaning casually against a nearby pole, watching him with an amused expression.
Elliot grinned, his competitive streak taking over as he wound up his left hand. With a sharp exhale, he threw a solid punch at the small, hanging bag, the sound of impact ringing out briefly before being swallowed by the ambient noise of the fair. The machine beeped and whirred as the digital numbers climbed higher and higher. Elliot’s eyes sparkled as he watched the score settle on 793, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.
“Not bad, huh?” Elliot said, glancing over his shoulder at Chance.
Chance pushed off the pole and stepped forward, his grin widening. “Not bad… but let me show you how it’s done.”
He rolled up the sleeve of his right arm with practiced ease, his movements deliberate and confident. Elliot stepped aside, crossing his arms as he watched with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Chance lined himself up in front of the machine, his stance relaxed but focused. Without any theatrics, he drew back his fist and delivered a swift, clean punch.
The machine beeped again, the numbers racing upward at a rapid pace. Elliot unconsciously moved closer, his eyes glued to the display as the score climbed higher and higher. When it finally stopped, the screen proudly displayed 999… the maximum score…
Chance turned to face Elliot, a smug smirk tugging at his lips. “Guess that settles it,” he said, brushing an invisible speck of dust off his sleeve as he rolled it back down.
Elliot stared at the flashing number on the screen, his face scrunching as he grabbed Chance by the shoulders and gave him a gentle shake. His frustration was more for show than anything, but his exaggerated reaction drew a laugh from the gambler, whose glasses started slipping down his nose from the jostling.
“What!” Elliot exclaimed, his voice tinged with mock indignation. “What was your trick? You must’ve had one! No way you hit the max score without cheating somehow!”
Chance closed his eyes, his laughter bubbling over as he raised his hands to steady Elliot’s grip on his shoulders. His fingers rested lightly on the pizza man’s arms, a silent plea for him to stop shaking him. “Okay, okay, calm down,” Chance chuckled, his grin widening.
Elliot reluctantly loosened his grip but didn’t pull his hands away. Instead, he looked directly into Chance’s eyes, his own gaze narrowed with suspicion. “Well? Spill it! What’s the secret?”
Chance smirked, adjusting his glasses with one hand while leaving the other casually on Elliot’s shoulder. “There’s no secret,” he said with an air of smugness. “You just have to punch it fast. It’s not about strength—it measures speed.” His smirk deepened as he added, “But let’s be real, I’m stronger anyway.”
Elliot’s jaw dropped in exaggerated disbelief. “Are not!” he shot back, shaking Chance one last time for emphasis before letting go entirely.
Chance laughed again, tilting his head toward a nearby booth. “Don’t get too worked up about it. Maybe you’ll have better aim than me. How about we test that theory over there?”
Elliot followed Chance’s gaze and saw a balloon darts game. The vibrant booth was decorated with flashing lights, colorful balloons of all shapes and sizes pinned to the backboard. The sign above boasted prizes ranging from small trinkets to oversized stuffed animals. Elliot grinned and nudged Chance with his elbow. “Let’s do it.”
The two strolled over to the booth, shoulder to shoulder, as the fair’s ambient sounds of laughter, chatter, and cheerful music surrounded them. The worker behind the booth greeted them with a practiced smile, setting up the game as they approached. He handed each of them a set of darts and explained the rules: they had a limited time to pop as many balloons as possible, and landing all their darts successfully would win them a prize.
Elliot already began to line himself up, dart in hand, his expression one of fierce concentration. As the timer started, he began launching darts with quick, precise throws, each one landing with a satisfying pop. One after another, the balloons burst, their colorful fragments falling to the ground.
By the time Elliot threw his last dart, he had cleared all of his balloons with time to spare. He leaned over to watch Chance, who was still mid-game. The gambler’s throws were… less accurate. Despite his cool demeanor and even weilding a gun half the time, Chance’s darts flew wide or landed in between balloons, wasting several shots.
Chance sighed heavily as his final dart sailed past its target. He turned to Elliot with a resigned look, only to be met with a triumphant grin.
“Not bad,” Elliot teased, holding up the decently sized green alien plush the worker handed him as a prize. He inspected the toy for a moment, turning it over in his hands before smirking at Chance. “You know,” he said, holding the plush up to Chance’s face, “it kind of reminds me of you.”
Chance blinked, his brain momentarily short-circuiting as he stared at the plush alien. The teasing tone in Elliot’s voice, combined with the subtle affection behind his words, left him momentarily speechless. Elliot, either unaware of the effect he’d had or pretending not to notice, grabbed Chance’s arm and began dragging him toward another attraction before he could respond.
“C’mon,” Elliot said, his eyes lighting up as he spotted a ladder crawl game. “Let’s try this one.”
The ladder crawl game was tucked in a quieter corner, its bright red padding and rope ladder standing out against the darkened fairgrounds. The rules were simple: climb the wobbly ladder to the top without falling off.
“You go first,” Elliot insisted, practically shoving Chance forward while holding onto the alien plush like a trophy.
Chance raised an eyebrow but stepped up to the challenge, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to climb. Placing one foot on the first rung, he tested the ladder’s stability, which immediately wobbled beneath him. He took it slow, carefully distributing his weight with each step. Despite his measured approach, the structure swayed unpredictably. About three-fourths of the way up, Chance’s foot slipped, and he tumbled backward onto the padded ground with a soft thud.
Elliot burst into laughter, clutching the alien plush to his chest. “Smooth moves,” he teased as Chance got to his feet, brushing himself off.
“Let’s see you do better,” Chance shot back, crossing his arms and stepping aside.
Elliot handed the plush to Chance and stepped up to the ladder, brimming with confidence. Unlike Chance, he opted for speed, trying to sprint his way up the unsteady structure. However, this turned out to be a terrible strategy. Just a quarter of the way up, his footing faltered, and he slipped off, landing on the padded ground in an unceremonious heap.
Chance smirked as Elliot picked himself up, brushing off his pants. “So much for being better,” Chance said, holding the alien plush out to Elliot with a teasing grin.
Elliot rolled his eyes, shaking off the comment as he turned his attention back to the lively fairground around them. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of fried food, which made Elliot feel hungry.
“Do you want to see if they have an ice cream stand somewhere?” Elliot asked suddenly, turning to Chance. His expression softened, his frustration melting away as quickly as it had come. “I’m kinda craving some right now.”
Chance adjusted his grip on the plush, his lips quirking into a small smile. “Sure, sounds good to me,” he replied casually, following Elliot as they began weaving through the crowd.
The two wandered through the main area as they navigated through clusters of people. Elliot’s eyes darted between the various booths and stalls, each one decorated with vibrant signs advertising practically any food you could think of. It took them a few minutes of searching, but eventually, they spotted a small dessert stand tucked into a quieter corner.
The line was mercifully short, with only a few people ahead of them. As they waited, Elliot glanced over at Chance who was looking off to the side, and who was still clutching the alien plush like it was some prized possession. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight, it was oddly endearing, seeing the usually composed gambler carrying around something so silly, even if it was his.
When it was their turn, Elliot stepped up to the counter with a cheerful, “May I get a scoop of strawberry, please?” He turned to Chance, gesturing for him to place his order.
“I’ll get a scoop of vanilla, thanks,” Chance said, already reaching for his wallet. The alien plush made the task slightly awkward as he fumbled within the pocket, eventually pulling out the exact amount needed and handing it to the worker.
Elliot furrowed his brow, watching Chance pay yet again. “You’ve already paid for enough tonight,” he said, crossing his arms as they waited for their ice cream. “Stop paying for everything I ask to do. Here, when we sit down, I’ll pay you back.”
Chance shook his head with a faint smile, his voice calm and reassuring. “We rarely go out like this,” he said. “And besides, I don’t mind.”
Elliot opened his mouth to protest but stopped himself, letting out a resigned sigh instead. He grabbed their ice cream from the worker and led Chance over to a secluded bench nearby. The spot was quieter than the main area of the fair, illuminated by the same gentle cascade of string lights that created a cozy, almost intimate atmosphere.
Chance placed the plush between them as he took his ice cream from Elliot. The pizza man plopped down, taking a bite of his strawberry scoop while tilting his head away. “I still feel bad,” he mumbled. “I invited you, so I should be the one paying.”
Chance glanced at him, his gaze softening as he watched Elliot stubbornly avoid eye contact. There was something oddly charming about the way Elliot was so determined to make things fair, even when it didn’t really matter. Chance leaned in slightly, his shoulder brushing against Elliot’s as he tried to catch his attention.
“If I stop paying, will that make you happy?” Chance asked, his tone light but laced with a hint of curiosity.
Elliot turned his head, a spoonful of ice cream still in his mouth as he nodded quickly. His expression was serious, but the sight of him sitting there with a spoon sticking out of his mouth made Chance chuckle.
“You’re amusing,” Chance said, his voice carrying a playful warmth.
Elliot blinked, seemingly not hearing the comment as he returned his focus to his ice cream. Chance couldn’t help but smile at how quickly Elliot’s mood seemed to shift.
Elliot finished his ice cream rather quickly, the sweet flavor of strawberry lingering faintly on his tongue. He leaned back on the bench, gazing at the warm glow of the string lights above them, and tried to fill the quiet with conversation.
“So…” Elliot started, glancing at Chance, who was still steadily working his way through his ice cream. “What type of… games do you usually gamble on? Like poker, slots, blackjack—you know, that sort of thing?”
Chance paused mid-bite, glancing at Elliot with a curious smirk before leaning back slightly. “I usually bet on roulettes,” he replied smoothly, his voice taking on a relaxed tone. “Whether it’s on red, black, or my life—it doesn’t matter. The wins are huge.”
Elliot blinked at him, his eyebrows raising slightly at the dramatics of that statement. Before he could overthink it, Chance leaned closer, his smirk deepening. “Why? Are you interested in gambling? I could teach you a few tricks if you want,” he added with a teasing glint in his eyes.
The playful suggestion made Elliot chuckle nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Ahh, no, but thanks for the offer. I was just trying to strike up a conversation, that’s all.” His voice wavered slightly, betraying his awkwardness.
Chance’s gaze lingered on him for a moment as he sat back again, that smirk never quite leaving his face, though he said nothing more. Elliot, trying to busy himself, quickly noticed that Chance had finished his ice cream. Without waiting for a word, he grabbed both of their empty cups and stood up.
“I’ll toss these,” Elliot said, walking briskly toward a nearby trash can. He dumped the cups with a satisfying thunk before returning to the bench, where Chance had already risen to his feet.
“Thanks,” Chance said simply, brushing a stray piece of lint from his suit sleeve. As his gaze wandered, it landed on a towering ferris wheel illuminated by colorful lights in the distance. He tilted his head toward it. “Wanna go on that?”
Elliot’s heart sank for a moment, his pulse quickening, though not with excitement. He had a decent but undeniable fear of heights, and the idea of being suspended so high in the air made his stomach twist. Still, the thought of saying no to Chance, especially after the gambler had humored all of his suggestions, made him hesitate.
“Sure,” Elliot said, forcing a smile that he hoped didn’t look too strained.
The two walked toward the ferris wheel, the same soft hum of carnival chatter filling the air around them. Though the line looked long at first glance, it moved surprisingly quickly, thanks to the large number of carts. Before Elliot knew it, they were at the front, stepping into one of the open two-seater carts.
The moment the cart jerked slightly to allow the next group to board, Elliot’s heart began racing. The metal beneath his feet felt unnervingly flimsy, and he gripped the edge of his seat tightly, his knuckles turning white. The higher they rose, the more Elliot felt the knot of anxiety in his chest tighten. Curse these carts for not being inclosed.
He tried to distract himself by looking around, but the sight of the ground growing smaller beneath him only made things worse. A thin sheen of sweat began forming on his forehead, and his breathing grew shallow. He tried to calm himself by thinking about the plush he’d won earlier, then imagining holding it to calm him down. But then it hit him, the alien was gone. They must’ve left it by the bench.
Elliot’s stomach sank even further. He clenched his jaw, refusing to bring it up to Chance. The last thing he wanted was for Chance to think he was blaming him for the forgotten plush on top of everything else.
As Elliot stared at the metal flooring of the cart, trying not to hyperventilate, he didn’t notice Chance turning toward him. It wasn’t until Chance’s voice broke through the din of his spiraling thoughts that he snapped back to reality.
“Elliot?” Chance asked, his voice laced with concern. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
Elliot turned his head slowly, feeling the heat of embarrassment flood his cheeks. He could tell by the worried look in Chance’s eyes that his pale face had already betrayed him.
“…I’m scared of heights,” Elliot admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He swallowed hard before continuing, “Sorry.”
Chance’s eyes widened briefly before his expression softened. Without a word, he scooted closer to Elliot, placing a reassuring hand over one of Elliot’s, which was still gripping the edge of the seat.
“Don’t apologize,” Chance said firmly, his tone gentle but insistent. “It’s not your fault. If you’d told me, we wouldn’t have gone on this. I should be the one apologizing.”
Elliot shook his head, glancing down at their joined hands before mumbling, “But you seemed like you really wanted to go on it, so I agreed.”
Chance frowned slightly, his grip on Elliot’s hand tightening just a fraction. “No, I don’t care about the ride if it means you’re going to feel sick,” he said, his voice steady. “Seriously, we could’ve done something else.”
Elliot didn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the floor. Chance studied him for a moment before speaking again, his voice softer now. “Do you want my glasses?” he offered suddenly. “It might not help much, but… maybe it’ll make you feel better due to the tint?”
Chance wasn’t entirely sure what he was doing or saying, his actions driven more by instinct than thought. Still, he handed his glasses off to Elliot without hesitation.
Elliot accepted them carefully, sliding them onto his face with a faint sense of awkwardness. He glanced up at Chance through the slightly smudged lenses, the world now darker and blurrier, but somehow comforting in its distortion. His gaze lingered on Chance’s face, noticing how the gambler’s features softened as his eyes studied him, before Chance quickly looked away, clearing his throat.
“Thank you,” Elliot murmured, his voice quiet and steady. He opened his mouth to apologize again, but he caught himself before the words could escape. He’d already apologized enough.
Chance gave a small nod, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles before he looked off into the distance. “Once we get off, we can take a break somewhere. There’s a spot I noticed earlier—not too far from here. It’s quiet, no people around.” His grip on Elliot’s hand tightened ever so slightly as he spoke, seemingly without realizing it.
Elliot chuckled softly, his nerves settling just a bit. The steady pressure of Chance’s hand and his reassuring voice helped ground him. A small smile crept onto his face as he nodded. “Yeah, that sounds good.”
The ferris wheel creaked and hummed as it finally began lowering their cart back toward the ground. The ride felt longer than it was, but soon enough, the cart came to a halt, and Chance braced Elliot with his free hand as they both stood.
“You good?” Chance asked, his eyes scanning Elliot’s face for any lingering signs of distress.
Elliot flushed slightly, realizing how close they still were and remembering their hands were still intertwined. He quickly let go, his fingers tingling from the prolonged contact. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he replied, though his voice was tinged with slight embarrassment.
The two walked away from the ride in silence, the sounds of the carnival fading slightly as they distanced themselves from the crowd. Elliot slid the glasses off his face and handed them back to Chance, mumbling a soft, “Thank you.” Chance accepted them wordlessly, slipping the glasses into his jacket pocket as he led the way.
“I saw a small hill past a fence back there,” Chance said, his voice calm as he gestured toward a quieter area near the edge of the fairgrounds. “It’s not high or steep, so don’t worry—it’s just barely elevated. I think you’d like it.”
Elliot nodded, trusting him without question, and followed closely as they moved away from the noise and lights of the fair. The path led them to the back of the fairgrounds, where a chain-link fence separated the bustling carnival from a secluded forest-like area. Spotting a narrow gap in the fence, Chance slipped through first, holding it open for Elliot to follow.
As they entered the wooded area, the air grew colder, carrying with it the earthy scent of leaves and damp soil. Elliot instinctively wrapped his arms around himself, shivering slightly as the chill seeped through his short sleeved uniform.
Chance noticed immediately. Without a word, he shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over Elliot’s shoulders.
Elliot stiffened at the gesture, his cheeks warming despite the cold. “You don’t have to do that. I’m fine, really, you’ve done enough,” he protested, starting to shrug the jacket off to return it.
But Chance stepped closer, his hands gently tugging the jacket back into place. “You’re shivering,” he said firmly, his voice low but insistent. “Take it. I’ll be fine.”
Elliot hesitated, his stubbornness flaring for a moment, but the concern in Chance’s expression made him relent. “…Alright,” he mumbled, pulling the jacket tighter around his frame. The fabric was still warm from Chance’s body heat, and it smelled faintly of his cologne.
They continued walking in silence, the soft crunch of leaves beneath their shoes the only sound as they made their way to the hill Chance had mentioned. It was a small, grassy incline, barely a hill at all, but it offered a perfect view of the distant carnival lights twinkling through the trees.
Chance sat down first, brushing some stray leaves away before settling comfortably on the grass. He glanced up at Elliot, patting the spot beside him.
Elliot joined him, sitting to his left and tugging the suit jacket closer around himself as the cold air bit at his cheeks. Chance removed his fedora and set it aside before pulling off his headphones.
“Here,” Chance said, holding out the headphones and his phone. “We can share them—y’know, one earbud each.”
Elliot looked at him curiously, watching as Chance unlocked his phone and slid it toward him. “Pick something to play if you want,” the gambler added with an easy smile.
Elliot hesitated for only a moment before taking the headphones and phone. He pressed the right earbud against his ear, glancing at Chance expectantly. Seeing the signal, Chance leaned closer, placing the left earbud in his own ear.
The proximity between them was closer than before, and Elliot felt a faint flicker of nervousness in his chest as he scrolled through the whatever music app Chance owned. The warmth of Chance’s presence beside him, combined with the lingering scent of his on the jacket, was oddly soothing.
Chance shifted slightly, resting his hands loosely on his knees as he watched Elliot navigate the app. “Take your time,” he said softly, though more as a joke.
Elliot found a song he liked and selected it, the quiet notes filling the shared earbuds. The soft melody of the music drifted between them, filling the silence with something that felt almost tangible. As the night settled deeper around them, Elliot noticed he was subconsciously leaning closer to Chance. He didn’t mean to, but the warmth radiating from the gambler was comforting in the crisp night air. Before he realized it, their shoulders rested against eachother. Neither said a word, neither pulled away, and Elliot felt his heart flutter at the quiet intimacy of it.
After a while, Elliot shifted, laying back on the gentle slope of the hill. The grass was cool beneath him, and he clasped his hands over his stomach as he stared up at the night sky. Beside him, Chance followed as to not break his headphones. Well, it wasn’t just practicality that led him to mimic Elliot’s position, but lying down next to him simply felt right.
The stars were scattered faintly across the sky, their light muted by the faint glow of the fairgrounds in the distance. The music continued to play softly in their shared headphones, but Elliot found himself more attuned to the steady rhythm of Chance’s breathing beside him. The quiet closeness between them was unlike anything he had ever experienced before, and it made him feel… safe.
At some point, Elliot turned his head, his eyes drifting toward Chance. He wasn’t sure what compelled him to look, but when their gazes met, he couldn’t bring himself to look away. Chance’s face was calm, but his eyes held a certain softness that made Elliot’s chest tighten. There was something in his expression, something warm and unguarded, that made Elliot feel as though the rest of the world had faded away.
Before either of them could speak, the night was split by a sudden, sharp bang. Elliot twitched, startled by the loud noise, and his eyes darted toward the source. A brilliant shower of color burst across the sky, painting the night in vivid streaks of red and gold. A firework had gone off near the fair, and its light reflected faintly off the trees around them.
Elliot sat up, letting the headphones slip from his ear as he focused entirely on the fireworks. More followed, each one exploding in dazzling patterns that left trails of shimmering sparks in their wake. His face lit up with a soft, childlike wonder as he watched, his lips parted slightly in awe. For a moment, he forgot everything else.
Chance sat up as well, gathering the headphones in his lap. He glanced at the fireworks, but his gaze quickly shifted to Elliot. The reflection of the vibrant lights danced in the pizza man’s eyes, making them sparkle with life and excitement. Chance couldn’t help but admire him, captivated by the way the colors painted his face and the pure joy in his expression.
“Did you know they were shooting them off?” Elliot asked suddenly, glancing at Chance for just a moment before looking back at the sky.
“No,” Chance replied softly. “I’m guessing you didn’t either?”
“Nope.”
They both fell quiet after that, letting the fireworks speak for them. The sky continued to erupt in bursts of light and sound, each explosion more vibrant than the last. But eventually, their eyes found each other again, drawn together as though by an invisible force. This time, the gaze lingered longer, heavier with unspoken words.
Chance’s chest tightened as he looked at Elliot. His usual confidence wavered, and he swallowed hard before finally opening his mouth to speak. His voice was quieter than usual, barely audible above the distant fireworks.
“Can I… Can I kiss you?”
Elliot’s eyes widened in surprise, his breath catching in his throat. Chance’s expression was so unlike his usual cocky demeanor, it was vulnerable, nervous even. It was such a stark contrast that Elliot’s heart ached. He looked down, his face burning, before glancing back up to meet Chance’s gaze.
“Please…” Elliot whispered.
Chance hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering uncertainly in the space between them before finally reaching out. His fingers brushed against Elliot’s jaw, warm and steady, as he cupped the side of his face. Slowly, almost cautiously, he leaned in, closing the distance between them.
When their lips met, the world seemed to stop. The distant sound of the fireworks became a muffled hum, the chill of the night forgotten in the warmth of the kiss. Chance’s lips were gentle, and Elliot found himself leaning into the touch, his hand instinctively resting on Chance’s thigh for support. The kiss wasn’t hurried or intense, it was soft and filled with emotion.
Elliot’s chest swelled with so many feelings at once, but soon his lungs burned for air. Reluctantly, he pulled back, his breaths shallow and uneven. He raised a hand to his lips, as though trying to process what had just happened, and looked at Chance. The gambler’s face was faintly flushed, his eyes searching Elliot’s for any sign of regret, but there was none.
Without thinking, Elliot moved closer, removing his visor and resting his head on Chance’s shoulder. He let out a soft sigh, his arms wrapping around the gambler in a quiet embrace. Chance stilled for a moment before relaxing, draping his arms around Elliot’s back. His hands moved in small circles, soothing and tender.
“I love you…” Elliot whispered, his voice barely audible but steady.
Chance’s hold tightened ever so slightly, his chin resting lightly against Elliot’s hair. “I love you too,” he murmured, his voice equally soft but filled with sincerity.
The two of them stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the final bursts of fireworks lit up the sky. It didn’t matter that the world around them was full of noise and color. Right there, in that moment, they had their own quiet universe.