[Gift] strawbeary sunset :)

It's one of the last days of the faire when Latte's cajoling finally aligns with a day Vale has enough energy for a big outing. They leave in the late afternoon, hand in hand as they walk.

Though the walk to browse the faire's attractions isn't long, it leaves Vale tired - presently they're hobbling along, clinging more to their staff than to Latte.

He can take a hint - he pulls them gently aside to a bench, where they sit together in companiable silence for a few moments as Vale catches their breath. With a smile, Latte stands up and points towards a snack stand. "Do you want something to eat?" he asks.

When Vale peeks at the stand, they brighten up - there are crepes on offer! "A strawberry cream one, please," they ask, beaming at their boyfriend. He nods in all sincerity and heads off with his mission in mind.

(Boyfriend! They still can't believe they have a boyfriend who takes them out on dates and buys them delicious treats. It'd be nice if Ivory was here too; Vale knows she'd have fun, but this is a night just for the two of them.)

Latte returns after several minutes standing in line. He's got a chocolate banana crepe in one hand - how he enjoys chocolate, Vale can't fathom, but nobody's perfect. In his other hand is the promised strawberry cream crepe.

Carnival treats are never particularly gorgeous. These crepes are no exception, but the crispy golden edges look delicious. Vale's mouth starts watering as Late sits down and finally hands their treat to them.

It doesn't take much time at all for both the treats to be devoured.

They sit in companiable silence for a few more moments. Vale closes their eyes and leans their head against Latte's shoulder while their boyfriend watches the crowds pass before them.

After a few minutes of this, their chest starts rising and falling evenly. Latte watches over them fondly as they recover their strength.

Only fifteen minutes pass before Vale stirs, waking on their own time. "You let me sleep," they accuse, but there's no heat in their voice.

Latte smiles down at Vale and squeezes the arm he'd wrapped around Vale's shoulder while they were napping. "I was enjoying the view," he replies simply.

"Sweet talker," hums Vale, smiling into his sweater.

When the sun begins to set, the broad calloused hand that belongs to Vale's beloved finds their daintier hand and squeezes it gently. "Honeybun," he murmurs sweetly, leaning down to speak a little closer to their ear, "do you feel up to riding the ferris wheel?"

Vale looks back and forth between the wheel that towers over the carnival, pondering how they're feeling that day. They hum as they ponder, staring up at the excited couples lining up for the ferris wheel now…

Sleepy emerald eyes turn up to meet Latte's deep brown. They favor their beloved boyfriend with a smile. "Yes, let's!" they say as they reach for the staff leaning against the bench.

Latte's answering smile ushers away any traces of the early evening chill Vale may have been starting to feel. He helps Vale stand up and pulls them into a quick hug, wrapping them into the softness of his chest. Their free hand wraps around his arm and they bury the grin on their face into his sweater.

Hand in hand, they approach the line. It's not very long since it's so late in both the carnival's run and the day; after no time at all they've reached the front of it.

The carnival attendant ushers them into a seat with a bored expression on their face, reciting the rules in the tired monotone of someone who's had to say the same thing dozens if not hundreds of times this week. Their attitude doesn't particularly bother either Vale or Latte. Both of them are too busy staring with anticipation at the frame of the ride they're sitting in.

After the attendants complete whatever final safety checks they had to do, the ride lurches to a start. A surprised Vale squeaks and grips Latte's hand as they ascend.

"Whoa," they breathe, clinging to their boyfriend and peeking out the ride at the view around them.

"Whoa," Latte echoes, but he's looking directly down at Vale.

They peek up at him and flush when they realize what he's staring at. "Sweet talker," they murmur through a gri- "Eek!"

The ferris wheel comes to a sudden stop with Latte and Vale at the very top of the wheel. The wind blows through the frame of the ride as the sun sets. Now that they're not convinced the wheel's about to shut down under them, they can appreciate the view - it's gorgeous up here. Vale can't help but beam.

"We're on top of the world," Latte says, chuckling as he stares out at the sky.

"Thanks for bringing me up here with you," comes Vale's gentle voice from directly next to Latte's face.

The proximity of their voice startles him and Latte looks over towards the sound of the noise - Vale, who had meant to peck a nervous first kiss onto their boyfriend's cheek, instead plants their lips directly on his. They linger like that on top of the Ferris wheel for an impossible moment until-

-the ride jolts to a start again and they break apart giggling like nervous teenagers, blushing and holding hands in silence until they finally stagger off the ride dizzily together.