Short, pure fluff. On the romantic side. Thought I'd give you a break after the last two chapters. lol This was inspired by a comic I saw in another fandom. Also this is set after a point where everyone knows they are friends. Enjoy!
They go together, walking around the stands and peeking in on the games and prizes. The prices are ridiculous and get more than a few eye rolls from Steve, but of course Eli would be intrigued time and time again. There is at least one thing at each booth that he is compelled to tug on Steve's sleeve in order to point out. But he never asks to play. While some prizes are extraordinarily cute, he agrees they are nowhere near worth the prices.
Mostly they go about to stand back and watch other people try their hand at the games – usually to fail. It is a thrill whenever a couple walks away with a stuffed animal clutched to their chest. It almost gives Steve the motivation to try his own hand at it, especially at the sight of their faces – the bright grin and sparkle to their eyes. He'd never say it out loud, but he'd love to see Eli's face light up like that.
They are nearing the end of the loop of the carnival and it is as they hit one of the last booths that Eli comes to a sharp halt. His eyes widen as he stares up at one of the top prizes. Porg. His mouth hangs slightly.
Steve follows his gaze, then looks down at Eli. He smirks and makes a soft sound of amusement, but his gaze is fond rather than mocking. "You want one?" He tilts his head.
Eli starts and shakes away the daze. "What? No." He laughs, waving his hands dismissively. "They're no different than the prizes before."
Steve crosses his arms and looks at Eli as if he is stupid.
"What?" Eli whines. "I'm serious." He scratches at his head. "I don't want one." He turns hard on his heel and hurries away to prove his point.
Steve stares after him for a long moment. "Seriously?" What an idiot. Unfortunately that's his idiot. He shakes his head. As if he didn't see right through that. He walks to the booth and lays down a ten dollar bill. "Gimme a game." He'll win that dumb penguin looking thing if it takes all day.
Eli leans against a tree a few booths down. He frowns and glances longingly back the way he came as he feels the emptiness by his side. So Steve did not follow. He drops his gaze to his feet. He rubs at his arm. It isn't just for Steve though. He is very aware of it. That dumb toy. He wants it too. But he doesn't want to be a bother. He doesn't want to have money wasted on him. So he won't say a word.
No more than ten minutes later Steve comes walking up. He lifts his head high and a smug smile splits his lips as he holds the weird creature under his arm. "Here." He offers it.
Eli blinks and perks. His mouth widens on instinct and his emerald eyes sparkle, betraying the lies he tries to feed Steve, "Wait! No. Really." He holds his hands out as if to push it away. "I didn't want…" His fingers close around it instead. "…one…"
Steve eyes him curiously as the boy stands with the stuffed critter not quite held close but not away either. He is so odd. Steve knows which he wants. "Just take it already, nerd." He's just so damn stubborn. "It's a gift from me to you." He gives Eli a particularly soft smile.
Eli peers at the Porg once more before finally drawing it to his chest and hugging it close to his heart. He grins and a light blush colors his cheeks. "Thank you." His eyes shimmer as he meets Steve's brown orbs.
A tender smile softens Steve's face. There it is. The look he wanted so much to see. "Anything for you."
If I could just draw, life would be so much easier. But alas. Also I feel like I've heard people who like Star Trek usually don't like Star Wars too...but look there was nothing even remotely cute when I googled Star Trek plushies. And that Porg thing was freaking adorable. I hope you liked. Please review!