Sharp Edges: Crosshair x Reader [NSFW]

Carnival Games, Part 1

"You ready to head out?" Crosshair leaned forward to kiss your cheek and pull your hand into his, while you grabbed a long, heavy maroon sweater and your bag with the other. The soft leather of his black speeder jacket and the end of the knitted red scarf around his neck brushed against you as he stepped back to let the door to your apartment close behind you both.

"As always," you grinned.

Almost a month had passed since the night of your work party. The increased intimacy that you and Crosshair had somehow eased your way into that evening, particularly the official labels of boyfriend and girlfriend, was starting to feel slightly more comfortable, more like a defined part of your life. At least most days. You both still chose to communicate through elaborate layers of snarkiness and wit, but moments of tenderness and affection had become more consistent and frequent. After Crosshair had been off planet for a few days for a small mission, you had gone on a flurry of dates when he got back–first a holomovie, then testing out a skating rink near the glitzy parliament buildings, and then you had found an antiquities shop owned by a rather flamboyantly intense merchant. (Crosshair maintained that if you hadn't left when you did, the man would have sent you both home with artifacts wedged into your bag after helping himself to your credits surreptitiously). But tonight, you were retracing the steps of your first real date.

It was Carnival Week, and the Galactic Fair was in full swing. It was one of the biggest events during the end of year holidays, especially on Coruscant. The main square would have massive exhibits set up, dancers and acrobats, technological displays of the Republic's prowess, and food vendors galore. The Fair typically had a large amount of military presence required, with parades and speeches before the evening fireworks, but Crosshair and his squad always found ways to avoid having to show up for the "pomp and circumstance," as Crosshair had put it, his nose wrinkling viciously with displeasure.

Since both of you preferred to stay out of the way of the massive crowds and overwhelming excitement, you headed to the outskirts of the district you had visited before, where the usual small setup of vendors and booths would have some added activities and carnival games for those who couldn't afford the festivities downtown. It was quieter and more secluded, but still had enough fun for a good evening. Once you arrived, you waited eagerly while Crosshair parked the speeder. The bright lights of the carnival booths showed the outline of a small Ferris Wheel that glowed even from a distance.

"Have you been to the Fair before?" you asked Crosshair as you began walking down each aisle, already having to dodge kids running underfoot and trays of greasy finger foods being shoved in your direction.

"Not for fun, no" he responded, smirking down at you. "How about you?"

"Not since I was a kid," you shrugged. "I remember enjoying it a few times though, at least some of the more competitive games." You turned your head so you could raise an eyebrow at him. "How many credits are we betting that I'll beat you in at least one activity tonight?"

He snorted and squeezed your hand. "That you'll beat me? Pretty sure you're going to want to be on the other side of that bet, my dear."

You passed the typical carnival displays and activities -- throwing games such as ring toss or darts, high striker tests of strength, games of chance and intrigue, childhood favorites such as Whack-a-Porg and Spin the Wheel, fortune tellers, and plenty of sweets and handmade wares being enticingly waved at passersby.

You stopped for a few moments to try your hand at the ring toss table, Crosshair gaining the upper hand on you after the third ring. Neither of you managed to win a prize, but you were pretty sure the final toss had been rigged. You had fairly similar bad luck at trying to guess how many credits could fit inside a jar, shooting Crosshair a look that dared him to tease you about your lack of math skills as you continued strolling. A few minutes later you passed by a rather heated crowd that had gathered around two Rhodians, who were trying their hardest to bob for meiloorun fruits floating in a large barrel, their hands tied behind their backs.