United We Fall - Joe Biden x Donald Trump High School AU

Chapter 4

Donald arrived at Union High's large and glamorous football field, now transformed into a makeshift carnival ground for the annual school fundraiser. The morning sun cast long shadows across the grass as students and volunteers scurried about, setting up colorful booths and attractions.The actual carnival wouldn't start till later but there was a lot of stuff that needed set up. He surveyed the scene with a mixture of disdain and determination.

"Trump!" Mr. Jefferson, the teacher who'd volunteered to be the event coordinator, called out. "Glad you could make it. We need some muscle over by the ring toss."

Donald nodded, forcing a smile. "On it, sir." As he made his way across the field, he couldn't help but notice the looks from his classmates. There were always eyes on him.

He'd been hauling boxes and assembling tent poles for about an hour when he spotted a familiar figure entering the carnival grounds. Joe Biden, looking characteristically nervous, was carrying a large box labeled "FACE PAINTS." Donald watched as Joe made his way to an empty booth, fumbling with the box. Part of him wanted to go over and help - a strange, unfamiliar urge he quickly suppressed. Instead, he turned his attention back to the ring toss, determined to make it the most impressive booth at the carnival.

As the morning wore on, the grounds filled with more volunteers. Donald found himself constantly aware of where Joe was for some reason, even as he focused on his own tasks. He noticed how Joe seemed to relax as he set up his face painting station, arranging brushes and paints with careful precision.

Finally, Mr. Johnson's voice boomed over the PA system. "Alright, everyone! The carnival opens in five minutes. To your stations!"

A flurry of activity ensued as last-minute adjustments were made. Donald, having helped with various booths, found himself without a specific station. He decided to position himself near the entrance, ready to greet attendees with his most charming smile. As the first families began to trickle in, Donald caught Joe's eye across the field. For a moment, they shared a look - a subtle reference of acknowledgement, and something else he couldn't quite name. Then the moment passed, and both turned their attention to the growing crowd of attendees. It was going to be a long day.

***

Joe wiped his sweaty brow, smearing a bit of face paint across his forehead. The carnival had been in full swing for hours now, and the heat was becoming somewhat unbearable. It was a struggle to even get the paint on the previous child's face as the sweat caused every stroke to come out messy, He looked around at the wilting crowd, noticing the sluggish movements and flushed faces. This wasn't good.

"Hey, kid," he called out to a young boy approaching his booth. "Maybe we should skip the face paint for now. It's too hot."

The boy nodded, looking disappointed as he turned away. Joe glanced over at Donald, who was now helping at the ring toss booth. Even he seemed to be struggling with the heat, his usually perfect hair was slightly disheveled.

He needed to do something about this. He caught Donald's eye and waved him over.

"Donald," he said as Donald approached, "we need to do something about this heat. People are gonna start leaving."

Donald nodded, surprisingly agreeable. "What did you have in mind, Biden?"

"Water," Joe replied. "We need to get water to everyone. Cool them down."

For a moment, Joe thought Donald might argue, but instead, he nodded. "Alright, let's do it. Jefferson might get pissed if we give it away for free though."

Joe gives him an uncaring stare "We'll lose more money if everyone leaves, let alone the fact someone might get a heat stroke. He'll understand."

Donald hesitantly agrees "I suppose you're right."