Out in the Countryside

The Fair

I'd like to apologize for such a late update, forgive me

"You know," Arturia smiled, "You really didn't have to buy it for me."

"Well," Diarmuid returned the gesture. "You were staring at it a couple of times."

Arturia glanced at the blue ball of cotton candy, her eyes almost as wide as it. Her smile grew on her face as she looked over at the young man. "Thank you. I'm sorry I made you buy it, it was rather unfair."

"I don't mind; I'm glad that you're smiling."

She blinked.

"You weren't smiling after running your errands, and I thought you needed a pick-me-up." Shyly, he turned away from her, rubbing the back of his neck.

Arturia giggled. "Thank you. I really appreciate it. It really made my evening."

Diarmuid turned back to her and smiled. "I'm glad."

"So," she spoke as she ate a bit of the cotton candy, the sweet treat melted in her mouth, "did you want to keep going around?"

Diarmuid nodded. "Only if you wanted. I kind of wanted to try a few rides...if that's okay with you."

"For sure! It's been a while since I went to a festival. In fact, I don't think I can even remember the last time I went on rides..."

"Well, this isn't that extravagant. I'm sure the ones in London are a million times better than this one, sorry you have to settle for this."

Arturia shook her head. "Not true. I like this one best since you're here, it makes it a million times more enjoyable."

Diarmuid coughed violently. He had to stop and rest his hands on his knees.

"Oh gosh, are you alright?" Arturia landed a hand on his shoulder, leaning down towards him. "Do you need water?"

He shook his head as he cleared his throat. "Sorry, it's just...you surprised me there."

Arturia couldn't help but smile. Her head tilted to her right, and she giggled. "You're a good friend of mine, and I'm glad I met you."

"That should be my line," he laughed. "I'm the one who's glad to have met you. You're very strong and sincere; I admire you a lot."

Arturia's smile fell. She looked away from the young man and stared at the Ferris Wheel. A coil of dread was forming in her gut again. Softly, almost wishing she could go unheard, she spoke. "You wouldn't say that if you knew who I was." Her voice came barely above a whisper and was drowned by the loud chatter of the festival crowd, kept unheard from Diarmuid's part.

"Sorry," he smiled, "I couldn't hear you."

Arturia shook her head. "It's nothing."

He nibbled his lip. "You don't have to tell me everything, Artie, but just know I'm here when you want to talk." He could see her change of mood, and he didn't like it. He much preferred her smiles and giggles; they made his heart flutter. Her frowns and empty eyes, on the other hand, made him want to wrap his arms around her.

She smiled at him. "You're always so sweet, thank you."

"I'm always at your service." Diarmuid took her hand in his.

Arturia gently squeezed his hand. "I don't think I'll ever be able to fathom why you're so kind to me, but I really appreciate it."

They continued walking towards the rides, hand in hand, not fazed by this small form of intimacy. The night was spent with laughter and excitement as they went from ride to ride.