"Ugh," Nathaniel cried tossing his pencil in frustration. "I just can't get this post right!"
He leaned back in his chair with a sigh. He and Marc were in the art room, having taken refuge their just about every lunch hour recently in an attempt to meet their comic books deadline.
"C'mon, we gotta get these pages done! We're already behind this week because of the exam yesterday," Marc said, not even looking up from his laptop as he edited his writing.
"I know, but with studying and drawing I'm burnt out! We need a break. We got to just get our mind of things for a little while," Nathaniel suggested, Marc sighed and looked up at Nathaniel's pleading eyes.
"What exactly do you have in mind?" He asked, they had so much work to do, he thought but it would be nice to just relax and have fun for a bit.
"Well, the circus is open for another weekend we could go tonight! I haven't been yet this year and always love it, plus it when ever I get back I'm always full of inspiration and ready to draw so I think its just what we need!" Nathaniel said beaming, he thought about the smell of popcorn and cotton candy, all the music and performers and especially the rides. Marc look hesitant.
"Well, if you really think it would help, I guess we could go," He said finally causing Nathaniel to cheer. "But only if you promise to work extra hard tomorrow!" He said, trying to sound strict. He knew though that he was never actually going to say no Nathaniel, he couldn't.
"I promise! I'm so excited!" He said rushing to hug Marco. He felt his face grow warm as their cheeks brush against each other's.
Later that day, Marc and Nathaniel stood in line for the Circus. Nathaniel was practically bouncing with excitement, a sight that Marc could help but smile at. They paid for their tickets at the entrance and we're given a map of the grounds with a list of events.
"So, what should we do first?" Marc asked looking down at the map. Nathaniel instead was taking in the scene. The sun was setting, and the lights of the different vendors had just come on, he took in the red and white tents and in the distance a Ferris Wheel stood tall, with lights traveling up the spokes.
"Let's go on the Ferris Wheel!" Nathaniel said in excitement, Marc looked up at it cautiously and frowned. He glanced at Nathaniel, his face bright with the soft glow of the pink and blue lights hitting him.
"Maybe later, I mean look, there's a trapeze show about to start we should watch that because it's the last one of the night," Nathaniel looked disappointed for a moment, but recovered.
"Okay, we've got lots of time and trapeze artist are really cool too!" He said, he didn't want Marc to think he was upset, they were here to have fun.
They set off towards the trapeze show, and found some seats. Marc bought some popcorn and Nathaniel got a pretzel before finding some seats and sit for the show start. Marc turned to Nathaniel.
"I've never actually seen a Trapeze show before, this will be fun, thanks for suggesting we take a break. I get that all the work has been draining, I just sometimes don't know when to stop. And I want the comic to be amazing, you know?" Nathaniel smiled and nodded.
"I understand, I feel like all we do is work on the comic, so it will be nice to have a break," He said, Marc nodded in response. Just then the lights began to dim and they both turned towards the stage in awe.
They watched on the edges of their seats as the performers swung and twirled on the metal bars and hoops. One swung forward, let go of their bar and grab the feet of another performer at the last minute, Marcs breath hitched and he grabbed Nathaniel's hand in fear. Nathaniels eyes widened at the contact but he didn't mind.
They continued to watch the show, both overly aware of the contact between their hands, but neither willing to pull away.
After the show ended they made their way out of the tent and Nathaniel purposefully lead them towards the Ferris Wheel.
"Let's go on the Ferris Wheel next!" He said, dragging Marc along by the hand. Normally Marc would have thought his enthusiasm funny, but today he didn't feel that way.
They approached the Ferris Wheel, which loomed over them, Marc looked up at it Drea filling his heart.
"Are you okay?" Nathaniel asked his eyebrows raised in worry.
"Well, it's just that the Ferris Wheel is so high. And I've never been on one before," Marc said looking down in embarrassment. Nathaniel put his hand against Marcs cheek, titling his head to look him in the eyes.
"We don't have to do it if you don't want to, but I'll have you know that I was really scared the first time I went on it too. There's nothing wrong with being afraid," He said smiling sincerely. Marc sighed, then put on a grin.
"Let's do it." He said with determination. So they made their way into the Ferris Wheel.
"This isn't so bad, ah!" He said as the cart slowly lurched upwards only to come to an abrupt stop, causing him to grab onto Nathaniel in fear. "Sorry," he said pushing himself away.
"It's okay, I've got you," Nathaniel said taking his hand again. The ride resumed its movement and Marc let out the breath he didn't know he was holding.
As the reached the top Marc was amazed at the sight. The bright lights of the circus and even beyond that the streets of Paris, it was beautiful.
"What a view, this is incredible," Marc said, his fears now forgotten. Nathaniel smiled, looking at the boy next to him, his green eyes wide with wonder.
"Yeah, that's why it's my favourite," Marc turned to Nathaniel, and smiled. He moved closer to Nathaniel his body turned towards him.
"Thank you for helping me face my fears," He said. He watched as Nathaniel's face switched between pink, blue and yellow as the lights flashed around them.
"Of course, anytime," he responded.
"There's another thing I've been wanting to do, but I'm afraid of," he said with a sly smile.
"Oh, and what's that?" Nathaniel asked as if he didn't already know.
"This," Marc said before leaning in. Their lips met, and their eyes fluttered shut. Nathaniel moved his hands to the back of Marc's neck pulling him closer. When they stopped to breathe both could help but smile.
"Hey," Nathaniel said in a breathy voice. "That was a fear of mine too." he finished with a laughed.